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A review by cpcabaniss
Blood of Empire by Brian McClellan
3.0
This conclusion to the Gods of Blood and Powder trilogy was enjoyable, but, from what I can remember from the first two (it's been a while since I read them), doesn't hold up to those installments.
The story follows three main characters, who each have their own story: Michel, a spy; Vlora, a general; and Styke, a veteran and sword for hire. The entire series has revolved around these characters, their stories intersecting and building each other, and always hops back and forth between the three. In this conclusion, that felt choppier than it did in either of the previous two. Often their would only be one chapter about a single character, ending with some dramatic reveal, only to throw you into someone else's head. It was a bit tiresome a lot of the time.
The magic was still fun and the characters are overall enjoyable, though I don't feel as strongly for them as I would like to. Some of the side characters (Ichtracia, Ka-poel, Taniel, and Olem in particular) have me more emotionally invested than any of our main three perspectives.
The world in this is fascinating and complex. The magic is unique and varied, with a lot of potential for even more novels, if the author and publisher ever decide to continue. If you like military fantasy, this series is a good one.
The story follows three main characters, who each have their own story: Michel, a spy; Vlora, a general; and Styke, a veteran and sword for hire. The entire series has revolved around these characters, their stories intersecting and building each other, and always hops back and forth between the three. In this conclusion, that felt choppier than it did in either of the previous two. Often their would only be one chapter about a single character, ending with some dramatic reveal, only to throw you into someone else's head. It was a bit tiresome a lot of the time.
The magic was still fun and the characters are overall enjoyable, though I don't feel as strongly for them as I would like to. Some of the side characters (Ichtracia, Ka-poel, Taniel, and Olem in particular) have me more emotionally invested than any of our main three perspectives.
The world in this is fascinating and complex. The magic is unique and varied, with a lot of potential for even more novels, if the author and publisher ever decide to continue. If you like military fantasy, this series is a good one.