Sins of Empire (Gods of Blood and Powder)

Easily McClellan's best book. Better paced and a smoother read than the Powder Mage Trilogy. He uses the neat magic system established in his first Trilogy, expands upon it, and makes the characters more likable and interesting.

Some old characters returns, new ones are introduced, and I enjoyed reading both. Nothing dragged the story down. Doesn't have as much large scale action as the first three books, but it establishes a richer and more defined world that was only hinted at in the PMT.

This makes me excited for what he has planned next in this world.

Highly recommend it.

I really enjoyed this book. It's the first book that's really sucked me in a while, and I disliked having to put it down.

Brian's writing is better than ever in my opinion, none of the draw backs that were in Promise and slowly got ironed out through the first trilogy. E.g. More natural descriptions/less heavy handed.

The characters were all great, there wasn't a perspective I didn't like, which was a plus for me since there were a couple in the last trilogy I did not enjoy.

Wasn't the most action packed book in the series, but it didn't need to be. When there was action, it was top notch, as usual.

Amazing book, no doubt, hence the 5 stars.

I only have one gripe, so...

SPOILERS BELOW

For anyone who has read the Powder Mage trilogy the plot is very predictable. I'd also predict that a well-read fantasy lover might guess it as well without having read any of the previous books.

SPOILERS DONE

No matter what though, the book is a must read.

would have given it a five star but am really not a big fan of one of the characters,vlora flint from the trilogy before ,she annoys me quite a bit but even with that i couldnt stop reading ,the author is amazing .cant wait for thee next book in the series

Nuff' said. But, eighteen or more words are required. Pick up the books from the beginning, and the novelettes, to appreciate a fantastic world of powder and power that is incredibly enjoyable to read.

I've barely started to read it, so I'm just here to talk about the good news.

Unlike some authors, he didn't abandon the world and characters from the Powder Mage triliogy. I'm happy about that.

Beyond that, he is still a good writer, as he was in the last series, and he still uses his fascinating world with its unusual system of magic and gods.

The bad of all this, is that the next two books aren't out yet, so I can't read them. I had the benefit of coming late to the Powder Mage trilogy. No such luck here.

The writing quality is surprisingly poor. I assume that there must be something wonderful in the plot. Unfortunately, I couldn't tolerate the blunt character introductions and banal descriptions long enough to find out. I am disappointed that I spent money on this book.

Brian McClellan’s Powder Mage trilogy is one of my favorite new fantasy series’, and I’ve been looking forward to the new trilogy set in the same world ever since Brian talked about it in my interview with him on my blog a couple of years ago. And now it’s finally out, and I’ve read it, and I thought it was even better than the first trilogy!

The new country of Fatrasta is ruled with an iron fist by the Lady Chancellor Lindet. Her secret police, the Blackhats, are almost everywhere, and where intimidation and arrests won’t work, there are mercenary companies. The famed powder mage Vlora leads one of these companies, and is suddenly called back from the frontier to deal with an insurgency within the capital city of Landfall. Of course, the insurgency isn’t as simple as it seems, and the long isolated Dynize Empire appears to be stirring again. It’s up to Vlora, her Blackhat liaison Michel Bravis, and disgraced Fatrastan war hero Ben Styke to figure out what exactly is going on and what it means for Fatrasta.

Sins of Empire is the start of a new standalone trilogy, and you can definitely read it without reading the Powder Mage trilogy – it’s set on an entirely different continent and only shares a few characters. That being said, I have read the Powder Mage books, so I’m going to be referencing them in this review (without spoilers.)

I love the flintlock fantasy subgenre in general, and the world of these books in particular. The gunpowder based magic system is one of the coolest ideas that recent fantasy has produced – I’m not sure why I love it so much, but it probably has something to do with why I also love Westerns and cheesy action movies. Anyway, there are guns, there are printing presses and penny dreadfuls, there’s exploration of colonialism without making anyone the bad guy. The world seems like it’s vibrant and changing quickly, and it really jumps off the page.

