Spiderlight

by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Spiderlight cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Fantasy
Technical
  • ID: 4146
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780765388353
  • Publisher: Tor Books
  • Published: 2016-08-02
  • Reviews: 3

In the world of Spiderlight, the Church of Armes of the Light has waged an eternal battle against the forces of Darkness. A prophecy foretells that a group of unlikely heroes, led by a high priestess, will confront the Dark Lord Darvezian. Armed with their wits, divine blessings, and an artifact stolen from the merciless Spider Queen, their journey is filled with peril and shifting alliances. The path to victory will only be seen through a spider's eyes, as allies become enemies and enemies become allies. The Dark Lord waits, always waiting, in this exhilarating tale of fantasy and adventure. Adrian Tchaikovsky, the acclaimed author of Guns at Dawn and the Shadows of the Apt series, crafts a world where the stakes are high and the journey is fraught with danger. 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.

Reviews
Muse With Me Blog · 2021-01-15
engaging 3.50

The novel is a great read, despite some reservations about its ending. It explores complex themes and offers a rich, engaging narrative.

This novel is a captivating blend of classic fantasy elements and modern storytelling. The author's ability to weave together complex themes with engaging characters makes it a standout read. The narrative is rich and immersive, drawing readers in from the very beginning. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are both humorous and thought-provoking. The ending, while controversial, adds a layer of depth that encourages readers to reflect on the story long after finishing it. The book's exploration of shades of morality and the complexities of good and evil makes it a thought-provoking and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    Spiderlight is a great novel that I'm very happy to have read, regardless of my feelings about its ending.

    Plenty of stories explore the shades of morality and the complexities of good and evil.

    The Church of Armes of the Light has battled the forces of Darkness for as long as anyone can remember.

Fantasy Hive · 2017-02-01
inventive 4.00

The book is a clever homage to the fantasy genre, with unique twists on classic tropes and character roles. It successfully blends humor and depth, leaving readers with thought-provoking ideas.

This novel is a delightful mix of classic fantasy elements and innovative storytelling. The author manages to pay tribute to the genre while adding fresh perspectives, making it a standout read. The humor and wit are well-balanced with deeper themes, ensuring that readers are both entertained and intellectually engaged. The characters are vividly brought to life, and the narrative is inventive and sharply observed. Despite some familiar tropes, the book's unique take on them makes it a memorable experience. The ending, while controversial, adds a layer of complexity that lingers with the reader.

Quick quotes

    I know enough to recognise that Spiderlight is a homage to the genre, one which places neat twists on classic tropes and character roles.

    As always Tchaikovsky has delivered a narrative that is amusingly inventive, sharply observed and still able to leave you with some serious 'thoughts'.

    Spiderlight is a great novel that I'm very happy to have read, regardless of my feelings about its ending.

Reddit - Fantasy · 2013-06-25
thrilling 4.50

The book is a thrilling adventure rooted in classic fantasy, with well-realized characters and a gritty atmosphere. It stands out as a must-read for fans of the genre.

This book is a fantastic addition to the fantasy genre, offering a classic adventure with a modern twist. The characters are beautifully developed, and the world-building is immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story. The gritty and realistic portrayal of the characters and their world adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. The book's pacing is excellent, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its thrilling plot. The author's ability to blend humor, action, and deeper themes makes this a standout read. The ending, while controversial, adds a layer of complexity that lingers with the reader.

Quick quotes

    It's definitely firmly rooted in fantasy with no sci fi elements. Magic is magic, spiders is spiders.

    Tchaikovsky is a standout author who manages to create a world and characters that are both compelling and gritty.

    Customers find this book to be a must-read with a thrilling pulp adventure plot and perfectly realized characters.

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