100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Fast overnight NZ delivery 🚀 Don't forget Father's Day is this Sunday 📅

The Scarab Path

By Adrian Tchaikovsky
Series: Shadows of the Apt
0.0 (0 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Scarab Path is the fifth instalment in Adrian Tchaikovsky's acclaimed Shadows of the Apt epic fantasy series. The war with the Wasp Empire has ended indecisively, leaving the Collegium with few victors but many wounded. Cheerwell Maker faces deep personal scars, while the Wasp Empress reasserts dominance through dark and secretive means known only to her consort, the ex-spymaster Thalric, who faces his own deadly challenges. Beneath an ancient desert city, a dreadful secret begins to awaken, driving the narrative forward with mystery and danger.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book will captivate readers who enjoy epic fantasy imbued with rich worldbuilding and complex, inventive plots. Fans of layered storytelling and speculative fiction will find much to appreciate in Tchaikovsky's work.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The epic fantasy series of war and empire by Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky continues. The Wasp Empire's conquest over Collegium has halted – for now. But only her former spymaster knows the truth about her sinister powers.

The epic fantasy series of war and empire by Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky continues. The Wasp Empire's conquest over Collegium has halted - for now. But only her former spymaster knows the truth about her sinister powers.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Scarab Path is the fifth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Ancient powers are waking . . .

The war with the Wasp Empire has ended in a bitter stalemate, and Collegium has nothing to show for it but wounded veterans. Cheerwell Maker finds herself broken in ways no doctor can mend, haunted by ghosts of the past. Meanwhile, the powerful Wasp Empress is regaining control over those imperial cities that refused to bow to her. But she draws her power from something more sinister than armies and war machines.

Only her consort, the former spymaster Thalric, knows the truth. As assassins seek to end him, he finds his life and his loyalties under threat once again. And in an ancient city beyond the desert, a terrible secret stirs beneath its stones.

The Scarab Path is followed by the sixth book in the Shadows of the Apt series, The Sea Watch.

Series: Shadows of the Apt

View all
  • Heirs of the Blade
    Heirs of the Blade is the seventh book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. The greatest foe is the enemy within . . . Tynisa is on the run, but she cannot escape the demons of her own mind. Amidst the fragmenting provinces of the Dragonfly Commonweal, her past will at last...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Blood of the Mantis
    Blood of the Mantis is the third novel in Adrian Tchaikovsky's richly imagined Shadows of the Apt series, following Dragonfly Falling. Stenwold must rally his allies for battle against the Empire, even as it seeks a dangerous artifact of enormous power. A dread ritual casts a deadly shadow... Achaeos the seer has finally tracked down the stolen Shadow Box. But...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Empire in Black and Gold
    Empire in Black and Gold
    From the author of the thrilling science-fiction epic Children of Time, winner of the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award. Empire in Black and Gold is the first instalment in the critically-acclaimed fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. The days of peace are over... The Lowlands' city states have lived in peace for decades, hailed as bastions of...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Salute the Dark
    Salute the Dark
    Salute the Dark is the fourth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky, winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award. As spymaster Stenworld makes a stand in his home city, others must choose where their loyalties lie. All must face the end of days . . . The mighty Wasp armies are...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $3199
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Scarab Path
    The Scarab Path
    The Scarab Path is the fifth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Ancient powers are waking . . . The war with the Wasp Empire has ended in a bitter stalemate, and Collegium has nothing to show for it but wounded veterans. Cheerwell Maker finds herself broken in ways no doctor...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Sea Watch
    The Sea Watch is the sixth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Danger lurks beneath dark waters . . . A shadow is falling over Collegium. Despite the tenuous peace, Stenwold Maker knows that the Empire will return for his city. Even as he tries to prepare for the resurgence of...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • War Master's Gate
    War Master's Gate
    War Master's Gate is the ninth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. A city makes its last stand... The Empire's mighty imperial armies are marching on Collegium once more. They've learnt from past failures and this time their Empress will brook no weakness. Stenwold Maker's aviators still dominate the skies, but...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $4299
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Dragonfly Falling
    Dragonfly Falling is the second book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Every hero must be tested... The Wasp Empire's armies are on the move, and the city of Tark will be the first to feel their might. Salma and Totho prepare for battle, alongside their Ant-kinden brethren. Within Tark's walls, they...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its imaginative worldbuilding and extreme inventiveness, The Scarab Path continues to uphold the series' reputation as one of the best epic fantasy series available. Reviewers highlight the gripping, original storytelling and multi-layered characters, with SciFiNow calling it "brimming with imagination," and LEC Book Reviews and Fantasy Book Critic endorsing its speculative innovation and smart, surprising narrative.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529050349

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 July 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Tor

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 47.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 486g

Pages: 720

Collections

Adrian Tchaikovsky Education & Reference Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Sci-Fi & Fantasy Science & Nature Science Fiction Series: Shadows of the Apt

About the Author

Adrian Tchaikovsky was born in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, and headed off to university in Reading to study psychology and zoology. For reasons unclear even to himself, he subsequently ended up in law. Adrian has since worked as a legal executive in both Reading and Leeds and now writes full time. He also lives in Leeds, with his wife and son. Adrian is a keen live role-player and occasional amateur actor. He has also trained in stage-fighting and keeps no exotic or dangerous pets of any kind - possibly excepting his son. Adrian is the author of the critically acclaimed Shadows of the Apt series, the Echoes of the Fall series and other novels, novellas and short stories. The Tiger and the Wolf won the British Fantasy Award for Best Fantasy Novel - and Children of Time won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. This was in the award's thirtieth anniversary year.

Also by Adrian Tchaikovsky

View all
  • Children of Ruin
    Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky continues the gripping saga begun in the award-winning Children of Time. In this thrilling sequel, Tchaikovsky crafts a compelling tale of exploration, discovery, and the haunting legacy of our past. Millennia before the events of Children of Time, ambitious human scientists embarked on a terraforming venture, transforming distant planets into new homes for Earth's...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Children of Memory
    From the award-winning master of sci-fi Adrian Tchaikovsky, Children of Memory is the unmissable follow-up space opera to the highly acclaimed Children of Time and Children of Ruin. They dreamed of a new home. They woke to a nightmare. On Imir, Captain Holt founded a new colony on an empty world. In the process, he created hope and a new...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Lords of Uncreation
    From Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of Time and winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award, Lords of Uncreation is the final high-octane instalment in the Final Architecture space opera trilogy. He's found a way to end their war, but will humanity survive to see it? Idris Telemmier has uncovered a secret that changes everything - the Architects' greatest weakness....
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • House of Open Wounds
    Behind the front lines of a crusade to scour the world of magic, the crew of a field hospital confront the horrors of war. A companion novel to Adrian Tchaikovsky’s award-winning fantasy novel City of Last Chances. City-by-city, kingdom-by-kingdom, the Palleseen have sworn to bring Perfection and Correctness to an imperfect world. As their legions scour the world of superstition...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Days of Shattered Faith
    Welcome to Alkhalend, Jewel of the Waters, capital of Usmai, greatest of the Successor States, inheritor to the necromantic dominion that was the Moeribandi Empire and tomorrow’s frontline in the Palleseen’s relentless march to bring Perfection and Correctness to an imperfect world. Loret is fresh off the boat, and just in time. As Cohort-Invigilator of Correct Appreciation, Outreach department, she’s...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $3699
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Bee Speaker
    From the Arthur C. Clarke award winner, Adrian Tchaikovsky, comes the third instalment of the DOGS OF WAR science fiction series, a future where genetically engineered “Bioforms” have inherited not the Earth, but the Solar System. The end of the world has been and gone. There was no one great natural disaster, no all-consuming world war, no catastrophic pandemic. Only...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Hardback
    $4699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Eyes of the Void
    From the author of the thrilling science-fiction epic Children of Time, which won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award. Eyes of the Void is the second high-octane instalment in Adrian Tchaikovsky's Final Architecture space opera trilogy. 'One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction' - Christopher Paolini What waits in the shadows as we fight our greatest...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Days of Shattered Faith
    Welcome to Alkhalend, Jewel of the Waters, capital of Usmai, greatest of the Successor States, inheritor to the necromantic dominion that was the Moeribandi Empire and tomorrow’s frontline in the Palleseen’s relentless march to bring Perfection and Correctness to an imperfect world. Loret is fresh off the boat, and just in time. As Cohort-Invigilator of Correct Appreciation, Outreach department, she’s...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Hardback
    $5299
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Spiderlight
    The path to victory will only be seen through a spider's eyes... Spiderlight is an exhilarating fantasy quest from Arthur C. Clarke Award-winner Adrian Tchaikovsky, the author of Children of Time, Guns of the Dawn and the Shadows of the Apt series. The Church of Armes of the Light has battled the forces of Darkness for as long as anyone...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • On Sale
    18% off
    Shards of Earth
    From the author of the thrilling science-fiction epic Children of Time, winner of the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award. "One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction" - Christopher Paolini Shards of Earth is the first high-octane instalment in the Final Architecture trilogy. The war is over. Its heroes forgotten. Until one chance discovery . . ....
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Made Things
    Award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Made Things is a dark yet whimsical fantasy tale full of magic, half-mages and puppet companions. Making friends could mean the differencebetween ruin and great reward . . . Welcome to Fountains Parish – a cesspit of trade and crime, where ambition curls up to die and desperation grows on its cobbled streets like mould on...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Hardback
    $5000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Children of Time
    Humanity is overrated. Children of Time the tenth anniversary edition. This paperback edition features an exclusive short story 'Bearable'. Adrian Tchaikovsky's critically acclaimed novel Children of Time is the epic story of humanity's battle for survival on a terraformed planet. Winner of the 30th anniversary Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Novel. Who will inherit this new Earth? The last...
    By Adrian Tchaikovsky
    Paperback
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships today

