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Cover of Blood of the mantis

Blood of the mantis

Adrian Tchaikovsky (2009)

Subgenre
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages448 (Chunky (400-600))
SettingSecondary World
CSM age16+
Goodreads3.98/5 (5760)

Content levels

ViolenceStrong
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild

Protagonist archetypes

Multiple POVsResistance Cell

Synopsis

Sequel to Dragonfly Falling. Achaeos the seer has finally tracked down the stolen Shadow Box. But he has only days before this magical artefact will be lost to him forever. Meanwhile, the Empire's dread forces are mustering for their next great offensive. Stenwold and his followers have only a short time to gather allies before the enemy's soldiers march again - to conquer everything in their path. If Stenwold cannot hold them back, the hated black-and-gold flag will fly over every city in the Lowlands before the year's end. Yet a more insidious threat awaits. Should the Shadow Box fall into the hands of the power-mad Emperor, nothing will save the world form his relentless ambition.

Is Blood of the mantis appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 16 and up.

Adult epic fantasy with significant military conflict and war violence. Book features large-scale battles, character deaths, and an oppressive empire threatening conquest. Part of a series requiring prior reading.

What to know going in

This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death, war, and violence (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Teens who love military fantasy and high-stakes quests will appreciate the race to recover a magical artifact while armies clash.

Tags

Military FantasySteampunk ElementsEpic FantasyBug People