Promise of Blood

By: Brian McClellan

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

Length: 19 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

"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)

Great political intrigue with a twist of magic.

Great read
Loved all the characters and all their faults flaws and strengths. Really enjoyed the world that was built and the grandness of the adventure. Even though the characters were not expecting such a big mess on their hands.

Great Adventure

I had to read listen to this twice. The first time I had a hard time getting past the readers nearly identical voice for some of the Characters but on the second go through I absolutely enjoyed myself.

Scouted It Out For My Wife

I read through the full series as it was being released and wanted to pick up the audiobook for my wife who often listens on the go. She's been spoiled by Graphic Audio presentations and I wasn't sure if an Audible narration would hold her interest (even if the story is excellent). I am pleased to say that the narrator does a good job differentiating the various characters and carrying the story forward. I intend to pickup the rest of the audiobooks for this series as long as Christian Rodska is the narrator.

Different from the rest

The promise of blood is a great new twist on a magic and new Emerging technology. The book is a refreshing new idea when it comes How, in a world of magic, new technology will be intertwined with the magic of the day.

Great book, loved every minute

loved it. Gritty and fun, without leaning on being vulgar as a crutch. Great adventure, enjoy the ride.

The magic system and the pov characters were extremely interesting and layered in a clever, compelling way!

Pacing. Pacing. PACING! This book starts you off at a quick jog and only picks up from there! I couldn't put it down. the violence, the magic, the political intrigue. It starts crazy and only gets crazier! Highly recommend for any gritty fantasy fans, or someone looking for some sweet firearm action in their fantasy.

Didn’t know what I was missing!

Holy crap! I use to think I knew what good books were until I read/listened to this book. Literally can’t wait to read/listen to the next book of the trilogy. Nothing even comes close to this!

fun and enjoyable

amazing story and dialog, had me laughing lile crazy at times and in another world.

I rarely buy extra credits, but I did.

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. Extremely unique and fast paced. If you looking for something you can't put down congratulations, you've found it.

love this

I cant wait to get the next book in the series. the narration is calming and his voice is perfect for this sort of story.