The characters are memorable – I already mentioned that there’s no cardboard cut out good guys and bad guys, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is morally ambiguous. There are antagonists, but you understand what makes them what they are. Vlora is an unusually compelling protagonist, she’s a veteran soldier in a committed relationship, she’s already pretty badass, but she’s also flawed and she knows it. Michel Bravis is a weaselly guy, but you’d expect that from a professional informant. Characters like him usually end up being sidekicks or useful friends for the protagonist to have, so he makes a fascinating viewpoint character too. Ben Styke is the most conventional protagonist, but he’s also well done, and I always looked forward to his segments too. Readers of the original trilogy will see some unexpected but welcome familiar faces (I totally called one of the characters the first time they appeared, which is probably useless information in a review, but I’m proud of myself and had to share it.)

The pacing is probably the weakest point of the book, but I’d only call it weak if I was trying really hard to find something negative to say. For the first half of the book, I had no idea what was going on or what the ultimate plot of the book was going to be, but once things started falling into place, the revelations kept coming. My only major complaint is that I want to find out what happens next, and I don’t know when the next book is coming out.

I have been a fan of Brian McClellen’s books Since the first one came out in 2013. Promise of Blood was the title and it was one of my favorite covers that year. In fact all three books of the Powder Mage trilogy possess cool sounding titles and completely awesome cover art. Sins of Empire continues that tradition as far as the title goes but sadly I was not impressed with the cover this time around. Don’t take that wrong, it is a good cover just not poster worthy like the signed ones on my wall. Actually it was one of Brian’s covers that gave me the Idea of making posters to have signed for my audiobooks. I listened to the audiobook for Sins of Empire read by Christian Rodska He has done all of the Powder mage books and does a great job with the different male voices but not so good with the females. His unusual gravelly voice fits perfectly for these books though.

OK now let’s talk specifically about Sins of Empire. It starts 10 years after the original trilogy ends and takes place on a different continent that we have only heard mentioned before as the place Taniel Two-shot had helped fight for Fatrastan independence from the Kez.
I was happy to see some of the characters I know and love from previous books return like Vlora, Olem, and others. But there are also some great new ones we meet, my favorite of which is Mad Ben Styke. Believe me you will like him too.

I had high expectations for Sins of Empire after the great story told in the first three books. I am glad to say I was not disappointed. In fact this new trilogy looks to be even more epic in scale, and that is saying something.

As far as plot goes won’t spoil anything but I will say I loved how this book had more than one main plot. I know that sounds like a recipe for a confusing disaster of a novel. but the way it was done it was more like it was the first two books of a series instead of just one.

Vlora and Olem have turned the Riflejacks into a Mercenary company. They have been working for the Fatrastan government putting down small revolts on the boarders of this young nation and soon after we meet up with them they are called back to the capital city of Landfall by the lady chancellor.

Landfall is a pretty interesting place. It is the capital of a new nation but it is literally built on the foundations of the past. I won’t go into why they are called back but that is how the book starts,

Final Thoughts

This is a great audiobook that was like getting two books for the price of one. Not only for its long length of over 19 hours but plot as well. I missed some old Characters but the new ones more than made up for it. You could pick this up without having read the first trilogy but I would have to ask you why you haven’t read them already.

I'll be surprised if this isn't the most fun I have reading a fantasy novel all year. I tore through this sucker and McClellan is a crafty enough writer to give me enough of what I expect from a good story (Revenge plot!) and turn some of my expectations on their heads (Not a double agent like I thought!).

He's got a good mix of old our old favorite characters (Who doesn't love Olem?) and has introduced some great new characters (I like Styke but I'm most excited about Ibana. She seems to be filling Olem's old shoes in a Vlora:Styke Olem:Ibana way).

Last, this is just conjecture, it seems to me that Michel is slightly influenced by Joe Abercrombie's Glotka. There's no way that's a bad thing.

If you enjoyed the powder mage series you will certainly enjoy this next book with some of the same characters. This story introduces some new characters and as usual is a fast read. If you are new to the series I would recommend starting with the first book in the powder mage series but you can still enjoy the book without doing so. I strongly recommended this book and the powder mage series to all readers who enjoy the fantasy genre.

I found 'Sins of Empire' to be a good but not great novel. Mr. McClellan has come up with some compelling characters and a very interesting story that has a number of well-crafted plot twists. His writing style is easy to read and the narrative pulls you along right from the very first page... up until you're about three-quarters of the way through the book. After that, it just collapses into some of the worst combat/war-story writing that I've ever read (which in turn completely undermines the whole ending to Mr. McClellan's otherwise exciting tale). If the final quarter of the book had been as well-written as the first three-fourths, this would be a solid four stars (bordering on a 5), but as written I'm torn between rating it a 4 or just a 3.

