Powder Mage Trilogy - REVIEW

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Get The First Book: amzn.to/2CULN1r

[@emilpetrov9173]

Have you done a video on the shining since its sequence recently had a movie made about it

[@jackinthebox1993]

@@emilpetrov9173 I was just gonna say a review of either that or doctor sleep woulda been pretty cool. I just finished doctor sleep on audiobook, and the while movie was good, I loved the book a lot better, as is the case with most adaptations

[@ANT96-x8d]

Last month a Lord Of The Rings actress says that Gandalf should be female in the upcoming Amazon tv show. WTSF?!? Again with forced diversity in a franchise?!?

[@derekdurst9216]

Read the second trilogy in the series: Gods of Blood and Powder! It’s just as good, with a combo of new and old characters and even higher stakes!

[@Jrdn357]

+Daniel Greene I'm sorry if this is just another annoying comment recommending books. But I really want you to read and review this series. It's called Mortal Engines. In my opinion, it's the greatest Sci-Fi story ever told. I'll try my best to get your interest peaked here. So, in the book, society has created these horrible energy weapons that can wipe out cities. After a massive war that decimated the planet, known as the Sixty Minute War, mankind immobilized their settlements, and basically put them on wheels. Then these motorized, moving cities roam the wasteland, consuming smaller towns for fuel and raw materials. I won't spoil much, but there are also loads of cool little unique features, the story is awesome and really original, and there is like endless lore and backstory. The characters and world is great, the ideas are SO COOL, etc. They're only three hundred pages per book, and you'd probably get through them quickly. I'm 11 and I finished each in a week. You've really got nothing to lose, not even much time. I just want you to give them a try. Best regards, Jordan.

[@ryanratchford2530]

I need to read this trilogy. But there’s so many things to read

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

My life struggle in one comment.

[@hansyolo8277]

Completely agreed. I'm halfway through Stormlight 3, deciding what I want to read after that. So many books.... But that's what happens when you don't read anything other than what school forces you to for years.

[@Yesica1993]

Story of my life!

[@bruceh9780]

I got into this series from a recommendation on Brandon Sanderson's page (after reading all of his stuff). The series is very readable, and I shot through it very quickly. :)

[@ryanratchford2530]

Daniel Greene not to even mention writing our own novels 😂

[@user-ep5bk1un5d]

Napoleon would have loved to have a few powder mages in his artillery.

[@charleskershaw5341]

Napoleon was a bitch.

[@mariosmatzoros3553]

@@charleskershaw5341 56 battles won, more than any other general in history.

[@charleskershaw5341]

@@mariosmatzoros3553 WATERLOOOOO.. WATERLOOOOO.. WATERLOO WATERLOO WATERLOOOOO!!! he was a tyrant who died like a bitch in exile. Wellington all the way :)

[@GrimReader]

Better read your history then. Prussia more than Wellington was responsible for Waterloo and although considered a tyrant was a far better ruler than the British. Read some Michael Broers

[@GrimReader]

@@ameyaagarwal1170 Are you out of your mind? He was the definition of a ruler he broke up the Holy Roman Empire, defeated numerous plots and was so successful it took the British six coalitions. That is one of the dumbest takes I've ever read. And as to the non-stop war yes it was but from equal amount expansion and provocation. It would have been a better outcome had Napoleon won at Waterloo, an actual challenge to the Habsburgs and Hohenzollern read the book on him by Michael Broers, absolute ignorance you've shown

[@themanmrbijok7364]

I met the author at Comic Con in London last year. Really nice bloke. He was inspired to write these books by the BBC Sharpe series the Sean Bean.

[@Mgooy]

@@No-hf5xb *THE Sean Bean

[@malinbohman6550]

I found this trilogy through your channel, and I just can't thank you enough. It is, by far, the most engaging read I've had in a looong time. Pacing and high stakes kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire series - I burned through all three books in less than a week. Such grounded characters with such distinct voices, I couldn't but fall in love with them all. Simply put, I was blown away by this series. So, thank you for introducing me not only to McClellan's work, but to flintlock fantasy as a subgenre!

