Promise Of Blood - Powder Mage Review

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Do you like your fantasy books with some shoot bangs?

[@henryc6632]

nah but bang shoots are pretty great

[@Aethernaut755]

Depends on how well it's done

[@williamzona9773]

This is the first time I've heard of flintlock fantasy so I looked it up and was amazed by the covers and summaries,I'm defiantly going to put that on my book list

[@JNFattorini]

Daniel, long time fan, love your videos. I recommend you jump into The Expanse. It's the best currently ongoing space opera series! You'll love it.

[@connorb9192]

Normally I prefer a very medieval styled landscape but this was a book that I suprisingly enjoyed and never continued. Thank you for bringing it back to my attention!

[@michaelfowler6239]

Did you know Brian McClellan was a student of Brandon Sanderson's creative writing class

[@shosty575]

Wow

[@ricardo6242]

Mind blown

[@Drunkledore]

Well he sure as hell would get an A+... The whole series is now in my top 5 of all time and 2 of those are from Brandon, so... yeah.

[@braveconcepts]

So it probably sucks.

[@poggies7639]

@@braveconcepts I really like the book tbh. It’s fairly unique for the genre, it’s very Napoleonic era in atmosphere

[@mrfriendlyguy]

I really enjoyed the Powder Mage trilogy. I think it was my second foray into flintlock fantasy after Django Wexler, and I can see the Brandon Sanderson influence in how McClellan constructs his numerous magical systems. There are rules, there are limits and I don't think I have seen anyone else use magic around gunpowder.

[@FMD-FullMetalDragon]

McClellan was an actual student in one of Sanderson's school classes a few years ago.

[@trolochorde8963]

Damn I got beat to the punch

[@joewar2028]

I personally like the second trilogy just as much, if not more

[@auhsojonalos7558]

Three videos in two days? Daniel's new house is probably located in a stedding.

[@themanmrbijok7364]

Ive met Brian McClellan at London Comic Con last year, where he gave me a signed copy of Promise of Blood. Plus: Put the maps of your top three series on the wall.

[@TheLegendaryFenix]

Promise of Blood was something I randomly found at a library and after leaving the library I immediately bought it online because I knew I was going to want to keep it on my shelf. The book itself was the main thing that kept me entertained during my trip to South America because I had no WiFi and I lived every second of it. After finishing the trilogy I can say whole heartedly that I love the series and can not wait for you to read the next two where the world gets even bigger.

[@sechay9328]

I enjoyed this trilogy over all. It wasn't one of my all time favorites, but it was a fun and easy read. I wasn't bothered by the lack of technical detail with the guns, personally. A series like the Expanse gets much more technical and for me that really works and functions as a major component of the world building and really sucked me in. The magical elements probably made me overlook that anyhow and I think it might have taken me out of what worked for this series - it's fun characters, world and pacing. Thanks for the review, you reminded me to look this guy up again and it looks like he is well into a new Powder Mage trilogy.

[@billyrosco5796]

Glad to hear you're writing your own story. You've got a wealth of opinions on other's work, and it'd be cool to see your interpretation and ideas.

[@TheBookRefuge]

So excited you liked this. I have walked by those books so many times and wondered. Adding to TBR now

[@KBx53]

You should put a green screen, then for every video have it show a different fantasy map. Promise of blood was great out of ten, and the next two books get even better...

[@adityatiwari2957]

Green screen!

[@IcoKirov]

i don't see the point in a green screen. you have always had this background (although its a bit different now, it still has the same vibe), i think people are used to it. and the change to green screen will change how the videos feel. so better print a huge fantasy style map and put it there.

[@briangallagher3106]

Suncho completely agree, green screen is a bit gimmicky. Maps all the way!

[@RosetheBookDragon]

YES!!!!! I was hoping someone would eventually put up a review of Promise of Blood. So far I only read the first book and I’m loving it. It was the only book I read for like a month and the only reason why I read it for so long is because it’s so rich in detail with the worldbuilding that I wanted to take my time with it. For awhile I was cursing with the slang in the book and I didn’t realize it starting off. 😆 So thank you for this review, Daniel! On a side note, I think it’d look cool if you changed it up with the wall each time. Like have your favorite fantasy maps for these kinds of videos and have the green screen for your fantasy news ones.

[@GrimBrotherIV]

Hey man, found your channel from your coverage of the WoT Amazon series. I’ve be stuck at the beginning of Knife of Dreams for like 10 years and you inspired me to jump back in. Love the content, keep up the good work!

[@christophernoia5197]

I watched a video in the past couple days and you had 38k subscribers... now 39.5k. Keep it up Daniel, love you and your content!

[@gabrielrizan2385]

Will you do a Wheel of Time tier list with the ranking of the books?

[@mavil64]

Oh yes please do it

[@FMD-FullMetalDragon]

I've asked for this before too.

[@Finn_Ryan]

He allready did that right?

[@mavil64]

@@Finn_Ryan yes like one or two days ago

[@MetaSynCreta]

Finally getting through this trilogy and coming back to watch this review again years later. You were right, it freaking SLAPS!

[@lucygardiner5094]

I loved this book! I’m halfway through the third book and it does get so much better. It was so imaginative and different, the characters were brilliant. I’d never read anything like this before I was presently surprised.

[@adrianinsaval]

Yes! I've been waiting for this review, i'm glad you're reading the next book, it only gets better. I loved this series.

[@Sactown15]

I've been avoiding these books because I'm trying to write my own Gunpowder-Fantasy book. Maybe after my first draft is finished I'll pick up Promise of Blood.

[@alexisogbemudia5458]

Ray Riddle how’s the writing

[@jimzimmer2048]

@@alexisogbemudia5458 he had to sell his computer

[@kahlbutomacfarland]

EZ solution: giant original map projected on the “Greene” screen. Get it? I’m a genius.

[@travissullivan6575]

The new trilogy in the same world is really good too. I'm excited for the third book to come out, but I'm loving it so far.

[@KanaGoni]

This is like the first time i've commented here, but ive been here since the tv show was announced in 2016 or 2017, keep up with the good work

[@MetalJotis]

YES!!! I've been waiting for this! For so many reasons this series is on my top 10 list these days.

[@Pri27890]

I'll probably never read this book but I'm watching this video cause you're my favorite booktuber :)

[@christianekman]

You're definitely not alone!

[@SheIsAnOpenBook]

I've had this book on my shelves for a little while now... definitely moved up on my tbr!

[@Drkshadowshow]

His other trilogy is amazing too

[@vaseylancaster1803]

I finished this book literally ten minutes ago, so the timing is perfect hahah 😂

[@kfirlevy7635]

How was it? Would you recommend it as a first fantasy book?

[@vaseylancaster1803]

@@kfirlevy7635 I have to finish the whole trilogy to judge! :) But as a first fantasy book I think that Sanderson's book are great to start with. Maybe Warbreaker? :)

[@kfirlevy7635]

@@vaseylancaster1803 Thanks a lot! I'll check that out.

[@jimzimmer2048]

@@kfirlevy7635 blood song

[@Lau_wings]

I just picked up this book yesterday due to your recommendation and I am very happy with it, cant wait to read the rest of the trilogy.

[@alilbitmads]

Have you read Nevernight by Jay Kristoff or City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty? Just think you might like them.

[@clarkkentnaruto4322]

Hey Daniel. How are you doing? Thanks for another great review. I have not read his books yet, but I do want to now. Also, do not worry about being overly descriptive about how something is done, because I think that way you are giving the reader a lesson and you are giving the impression that you know everything and about everything that is going on in the story and that is not a common trait. In fact the only 2 times that I have seen that done us in the Wheel of Time and in the Harry Potter series and I have also been seeing that in Brandon Sanderson's books. Keep it up.

[@andrewward7265]

My favorite thing about Powder Mage is how the conflicting magic systems conveyed the social and political conflicts in the story. A good (and non-spoiler) example is how the Privledged (elemental-style mages who work for the nobility) are allergic to gunpowder and Powder Mages. This has lead some countries to employ them as anti-Privledged weapons, while others have exterminated Powder Mages to preserve their traditional magic power. It's the story of progress vs. tradition told through magic.

[@nikhiliyengar1510]

I enjoyed reading all three books. The first book does a great job of setting up the series, the second has a lot of conflict and the third one is just downright explosive. Definitely in my top ten.

[@zachgranat5518]

I approve of the "weird-rating-out-of-10!"

[@DeepMoon45]

Awesome Review! Really excited you did this one as I have it sitting on my shelf waiting to be read, will definitely pick it up soon!

[@mpschauster84]

Glad I found your channel, fun way to find new books.

[@MrNategeo]

I been looking at this series for a while. Its been sitting on my web browser for a long time. Thanks!

[@Simplefng]

He should have had the guns be single shot lever action. Keep the line battles, keep the magic and keep the setting. Flint locks where heavy, took forever to reload. And we never get rank firing. First shoots, 2nd shoots while the first is reloads.

[@arnevandenbroeck1233]

I don't think you need a green screen. I would love to see a map or an extra book shelf :)

[@CosmicG777]

I literally JUST finished Promise of Blood last night. What a coincidence. I loved it. I can't wait to start the next one and I WILL be buying the Powder Mage RPG game that is also available after I'm done with the trilogy.

[@nicademous6396]

Keep the "?" out of 10. I really enjoyed Brian McClellan works and I have read the trilogy. I didn't know about the genre of Flintlock fantasy. I sold some friends on his stories by calling it Black Powder Fantasy. I fell hard from the bang pow of magic military. I read these around watching Wanted and the magic with bullets was pretty exciting. I have read a few military high fantasy and will edit a book onto this post once I find it at home that's military high fantasy with some black powder weapons. Update: Chris Evans "A Darkness Forged in Fire"

[@ballisticbread]

I’m a simple guy. Daniel recommends book, I buy book.

[@justinsparks6301]

Answers: On your wall, I say put up a big map of The Wheel of Time world, or of Roshar from The Stormlight Archive. I don't think the green screen thing is the way to go. As for A Promise of Blood, I have not read it, yet (I intend to at some point), but I will say that I don't think bogging the story down too much with descriptions of the mechanics of the guns is a good thing. There needs to be a middle ground, something that conveys how encumbering the guns of that setting would be, but also keeps the story moving.

[@davedave4779]

Powder mage trilogy is fantastic and only gets better with every book. I remember finishing last piece in two days, it was that fascinating. Also there are (very) short novels and new trilogy also began, so there allready is more from this man. McClellan is definetely somebody worth checking. Glad you found it.

[@MorganWalser]

I was personally very impressed by the series. I just happened to stumble upon the books and after each read, I eagerly anticipated the opportunity to tackle the next. Great magic system and world building along with very engaging characters. It has actually been a while since I've read the series, I'm going to need to do so again after finishing the WOT series for the fourth time...

[@jodiz5901]

I have never read a flintlock fantasy, but you make this book sound very appealing, for me primarily because I love a good mystery. I agree that your approach to flintlock fantasy writing sounds better, more realistic, so it doesn't feel like a lot of movies where you're thinking, okay, there's no way he's not out of ammo yet! Speaking of your book, the premise for it sounds great. But a question, how horrific do you plan to make it? Regarding what to put on your wall--some really good WoT art of all the major characters, of course!!

[@Prene16]

Got interested in this book after your Fantasy cover reviews. worth it. They say dont judge a book by its cover but a cover can make or break a book

[@SwipeSide19]

been waiting for this review since your tweet!

[@BedtimeBookworm]

Glad to hear you liked this one! It’s on my TBR too 😆

[@zendarva]

Really enjoyed this trilogy. Got lead to it by Howard Taylor (of Schlock Mercenary fame)

[@MarilouParu]

I've been meaning to read this on for a while.. It's just be sitting on my selves. You got me excited for it, I'm definitely reading it next month. Thanks for the review. BTW cool new background

[@AverageAwesomeDude]

I was waiting for this for ages

[@samfrancis3405]

If you like this book you would probably also like the Shadow Campaign series. That series does focus more on the minute details of gunpowder weapons and tactics.

[@LynnetteReads]

Love that you call out your own mistakes!

[@sfbrandon134]

A map of roshar would be cool.

[@TheSharlun]

One thing to note, there are like 8 small Novellas for the Powder Mage Trilogy, they all are in different periods, either before Promise of Blood, or after the third book before the 2 second trilogy. All worth reading and of course they're quick reads. Other than that, I loved the first 3 books in the Powder Mage Trilogy, but the second trilogy, which only has two books out so far, are even better in my opinion.

[@DecimalD_]

NOICE! Can’t wait to read this series. Thanks for the review.

[@danielfrancis3736]

Suggestions? Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, Realm of The Elderlings Series by Robin Hobb, Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, Traitors Blade by Sebastian De Castelli. I think you'd find these appealing.

[@reklessbravo2129]

With your thoughts on the guns remember that these are the best gunslingers in the world using the best guns in the world. These aren't slow and clunky to them because they don't have a modern frame of reference

[@willgregor8043]

Daniel, I'm fairly new to fantasy, currently reading Mistborn. Should I read this or lightbringer first when I'm done with mistborn?

[@eyvindurs.myhren4315]

I finished the two first books in the power mage trilogy last fall, but decided to wait with the third one. Started the third one last week and realized I had forgotten how easy that series is to read. I love the series and think you will find that the story goes interesting ways. You have stuff to look forward to :)

[@radiamoyce6200]

Thanks for this review! Was wondering if I should get this book.

