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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
A decent debut novel. I was expecting a more comprehensive worldbuilding and magic system than what I found. The author appeared to want to keep the actions flowing by sacrificing some details of both the world and the magic system. The prose is also quite simplistic, which made it an easy read. The pacing is definitely good.
However, the similarities to the Mistborn world are too striking. For example the powder mages is definitely inspired by the Mistborn / Mistings magic system. There are also similarities in the back story of Tamas vis-a-vis Kel as the two characters are leaders of the coup that attempt to topple the kings in their respective world. I hope there would be more things that diverge from Mistborn in the remaining 2 books of the series.
Another element that is less compelling than Brandon Sanderson’s works are the characters. I was invested emotionally to root for Kel and the rest of the gang. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the same attachment with Tamas, Taniel and the rest of the ”good guys”. The characters that really intrigued me are Ka-Poel, a mute who had no POV in this book; and Nila, whom we just saw for a few instances before disappearing (hopefully to play a bigger role in the 2nd book). But, I just didn’t really care if either Tamas or Taniel survive. Maybe it’s just me.
But, overall it’s a decent beginning. The ending redeemed the boom somewhat by presenting an interesting antagonist for our protagonists.
However, the similarities to the Mistborn world are too striking. For example the powder mages is definitely inspired by the Mistborn / Mistings magic system. There are also similarities in the back story of Tamas vis-a-vis Kel as the two characters are leaders of the coup that attempt to topple the kings in their respective world. I hope there would be more things that diverge from Mistborn in the remaining 2 books of the series.
Another element that is less compelling than Brandon Sanderson’s works are the characters. I was invested emotionally to root for Kel and the rest of the gang. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the same attachment with Tamas, Taniel and the rest of the ”good guys”. The characters that really intrigued me are Ka-Poel, a mute who had no POV in this book; and Nila, whom we just saw for a few instances before disappearing (hopefully to play a bigger role in the 2nd book). But, I just didn’t really care if either Tamas or Taniel survive. Maybe it’s just me.
But, overall it’s a decent beginning. The ending redeemed the boom somewhat by presenting an interesting antagonist for our protagonists.
You can find the original review on my blog: https://wp.me/pbesru-nn
The story is not your usual medieval set fantasy story and this is what picked my interest from the beginning. The story is set in a, I think I've seen it described as Napoleonian settings, where guns and gun-powder add a new twist to your typical fantasy story.
Things I liked
-The story is fast-paced and action-packed throughout the book.
-The plot is not straight forward. It has so many aspect and branches that even after the first book you can tell that there is still so much to uncover.
-I really enjoy having a mix of magic and guns. It was something that personally I haven't read before and it was refreshing.
-We have the hint of a battle coming between two (or maybe more) Gods that sound really epic and makes you want to read the next book straight away.
-You have three main magic systems very different between them but yet they intertwine in a very unique and interesting way.
-You have many characters with different relationships between them and I'm really hoping that those will be explore in-depth as the story progress.
-I loved Taniel and Ka-Poel dynamic. Also, Ka-Poel was one of the best characters. There is so much mystery surrounding her and so much more to learn about her.
Things I didn't like
-At the end of the book, although it had a lot going on, I felt like this book was more like a set up for the next two books. Fair enough it is a trilogy you need to have the build-up but... I don't know, sometimes it felt like some events where there just to get to a 600page count and could be cut out.
-In some occasions some characters made decisions that felt out of character, just to move the plot forward or to create more mystery.
-The book was very plot-driven and sometimes I felt like we didn't really explore the relationship between characters. We know the basics Tamas and Taniel don't have a very nice father-son relationship, Taniel wants his father's approval and deep down Tamas loves his son but doesn't show it. But I never really felt it, if that makes sense. I wanted maybe some more small moments that are there to emphasis the feeling and not just a line or two.
-Same with Vlora. She is a powerful Powder Mage, Taniel's ex-fiance and Tamas sees her as a daughter and treat her better than his own son. Throughout the book, you have this feeling that she is supposed to be an important character but we only see her for a couple of chapters and that just Tamas giving her orders. Again I wanted to see more. Maybe that will come in the next book but I was left hungry for more and not in a good way.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book I do believe that we have a great setting for an epic story. I already ordered book two and hope to get to it soon!
The story is not your usual medieval set fantasy story and this is what picked my interest from the beginning. The story is set in a, I think I've seen it described as Napoleonian settings, where guns and gun-powder add a new twist to your typical fantasy story.
Things I liked
-The story is fast-paced and action-packed throughout the book.
-The plot is not straight forward. It has so many aspect and branches that even after the first book you can tell that there is still so much to uncover.
-I really enjoy having a mix of magic and guns. It was something that personally I haven't read before and it was refreshing.
-We have the hint of a battle coming between two (or maybe more) Gods that sound really epic and makes you want to read the next book straight away.
-You have three main magic systems very different between them but yet they intertwine in a very unique and interesting way.
-You have many characters with different relationships between them and I'm really hoping that those will be explore in-depth as the story progress.
