carlysgrowingtbr's review against another edition
5.0
It was really interesting to see the story of Tamas and Erica before the events in the promise of blood. I found this novels to be paced well and kept me engaged throughout. It definitely added to the works created in the powder mage trilogy.
I feel like this could be read below or after reading the trilogy. It doesn't spoil anything in promise of blood, but I do like that I read it after not before. I prefer the deeper knowledge of already loved characters vs getting to know new characters.
I feel like this could be read below or after reading the trilogy. It doesn't spoil anything in promise of blood, but I do like that I read it after not before. I prefer the deeper knowledge of already loved characters vs getting to know new characters.
abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition
5.0
This second book of the series takes place shortly after prologue short story one, Forsworn. This is another great read and another 5 star review.
This continues where Forsworn left off, and gives us insight to the beginnings of Tamas, here a Captain. It is a quick and fun read, and not a must for the series, but it is here, so why not. Depth to a character before the novel begins is new to me, and I like this very much.
This is my second favorite of the five prologue shorts.
This continues where Forsworn left off, and gives us insight to the beginnings of Tamas, here a Captain. It is a quick and fun read, and not a must for the series, but it is here, so why not. Depth to a character before the novel begins is new to me, and I like this very much.
This is my second favorite of the five prologue shorts.
marklpotter's review against another edition
5.0
Another amazing piece of the back story for the Powder Mage trilogy. I've made it clear in my other reviews that I don't want this to stop at three books so I won't harp on that. These short stories provide so much more depth to the characters and I the wolrd overall that I can't get enough of them. McClellan has put so much depth in this environment that it can become completely engrossing. At this point I have no choice but to consider him to be alongside Rothfuss, Sanderson, Abercrombie, and the other modern fantasy greats. I cannot speak highly enough of Brian and of this series. Take my word for it, this is one you ought to be consuming every single word of.
antonism's review against another edition
4.0
3,5 / 5
Servant of the Crown is a novelette by Brian McClellan that takes place in the world of his Powder Mage series, approximately 35 years before the events of the first book. Here we meet Captain Tamas for the first time and explore the events that lead to his meeting with Erika. As is expected from McClellan, the pace is great, the action intense and the plot moves forward briskly. The characterization is adequate for a work of such a short length. There were some mistakes in the edition I read but they didn't take away from the general enjoyment I got from reading this. This novelette can be read as a stand alone but chronologically it comes after Forsworn (another short story in the same world). Recommended, especially for fans of McClellan's powder mage series!!
3,5 / 5
Servant of the Crown is a novelette by Brian McClellan that takes place in the world of his Powder Mage series, approximately 35 years before the events of the first book. Here we meet Captain Tamas for the first time and explore the events that lead to his meeting with Erika. As is expected from McClellan, the pace is great, the action intense and the plot moves forward briskly. The characterization is adequate for a work of such a short length. There were some mistakes in the edition I read but they didn't take away from the general enjoyment I got from reading this. This novelette can be read as a stand alone but chronologically it comes after Forsworn (another short story in the same world). Recommended, especially for fans of McClellan's powder mage series!!
3,5 / 5
jaymeks's review against another edition
4.0
Might be the best writing in the series so far. Loved seeing the history behind some of these major characters. And, coming off of my Crimson Campaign high, this is a good remedy to help ease the pain of waiting until 2015.
My only con is that I read it too fast; I should have saved it for later this year!
My only con is that I read it too fast; I should have saved it for later this year!
elite_reading_wizard_3000's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
artgor's review against another edition
4.0
A great peek into Tamas's backstory! I liked him and Erika.
eb00kie's review against another edition
3.0
Still very enjoyable plot and still textbook plain characterisation and mildly stilted dynamics
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
5.0
Full 5 stars for the book - 1 star for the audible narration.
This is read by a different narrator than the trilogie (as are the other novellas).
I didn't like the change much - but from male to female wasn't a big deal, as the other story had a completely new, female POV. This one features Tamas though - and I hate the change. Not only don't I like the narrator much (you hear a lot of breathing, d he reads very slowly), he also pronounces names different than the narrator for the main trilogy. This was extremely annoying!
This is read by a different narrator than the trilogie (as are the other novellas).
I didn't like the change much - but from male to female wasn't a big deal, as the other story had a completely new, female POV. This one features Tamas though - and I hate the change. Not only don't I like the narrator much (you hear a lot of breathing, d he reads very slowly), he also pronounces names different than the narrator for the main trilogy. This was extremely annoying!