A great mix of fantasy with gunpowder

I read a number of Brian McClellan's short stories before I committed to his main work. I really enjoyed them and had good expectations for this book. I was not let down.

The book is a mix of Napoleonic era war with fantasy magic. The mix worked fairly well, but there was always that nagging feeling if some of these magic users were that powerful, why hadn't they dominated.

The story itself has a little bit of historical warfare, investigation and betrayal, and epic magic battles. There are three main point of view characters, and while these are interesting characters - some of the better ones were the supporting ones (reading the shorts expands on these a little).

One of the short stories focused on Vlora, and I was expecting a lot more of her in this book - she hardly appeared. I felt that this part of the story was weak, and hopefully it will be expanded in the next book.

Sometime I felt a little lost as the book would sometimes jump a little to get to the next portion of the story. Nothing major, just took a couple of chapters for me to work this out.

I listened to the Audiobook. The production was excellent, as I would expect from new releases now. I did feel that some of the characters seemed a little out of place - but that could just be me.

15 people found this helpful

Fast paced and full of action - a great debut

A great debut from Brandon Sanderson’s pupil, but it still has some areas for improvement.

Story – 4/5

As far as debuts go, this is excellent. The entire story is told smoothly, and there is never any confusion as to what is happening. Considering the story is action packed and full of plot and intrigue, this is quite an achievement.

As Brandon Sanderson’s pupil, it is easy to see some minor influences, especially around the magic system. It is still excellent and unique, but you can tell that BM followed the same set of rules.

The story appears to have been influenced by the French Revolution (late 18th/early 19th centuries), with single shot, gunpowder weaponry, a coup to overthrow the monarchy due to corruption and poverty, and public guillotine executions. It is a shame that this was only really prominent in the opening sequence though.

The largest area for improvement In BM’s writing is in the characterisation. Although the well told epic action more than made up for this element; death, sadness and fear just didn’t have the same devastating impact as it could have.


Performance – 4/5

Christian Rodska is an excellent narrator. His ability to convey the mood of the scenes and voice acting are flawless. Each character had a distinctly recognisable voice, and the female voice acting wasn’t overdone at all.

There were occasions in the production where the chapters and paragraphs didn’t run smoothly into each other. It was only occasionally, and didn’t detract too much, but towards the end when the scenes were switching back and forth, it meant I needed to concentrate a little more.

Overall – 4/5

10 people found this helpful

Slow start - engaging toward the end

Struggled with the characters at first - seemed like a lot with very similar names. However, as the book went on I engaged with the characters more and the development of the "magical" powers meant that everything started to make more sense.

Humourous at points with some great lead characters. Mixed with a good dash of action, magic and gore, a book that has drawn me in to listening to the rest of the trilogy

Narration is good with consistent accents but the narrator has too much of mature voice for some of the younger characters in the book. That being said, the mix of accents and "classes" was very good and I would be happy to listen Christian Rodska again

5 people found this helpful

Great story, stellar narration!

The author has a fine skill in painting different characters, from the war-like Powder Mages, the devious Privileged, the cerebral Investigator, to the timid Laundress. As the story continues, you see new sides of each of these, all played out in an outstanding adventure tale. The use of magic is secondary to the story line, this is mostly character and action-driven. I really enjoyed the adventures, the plot turns, and I look forward with great anticipation to reading the next in the series.

The narration in this book is amazing. All the different voices, both men and women, are voiced in their own distinct tones and accents. Especially fine are the timid laundress Nyla, and the general's down-to-earth bodyguard Ollem. The quality of narration takes this book from a great tale to an outstanding one!

5 people found this helpful

Totally different.

What made the experience of listening to Promise of Blood the most enjoyable?

The rich characters, such as Adamat and Tomas.

What did you like best about this story?

It's almost a french revolutionary fantasy. I liked the sub plots with the investigator Adamat, working in the background and there always seemed to be some threat around the next corner.

What does Christian Rodska bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He reads this well and puts colour into the characters, especially Tomas.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

None

Any additional comments?