[@chrisharrislimbsalvage6641]

Literally just finished this series last night. Loved it. I actually started with his second series in this world ‘Gods of Blood and Powder’ on accident. Loved going back and reading the first series while I impatiently wait for the 3rd book of the second series to be released. Great review. I thought it interesting that Brian got to study under Sanderson. Brian was able to hook me just like Sanderson has.

[@VicRibeiro777]

You should really check out the Short Stories that go with the Powder Mage trilogy. See my comment above for a link to goodreads and a chronological order of the stories. It really adds to the whole. ;)

[@chrisharrislimbsalvage6641]

Vic Ribeiro thanks! I’ll do that.

[@ballisticbread]

Literally same!

[@poggies7639]

Isn’t the second series also kind of sequel of sorts to the first? (Not a direct one, I know, but I’ve been told it’s in the same world)

[@chrisharrislimbsalvage6641]

@@poggies7639 yeah is like a decade later but lot of the same characters

[@matrimcauthon1850]

You forgot to mention Adamat and the sort of Sherlock Holmes side story going on in the trilogy. One of my favourite parts at least.

[@danagray9709]

I was so surprised at how much I liked that part of the story. I'm not a huge mystery fan and was really worried they would take what was supposed to be a fantasy book and turn it into a detective novel. I loved that Adamat was almost TOO mortal. He was a brilliant detective expected to investigate people who could easily destroy him. What a brilliant character!

[@akro586]

feels bad I wish the author explored saving his son more

[@Nick_DIA]

You are my fave of the taeverin

[@TomOostenrijk]

I feel sorry for Adamat

[@davidryan8547]

Glad you brought that up.

[@blazingdisciple4070]

One of my favorite book series. Thank you, sir.

[@kmk1225]

Series reviews seem fine to me! It allows you to cover more material in a shorter span of time, and have enough interesting material to actually talk about. Keep em' coming.

[@seamusb9012]

I picked these up after this review and this trilogy is awesome, I really loved all 3 books. The characters are great and the setting is so unique. Read them!

[@MellonVegan]

It's not the grandest thing out there, not the most epic or poetic one... but I just loved it. Just a riveting story.

[@anthonymcarthur7943]

You should read Django Wexler’s “The Thousand Names” series. Another flintlock fantasy that revolves around character. Just as good, if not a bit better in places, than The Powder Mage trilogy.

[@Grimscribe732]

The Thousand Names is just the name of the first book in the series, the series is called The Shadow Campaigns. Other than that, I agree. It is a fantastic read and at least on par with Powder Mage.

[@kacperszafranski2983]

Yes !

[@michaelhawkins4169]

I too would recommend the shadow campaign series.

[@mrvulture8981]

so when i find that i will be reading 4 books at the same time... i am screwed

[@danagray9709]

I will be looking into this. Just finished a trilogy and was wondering what to read next!

[@luscarora703]

I really recommend the draconis memoria series from Anthony Ryan. It's flintlock fantasy with DRAGONS. It's really interesting worldbuilding as well.

[@rokkkrinn2793]

I shot a God in the eye, and all I got was pstd. Loved this series and all the little stories he released as well

[@CosmicG777]

I heard the synopsis for the 1st book is the main character tries to stop the return of a mad, Old god. So naturally my HP Lovecraft bells start ringing.

[@chaz9808]

Started the first book and I really love the characters already

[@ma2keep]

I really enjoy the series review approach you took for this video. And no spoilers as well. Amazing.

[@ethanfaris]

I'm sad that you didn'y mention his relationship to Sanderson. He feels like Sanderson's apprentice and his Second series has levelled everything up and I'm very excited to see the author he will become.

[@poggies7639]

I’m a bit sad we won’t get much more stuff in the powder mage universe tbh. (I mean Brian has sad he’s not ruled it out but it’ll likely only happen if he’s struck by a sudden inspiration as he plans to focus on other series instead)

[@scott5888]

His follow up series, starting with Sins of Empire, is even better. McClellan really shined in those books

[@gabrielroot4948]

I came across this book series the other day at my local bookstore and was intrigued by what I’d read about the description and now I watched the first little bit of your video and I’m glad to hear that it is as good as it sounded, I’ll go pick it up and read it then come back and finish this video at a later date however I’m gonna leave a like on the video 👍🏼 keep up the great work, love your videos

[@VicRibeiro777]

www.goodreads.com/series/99602-powder-mage do yourself a favour and read the accompanying short stories too.