-I loved Taniel and Ka-Poel dynamic. Also, Ka-Poel was one of the best characters. There is so much mystery surrounding her and so much more to learn about her.
Things I didn't like
-At the end of the book, although it had a lot going on, I felt like this book was more like a set up for the next two books. Fair enough it is a trilogy you need to have the build-up but... I don't know, sometimes it felt like some events where there just to get to a 600page count and could be cut out.
-In some occasions some characters made decisions that felt out of character, just to move the plot forward or to create more mystery.
-The book was very plot-driven and sometimes I felt like we didn't really explore the relationship between characters. We know the basics Tamas and Taniel don't have a very nice father-son relationship, Taniel wants his father's approval and deep down Tamas loves his son but doesn't show it. But I never really felt it, if that makes sense. I wanted maybe some more small moments that are there to emphasis the feeling and not just a line or two.
-Same with Vlora. She is a powerful Powder Mage, Taniel's ex-fiance and Tamas sees her as a daughter and treat her better than his own son. Throughout the book, you have this feeling that she is supposed to be an important character but we only see her for a couple of chapters and that just Tamas giving her orders. Again I wanted to see more. Maybe that will come in the next book but I was left hungry for more and not in a good way.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book I do believe that we have a great setting for an epic story. I already ordered book two and hope to get to it soon!
I'll start off by saying it's been a while since I picked up a book and couldn't put it down. When I first heard of this book, I knew I wanted to read it. The idea of a Civil War setting combined with magic was intriguing. Plus, just look at that badass cover. It certainly didn't disappoint.
From the first page it catches your attention. It doesn't hamper your mind with backstory or infodumping, but plops you right in the center of the action and never lets up. Each corner promises adventure, mystery, magic, and yes, blood. The characters are colorful and real, each with their unique traits and human flaws. There's even a couple well-written female characters, though I would have liked to have seen more of their involvement.
The magic within the world is interesting to say the least. There's numerous "types" of magic, a couple considered better than the others, but each plays an integral part. Usually I hate systems where people are walking around throwing fireballs left and right, but in this case I like McClellan's fireballs. He took the cliched version of magic and created a different spin.
I'd recommend this book to fantasy lovers searching for a new author, and I can't wait for book two myself. It's an exciting ride.
From the first page it catches your attention. It doesn't hamper your mind with backstory or infodumping, but plops you right in the center of the action and never lets up. Each corner promises adventure, mystery, magic, and yes, blood. The characters are colorful and real, each with their unique traits and human flaws. There's even a couple well-written female characters, though I would have liked to have seen more of their involvement.
The magic within the world is interesting to say the least. There's numerous "types" of magic, a couple considered better than the others, but each plays an integral part. Usually I hate systems where people are walking around throwing fireballs left and right, but in this case I like McClellan's fireballs. He took the cliched version of magic and created a different spin.
I'd recommend this book to fantasy lovers searching for a new author, and I can't wait for book two myself. It's an exciting ride.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There's some wonderful world-building in this book when the traditional magic of a fantasy world meets the new magic of an industrial revolution. The plot is sweeping, dramatic and adventurous, with some interesting character beats and twists and turns. Unfortunately, the female characters are limited and written from a painfully obvious male perspective; never is a female character introduced without us hearing about her hips and breasts fill out the otherwise identical uniform she's wearing. Despite this, it's good fun and an intriguing premise that felt original enough to carry through a part-political, part epic adventure.
[a:Brian McClellan|182545|Brian McClellan|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-3fbaf32fc1fc48e6ffaf3f63a026f0ff.png] has written a good book.
The world in which the country of Adro is set is well designed. The country is completely surrounded by mountains which makes it a tough nut to crack for any neighboring country that wishes to invade it. They either have to cross the Adsea or come through a narrow, well-defended pass at South Pike Mountain. This means that the people can enjoy life a bit more and become more civilized instead of worrying about being attacked all the time.
There are multiple races. I'm having problems pigeon-holing them. Ka-Poel's face was freckled with bright red hair, coming from a much warmer place and favoring a wide-brimmed hat. Perhaps its good that we can't map them to racial types in our own world; we're prevented from merely dropping stereotypes into our imagination.
The magic system(s) are also well designed. The traditional magic of most fantasy books would be called the Privileged in the Powder Mage Trilogy, trained magicians wearing gloves and using hand movements to control their spells. More powerful than the Privileged are the Predeii; less powerful are the Marked, and then those with a Knack. I like the Knack concept because it sort of like a minor "super power" (telling whether someone is honest with you or not needing sleep) and many people might have one. In addition, there are other possible types of magic users (as typified by Ka-poel).
The religion is based on 9 or 10 gods (therefore polytheistic) where the first god descended to earth on a rope; he then called his brothers and sisters to join him. Therefore the primary symbol is a rope, not a cross. I'm still not sure why a rope-based religion would so resemble the Catholic church in organization.
