Wrath of Empire - Brian McClellan

Paperback, 639 pages

Published May 15th 2018 by Orbit

Gods of Blood and Powder #2

Fantasy

Own

My thoughts:

I really do not know whats with me and military fantasy, but I really do like it. Hey, who know! Well I did, since I have read a lot by now. I mean, this is so not for everyone. That I understand.

So, obvi you should read book 1 first, I mean this is fantasy, do not be an idiot..

Michel is infiltrating the Dynize so there we get spying and politics in the background.

Mad Ben is riding around with his lancers, and dang, I like him. They do have a mission and they kick a lof of Dynize butt on the way.

Taniel and Ka-Poel are being sneaky. In this book we get more of Ka-Poel and I finally understand her and I like her.

Vlora is trying to protect civilians and kicks butts along the way. Well, sure, not butts, more like raise your bayonets and ride down these pesky invaders.

We get battles, a hunt for the Godstones, saving people and trying to keep this country together cos it sure is falling to pieces.

Conclusion:'

While I read it I was all, yes this is a good book, but is it great? But then I finished it and was all, well yes it is great cos he is one fine author. He writes people and weaves some great plots. And now I look forward to more cos damn, these people be crazy!

Cover

Nice

Blurb:

The country is in turmoil. With the capital city occupied, half a million refugees are on the march, looking for safety on the frontier, accompanied by Lady Flint's soldiers. But escaping war is never easy, and soon the battle may find them, whether they are prepared or not.

Back in the capital, Michel Bravis smuggles even more refugees out of the city. But internal forces are working against him. With enemies on all sides, Michael may be forced to find help with the very occupiers he's trying to undermine.

Meanwhile, Ben Styke is building his own army. He and his mad lancers are gathering every able body they can find and searching for an ancient artifact that may have the power to turn the tides of war in their favor. But what they find may not be what they're looking for. 

Sins of Empire - Brian McClellan

An epic new fantasy series from Brian McClellan, set in the same world as his wildly popular Powder Mage trilogy.

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 a suppressed population and the machinations of powerful empires.

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

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. 

My thoughts:

After finishing the last trilogy I knew I had to read more by this author, and I did not have to wait long for this new series. I dove in head first and it's just one of those books you want to finish in a day, not matter length.

This one takes place 10 years later in a new place, with new people, except for Vlora, we saw her in the last series too. But you do not have to read that one to enjoy this one. This is a new country, new people, new conflicts, and when old things are mentioned it just breathes life into the novel. Of course you should totally still read that other series cos it was awesome.

It's a nation ruled by a powerful woman, but there is unrest. The people who lived there before is looked down upon and they want more say in matters. We get to know this world via a Michel, a spy. I always like those to investigate things and try to find out more what is happening so I liked him. Then we have Ben Stryke who has been in a work camp and is trying to get his life together again. He had some secrets. And of course Vlora, a general who with her merchants are paid by the chancellor. She is strong, she is awesome and takes no BS.

Rebels need to be flushed out. Conspiracies to be found and then there are even more secrets. It takes place in this city and everything is just alive. He does political intrigues so well and there is always something happening.

Conclusion:
I am totally looking forward to more. He is a really good writer. I liked his style of fantasy.

Cover
Nice

Paperback, 604 pages
Published March 9th 2017 by Orbit
Gods of Blood and Powder #1
Fantasy
Own

The Autumn Republic - Brian McClellan

The capital has fallen...

Field Marshal Tamas returns to his beloved country to find that for the first time in history, the capital city of Adro lies in the hands of a foreign invader. His son is missing, his allies are indistinguishable from his foes, and reinforcements are several weeks away.

An army divided...

With the Kez still bearing down upon them and without clear leadership, the Adran army has turned against itself. Inspector Adamat is drawn into the very heart of this new mutiny with promises of finding his kidnapped son.

All hope rests with one...

And Taniel Two-shot, hunted by men he once thought his friends, must safeguard the only chance Adro has of getting through this war without being destroyed...

My thoughts:

I do find myself somewhat disappointed. Yes it was a good ending to the trilogy. But that is just that, it was a good ending. It was not a brilliant ending. I read this book in 3 days. 3 days! I read the last book in 1. For those who did not get that, I meant that it was not spellbinding. 

Tamas is one cool general, but here I found myself yawning a bit at the war scenes. Mostly cos it was behind the war scenes. A quick campaign or some pillaging would be better. Now it was waiting, waiting, a bit of fire, thinking, and somewhat dull.

Taniel is good. I wanted more of him :/ Also I definitely wanted more of Ka-poel, I am still all what is she? Yes sorceress but still!

We also got a new privileged, but Nila rose too fast and there were too many question marks. What so no one ever saw anything and suddenly she is all powerful? That was easy. She could just have tried that earlier, but I guess she never did. Close to Mary Sue territory. But now as one minor character she escaped that cos I was more interested in Bo..he was weird.

And then of course Adamat who totally could have his own tv-series. Now that would be a interesting fantasy mystery show.

It all came together in the end. Is the kingdom better this way? The Gods can only tell...I do expect an uprising in 20 years or so. 

Conclusion:

But of course yes I enjoyed it. It was almost 600 pages and I still read it fast even though I did not have a lot of reading time. It was interesting, this form of fantasy is fresh and I am sad to see it all end. 

Cover

cool

Hardcover, 580 pages
Published February 10th 2015 by Orbit
Powder Mage #3
Fantasy
Library

2 Brian McClellan shorts and Dark lady's chosen by Gail Z Martin

Treachery and blood magic threaten King Martris Drayke's hold on the throne he risked everything to win. As the battle against a traitor lord comes to its final days, war, plague and betrayal bring Margolan to the brink of destruction. Civil war looms in Isencroft. Finally, in Dark Haven, Lord Jonmarc Vahanian has bargained his soul for vengeance as he leads the vayash moru against a dangerous rogue who would usher in a future drenched in blood.

My thoughts:

I did feel like the whole series fell apart for me in this one. I was not interested at all.

Tris spent most of the time in a tent or well outside the tent. His character lacked depth.

Kiara was somewhat better as she tried to navigate the court and people tried to kill her. But honestly even her character was flat and showed nothing.

Jonmarc actually showed some feelings. He did his best to keep the peace between humans and vamps.

Then there was Cam who spend the entire book in a cell and who cares, and his sister Carina who *yawn* did something.

The book took place during a week, and honestly only book 1 showed any real promise. I think it would have been better if book 2-4 would have been 2 books instead of 3.

The book left me disappointed. And too bad that I have the first of the sequel, sigh.

Paperback, 595 pages
Published February 4th 2010 by Solaris
Chronicles of the Necromancer #4
Fantasy
Own

Vlora is an orphan living at a boarding school as a ward of the state. Even at her young age, she already has enemies: the Bulldog Twins, Baron Fendamere, and her own headmistress. When a strange man offers to buy her, Vlora runs away and takes to the roofs above the gunsmithies of Hrusch Avenue. It is there that she meets a boy named Taniel and begins a friendship that will change her life forever. 

My thoughts:

This is the story of how Vlora met Taniel.

I am so bad with reviewing short stories, cos they are short!

Vlora has courage, she wants more. She meets Taniel, and that meeting puts her in the right direction.

I like these shorts, even if I do not have a lot to say at the end. I also think it might even work as a stand alone. But hey do read the series! This is just one of the prequels ;)

 

ebook, 29 pages
Published June 28th 2013
Fantasy
Own

Taniel is a powder mage; a flintlock marksman with the ability to imbibe common black powder to strengthen his mind, body, and senses, as well as shoot over long distances. Sent into short-term exile by his father, he's supposed to see some of the world and cool his head, to learn something besides life in the Adran army. His arrival in exile, however, coincides with the eruption of a bloody new conflict as the colony of Fatrasta rises up against its Kez suppressers. Taniel has certain talents that the Fatrastan militia could very well use, and he just can't help but get involved... 

My thoughts:

It's the story how Taniel met Ka Poel.

Ok so this is a short story, so not a lot will happen. A war is coming, he wants to fight. There is danger, there is Ka Poel. The end.