[@melleklaver8021]

Just yesterday put this serie on my Christmas list so your timing is spot on👍

[@DjigitDaniel]

Not only is this series incredible, but the audiobook narration across the trilogy and novellas is brilliant. Also, a RPG exists with great art and fantastic world building information that isn't otherwise published. Lastly, the author is a decent guy. LOL

[@DjigitDaniel]

@@BooksRebound, I actually haven't. Got lost in the original trilogy and supporting materials, forgot about the other books. Thanks for reminding me to update my list. LOL

[@williamtracy1089]

Love the series review concept. Idc if the first book in a series is great if it only goes down hill from there. Love what you do. I work night shift. I get home and wait for you to post your video before going to bed.

[@MeTaLISaWeSoMe95]

I love how the sequel series includes Cannon's in the things powder mages can utilize. They curve a fucking cannonball man... A fucking cannonball

[@marcobarison5138]

Thank you for introducing me to this trilogy. Listening on Audible on my drive to and from work. Just brilliant!

[@therealdavemg5511]

I was just thinking about picking this series up. Now you moved it to the top of my list.

[@rokkkrinn2793]

It's awesome!

[@CosmicG777]

You will love it.

[@JessicaStellmann]

I think the whole series review thing is awesome! As you said keeps it from getting repetitive, and there is so much to read out there that it's nice to get a holistic review of the whole series, so that if quality drops off or the plot takes a turn, etc. I don't start the series only to be disappointed.

[@yafes_han]

Finally Daniel, you got this. Please continue with following trilogy. It is better

[@jackinthebox1993]

Going back to watching this, I really liked this setup the most

[@mermanhellville]

I've read all three books in about a week. And they're long. They're pretty good especially for a debut. I really enjoyed the mix of magic and gunpowder, the general aesthetic is what got me interested in the first place. Loved the social/political changes described, which was a nice change from the usual "we gotta defeat an evil mage" or whatever. I'm trying to make my brother read the series, since he's a historian specializing in the Napoleonic era and I'm really curious what his thoughts will be.

[@ScottsThoughts]

Promise of Blood just showed up in the mail for me tonight. I'm about to start reading it. I've never read flintlock-fantasy. But it sounds like such a fascinating sub genre I just have to experience it.

[@JARHuygebaert]

Sins of Empire, the first book of the second trilogy, is one of the best books i've ever read

[@bruceh9780]

Agreed, McClellan did an amazing job on Sins of Empire, especially considering the vast majority of the characters and the setting are all new. He manages to bring them in to the story quickly and masterfully.

[@harley2166]

Got thr 1st book for xmas because of your positive review...hope it holds up aha :)

[@stickfigure4276]

One of the finest trilogies i have ever read in my life! Why is this not more well known??

[@CarrackPilot]

This is interesting. I am going to check to it out when I get my next audible credits.

[@Ivielynn123]

It's funny bc this is the next series on my tbr I'm planning on reading after my current book.

[@VicRibeiro777]

don't miss out on reading the short stories too, it adds to the whole nicely. www.goodreads.com/series/99602-powder-mage.

[@bbotti14]

Powder Mage is fantastic and I'm glad to see it get more press here

[@Sleepgarden]

I see the cover and I'm like "Joel?"

[@CojoSC]

I feel like it is important to mention that the audiobook version of this series is FANTASTIC. Narrator Christian Rodska has such a grand speaking voice that really sucks you into this world. His narrative voice is an interesting mix of 1800's British with a modern cadence that helps you get sucked into this "time period" and era without losing track of what is happening in the story. He puts such raw emotion into the right places to the point where you can really hear the spit fly when he shouts. Easy recommend to any audiobook fan for just the narration alone.

[@neriumsuitedher]

Agreed, the ending was stellar. I like the sequel so far too.

[@vetchb.s.c.1612]

I've been craving flintlock fantasy ever since reading Lloyd Alexander's Westmark trilogy in high school. It's good to see the genre get some well crafted love.

[@Flidflight]

Listened to this on audio-book a few years ago and it is masterfully done in that medium.

