Promise of Blood

By: Brian McClellan

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

"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.

©2013 Brian McClellan (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

2013, RT Best SciFi & Fantasy Novel, Nominated

2014, David Gemmell Morningstar Award, Best Debut Novel, Winner

"Promise of Blood is a hugely promising debut. Guns, swords, and magic together? What more could you want? How about tense action, memorable characters, rising stakes, and cool, cool magic? Not only the finest flintlock fantasy I've read, but also the most fun. Brian McClellan is the real thing."—New York Times bestseller Brent Weeks

"This book is just plain awesome. I found myself enjoying every moment of it. Innovative magic, quick-paced plot, interesting world. I had a blast."—New York Times bestselling author, Brandon Sanderson"

"The world of the privileged sorcerers and the strange abilities of the powder mages who can manipulate gunpowder are just as well drawn in this captivating universe."—RT Book Reviews (4 1/2 stars)

Better than expected

much better than I thought it was going to be with a title of powder mage. not what I expected but in a good way. fun, adventure, powder magic, blood magic.. great stuff. stellar performance

pretty darn good

I found it a little slow to start, but you won't be disappointed. good book!

The highs are really great

The book has some dull moments but they all seem like build up to such great intense moments.

Not another vanilla fantasy

Very interesting setting, characters were complex, and the voice acting was great. Too many of these fantasy books are set in a cookie cutter medieval world that never seems very real. Promise of Blood is staged at a time of change, mirroring a very interesting and under utilized period in history. The magic is a good mix of Sanderson like creative abilities and raw, primal elemental combat. The characters are all made deep by some real imperfections that make them much more human. The narration was really phenomenal, clearly well rehearsed and gripping.

Only complaints are that the story meandered quite a bit during the middle. I didn't mind much because things were interesting, but it could definitely have more momentum. We'll see if the sequels improve on that.

Addicting series

Outstanding book. I now need more from this author. The book is a little short but the price is absolutely reasonable.

Great start to a series!

Incredible story line that keeps you excited for what happens next. Couldn't put it down.

Great flintlock fantasy, starting book 2 asap

I loved it, and I'm normally not a fan of flintlock fantasy. Never listened to anything from this narrator before but he did a great job (although Tamas' voice in my head was totally different than the voice he chose to use) and I would definitely recommend.

Fantastic Fantasy Series

This is a fantastic fantasy series. Not quite as dark as Game of Thrones or Malazan, but you just can't turn it off. The characters are well developed. The series never goes quite in the direction you think. This series kept me engaged from the 1st chapter to the end of the 3rd book...and then was so disappointed it was over. Highly recommend!

great book!

great story, great performance. i knew i loved the movie after just 5 minutes of listening to it.

A unique fantasy series

This fantasy series is pretty unique combining a normal magic fantasy setting with some steampunk and mystery elements. The narrator did an admirable job with the performance.