More from Sci-Fi & Fantasy

View all
  • Buy to Win
    The Strength of the Few
    The highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023's most lauded and bestselling fantasy novels. The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am. But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore. I am no longer one. I won the...
    By James Islington
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Buy to Win
    On Sale
    17% off
    Project Hail Mary
    Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, the SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of The Martian, offers a gripping new adventure in hard science fiction. With endorsement from notable figures such as Barack Obama and a slew of five-star reviews, this novel promises a thrilling and intellectually stimulating journey. Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut, finds himself on a...
    By Andy Weir
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    (5)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    14% off
    Red Rising
    The first book in the incredible New York Times bestselling series Darrow is a Helldiver, toiling beneath the surface of Mars. As a member of the Red caste, he performs grueling labor in the belief that his sacrifice will enable future generations to one day inhabit the surface of the Red Planet. The Reds are humankind's lowest caste, living in...
    By Pierce Brown
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Crossroads of Ravens
    THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS... Every legend has an origin - and Geralt of Rivia's begins here. In this brand-new chapter of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, follow Geralt in his earliest days as a Witcher, as he faces monsters and humans alike. Discover the untold stories and encounters that shaped the iconic character known today. Crossroads of Ravens brings readers into...
    By Andrzej Sapkowski
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Buy to Win
    The Will of the Many
    Phenomenal! One of the best high fantasy novels I've read in years—think Red Rising meets The Name of the Wind. I couldn't put it down. - LYNETTE NONI This new edition of book one in the Hierarchy series features never-before-seen bonus materials, including a full-colour map by the author, a note to the reader, and new cover art. AUDI. VICE....
    By James Islington
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    Backorder
    Ships mid September
  • On Sale
    13% off
    Wind and Truth
    The long-awaited explosive climax to the first arc of the Number One New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive. Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson sees Dalinar Kholin challenge the evil god Odium to a contest of champions with the future of Roshar on the line. The Knights Radiant have only ten days to prepare, and the sudden ascension of the...
    By Brandon Sanderson
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Ministry of Time
    One of the 18 best novels of the year for the Sunday Times A book of the year for the New York Times, Guardian, Independent, Evening Standard, Spectator, Red, NPR, Vanity Fair, People, Slate, Advocate, Sydney Morning Herald, Globe and Mail, Den of Geek, Good Housekeeping, Goodreads, NetGalley and Smithsonian Magazine 'A sparkling delight' Observer 'Make room on your bookshelves...
    By Kaliane Bradley
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Assassin’s Apprentice
    Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure in the rich and immersive world of the Six Duchies. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war, this gripping tale introduces readers to FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard whose existence threatens the stability of the crown. When the crown prince's secret...
    By Robin Hobb
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • I Who Have Never Known Men
    A haunting, heartbreaking tale of female friendship and intimacy that evokes the chilling atmospheres of The Handmaid's Tale and the desolate landscapes of The Road, I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman is a story that lingers long after the last page is turned. This gripping narrative takes us deep underground, where thirty-nine women are held in isolation...
    By Jacqueline Harpman
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Colour Illustrated Hobbit
    The Colour Illustrated Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is a timeless classic that has enchanted readers for generations. This beloved tale follows Bilbo Baggins, a peace-loving hobbit from the quaint and picturesque Shire, who finds himself thrust into an epic journey far from the comforts of his cosy home. Charming and lively illustrations by Jemima Catlin breathe new life...
    By J. R. R. Tolkien
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Blood Over Bright Haven
    A riveting dark academia fantasy about the limits of truth and power, from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever, in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. For twenty years, Sciona...
    By M. L. Wang
    Paperback
    $3400
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    15% off
    The Great Dune Trilogy
    Frank Herbert's The Great Dune Trilogy plunges readers into an evocative and grandiose saga set on the desert planet of Arrakis. This richly detailed landscape becomes the focal point for a complex tapestry of political intrigue, military conflict, and galaxy-wide repercussions. Arrakis, also known as Dune, is the sole source of the spice melange, a valuable and highly sought-after substance...
    By Frank Herbert
    Paperback
    $3300
    Elsewhere:
    $4499
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all