[@littlewooll8]

I've never read a "Flintlock Fantasy" book. Is this a good starting point? Or are the better ones to get into the sub-genre?

[@moorejb1]

Your channel has helped me gain a better grasp on fantasy. Key example from this video: the term “flintlock fantasy” My last year NaNoWriMo project involved a fantasy setting where a gunpowder age was beginning and I wanted to know if it had been explored before- I know it Had to have been but was at a loss as to how to search for examples. 👍 thanks man, keep it up

[@starxmon]

Okay i just wanna quickly say that i missed when book channels did actual reviews of books (lol i hope that didn't sound shady, not my intention)

[@yafes_han]

It is amazing that it took this long for you to make a video on powder mage trilogy. Second trilogy is even better, do not miss out

[@MrAlehkra]

I'm curious how you'll feel about it after some time. I read the trilogy quite a while ago, and remember really enjoying it, but now that I've had some time separation, I've found that it really didn't stick with me for some reason. Having trouble remembering any of the characters or plot points. But I wonder if that's the series or just me; I'll have to give it a re-read. EDIT: I'd just like to add a quick shout-out to WoT Spoilers Podcast for turning me on to your excellent channel!

[@bbotti14]

I'm a big fan of the Powder Mage trilogy. I took it up after hearing that Brian McClellan was Sanderson's student and was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoy military fantasy and McClellan does very well bringing a campaign to life.

[@VicRibeiro777]

I really enjoyed the first book of the trilogy, I then read all the short stories/novellas up to book 2, it really fleshed out certain key characters and I highly enjoyed all but one of them, it was stil good though. I will be starting with book 2 next week, I'm really looking forward to it. Good review Daniel!

[@cthulhu6245]

I think you should get a large map of either Middle Earth or Randland. Or both. Also, you moved the Jordancon badge in the background. You thought we wouldn’t notice, but we did.

[@davidthomas8018]

I vote for huge map. I like watching your bookshelf change as you add and rearrange books, won't see that if you are on a green screen.

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

Pips face on the wall, or a green screen with Pips acting out fantasy scenes. Looking forward to more quality content from the new apartment. (No pressure)

[@1ValorANDglory1]

not to undermine the book and all but DUDE, what hair products do you use? I want to copy that for sure

[@secondmileproduc8523]

Should definitely use the wall as a map display. Have one of Middle-Earth, one of Randland, one of Roshar.

[@tomkoch3495]

A giant map of Randland. The books are awesome. A must read for someone who likes fantasy. I wouldn’t give it a 10 but a solid 7 or 8. Question. And this is probably the wrong place to ask this question and I apologize for it but I’m dying to ask. I started re-listening to the wheel of time and something that has always bothered me and it still looms in my head but where in the world does Perin get his ability to be a wolf brother? Is it passed down through birth or does the wheel just give it too him due to the fact he is ta’veren?

[@ArgusStrav]

Powder Mage Trilogy was the best series I've read in a while. Brian McClellan is a graduate of that "writing for sci-fi and fantasy" class that Brandon Sanderson teaches, and he's nearly as prodigious as Sanderson himself--the entire trilogy was published 2013, 2014, and 2015. With 600+ page books, that's pretty impressive. There's also a second trilogy, Gods of Blood and Powder, which I've only read the first book of, but which seemed a little more slow-paced. But then again I think the second book is where the 'fun' really starts kicking off, so I can't say about that trilogy overall.

[@dannydorito2434]

I really Like the Powder Mage Trilogy myself think the would he builds in it is very engaging

[@fenixchief7]

It's a cool take on a magic system. For many years in our history drugs were viewed as sorcery. I love when authors create magic systems that have a basis in real world "magic." GRRM does a good job with this too. Magic in asoiaf usually involves blood or sacrifice in some way to harness nature or demonic entities.

[@ViperRT99]

I kind of smiled when you said you were a student of Jordan. Brian was actually a student of Sanderson at BYU.

[@FabricioRodrigues...]

the question about the lack of detail of the struggle with the weapons of the time I think it's because we follow just veteran of war. people who lived between wars for so long that it almost isn't a thing anymore, and those who aren't, doesn't even use muskets, like adamat, who use a sword and a pistol... then I think it's pretty resonable this lack of that detail.

[@saracookie2010]

I haven't read a promise of blood but I'm downloading the audio book now. I like the idea of a green screen for fantasy news but I don't know how it would look on your normal book reviews could you do both a map and I'm a green screen so you could switch it out kind of like a Schoolhouse vibe.

[@Mhidraum]

I just started WoT because of you, but will put that one on my TBR.

[@troy4682]

Really enjoyed Promise of Blood. I thought the world was really cool and unique and got enjoyed the politcal intrigue/mystery vibes. Didn't enjoy Crimson Campaign as much. Don't want to get into why because of spoilers, but I also think it had to do with reading it after I finished WoK for the first time. Looking forward to hopefully finishing the trilogy later this summer

[@maikujakufan]

Oh yeah these books are great. There's also a spin-off series set in the same world that in my opinion is even better. The first book in that series is called Sins of Empire, and it definitely has a lot to say about some setting stuff.

[@justusgilbert2050]

I agree with you 100%. Fantastic book. Getting ready to start book 3

[@thejuanlam]

Hey man! Just found your channel today and watched a couple of your videos. Love your style and insights. Was wondering if you've had the chance to read The Black Company series by Glen Cook? I'm interested in what you'd think of it. Personally, it's one of my favorite fantasy series of all time. You're doing great work

[@errtu123]

Powder mage was just a fun, quick to read book that is very enjoyable to read, but doesn't … make me fall in love with the characters of the world. Reminds me of the Demon Cycle - fun ride, but not very deep, no themes, no deeper questions asked or discussed by the author, but a blast tor read nonetheless

[@jeremydanchuk1897]

For your wall, if you do a green screen you can put a big ass wall graphic on it when you want. This trilogy I really liked and I am enjoying the next one as well. This series makes my top ten list.

[@jim307]

Hey have you ever read any Drew Hayes books,?If not I think you would love the Super Powereds books that recently just finished...espc on Audible

[@peterlarson233]

Strong Cosmere vibes in this series, and I loved it. Very solid trilogy, exited to hear your thoughts on the rest of the books.

[@katieamarsh]

...and onto the tbr it goes. Love the weird out of tens. Put whatever the hell you want on the wall. A map sounds good.

[@mjdaniel8710]

Have not read but it sounds good, I have read the first 2 of David Mealing Ascension Cycle, which I guess qualifies as Flintlock Fantasy, and really liked it

[@37thgungrunts]

I love gunpowder fantasy, and the Powder Mage Trilogy (and the series that comes after) is some of the best out there. Django Wexler's The Thousand Names is another excellent choice for anyone who likes the genre, especially if they like the military aspect more than the fantasy aspect. On the complaints of lack of details with firearms, outside of Larry Correia, I've encountered few authors who can do them any justice. So few authors are shooters, and it becomes very apparent very quickly.

[@loriannwhite8384]

Great minds agree, no green screen. A map of RandLand or a map if all the fantasy lands.

[@teamkeogh]

Great criticism about the flintlocks guns. I also found how easily the artillery and rifles fired a missed opportunity for drama and challengers. That said, it was still enjoyable.

[@TheVpog]

I haven't seen anyone recommend it, so I recommend Django Wexler's Shadow Campaigns. It has the same elements that Powder Mage mixed in the stories.

[@Mathachew]

You're in for a treat. The Powder Mage trilogy is excellent, and the follow up series Gods of Blood and Powder has been as good, if not better. They're not flawless, but thoroughly entertaining and worth diving into. The short stories and novellas are great additions that expand the story (and are best read after finishing the trilogy). Several superb, like Servant of the Crown and Forsworn.

[@MasterDrewboy]

Hey Dan my Man! What’s your favorite fight scene/s in stories?

[@yannickkhalil3355]

Review Guy Gavriel Kay's "The Fionavar Tapestry" trilogy, Daniel. Old books are always such a gamble, i'd rather wait for your review before buying it.

[@victoriannecastle]

Yannick Khalil haven’t seen that and my fav is Guy Kay. Read Tigana, Lions of Al Rassan, and Under Heaven. Does it have magic system? Edit: Great to find someone who is also watching Jason Capital.

[@fullmetalpoitato5190]

I had never heard of "Flintlock Fantasy" before this video. Is Mistborn 2nd Era Flintlock Fantasy then?

[@AniX907]

I would say so yes its a lot of the highly Magic based Fantasy Sanderson always does but a lot more Centered around guns when in comes to actuell battles in the Books.

[@TheDesertSpear]

Great series! I am into traditional muzzleloading so that helps too

[@JARHuygebaert]

Finally you read one of the best fantasy books of the 21 century thus far! Wait until you read the fourth novel, the first one of McClellan's second trilogy. It's one of the best books I've read in my life