It takes place before the powder mage trilogy.

A nice short story. Always good being back in this world.

Kindle Edition, 38 pages
Published May 29th 2014
Fantasy
Own

The Crimson Campaign - Brian McClellan

"The hounds at our heels will soon know we are lions". Tamas's invasion of Kez ends in disaster when a Kez counter-offensive leaves him cut off behind enemy lines with only a fraction of his army, no supplies, and no hope of reinforcements. Drastically outnumbered and pursued by the enemy's best, he must lead his men on a reckless march through northern Kez to safety, and back over the mountains so that he can defend his country from an angry god. In Adro, Inspector Adamat only wants to rescue his wife. To do so he must track down and confront the evil Lord Vetas. He has questions for Vetas concerning his enigmatic master, but the answers might come too quickly. With Tamas and his powder cabal presumed dead, Taniel Two-shot finds himself alongside the god-chef Mihali as the last line of defence against Kresimir's advancing army. Tamas's generals bicker among themselves, the brigades lose ground every day beneath the Kez onslaught, and Kresimir wants the head of the man who shot him in the eye.

My thoughts:

I was I could be all eloquent, but alas, I am the kind of reviewer that goes OMG and amazeballs! I feel like I should go all proper with this one, say those fine words and analyse. But like I said, that is not me. So imagine a long thoughtful review while I go on with my business ;)

This book is so amazing! Flintlock fantasy is just so cool, it's different when it mixes magic and guns. And it's another era.

Our 3 main guys are Tamas, who gets stuck in Kez and is hunted by the enemy army. Sure he brought down a king and nobility, but he cares for his soldiers and his country. But most of all, his revenge. I like him.

Adamat is still trying to find his wife and kids. He is kind of the normal guy that is not so normal. He is a good ex-cop, and he never gives up.

Then we have Tanil who brought down a God. But he has new battles to fight and I got to know him and Pole better in this book. They are quite the pair. 

Then we have others, baddies, army folk, Nila who is still trying to save that kid and others. All in all making is a great cast of characters who I care for, and who I hate.

War, guns, magic and a country that does not know which foot to stand on. This book has it all and more. Rich characters, a good world, interesting magic and characters who feel real. They are not heroes all the time, they are just people.

Conclusion:

Totally a fantasy series that I recommend. I read it in a day :) A good day it was too.

Cover

cool

Hardcover, UK edition, 596 pages
Published May 6th 2014 by Orbit (first published January 1st 2014)
The Powder Mage #2
Fantasy
Library

Novella review: Forsworn - Brian McClellan

Erika ja Leora is a powder mage in northern Kez, a place where that particular sorcery is punishable by death. She is only protected by her family name and her position as heir to a duchy.

When she decides to help a young commoner—a powder mage marked for death, fugitive from the law—she puts her life and family reputation at risk and sets off to deliver her new ward to the safety of Adro while playing cat and mouse with the king’s own mage hunters and their captain, Duke Nikslaus.

Occurs 35 years before the events in Promise of Blood.

My thoughts:

Some novellas and short stories are just that, short. Then there are those that are just perfect like they are, and this one was :)

I think there is a fine line when writing novellas. Most often I get that feeling I want more, and not in a good way, they are just too short. I can't say how McClellan managed to make it so good but he did. This was an episode in Erika's life and yes of course I want more. But this story was perfect like it was. I just want more by the author instead.

Ok yes yes I should stop talking about novellas, but you guys know me ;)

Erika is a powdermage in a country where that is bad, but she is also a grand daughter of a Duke so that saved her. As lucky is not the person on the run she finds and decides to help. There is danger before them.

And I liked meeting Erika as I knew from the book who she was. The little I knew also seemed interesting so this was fun to read. Now I kind of also want to see what she said when she meets a certain person for the first time.

As it does take place before Promise of Blood you can read it before, or read it after. Just read it. The end.