One of the main characters is Adamat, a police inspector. In some ways, Adopest, Adro's capital city, is both more civilized and less civilized than a corresponding medieval European city, therefore, while the European city might barely have a police force, Adopest has detectives.
This is one of the first Kindle books that I've read in a LONG time that had no noticeable typos in it. What a relief.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.
The world in which the country of Adro is set is well designed. The country is completely surrounded by mountains which makes it a tough nut to crack for any neighboring country that wishes to invade it. They either have to cross the Adsea or come through a narrow, well-defended pass at South Pike Mountain. This means that the people can enjoy life a bit more and become more civilized instead of worrying about being attacked all the time.
There are multiple races. I'm having problems pigeon-holing them. Ka-Poel's face was freckled with bright red hair, coming from a much warmer place and favoring a wide-brimmed hat. Perhaps its good that we can't map them to racial types in our own world; we're prevented from merely dropping stereotypes into our imagination.
The magic system(s) are also well designed. The traditional magic of most fantasy books would be called the Privileged in the Powder Mage Trilogy, trained magicians wearing gloves and using hand movements to control their spells. More powerful than the Privileged are the Predeii; less powerful are the Marked, and then those with a Knack. I like the Knack concept because it sort of like a minor "super power" (telling whether someone is honest with you or not needing sleep) and many people might have one. In addition, there are other possible types of magic users (as typified by Ka-poel).
The religion is based on 9 or 10 gods (therefore polytheistic) where the first god descended to earth on a rope; he then called his brothers and sisters to join him. Therefore the primary symbol is a rope, not a cross. I'm still not sure why a rope-based religion would so resemble the Catholic church in organization.
One of the main characters is Adamat, a police inspector. In some ways, Adopest, Adro's capital city, is both more civilized and less civilized than a corresponding medieval European city, therefore, while the European city might barely have a police force, Adopest has detectives.
This is one of the first Kindle books that I've read in a LONG time that had no noticeable typos in it. What a relief.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.
“Books are important. They link us to the past, to the future. Every written word gives us another hint about how to control the Else.” .
.
Hey, folks. I finished Promise Of Blood, yesterday! This book...UGH! This book was just spectacular! It’s classed as Flintlock Fantasy. (Guns + Magic = Heart Eyes) Think Industrial Revolution and magic. The story starts with a bang (or a chop) as Field Marshall Tamas (Powder Mage) stages a coup to overthrow the current Monarchy. The story then diverges into several narratives that happen concurrently including but not limited to..Bloodshed..Gods..Betrayal..Bloodshed...VOODOO DOLLS...Bloodshed...BIG FUCKOFF MOUNTAIN LIONS..Bloodshed...death...STABBY STABBY..Bloodshed...bayonets...THINGS BLOWING UP..people blowing up...and did I mention Bloodshed? But with all of that, there is of course friendship and loyalty. Some of these characters mean so much to me now that I’m a little bit scared to read on because, you know?.....Bloodshed! .
.
The magic system was a real high point of the book. You have Powder Mages who can control gunpowder to their advantage for pinpoint accuracy or whether they want to hail loads of bullets to oncoming enemies or if they just wanted heightened focus (snorting gunpowder). The Powder Mages are the heart of the book, I absolutely love them. You then have Privileged who can control elements through a dimension called ‘The Else’ they require special gloves and are extremely formidable. You also have people with Knacked ability, which is a singular ability, like not having to sleep or being able to remember everything! There are also a few tough as nails female characters in this, which is always a good thing! .
.
Another 5 star read for me, but don’t take my word for it...READ IT NOW!
.
Hey, folks. I finished Promise Of Blood, yesterday! This book...UGH! This book was just spectacular! It’s classed as Flintlock Fantasy. (Guns + Magic = Heart Eyes) Think Industrial Revolution and magic. The story starts with a bang (or a chop) as Field Marshall Tamas (Powder Mage) stages a coup to overthrow the current Monarchy. The story then diverges into several narratives that happen concurrently including but not limited to..Bloodshed..Gods..Betrayal..Bloodshed...VOODOO DOLLS...Bloodshed...BIG FUCKOFF MOUNTAIN LIONS..Bloodshed...death...STABBY STABBY..Bloodshed...bayonets...THINGS BLOWING UP..people blowing up...and did I mention Bloodshed? But with all of that, there is of course friendship and loyalty. Some of these characters mean so much to me now that I’m a little bit scared to read on because, you know?.....Bloodshed! .
.
The magic system was a real high point of the book. You have Powder Mages who can control gunpowder to their advantage for pinpoint accuracy or whether they want to hail loads of bullets to oncoming enemies or if they just wanted heightened focus (snorting gunpowder). The Powder Mages are the heart of the book, I absolutely love them. You then have Privileged who can control elements through a dimension called ‘The Else’ they require special gloves and are extremely formidable. You also have people with Knacked ability, which is a singular ability, like not having to sleep or being able to remember everything! There are also a few tough as nails female characters in this, which is always a good thing! .
.
Another 5 star read for me, but don’t take my word for it...READ IT NOW!
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes