Promise of Blood

Brian McClellan

Apr 2013 · The Powder Mage Trilogy Book 1 · Hachette Audio · Narrated by Christian Rodska

About this audiobook

"Just plain awesome" -- Brandon Sanderson

Civil unrest cripples the citizens of Adro in the aftermath of the revolution that obliterated the monarchy. Now, Field Marshal Tamas and his lieutenants must confront the true cost of freedom in book one of the Powder Mage Trilogy.

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.

It's up to a few. . .

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. . .

Winner of the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut Fantasy.

Ratings and reviews

Where to begin? This is an amazing story and one of the few I believe is probably even better as an audiobook. The narrator Christian Rodska has done an amazing job and I can't imagine any other voice actor for these characters. The story itself is absolutely brilliant, balancing a win lose ratio between protagonist and antagonist to keep it realistic and you on the edge of your seat. One thing I really enjoy about a good book is the ability to make the reader or listener have a physical reaction. This is a wonderful story which kept we thoroughly engaged and every now and then made me actually chuckle or exert a laugh. If anyone doesn't enjoy this book... well to the Pit with them.

Really cool and different storyline. Enough based in reality to make it relatable, but also enough fantasy sprinkled within to keep it fascinating. I took me a bit to get into the first story, but then I was hooked. Own all 3 now. Would make a great movie franchise!

Interesting plot. Interesting characters. Not very compelling, but interesting. Excellent narration.

About the author

Brian McClellan is an American epic fantasy author from Cleveland, Ohio. He is known for his acclaimed Powder Mage novels and essays on the life and business of being a writer. Brian now lives in Utah with his wife, Michele.