Spiderlight by Adrian Tchaikovsky follows a group of heroes on a quest to confront the Dark Lord, but as the story unfolds, it delves into themes of morality, ethics, and the complexities of human nature. The book challenges traditional fantasy tropes by exploring the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, particularly in their interactions with an unconventional spider character named Enth. Tchaikovsky's writing style mixes dark and humorous tones, creating a narrative that is both adventurous and thought-provoking.

Characters:

The characters are depicted as morally complex individuals with distinct flaws, including a sympathetic spider character that challenges the group's views and ethical ideals.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines a dark yet humorous tone with straightforward prose, creating an engaging read that balances satire with heartfelt moments.

Plot/Storyline:

The story involves a fellowship on a quest to defeat a dark lord while exploring deeper themes like belonging and moral dilemmas, diverging from typical fantasy tropes.

Setting:

Set in a high fantasy world reminiscent of traditional Dungeons & Dragons, the backdrop involves dark forests and dangerous creatures, contributing to a light versus dark narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally well-executed, maintaining reader engagement with a mix of action and character development, while its brevity allows for a quick experience.

THE WORDS THAT TWANGED and thrummed their way to Nth said, New food coming, and he stirred, resettling his legs to take the measure of the message: how far, what direction, who originated it. Mother’s...

Notes:

Spiderlight combines dark themes with humor, especially through the character Lief.

Adrian Tchaikovsky uses spiders prominently, creating fear even in arachnophobes.

The story touches on moral complexities and the nature of belonging.

Tchaikovsky critiques the inclusion of female characters in fantasy, exploring sexist dynamics.

The characters face ethical dilemmas, reflecting real-world issues like racism and sexism.

Nth, a spider, provides an alien perspective that challenges the heroes' beliefs.

Tchaikovsky subverts typical fantasy tropes by making the heroes morally ambiguous.

The book is a tribute to traditional RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons.

The story includes a prophecy and a Dark Lord but twists typical fantasy conventions.

Spiderlight is seen as both an adventure tale and a commentary on human nature.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of sexism, speciesism, and violence which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Spiderlight is an exhilarating fantasy quest from Adrian Tchaikovsky, the author of Guns at Dawn and the Shadows of the Apt series.

The path to victory will only be seen through a spider's eyes...

The Church of Armes of the Light has battled the forces of Darkness for as long as anyone can remember. The great prophecy has foretold that a band of misfits, led by a high priestess will defeat the Dark Lord Darvezian, armed with their wits, the blessing of the Light and an artifact stolen from the merciless Spider Queen.

Their journey will be long, hard and fraught with danger. Allies will become enemies; enemies will become allies. And the Dark Lord will be waiting, always waiting…

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (7):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (4)

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About the Author:

Adrian Tchaikovsky is the author of the acclaimed Shadows of the Apt fantasy series and the epic science fiction blockbuster Children of Time. He has won the Arthur C. Clarke Award, a British Fantasy Society Award, and been nominated for the David Gemmell Legend Award. In civilian life he is a lawyer, gamer and amateur entomologist.

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Spiderlight

Adrian Tchaikovsky