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Promise of Blood: Book One Of The Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McClellan is a complicated tale of revenge, conspiracy,
magic, secrets, and history. Set on another world during a time period of gunpowder,
kings, and industry change the read comes across as a fictionalized version of
our own history.
From the start, this fantasy is different than many. Field Marshal
Tamas has led a coup against his King and overthrown the government of his
country. Why? There are several reasons, but the simplest is that he was a bad
king. The privileged (Wizards) that serve in his cabal (a group of wizard
advisers, enforcers, etc.) were killed, but not before each one said the same
words--- “You Can’t Break Kresmir’s Promise.”
Kresmir is a god. Why they all said those words as they died is
strange as that is not something that is commonly said by the faithful. Tamas,
as he works to hold his shaky alliance together against enemies inside and
outside, arranges for Adamat, a retired Inspector to investigate the meaning as
well as their use by the recently deceased.
Also at work in this read is the lack of a relationship between
Tamas and his estranged son, Taniel. A gifted power mage (a wizard who can
manipulate gun power) as well as an experienced soldier who serves in his
Father’s army, he is frequently sent out on missions of various types by his
father. The nation is at war and so too are father and son in a very different
and all too personal way.
Against the political intrigue and other issues outlined above as
well as many others, is the claim by some that the gods have returned. Others
say they have not and yet there is some evidence they have. If they have returned
to walk among the mortals why would they do so? Why would the gods return now?
What do they want?
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This complicated fantasy novel is chock full of great characters
who are very different and have fully developed traits and personalities. While
the main characters are interesting so too are the numerous side characters who
could be main characters in another book. One of the side characters I very
much like is Olem. He serves as a bodyguard to Tamas and has a magical talent.
He never sleeps and faces the world by smoking cigars and making snide
comments. While his duty is to protect Tamas at all costs, he also feels an
obligation to comment in detail on the stupid decisions Tamas makes that put
his life in danger.
Another unique element is two of the main protagonists are old men
whose physical prime has long passed them by. Usually in a fantasy novel, the
book is focused on the characters that are just coming into their own. While
Taniel is doing that in a sense, both Tamas and Adamat have lived full lives by
this point and are dealing with the choices they have made over the decades and
are well aware of the fact they are far closer to the end than the beginning.
They are battling here because of love of family and not because of the greed
of a younger person.
Promise of Blood: Book One Of The Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McClellan is a book of depth and complications. It is the
first part of a trilogy and one that I very much enjoyed and has me hooked to
continue. If you like fantasy, a unique world, and a read with plenty of mystery,
you will enjoy this book.
My reading copy came from the Preston Royal Branch of The Dallas Public
Library System.
Scott A. Alexander ©2020
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