Brian McClellan: Promise of Blood

Hi everyone

Promis of Blood is the first book in The Powder Mage series by Brian McClellan. This series is set before the Gods of Blood and Powder series, which I read (and loved) first. So if you have yet to start Brian McClellan's writing, I suggest you start here. And I suggest starting now because these books are amazing.
I bought this book from Bol.com.

"The Age of Kings is dead . . . and I have killed it.
It's a bloody business overthrowing a king...
Field Marshal Tamas' coup against his king sent corrupt aristocrats to the guillotine and brought bread to the starving. But it also provoked war with the Nine Nations, internal attacks by royalist fanatics, and the greedy to scramble for money and power by Tamas's supposed allies: the Church, workers unions, and mercenary forces.
Stretched to his limit, Tamas is relying heavily on his few remaining powder mages, including the embittered Taniel, a brilliant marksman who also happens to be his estranged son, and Adamat, a retired police inspector whose loyalty is being tested by blackmail.
But when gods are involved...
Now, as attacks batter them from within and without, the credulous are whispering about omens of death and destruction. Just old peasant legends about the gods waking to walk the earth. No modern educated man believes that sort of thing. But they should...
In a rich, distinctive world that mixes magic with technology, who could stand against mages that control gunpowder and bullets?"

Promise of Blood reads like a lightning-fast adventure. I was never bored, constantly on the edge of my seat and always wanting more. There are no infodumps, but you still learn plenty about the world, the magic systems, and the characters in a way that feels natural and immersive.
I loved every moment. It was so fun to get to know the characters anew, especially since I’d already met some of them in the Gods of Blood and Powder series. We learn more about Ka-Poel, see the world through Tamas’ eyes, and get to know him better. Honestly, I enjoyed every character and every story arc. There aren’t too many POVs, so it’s easy to keep track of everyone, and because each perspective is so well-developed, you care about them all.
The story is fantastic; there’s so much going on but it never feels overwhelming. Instead, it stays interesting and gripping from start to finish. The blend of magic and technology is so unique, and the political intrigue, action, and character dynamics make it impossible to put down.

I loved it so much that I’ve already ordered the second and third books in the series. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with deep worldbuilding, complex characters, and non-stop action, this is a must-read.

Have you read Promise of Blood? Did you love it as much as I did? Or are you planning to start the series? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena