<p><b><i>Dragonfly Falling</i> is the second book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of the Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning <i>Children of Time.</i></b><br><br><b>Every hero must be tested . . .</b><br><br>The Wasp Empire&rsquo;s armies are on the move &ndash; and the city of Tark will be first to feel their might. Salma and Totho prepare for battle, alongside their Ant-kinden brethren. And within Tark&rsquo;s walls, they&rsquo;ll face a force greater than any Lowlander has ever seen. Stenwold Maker predicted this threat, and the Empire's secret service now deems him too dangerous to live. So he&rsquo;s to be eliminated, and his beloved city of Collegium destroyed. For if this centre of learning is lost, it will crush Lowland resistance.<br><br>As the Empire's troops continue their relentless advance, their young Emperor pursues another, even darker goal. And his success would trigger a reign of blood lasting a thousand years.<br><br><b><i>Dragonfly Falling</i> is followed by the third book in the Shadows of the Apt series, <i>Blood of the Mantis.</i></b></p>