Spiderlight    by Adrian Tchaikovsky Order:  USA  Can Tor, 2016 (2013) Softcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson I wasn't sure I would enjoy Adrian Tchaikovsky's unusual fantasy Spiderlight at first but persisted and was glad I finished it. Its focus on othering seems very relevant to our world today when populism's exploitation of othering is so prevalent and dangerous. The plotline is a quest to fulfill a prophecy that foretold a high priestess would lead assorted misfits to defeat Dark Lord Darvezian, after they stole an artifact from the dangerous Spider Queen. Priestess Dion leads cunning Lief (seeking profit), vengeful fighter Harathes, archer Cyrene, and powerful magus Penthos. After slaughtering spiders with fire, they make a deal with the Brood Mother - to take one of her fangs and one of her offspring, who can lead them on the spider's path to Darvezian. She chooses Nth and Penthos transforms him into 'the semblance of a man', though a hideous one. They call him Enth. They journey on as the disgusted Enth slowly adjusts to his new body, surroundings and companions. Lief is the first to press the others to give Enth a chance. A degree of loyalty develops as they fight together. Some decide 'Enth goes with us, unbound and free. And when we're done, he gets his shape back, and we take him home.' Of course, they have to first survive Darvezian and the ultimate betrayal by the ultimate populist - and it takes a man-spider to do so. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews