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Sins of Empire
- Narrated by: Christian Rodska
- Series: Gods of Blood and Powder, Book 1
- Length: 20 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
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- Nina
- 27-03-17
'Privileged' to read such a good book...
Finally a book from this author. I have been waiting for so long...
Brian McClellan shoots two bullets with his new novel and both reach their targets: a fantastically high standard of writing and thrilling fantasy story.
This book is not only an intelligent continuation for those who are familiar with 'The Powder Mage' trilogy, but does as well on its own, thanks to a well woven introduction to a beautifully crafted fantasy world where gunpowder and magic are intertwined.
In 'Sins of Empire' the author develops the story of some of the favourite characters from the previous books and introduces new, powerful and many layered individuals who become embroiled in this tale of intrigue, danger and loyalty.
Unlike many sequels to series set in the same world, this one does not disappoint and will command your attention till the very last pages, leaving you with a hunger for more. It is that good. It is fantasic!
The well developed Brian Sanderson-esque magic system, flows through the detailed world, weaving a complex tale full of intrigue reminiscent of Scott Lynch books, but with its own unique and sophisticated style.
Christian Rodska's narration is fair. He's rough voice fits well into dangerous events, however at times I would love to hear more enthusiasm and subtle variety.
9 people found this helpful
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- Krzysztof
- 25-03-17
Perfect.
Criminal plot with hint of black powder and magic. Excellent in every way from entire universe down to each and every one character of this book. Not only will you like the story, You will feel it! Immerse in it... and I'm not using this words lightly. To be honest I wouldn't change a thing! 20h passed like a blink of an eye. I have only one wish to the author ... More please! :)
5 people found this helpful
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- Robyn
- 02-08-17
Excellent
A welcome return to the world of the Powder Mage.
If you enjoyed Brian McClellan's earlier trilogy, then this is more of the same. Difficult to say too much without giving any spoilers. Some of the more minor characters from the previous books take the lead in this story, and Mad Ben Styke (of the Mad Lancers) is a good character. I did find myself wishing I'd re-listened to some of the earlier books as I couldn't remember the nuances of some of the characters.....(ie, couldn't remember how good or bad they perhaps were).
Narration is just as the first trilogy: Excellent.
Role on book 2 in the series! (I would suggest that if you've not listened to the Powder Mage trilogy, then that is the best place to start - some of this may not make sense otherwise)
4 people found this helpful
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- totaylor
- 01-05-17
just amazing
I can't wait for the next installment, I've always been a big fan of the powder mage trilogy and this setting seems like it's going to out scale the previous books. I was captured by the performance and I could really place myself in the characters environments. I also love that we get to revisit characters from the short stories, stike is definitely an all time favorite character period definitely would recommend
2 people found this helpful
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- Mike
- 11-04-17
What a great surprise.
Been a bit jaded with new fantasy novels recently, this book was a welcome surprise. Magic is mentioned but doesn't really play to big a part, characters were interesting and the story was fast paced. Really enjoyed the book, listened to it in a week which was good going.
2 people found this helpful
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- O
- 09-04-17
Explosive
Good story well narrated. New to the magic system in the book so a novel idea. Story was fast paced and main characters had good depth.
2 people found this helpful
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- A. Moore
- 21-06-22
cracking tale, brilliantly read.
there is so much mediocre, hackneyed fantasy, but this is well above average. some interesting characters, a believable world and good plot twists maintain interest throughout. good writing too, brillant performance, and, unusually, no silly names! highly recommended.
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- Alan
- 15-01-22
Sublime awesomeness.
Wow, Brian McClellan is becoming one of my favourite authors. I didn't think he could top his Powder Mage Series and then bam he has just blown me away with Sins Of Empire, The first book in the second trilogy to his Powder Mage World and it was epic. Packed with gun powdered sorcery, bloody battles and calvary charges that will have you have you on the edge of your seat. With new and old brilliant characters added into mix, you can't help but love them, even the villains. Set ten years after the last book in the Powder Mage Series, In a new country General Vlora and Lieutenant Olem have formed a mercenary company the Rifle Jack's after been released by Adran government. Contracted to the Fatrastan government to deal with local desenters, looking to bring down the Governess Lindet. But there is something bigger happening behind the scenes and ghosts from the past may just be behind it all. In this book we finally get to meet one of my favourite characters from the Mad Lancers novella, Bloody Mad Ben Stykes, such an intriguing character you will be rooting for and love through out from start to finish. I absolutely love this world, the worldbuilding, plot and setting will have you wanting more and more. The narration by Christian Rodska is brilliant, he brings all the characters to life with his fabulous preformence, very highly recommend...😁💥💙
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- Mr. W. Inskip
- 29-07-21
New story, same gritty style.
Great to see some of the old faces back with us in a new and exciting story.
Some new characters and development of some lesser players. The mad Lancers are back.
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- Bluebell
- 14-07-20
hooked
what can i say,
as good if not better then the powder mage books.
i downloaded book 2 before i had even finished first one
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- kåre waldemar
- 26-04-17
absolutely fantastic
I just love this book series and its worl! I've recommended it to all my friends.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 14-10-21
Just epic. Mad Ben is awsome.
Simple, just read it or listen to it. Its epic. Story is wel witten. Characters are good. Plot is nice.
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- Cassiopeia's Moon
- 27-06-19
Definitely delivered on my expectations
Brian McClellan delivered. This was everything I was expecting from him, after having finished the previous trilogy. And oh my, the narrator killed it!
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- Abdul S.
- 25-03-19
do not listen on fast speed
I have to be honest. To me in the start, it was difficult to listen and enjoy the book. but once in gone through one fifth of the book and switch the listen speed to normal, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. it is fantastic book with lots of today's and turns.
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- Leni
- 14-08-17
Promising, but falls a bit flat.
With no stakes or consequences, the interest pewters out.
Characters that start out with flaws never have their weaknesses matter in a meaningful manner and thus never evolve as people.
Example:
The book repeatedly tells us that Styke is a has-been, a cripple that has to rely on dulling drugs just to walk straight. He himself laments his current state...
Only to constantly beat the odds in fights he has no 'right' to win. He's a hardass now more than ever.
Whenever there's an opportunity for strife or grief in the book, the obstacle is quickly overcome- or in the rare case something does go wrong, the ramifications are minor at best.
Vlora "Flint" acts on whims, has the emotional maturity of a teenager and lacks direction. She resembles a child throwing tantrums more than she does a General with a decade's experience of warfare. She is a vessel for the author to do illogical actions that serve to further the plot, mainly.
Loved the powdermage trilogy, but this isn't off to a good start.
1 person found this helpful
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- orhan capas
- 24-03-17
Better than powdermage
great plot. returning favorite characters with new ones all around. amazing piece of fantasy genre