Empire in Black and Gold is a pretty unique take on the fantasy genre. Instead of relying on the usual stereotypes, we have a world where the various tribes of humans have adopted traits of the insects around them. This has affected the way the society that has emerged in sometimes surprising, but always consistent, ways.

The plot of the novel is a not unfamiliar tale of a new threat emerging, and the one man who sees the danger. But it's a tale well told, even if some of the early chapters are a little slow.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and will certainly be tracking down the sequels.