What I'm Reading: Brian McClellan's Powder Mage Trilogy

I'm getting ready to go to LTUE (Life, the Universe, and Everything) next month, and for me, that means reading up on as many authors as I can manage. I'd love to read all their books, but there isn't enough time in the world ...

I picked up PROMISE OF BLOOD by Brian McClellan and immediately spotted the praise from Brandon Sanderson on it, which was definitely a good endorsement, for me.

Then I read the first chapter.

Then I had to put the book down and tell my husband (who was otherwise occupied and really didn't care) about how well-written the first chapter was, and what he'd done right do pull me into the story! I was so excited! I was immediately drawn into his spell, and while the author part of me was drooling over his skill, the reader in me was anxious to keep reading.

I spent the next month slowly working through the three books (don't you love when you find a series that's all done, so you don't have to wait?!) Slowly, because I was having so much fun and I didn't want it to end. I savored every page. I fell in love with Tamas, the powerful, but older field marshal who lives by his principals, even when it costs him dearly. I fell in love with Taniel, the young soldier living in his father's shadow, but with his own brilliant skills who loses his first love, but finds it again. And those are only the first two of a long list of vivid characters that I just adore.

As much as I LOVE writing, this series reminded me now much I love reading, when I know I'm in the hands of a master storyteller. So if you're in the mood for an epic adventure, go pick up PROMISE OF BLOOD. You won't be disappointed.