Sins of Empire

By: Brian McClellan

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

Length: 20 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

A new epic fantasy series from highly acclaimed fantasy author Brian McClellan, set in the same world as the Powder Mage trilogy.

A world on the cusp of a new age...

The young nation of Fatrasta is a turbulent place - a frontier destination for criminals, fortune hunters, brave settlers, and sorcerers seeking relics of the past. Only the iron will of the lady chancellor and her secret police holds the capital city of Landfall together against the unrest of an oppressed population and the machinations of powerful empires.

Sedition is a dangerous word....

The insurrection that threatens Landfall must be purged with guile and force, a task that falls on the shoulders of a spy named Michel Bravis, convicted war hero Mad Ben Styke, and Lady Vlora Flint, a mercenary general with a past as turbulent as Landfall's present.

The past haunts us all....

As loyalties are tested, revealed, and destroyed, a grim specter as old as time has been unearthed in this wild land, and the people of Landfall will soon discover that rebellion is the least of their worries.

©2017 Brian McClellan (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Furious, visceral, and relentlessly thrilling action." (Kirkus)

"Fans of McClellan's Powder Mage trilogy will be happy to return to this fascinating fantasy world, where magic and technology come together in the midst of complicated relationships and unsure alliances.... [A] compelling read." (RT Book Reviews)

Write More!!!!

Excellent plot and character development! This story continues to build into a wonderfully epic crescendo by the end. Very artfully written and planned.

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one of the better books I have read in a while. It is similar to the previous series in scope and feel.

Wow. 5 Star Narration & Story. Highly Recommended!

This story has been in my wishlist for a while. I am Very glad I finally listened to it. Very well done. I must say, the preview sucks... the preview is really why this sat in my wishlist (and NOT in my library) for so long.

The narrator should win an award! He carries the day, Just fantastic.

The story (imo, of course) is strong.. not The Way Of Kings "strong" but personally, and I don't state this lightly... I would put it up against Wheel Of Time (I don't want to tick off the Jordan fans but I call call it like I hear it).

Give this one a go. You won't regret it.

Loved it but still have questions from series 1

SPOILER ALERT

This is an excellent expansion to the Powder Mage Universe!

I loved following Olem, Vlora, and Ben Styke.

There are so many cool allies and enemies to contend with. The pacing was slower than the previous trilogy, but we get to spend it with intriguing characters, new settings, new dangers, and new magics. The combat, the drama, the intrigue are just so much fun and keep me hooked. There are parts that I want answers to since the first series but I'm definitely going to keep reading.



Now you might be asking why 4 stars? Well, this is where spoilers become impossible to avoid.

It has to do with the magic systems. In the first series, we get thorough and brilliant explanations of how Powder Mages, Privileged, and Knacked work. Each one has method and limitations to their powers and is used to great dramatic effect. All except Blood Magic. This remains a nebulous system whose rules have not been explained and seems to have very few limits. It was intriguing and made sense in the first series because Ka-Poel was figuring out as she goes. It made her and the magic system mysterious.

Here though her powers are expanded and we even get to see an enemy use Blood Magic, but still no explanations. When you set this against the rules and consequences of the previous three it feels like a Deus ex Machina that can be called upon whenever the plot demands. It's not enough to get me to stop reading but it is something that has become noticeable. I'm hoping that the next book will resolve some of these mysteries.

Gunpowder Magic is lit

this is probably one of the few fantasy stories set within an imperial era equivalent that I've come to like. Taniel is my favorite character, he's got kick ass mage power, he murdered 2 gods, and is almost all knowing, he seems like a great candidate for the God Stone....lol

over all the story is great, but i was not a fan of the black hat double agent twist, it kind of ruined things for me since everyone has a negative opinion of Fedastra (the name of the country) and liked the idea of one person supporting their own country.

Also what happened to Feliast Jest (I know I spelled his name wrong) kind of seems like waste, could have been interesting to see a different future for that one specific antagonist

But again, overall I liked the story and would recommend it.

Does it again.

I have to start this review with a quick note, I'm not a fan of steampunk or near-steampunk stories. That being said, I have to say, this and the powder mage trilogy before, is some of the best work I have ever listened to. I love the powder mage series and I think this one is going to better, if this book is any indication. They even brought the original narrator back, and honestly, I think he made the first trilogy. Keep up the excellent work Mr.McClellan!

Really good story with great twists

I am really glad I I purchased this book. I did it on a whim and found it very enjoyable with a lot of smart writing and twists and turns. Good stuff and I will purchase more

Startes off intriguing but slow. It picks up quickly though!

I loved this. I wasn’t expecting it to be small scale in story at the beginning and it was a little slow at first but then all with a bang it paced up and exploded. Literally!

Awesome

Loved it. Can't wait for the 2nd book. Some of my favorites are in here.

One of my favorite series ever

Love this series. The narration is top notch. Really happy for the recovery of the narrator. His performances bring so much life to the story, life and intrigue that the author already does so well. Grounded and captivating characters.