Promise of Blood

By: Brian McClellan

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

In this thrilling first book of the Powder Mage Trilogy, civil unrest has crippled 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.

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.

Critic reviews

"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

"Brian McClellan is an explosive powder keg of imagination with an expertly-plotted fuse. The stories he tells are the stories we'll be reading for years to come."—Sam Sykes on Promise of Blood

"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)

"McClellan's debut packs some serious heat...A thoroughly satisfying yarn that should keep readers waiting impatiently for further installments."—Kirkus (Starred Review)

"McClellan's debut is a lot of fun --- a historically influenced fantastical romp filled with machismo, intrigue and magic."—SciFi Now (UK)

"McClellan neatly mixes intrigue and action...in a society where new forces like labor unions, gunpowder-armed soldiers, and explosion-causing 'powder mages' clash with traditional magics, more, and beliefs."—Publishers Weekly

"Gunpowder and magic. An explosive combination. Promise of Blood is the best debut I've read in ages."—Peter V. Brett

"I love the world Brian McClellan builds, Powder Mages with flintlock pistols against white-gloved Privileged for the fate of a nation and more. Promise of Blood feels like the start of something amazing."—Django Wexler

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

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.

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.