Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan

Promise of Blood(www.brianmcclellan.com)

Type of Read:
Action-Adventure Fantasy/Flintlock Fantasy

Plot Summary:
The book begins when the coup to overthrow a monarchy has just been successfully completed. So what now? The main character, Field Marshall Tamas, must now squelch royalist rebellion, stabilize the city, and set up a new government. Oh, and did I mention that there are loyalist mages running around that are too strong to kill, a broken promise that is attached to a dangerous legend, and gods once again walk among men. Interested? You should be!

Strengths:
There are plenty of strengths in this book. I think the strongest aspect is the magic system. Unlike most epic fantasies, this book is not set in the middle ages with horses and sword fighting. Industry has advanced to the point where there are now guns (hence flintlock fantasy). There are two types of mages. There are the mages that we are all used to where they can touch the "ether" and use it manipulate the world around them. Then there are Powder Mages whose magic is centered around gun powder. They can ingest gun powder to enhance their senses such as eye sight and physical endurance. They can use gun powder to make accurate shots and keep bullets in the air longer in order to hit their targets. They can even sense gun powder and ignite it from a distance. It is a very interesting and different concept that is pulled off very well.
Then there are the characters. The book is written from several different view points. The multiple main characters in the book come to life and the reader becomes involved in each of their struggles. They each have their own motives for behaving the way they do. Even the background characters are captivating.

Weaknesses:
There are a lot of plots intertwining and if the reader is not paying attention, things can be missed. Important things that tie the plot lines together and carry over to the sequel. This isn't really a weakness, but this is not a book that one can skim through. Take your time while reading this book. Also, because this book has to do with war and fighting, there tends to be intense violence and a bit of language if you are sensitive to that. But think about it, a Field Marshall of an army isn't going to say "Oh shoot the enemy approaches."

Opinion and Recommendation:
I personally LOVED this book and would recommend it to fantasy lovers. There is plenty of action and adventure and just a touch of political intrigue. I'm usually not a fan of books that center around war, but this particular book fascinated me. I have actually read it twice and I don't do that often. So go pick up a copy from your local library or take the chance and just go out and buy it. Trust me, it will be worth it!