For the first time in print, Adrian Tchaikovsky has opened up the realm of the Apt, as featured in his best-selling Shadow of the Apt decalogy, to a carefully selected cast of fellow writers, inviting them to do their best and their worst within the world he has created. They have done just that. Topped and tailed by two new stories form Adrian himself, some of the finest imaginations in fantasy, including winners of the David Gemmell Award, the Costa Book Award and British Fantasy Award, have combined to produce a stunning collection of tales that examine fresh aspects of the Apt world and its people. Contents: Old Blood - Adrian Tchaikovsky The Scent of Tears - Keris McDonald Wonder - Frances Hardinge The Promise of a Threat - David Tallerman The Unforeseen Path - Juliet E. McKenna The Message - John Gwynne The Mantis Way - Peter Newman Poor Little Earwig Girl - Tom Lloyd Forwards, Up, Back, Down - Joff Leader Recipes for Good Living - Justina Robson God of Profound Things - Adrian Tchaikovsky