Promise of Blood cover art

Promise of Blood

The Powder Mage Trilogy, Book 1

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Promise of Blood

By: Brian McClellan
Narrated by: Christian Rodska
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About this listen

The Age of Kings is dead. And I have killed it.

Field Marshal Tamas' coup against his king sends corrupt aristocrats to the guillotine and brings bread to the starving. But it also provokes war in the Nine Nations, internal attacks by royalist fanatics and greedy scrambling for money and power by Tamas' supposed allies: the Church, workers' unions, and mercenary forces. Stretched to his limit, Tamas relies heavily on his few remaining powder mages, including the embittered Taniel, a brilliant marksman who also happens to be Tamas' estranged son, and Adamat, a retired police inspector whose loyalty will be tested to its limit.

Now, amid the chaos, a whispered rumour is spreading. A rumour about omens of death and destruction. Just old peasant legends about the gods returning to walk the Earth. No modern educated man believes that sort of thing.… But perhaps they should.

©2013 Brian McClellan (P)2013 Hachette Digital Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Magic Wizardry Magic Users War Royalty
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What made the experience of listening to Promise of Blood the most enjoyable?

I was apprehensive about a fantasy with magic and gunpowder.
But was pleasantly surprised by this book.
The book has comedy, battles, relationship troubles, and even a dollop of detective work going on. A mixture of all of these is what I like about this book.

What did you like best about this story?

Isn't this the same question as above
Oh well
I'd say the magic system is very well thought out and it's nice to see that more authors are trying to explain how the magic works in a more scientific way.

What does Christian Rodska bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I feel he does a great job with the characters voices.
And it would have taken me longer to read it myself as I listen on the way to work.
I do admit I have read some of the novella and now hear mr rodska's voices for the characters.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No I'm not one to cry at books
But laugh? Oh yes
Don't get me wrong this isn't a comedy like something by Pratchett.
But the humour is there in a more realistic tone

Any additional comments?

This book get compared to sanderson's mistborn trilogy
Well it's not as polished not is it as intricately written,
bit that's not to say it isn't a great read.
The characters are strong and most are the type you care enough if they die.
Even though some seem to have a substance abuse problem (ie the gun powder)
I think the series will only get stronger and recommend that you give it a fair crack.

A slow burning fuse that explodes to life

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It was a well told story, with solid voice acting. The problem is the story itself. it feels a tad underdeveloped. I am used to reading bigger fantasy books so maybe this is just me.

it's not a bad story at all and it's certainly worth a listen to. But it won't blow your mind 😎

Its well performed, but...

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I really enjoyed this audiobook. It had an engaging story and I thought the magic system was interesting. The narrator does a good job voicing the characters (possible a few too many gruff men around) and some were very well performed. The plot is fast paced and quite satisfying. Looking forward to the second book.

Top Entertainment

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The genre wasn't my usual preference, and initially I got lost with all new names of people / places / types of sourcery etc, but eventually it all starts to make sense and in the end I couldn't wait to listen to the next chapter. Potential film in the making!

The narration is one of the best, one narrator and a dozen+ different accents, I honestly thought it was more than one person! very good and I will be listening to the next book.

great listen! awesome narrative.

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Would you consider the audio edition of Promise of Blood to be better than the print version?

Yes. Although the reader isnt perfect, they are good and bring a nice level of nuance to the text. The story is well written, with interesting characters and a fascinating take on an unusual fantasy world.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Promise of Blood?

The first time we see a true powder mage in action.

Have you listened to any of Christian Rodska’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Yes, some of his work on history. Christian is a good and clearly versatile narrator and I will look out for more of his work

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Game of Thrones - the napoleonic era.

Any additional comments?

A very good series, recommended for those who enjoy a sweeping battle-of-nations style fantasy. Particularly recommended for fans of the Mistborn series.

Interesting, epic and real presented

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