Shadows of the Apt

The Lowlands' diverse city-states have long enjoyed an era of relative peace and prosperity, their societies thriving with unique advancements and intricate social structures. This tranquility, however, is violently disrupted by the relentless, expansionist march of a technologically superior Wasp Empire. Their highly trained armies, formidable air fleets, and sophisticated combat techniques pose an unprecedented and existential threat, aiming to conquer and subjugate every last bastion of Lowlander civilization.

At the heart of the initial resistance stands Stenwold Maker, an aging but shrewd spymaster, artificer, and statesman whose unparalleled foresight allows him to perceive the looming catastrophe. He is a pragmatic and intelligent figure, burdened with the immense task of uniting disparate peoples and overcoming deep-seated rivalries against an overwhelming, seemingly unstoppable enemy.

Across this sprawling, ten-book epic, readers embark on a multi-faceted journey through a meticulously crafted, steampunk-infused world populated by diverse 'kinden' races, each with their own distinct abilities and cultures. It's a dark, often brutal narrative that relentlessly explores the realities of large-scale warfare, intricate political maneuvering, and the profound moral ambiguities inherent in survival and resistance. The series delves deep into themes of technological advancement versus traditional ways, cultural clash, the sacrifices demanded by leadership, and the desperate, long-term fight for freedom against overwhelming odds.