Promise of Blood

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Technical
  • ID: 9400
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781405519946
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2013-04-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Promise of Blood is the gripping first novel in Brian McClellan's acclaimed Powder Mage trilogy, which blends the thrill of gunpowder with the mystique of magic. The story unfolds amidst the turmoil of a king's overthrow, where whispers of omens and divine intervention add a layer of tension and mystery. The novel has been praised for its intense action, memorable characters, and rising stakes, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. /n/n Winner of the David Gemmell Morningstar Award, Promise of Blood introduces readers to a world where political intrigue and magical elements intertwine. The series has been lauded for its unique blend of gunpowder and magic, offering a fresh take on epic fantasy. With its explosive combination of action and intrigue, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre.

Reviews
Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2018-01-01
engaging 4.00

The character of Ka-Poel is particularly noteworthy, being both favourite and most interesting without saying a word.

A Reddit reviewer from the r/Fantasy community praised 'Promise of Blood' for its unique character, Ka-Poel, who stands out as both a favourite and the most interesting character without ever speaking. The reviewer appreciated the way the author managed to make such a character compelling. The review also touches on the overall enjoyment of the book, highlighting the clever world-building and the engaging narrative. The sentiment is positive, with a focus on the standout aspects of the story.


Quick quotes

    How Brian McClellan managed to make Ka-Poel my favourite and most interesting character without her ever saying a word is one of the joys of the book.

    The world-building was cleverly done and the historical/mythological/magical elements were well-integrated.

    The narrative was engaging and kept me hooked throughout.

Grimdark Magazine · 2015-08-21
brilliant 4.50

This book is a must-read for fans of the genre, with a gripping narrative and compelling characters. The world-building is intricate and immersive, making it a standout in fantasy literature.

Grimdark Magazine's review of 'Promise of Blood' is overwhelmingly positive, describing it as a brilliant book that readers should pick up immediately. The reviewer highlights the fast-paced narrative and the intricate world-building, which are particularly praised. The characters are compelling, and the twists and turns keep the reader engaged throughout. The review suggests that this book is a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre, with a unique setting and a story that stands out. The enthusiasm for the book is palpable, making it a highly recommended read.


Quick quotes

    Promise of Blood is a brilliant book that you need to pick up immediately.

    I'll race you through The Crimson Campaign and meet you at the end of the series.

    The world-building is intricate and immersive, making it a standout in fantasy literature.

Elitist Book Reviews · Shawn · 2013-04-24
joyful 5.00

The magic systems and the interplay of various powers are particularly enjoyable, making the reading experience a joy.

Shawn from Elitist Book Reviews found 'Promise of Blood' to be a joy to read. They particularly enjoyed the magic systems and the twists and turns of various powers, which added depth to the story. The interplay between different elements of the narrative was also highlighted as a strong point. The reviewer appreciated the clever world-building and the way the story unfolded, making it an engaging read. The overall tone of the review is positive, with a focus on the enjoyable aspects of the book.


Quick quotes

    Reading through the book was a joy.

    I enjoyed the magic systems and twists and turns of various powers.

    I also liked the interplay of the various elements in the story.

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