The Sea Watch cover art

The Sea Watch

Shadows of the Apt

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The Sea Watch

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

Danger lurks beneath dark waters . . .

The Sea Watch is the sixth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

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 the black and gold army, a hidden threat is working against his people. Ships that sail from Collegium's harbour are being attacked, sunk by pirates. Some just go missing . . .

Lulled by the spread of lies and false promises, Stenwold's allies are falling away. He faces betrayal on every side, and the Empire is just waiting for the first sign of weakness to strike. But they are not the only power that has its eyes on Collegium. And even with all their military strength and technology, they may not be powerful enough to stave off the forces massing in the darkness.

The Sea Watch is followed by the seventh book in the Shadows of the Apt series, Heirs of the Blade.

©2020 Adrian Tchaikovsky (P)2020 Macmillan Publishers International Limited Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Pirate

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Critic reviews

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
How does this guy write so much?! Brilliant series up there with the best fantasy / science fiction

Brilliant series

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I did not expect this.
well established universe.
now focused on action.
simpler than the first ones but filled with more action.

getting better

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Just about right. The book starts off slow in political intrigue and new facts, which if you've read up until now is a fair bit to take in. We then get battles, treacherous deeds and it all feels "pirates of the carribean" for a while. It wains a bit three quarters through, then it doesn't dissappoint with a thrilling end. I do wonder if Adrian is writing these books For a Netflix deal though. Still, the insight into collegeum politics was welcome, and the additions, well he's obviously not shy of a challenge is Mr Allen.

Swashbuckling, political intrigue and death

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I Just can’t get enough of this series. The author continues to amaze with the depth of his imagination and his ability to enthrall his readership. Looking forward to the next installment with anticipation.

Just can’t get enough

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An original idea that only Adrian could have given justice as only he understands the animal kingdom in such a unique way.

An original idea that only Adrian could have given justice

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