A different kind of fantasy, better than i expected, will read the next one.

4 people found this helpful

Promise of blood

Starts off a little confusing, the setting is obviously well thought out but it took a while to have everything explained (where Adro is, what is the nine, who are the cabals etc.) as if the listener should already know about the world and characters, but after a couple of chapters all these questions are answered. The characters are well written and the story was absolutely gripping and builds up to a massive finish. Can't wait to start the next book.

4 people found this helpful

Napoleon+Abercrombie+Gemmell = Promise of Blood

What did you like most about Promise of Blood?

Plenty of action. It dives straight into the action and introduces two main characters within the first few chapters. Like Abercrombie it deals with political and trade events as well as magical and military. Unlike Abercrombie it as a few sympathetic characters that the reader roots for. Like David Gemmell the participants have their flaws and weaknesses but they struggle to overcome their hamartia for the greater good.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Adamat the dogged ex policeman. Skillful, dogged and principled. With the loyal sidekick pugilist SouSmith by his side he seeks to uncover a series of mysteries whilst protecting his family from the uncertainties of blackmailers and life after a revolution.

What does Christian Rodska bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

A great reading. This series as a huge sprawling cast and Rodska (as ever)imbues each one with an easily recognisable voice. Awesome narration.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

At 20 hours you'd need insomnia or a lot of coffee!

Any additional comments?

The first book of the Powder Mages whilst not being a game changing fantasy gives the reader/listener more than enough hooks to keep the reader interested. I bought the whole trilogy to see how things pan out for Tamis, Taniel and Adamat.

4 people found this helpful

A slow burning fuse that explodes to life

What made the experience of listening to Promise of Blood the most enjoyable?

I was apprehensive about a fantasy with magic and gunpowder.
But was pleasantly surprised by this book.
The book has comedy, battles, relationship troubles, and even a dollop of detective work going on. A mixture of all of these is what I like about this book.

What did you like best about this story?

Isn't this the same question as above
Oh well
I'd say the magic system is very well thought out and it's nice to see that more authors are trying to explain how the magic works in a more scientific way.

What does Christian Rodska bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I feel he does a great job with the characters voices.
And it would have taken me longer to read it myself as I listen on the way to work.
I do admit I have read some of the novella and now hear mr rodska's voices for the characters.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No I'm not one to cry at books
But laugh? Oh yes
Don't get me wrong this isn't a comedy like something by Pratchett.
But the humour is there in a more realistic tone

Any additional comments?

This book get compared to sanderson's mistborn trilogy
Well it's not as polished not is it as intricately written,
bit that's not to say it isn't a great read.
The characters are strong and most are the type you care enough if they die.
Even though some seem to have a substance abuse problem (ie the gun powder)
I think the series will only get stronger and recommend that you give it a fair crack.

8 people found this helpful

Magic and Mayhem meets Napolionic warfare

Where does Promise of Blood rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

in the top 30

What other book might you compare Promise of Blood to, and why?

Its like sharp crossed with magic and mayhem, I cant really compare it as it is it's own niche. In a great way.

Have you listened to any of Christian Rodska’s other performances? How does this one compare?

no not listened to other ones

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes its a completely different spin on things

Any additional comments?

Imagine a typical fantasy realm with magic and inter kingdom warfare, progress to the 18th century teck so there are gun powder weapons. then let all hell brake loose with a coup with the modern taking on the old school magic and sit back and enjoy the show. definitely worth a listen s its a new spin on an old genre and by George it works.

2 people found this helpful

Great saga! You'll stick with it up until last sec

Perfect performance - that was the very first thing that come to mine mind. Very very well read. Plot, characters and entire universe is very well designed. I've bought this book because I had "nothing to read"... and I've loved it. It started with an "earthquake" and... well the tension never fade... You'll not regret buying this book, and if you like gun/mage stories this is "must have" in your library. The same goes with all the 3 books because author does't lower standard that he created after book 1!
PS. I haven't read any of the novels (powder mage novella I mean) yet but I'll within next few months.

1 person found this helpful