Sins of Empire continues 10 years after the Power Mage series. If you haven’t already read the 3 books of Power Mage, do so before reading this! Some characters we got to know, love or hate reappear, learning more about their capabilities, insanities! The new characters to Sin have their own foibles and a few surprising secrets. I’m so glad Brian McClellan continued this storyline so I can enjoy the fantasy again!

I have to admit; I was very skeptical about this purchase based on many preconceived notions; No Tomas. No Taniel or Ka-Poel. Doubt any storyline could match the previous series. How could I throw myself into a story where Vlora and Styke were the lead characters???? By Kresimer was I ever WRONG! This is a fantastic adventure; truly captivating. I couldn't stop reading! In fact, I think it's easily BETTER than any of the books from the original series! Already pre-ordered next book and can't wait! If you been stalling on this purchase for any of the reasons I previously stated; clear your mind and buy the book!

This was my first dive into the world of Brian McClellan, and what a treat. From the opening discovery, to the colorful cast of characters, all the way to the dramatic conclusion, the well woven plot entertained me from start to finish. I went through most of the book in a single reading on Audible. I think another reviewer mentioned the swearing...and yeah, if I were to nitpick, this would be my only negative. One word is used, repeatedly, and I do kind of wish a more unique approach was taken. But again, this is nitpicking for me. The book was such a genuine delight for me. I will be purchasing the hardcover soon to go along with my audio version.

Sins of Empire is the first in a new trilogy set in Brian McClellan's Powder Mage universe, and takes place ten years after the original trilogy. It has a few returning characters and introduces a set of new ones that are as equally engaging and enjoyable. Sins of Empire is right on the top of my list of my favorite McClellan books, next to The Autumn Republic. The two years readers had to wait for this were well worth it, and I am glad that we don't have to wait that long for the sequel.

If you enjoyed the powder mage series you will certainly enjoy this next book with some of the same characters. This story introduces some new characters and as usual is a fast read. If you are new to the series I would recommend starting with the first book in the powder mage series but you can still enjoy the book without doing so. I strongly recommended this book and the powder mage series to all readers who enjoy the fantasy genre.

I found 'Sins of Empire' to be a good but not great novel. Mr. McClellan has come up with some compelling characters and a very interesting story that has a number of well-crafted plot twists. His writing style is easy to read and the narrative pulls you along right from the very first page... up until you're about three-quarters of the way through the book. After that, it just collapses into some of the worst combat/war-story writing that I've ever read (which in turn completely undermines the whole ending to Mr. McClellan's otherwise exciting tale). If the final quarter of the book had been as well-written as the first three-fourths, this would be a solid four stars (bordering on a 5), but as written I'm torn between rating it a 4 or just a 3.

Sins of Empire continues 10 years after the Power Mage series. If you haven’t already read the 3 books of Power Mage, do so before reading this! Some characters we got to know, love or hate reappear, learning more about their capabilities, insanities! The new characters to Sin have their own foibles and a few surprising secrets. I’m so glad Brian McClellan continued this storyline so I can enjoy the fantasy again!

I have to admit; I was very skeptical about this purchase based on many preconceived notions; No Tomas. No Taniel or Ka-Poel. Doubt any storyline could match the previous series. How could I throw myself into a story where Vlora and Styke were the lead characters???? By Kresimer was I ever WRONG! This is a fantastic adventure; truly captivating. I couldn't stop reading! In fact, I think it's easily BETTER than any of the books from the original series! Already pre-ordered next book and can't wait! If you been stalling on this purchase for any of the reasons I previously stated; clear your mind and buy the book!

This was my first dive into the world of Brian McClellan, and what a treat. From the opening discovery, to the colorful cast of characters, all the way to the dramatic conclusion, the well woven plot entertained me from start to finish. I went through most of the book in a single reading on Audible. I think another reviewer mentioned the swearing...and yeah, if I were to nitpick, this would be my only negative. One word is used, repeatedly, and I do kind of wish a more unique approach was taken. But again, this is nitpicking for me. The book was such a genuine delight for me. I will be purchasing the hardcover soon to go along with my audio version.

