The Air War cover art

The Air War

Shadows of the Apt, Book 8

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The Air War

By: Adrian Tchaikovsky
Narrated by: Ben Allen
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About this listen

An empress demands her birthright . . .

The Air War is the eighth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

All is in turmoil as the world moves towards war. In Solarno, spies eye one another and ready their knives – while the people of Myna watch troops gather at its borders. Emotions run high as old fears reawaken. And in Collegium students argue politics, too late to turn the tide.

At the heart of the Empire, new pilots complete their secretive training, generals are recalled to service and armies are readied to march. Their Empress, heir to two worlds, intends to claim her birthright. For nothing – either within the Empire or beyond it – will stand in her way.

The Air War is followed by the ninth book in the Shadows of the Apt series, War Master’s Gate.

©2021 Adrian Tchaikovsky (P)2021 Macmillan Publishers International Ltd Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction War Air War

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Critic reviews

Full of sparking, speculative innovation (Stephen Baxter, author of the Xeelee Sequence, on The Doors of Eden)
Breathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers (Gareth L. Powell, author of Embers of War, on Children of Ruin)
A joy from start to finish. Entertaining, smart, surprising and unexpectedly human (Patrick Ness, author of The Knife of Never Letting Go, on Children of Time)
All stars
Most relevant  
Probably been the better book this half of the story. As usual narration is a 10/10.

One of the better ones

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This one was one of my favourite lots of battle scenes . Love the air battles all in all banging

Best one yet

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Love the narration. Fantastic choices for pacing, accent, emphasis.

As for the book itself, very enjoyable. Tchaikovsky almost never misses. Keen to see how he starts closing off the series.

Ben Allen narration simply outstanding as always.

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Has definite WW2 feel to it. Also the internal machinations of the Imperial Court are riveting and definitely the best part of the series. The same peerless narration and sound design round off an audiobook masterclass. Loved it!

The best so far in my opinion.

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I have loved everything Adrian Tchaikovsky has published. I'd have his babies, if it were possible.

Excellent, as always

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Absolutely gripping air battles, specifically the last few chapters are awesome. Will have to read the last two now 🙄

Best story so far

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This book makes the entire series worthwhile. The foundation laid by all before makes for a true masterpiece of story telling. Loved this book

Best one so far

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