Cover Snark
It kind of looks like some old painting. I can't say it's truly fitting, but it's ok 

Kindle Edition, 64 pages
Published January 21st 2014 by Brian McClellan
Fantasy
For review

• Amazon
• Nook
• Kobo
• Amazon.co.uk

Best of 2013

Now where did 2013 go? Anyway, before we start with the best of I will give some stats from a year of blogging :)

I read 211 books last year + 10 short stories

I dnf 9 books (or so)

I listened to 9 audio books (all this fall, I am quite smitten, but I do have a hard time finding good ones)

And now to the Top 5 of 2013, in now real order as that would be too hard

I had planned to make another book best book of the year, but when I had a look back I of course remembered this one from early 2013. I was so caught up in this book and when I finished it I was all o_O Fantastico! Never ever have book 2 in a series made me feel like this. It was an awesome book.

This one was meant to be the best, but then in a way it was still the best book of the year cos I really can't compare The Kingdom and this book. The Kingdom was a masterpiece of emotions while Promise of Blood was a masterpiece of writing. The best fantasy book of this year and a chunkster I could not put down. I fell in love.

And the rest are in no real order

The first 150 pages I was all holy F this is exciting! Omg Hugh!!! Squeeee. Best Kate book so far.

This was epic fantasy at it's best, it was just so bloody epic. Never have there been a city like this city.

This series had NOT compared to Mercy and when I started book 3 I did not really have any hopes for it. But it showed to be the best in the series so far and I do love this series now. This is was Briggs rule.

And here are some of the other good books I have read this year, all awesome 4 stars

Series started this year: Too many
Series finished: Too few

Most read Author this year: Karen Miller
Fav genre of the year. Still Fantasy













Best covers of the year, I can't decide between these 3:

Here is to hoping 2014 will be awesome too!

Review: Hope's End - Brian McClellan

A Powder Mage short

Captain Verundish has two problems. On campaign with the Adran army and far from her homeland, she is helpless when the young daughter she left at home is threatened. To make matters worse, General Tamas has put her lover in command of a Hope's End—the first charge through a breach straight into the teeth of enemy cannon and sorcery. To save the people she loves, Verundish will have to come up with a deadly solution...

My thoughts:

When it comes to short stories I never have much to say...cos they are short...very short. And this one was..16 page..ish.

The story takes place before Promise of Blood so read it before, read it after, it does not matter. Just read it.

The story was about Verundish who has some...drama in her life (since it's short story I wont spoil it). She is in a tight spot. I liked her, honor and duty, loyal and sacrificing. 

The story is about the charge called Hope's End. As the name says it will be deadly and without hope. What to do is the question?

I usually want more when it comes to short stories and not always in a good way. But here it actually worked as a short story. Sure I want more, but I was also happy with what I got. It was short and good and I enjoyed it.

Conclusion:

Short and nice :)

Cover

Eh

ebook
Published September 23rd 2013 by Brian McClellan
Fantasy
Powder Mage 0
From the author

Review: Promise of Blood - Brian McClellan

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

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. 

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.

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...

My thoughts:

I can never do good fantasy justice. You know how I ramble on. The book was good, the book was excellent. What more is there truly to say? If you like fantasy I will definitely recommend it.

But I will try.

Fantasy and guns. I have come across it before and thought it was cool, and yes it was still cool cos it is different. On top of that we have an interesting magic system where some snort in gun powder and get more powerful. Gotta love that idea. But the ones with a different power do not like the powder mages. Good start for some drama.

As for the premise think the French Revolution. Down with the king and nobles and send them to the guillotine. Just add in magic and Gods.

The book had me hooked from page 1. The story was good and the characters fascinating. Tamas who orchestrated the whole thing to save his country from a neighboring one. Adamat, a former police officer who is sent to find some answers. Taniel who is know to have killed Privileged (those with great powers). Then we have others like a young woman trying to protect a boy from a noble family, another woman who wreaks havoc in the city after the fall, and others who I grew to like.

The book kept up a good pace and at the end I needed more. Because more is sure to come. I like where he left it. Enough to want more, but not ending with a horrible cliffhanger.

Conclusion:

So like I said I recommend it. And book 2 is coming out in February, I am so glad that there is not a long wait.

Hardcover, 548 pages
Published April 16th 2013 by Orbit
The Powder Mage #1
Fantasy
Library