[@EvanAllen]

I love the powder mage series! I shoot guns myself and seeing it work in fantasy gave me another way to connect. The next trilogy in the same world is better in my opinion though, you should try it after your mile long TBR.

[@marcobarison5138]

I just finished listening to the trilogy... loved every bit of it. I would have never pick it up without your suggestion, thanks!

[@parker2520]

Met Brian at a con and he was a super stellar and kind person. I should mention that he said his feelings about the Powder Mage audiobooks were so-so because he wasn’t contacted beforehand so there’s some mispronunciations of major characters names and such. That being said, the narrator’s voice and performance are very engaging.

[@igotissues1386]

Picked this up on ebook when it was $10 for all three. Definitely no regrets being as it's my first flintlock fantasy series! I'm about halfway through the second book and it's so much fun. I love the investigative sections with Adamat and even those can be pretty action packed.

[@lorcand6670]

This has got to be my favourite book of all time. It's got great characters, a better sequel series, a nice topping of politics and a kick-ass magic system.

[@hampuslundstrom9249]

I like the series review, and you could still do more in-depth reviews of the books in the series if there is popularity for it

[@rambophile3294]

It's one of my favorite series, and the next trilogy, gods of blood and powder, is as awesome as the Powder Mage. Mccellan is top notch, glad you like it.

[@MarilouParu]

Perfect timing XD The second book just arrived a few mins ago

[@stanhoneycutt7544]

Finished the first trilogy and now I’m into the 2nd. Strongly recommend.

[@Brizzber]

Well talk about timing. I just finishes the trilogy today. It was a great read. The plot was action packed and well written and the inter-character relationships - escpecially the "family drama" - were handled mostly believable. The trilogy actually got better from book to book. But in terms of time I always imangined it more around our worlds 1850's than the napoleonic wars.

[@VicRibeiro777]

www.goodreads.com/series/99602-powder-mage you should read the short stories too, they add a bunch to the world. :)

[@RD22TT]

Definitely enjoyed this trilogy and I'm waiting for the second trilogy to be wrapped up in December.

[@dominicwyartt3598]

Absolutely love this series, I’m just getting to the third book and I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters

[@captainred22449]

The coup in the beginning was brutal and had me wanting to know more as I kept on reading. The chase through Kez was awesome and the Adran-Kez was was absolutely brutal. I like how Brian separated 3 types of magic in this, Privileged are powerful sorcerers who touch the Else and bring in sorcery, Powder Mages uses gunpowder to enhance their abilities and Knacked are your run at the mill type of magic. A brutal beginning and an Explosive ending to Tamas’s journey

[@stephencruickshank3868]

Really liked this series. It’s just fun. Nothing overly fancy.

[@Iggy1eco]

Ok Daniel, you convinced me. I'm intrigued af

[@D-Wells0203]

I know I’m years late to this video but I saw your review and have just finished the trilogy. Overall I really enjoyed this very different take on fantasy, as it was my first foray into flintlock. Just wanted to say THANK YOU for this review. I might have otherwise missed out on this great world and cast of characters. If anyone is on the fence about this series, take Daniel’s advice and give this series a try!

[@winterohern895]

Well going to have to add this to my tbr mostly cause of the snorting gun powder thing that sounds wild

[@ironstarofmordian7098]

Two shot was a G.

[@farazkhan0]

Man I've just completed this series last month and it's all because of you review of Book 1 and I agree this is a great Trilogy and probably has the best magic system I've read so far, Thank you for the recommendation.

[@kelsierii4747]

If youre into magic systems you should try brandon sanderson, his books focus a lot on that

[@farazkhan0]

@@kelsierii4747 already did that. He is even better.

[@tomanddonnapickel2139]

I have read all the Powder Mage Books to date, which includes the initial trilogy, several short stories and 2 of the three books in the second trilogy. This is by far my favorite series so far. McClellan interweaves action, humor and drama into his stories masterfully. I cannot wait to pick up Blood of Empire when the audio book is published in March 2020. Oh you forgot there are 4 magic systems: Privileged, Knacked, Powder Mages and Bone Eye (Ka POel in the first trilogy).

[@vladtheimpaler9577]

"They are friends...BELIEVE ME". That is so accurate.

[@patrickryan8157]

Series reviews seem like a good idea. The format may needed to be tweeked a bit down the road, depending on how many books are in the series or time between releases, but overall, a good idea. I was going to mention maybe giving the title of the first book in a series would help, but I see you took care of that in the pinned comment. First time commenter, been viewing since early this year. Congratulations on the channel!

[@christianguerrero9239]

Tanyel freaking 2 shot the red hand I’m one of those hard-core fans of this series and the trilogy that comes after I like your videos keep them coming man

[@joewar2028]

Brian Mcclellan might be my favorite author right now. The second trilogy is chef's kiss

[@Deathwalking]

Anthony Ryan has a trilogy startimg with The Waking Fire that is in that same sort of vein that is good

[@Kim-gy9pl]

I like the series review. It let's me know if the overall series felt complete, without tons of spoilers. A+

[@berentook]

I have not read much flintlock fantasy but i loved this trilogy and am looking forward to the next series.

[@PatrickMusilek]

I loved the Powder Mage trilogy when I read them, and I am really excited about the new trilogy in the same universe.

[@Nasser851000]

Will there be more author deep dives?

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

YES!

[@Marie45610]

I've actually had the first book of this series on my TBR for a while. Good to hear it could be worth a read. I hadn't really heard anything about it, the summery just sounded like something I'd enjoy.

[@danagray9709]

I read the first book expecting not to like it. I was out of new books to read and couldn't figure out who to read. I gave it a chance and was blown away at how good it was. Definitely worth the read! I liked Adam so much I gave him a cameo in my DnD game (Magical food FTW). Regarding the lethality of bullets, I definitely agree that he did this well. I love how a mere bullet is basically scoffed at by most privileged until they start dying with ease. I also love how the author hammers home the fact that a bullet can kill anyone in the right circumstances and follows it up by showing instances where the bullet fails, and you as the reader are actually surprised and thinking "Crap, he survived that!?"

[@clarkkentnaruto4322]

Hi there Daniel. How are you doing? Thank you for another great review. If I was not already buried under 2 tomes and an almost tome, I would start that series today. I am interested.

[@mariapazgonzalezlesme]

Magic and guns? Family dynamics? Kingdoms and actions? Okay, Daniel. You captured my attention. Give me this book.

[@gunnerbriscoe3315]

Aren’t there four magic systems? The three you mentioned and the Bone Eye one?

[@CHAAAAAOTIC]

I got this books as a recommendation from my friend. They sucked me in, I picked up the first one and I don’t think I’ve ever read a full trilogy of books that fast before.

[@D-Wells0203]

Great review! On the topic of Flintlock Fantasy...I would love to hear you review the Destiny’s Crucible Series by Olan Thorenson. It’s sort of a thought experiment in some ways. Anyway, I hope you check it out. FYI - no real magic system in this series. But there are elements of Sci Fi. It’s actually hard for me to classify this series in one category. Sort of Fantasy/Historical Fiction/Sci Fi.

[@kevinalbora562]

I’m down for a series review, especially if the next on is Farseer Trilogy!

[@AntoH]

Has Daniel reviewed Farseer Trilogy yet? i was thinking to buy the series but not too sure yet

[@drew956]

I listened to the entire series on audible and I loved it! Christian Rodska was the perfect choice! You should read sins of empire, if the final book is good, it might be even better. Also give The Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett a try.

[@VicRibeiro777]

strangely i tried listening to this series as audio-book, started it twice, but lost interest. It is not that the guy read it badly, it is weird, some books are better when you read them yourself. So i dropped the audio-book and started reading it, and did not look back. check out the short stories too, it really adds to the overall world.

[@turtleanton6539]

Wow this really seems awesome.

[@WIMTAL]

Hi Daniel! I ve started the PowderMage Trilogy and I like it... But I've just finished "Soul of the World" by David Mealing and it is a huuuuuuge crush!!! I don't know if you already read it. It s flintlock epic fantasy (but leveled up) and the story is soooooo great. I am so surprised that nobody speak about this book and the serie (the Ascension Cycle). If you read it I will be glad to spoke about it with you... You have a lot of followers and maybe the book will be see much better than on my Booksta account 😂 Thank you for all your work and videos. Take care 👍

[@Wayne_C_Kelly_II]

Thank You

[@kylerbooks]

Have you read the Shadow Campaigns series, the first book is called The Thousand Names? Or is this series on your radar?

