Andrew M. (Pb-Patch) reviewed The Crimson Campaign (The Powder Mage Trilogy) on + 42 more book reviews
All I can say is WOW! Brian McClellan is a former student of Brandon Sanderson of whom I have been a fan with his Mistborn Trilogy, Steelheart, and others - most especially his Way of Kings and now Words of Radiance. I am truly impressed by Mr. Sanderson.... BuT, I do believe the student has surpassed the teacher. The two books out so far in the Powder Mage Trilogy are without a doubt some of the best writing I have seen in the last few decades. The action scenes are vivid and heart pounding. The characters are fully realized - especially Taniel Two-Shot and his father Field Marshall Tamas. Between muskets, swords, magic, characters you care about and heart rending and pounding action this is a book you cannot let yourself miss.
There are 3 simultaneous story lines running continuously within this 2nd installment. First, there is Field Marshall Tamas and 2 brigades of Adran infantry caught behind enemy lines within the nation of Kez. They are fighting a running battle to survive and return to their own homeland to continue the war against the invaders. The majority of the nation of Adro is reeling from the belief that the Field Marshall and all his troops are dead.
Meanwhile, the 2nd story line follows Tamas' son, Taniel Two-Shot and his own efforts to fight the war from the Adran side while facing treachery and deceit from his own commanders. Taniel's companion, a sorcerous female named KaPoel from a savage tribe, uses a type of voodoo sorcery that is very powerful. The growth of the relationship between Taniel and Kapoel belies conventions and is quite powerful despite the fact that there is no true romance in the story line. Taniel goes through literal hell in his battles and continues to rise to the occasion.
The 3rd story line involves Inspector Adamat and his own mission to recover his wife and children from the villainous Lord Vetas. You will find yourself holding your breath to see what happens next.
The story skips between the 3 main lines on a regular basis without ever losing the reader in the mix. By the way, Mihali the reborn God Adom who continually cooks up his own brand of sparkling mischief is wonderful. The book ends up with a nice set up to lead to the 3rd installment... PLEASE get it out quick!!
There are 3 simultaneous story lines running continuously within this 2nd installment. First, there is Field Marshall Tamas and 2 brigades of Adran infantry caught behind enemy lines within the nation of Kez. They are fighting a running battle to survive and return to their own homeland to continue the war against the invaders. The majority of the nation of Adro is reeling from the belief that the Field Marshall and all his troops are dead.
Meanwhile, the 2nd story line follows Tamas' son, Taniel Two-Shot and his own efforts to fight the war from the Adran side while facing treachery and deceit from his own commanders. Taniel's companion, a sorcerous female named KaPoel from a savage tribe, uses a type of voodoo sorcery that is very powerful. The growth of the relationship between Taniel and Kapoel belies conventions and is quite powerful despite the fact that there is no true romance in the story line. Taniel goes through literal hell in his battles and continues to rise to the occasion.
The 3rd story line involves Inspector Adamat and his own mission to recover his wife and children from the villainous Lord Vetas. You will find yourself holding your breath to see what happens next.
The story skips between the 3 main lines on a regular basis without ever losing the reader in the mix. By the way, Mihali the reborn God Adom who continually cooks up his own brand of sparkling mischief is wonderful. The book ends up with a nice set up to lead to the 3rd installment... PLEASE get it out quick!!
The Crimson Campaign
This book starts off with an action sequence and throws us right in to the midst of the characters' struggles-Adamat seeking to rescue his wife and children, Taniel's attempts to forget what he's done, and Tamas' efforts to bring his piece of the army to Adro. We see other familiar characters as well. (No spoilers) I have only two complaints about this book. It is the second book in the trilogy so, while some problems are overcome, many situations remain unresolved. Given the author's attention to detail and character development, I am certain everything will be wrapped up nicely in the third book. My second complaint is that this book is too short and too good. I want more in this series and I want it now.
This book contains sleuthing; military campaigning; characters sinking to greater depths or rising to heights of heroism, understanding, and bravery; a bit of romance, intrigue, treachery, and humor. Fans of Promise of Blood are sure to love The Crimson Campaign. I also recommend the short stories set in the same universe-The Girl of Hrush Avenue, Forsworn, and Hope's End.
This book starts off with an action sequence and throws us right in to the midst of the characters' struggles-Adamat seeking to rescue his wife and children, Taniel's attempts to forget what he's done, and Tamas' efforts to bring his piece of the army to Adro. We see other familiar characters as well. (No spoilers) I have only two complaints about this book. It is the second book in the trilogy so, while some problems are overcome, many situations remain unresolved. Given the author's attention to detail and character development, I am certain everything will be wrapped up nicely in the third book. My second complaint is that this book is too short and too good. I want more in this series and I want it now.
This book contains sleuthing; military campaigning; characters sinking to greater depths or rising to heights of heroism, understanding, and bravery; a bit of romance, intrigue, treachery, and humor. Fans of Promise of Blood are sure to love The Crimson Campaign. I also recommend the short stories set in the same universe-The Girl of Hrush Avenue, Forsworn, and Hope's End.