Sins of Empire is the first in a new trilogy set in Brian McClellan's Powder Mage universe, and takes place ten years after the original trilogy. It has a few returning characters and introduces a set of new ones that are as equally engaging and enjoyable. Sins of Empire is right on the top of my list of my favorite McClellan books, next to The Autumn Republic. The two years readers had to wait for this were well worth it, and I am glad that we don't have to wait that long for the sequel.

I don't think I started reading this author with quite the right book. I will have to go back and read the first books, as I am still a bit lost over the whole magic system.

But this book has pretty solid characters, a pretty good plot, and fairly well put together. I got a little lost between chapters trying to figure out who was who. But pretty good.

Just not quite Brandon Sanderson (Way of Kings).

Another great book! I read the Powder Mage trilogy and really enjoyed those, and had eagerly been awaiting this books release. It happened to come out just before my Spring Break. I had planned on a week of doing absolutely nothing, but once I started this book I found myself staying up until 3 or 4 am reading it each night. The chapters are short enough that you do not fell like it is a big commitment to read "just one more chapter", but the story is entertaining and fast enough that you never get to a point where you want to put it down. I do not read for pleasure much at all anymore, but for some reason I find McClellan's work to be addictive!

Let me first start by saying how stunning the cover of this novel is, making it a perfect addition for any bookshelf. The story inside the cover is as beautifully done as the book cover itself. Within the first installment of McClellan’s new series, you are introduced to an array of new characters, with a couple of familiar characters from his previous trilogy. The book starts off a little slow. It takes a couple chapters for you to get know all the characters and get a feel for who they are. There also isn’t a lot of action going on initially; all three of the main characters Vlora, Ben Styke, and Michel are running around to solve their own objectives. However, once the characters storylines start overlapping, we get the action scenes that we loved in his previous trilogy, people snorting gunpowder and pushing bullets extra miles in the air to kill people and powder mages igniting ships full of powder from miles away. He has created by far one of the coolest magic systems of any fantasy books that I’ve read recently. Colonel Ben Styke was my favorite character; I couldn’t help but clap my hands and cheer during some of his scenes because he’s just such a lovable brute.

I missed some of the previous characters but Vlora and Oleg are great and the new ones really grow on you fast. One thing I love here is the author knows when to make a fight last and when to cut it quick. And that happens beautifully.

Brian McClellan is now my favorite fantasy fiction author!

His, "Sins of Empire," sets the standard for all good "fantasy storytelling."

He out bests all the rest..

Only Jacqueline Carey can do fantasy writing, as great as Brian McClellan.

I have never taken the time to write a review for anything, but this book is just too good for me not to! I read and listen to the fantasy genre almost exclusively. I usually average around 50-75 books per year. Sins of Empire is the best book that I have read in a long time! It is has everything that made the Powder Mage trilogy such a fun read, but refined to near perfection. The writing quality is better, the characters have more depth, and the plot is more intricate than the earlier books, without sacrificing any of the visceral action that I’ve come to expect in a McClellan novel. Well done, Mr. McClellan. I can’t wait to read the sequels!

Whether this is your first foray into McClellan's world or you're already a fan, prepare for one of the best reads of the year from one of the best fantasy authors in the game. It's a consistent page-turner all the way though, with plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you hungry for more. At over 600 pages, it's a thick book, but you'll be through it before you know it. So it's a good thing the next book comes out soon!

I was very happy to see a new book set in the Powder Mage Universe. Some new characters and some old characters that got more character development. I am a fan of the universe and home to see more books.

You can not go wrong with any book by brian McClellan. His characters are truly enjoyable. And the world he has created in his books is outstanding. His narrative is very well paced. He truly is an outstanding author and one not to miss. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading his books, you are missing out. Get this book and his other trilogy..

I read these out of sequence and can tell you this one stands out as his best work...My imagination gets a work out trying to mix semi-modern day scenes and weapons with sorcery and ancient scenery..They need to make a movie on this one!!

This could certainly be a great novel if it didn't have so much awful and potty mouth words. It seems the author is trying to use shock value with filthy words. Scratch out all the bad language and you will have a good book to read. Can't believe his mentor and teacher liked the book. Trouble with the world today. A great percentage of America are foul mouthed and do not think anything of it. Sorry to be harsh but this is reality and it stinks. Try again. You have potential as a writer.