[@saintjoan67]

Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky, is a standalone flintlock fantasy novel that I would highly recommend. Its got fantastic characterisation and is much more emotionally impactful than your typical "military story". Basically, it starts in a monarchy neighbouring a country where evolutionaries have assassinated their king, launching a wave of bloodshed after generations of peace, and the monarchy intervenes to defeat the revolution. Eventually, this young woman called Emily Marshwic gets dragged into the conflict. As the war worsens, Emily begins to doubt who the true enemy really is, however, and the version of events that her government wants its people to believe about the war.....

[@aeliasventura]

Is there another book or series that you would recommend that falls into the flintlock fantasy?

[@pilentus]

Powder Mage is my favorite book series ever :D

[@mjcesar22]

Waw... then you should try the french saga Ars Obscura

[@ryanratchford2530]

I heard that the magic systems where like the old school soft elemental magic wizards vs the new scientific gun powder hard system. (Does it live up to that?)

[@skizzit]

That is a big part of it. The powder mages were made specifically to oppose regular mages. There is even a few people who are Anti-mages and where they come from I thought was a really clever idea.

[@AmrSabbagh]

that's one of the better elements of the series. the fact the that it has several magic systems that range from pretty hard to extremely soft

[@nicademous6396]

Daniel, I think you may have underplayed how awesome the character dynamics are ; p I really enjoy this genre and would like love if it was called black powder fantasy. Any idea how flintlock took the lime light? If you like military fantasy there is a series on my shelf that I will add in here later. It has fantasy (Elves and fantasy races), black powder weapons, and magic! I am going to edit the post when I get home and find the series to include the name.

[@VicRibeiro777]

please remember to edit the post, im curious about this series you mentioned ^_^

[@spottheturtle9568]

I'm about halfway through the first one and I'm really enjoying it. I actually did these backwards. I read the Gods of blood and powder trilogy first. I loved them and knew I was going to have to get the first three. I can't wait for his new IP coming in 22.

[@cody8027]

I've read the trilogy, and the first book of the second. I was really surprised by the choices they made with the returning characters and whole heartedly recommended it.

[@otiswhitt1129]

Very much enjoyed this series, if you get the time you should check out “The Iron Elves”

[@greentop1239]

I fucking love this series. The original three inspired me to pursue my writing with much greater gusto, and the newer trilogy has my fully engrossed.

[@dragoninthewest1]

2:00 speak for yourself, I want to play as a Powder mage Sorcerer for my next D&D.

[@aidonis98]

Check out the Lions of Al-Rassan by GGK. While not flintlock, it is military fantasy done to perfection. I adore these book by McClellan. Taniel has become possibly my favorite character in fantasy. My only gripe is he isn't around enough in the 2nd trilogy.

[@reklessbravo2129]

So far the second trilogy is even better than the first imo and there are a bunch of really good short stories

[@otiswhitt1129]

Wholeheartedly agree

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I really like series reviews because I like to know if a series has a good ending and payoff. If the finale is a flop, I want to know. Also, it'd be interesting to hear about the other gun fantasy books you have read. Lightbringer has guns, but I can't think of any others you've reviewed.

[@dirtybirdperson4020]

I'm currently into the second trilogy myself. I'd been looking for a Napoleonic fantasy novel since I first read ASOIAF, and day dreamed about what this world would be like advanced a few centuries with muskets and artillery. Even the WOT universe perked my interest with that oh so small taste in the future angreal machine.

[@dirtybirdperson4020]

Also I kinda like the way Mistborn did it, giving us a sword age AND then a industrial sequel

[@surferboy009009]

Great review, I’m glad you read the series it’s one of my favorite. No rush but your should give the second era a shot once the last book comes out.

[@The_LazyDragon]

I loved the trilogy and really need to read the sequel series. Taniel and Ka-Poel's relationship is also very enjoyable. Especially at the end.

[@willforlife_]

Nice good video makes me wanna try him out, have heard of him before, feels like he's a historian as well

[@JohnBradford14]

Would it be fair to say that Flintlock Fantasy and Gaslamp Fantasy are two separate period-based motifs similarly to, let's say, Steampunk vs. Dieselpunk?