marklpotter's review against another edition
5.0
With Taniel Two Shot and Ka Poel ten years dead Lady Vlora Flint and her mercenary company The Riflejacks are contracting with the Fatrastan government to put down various rebellions among the Palo...
Mad Ben Styke, a hero of the Fatrstan war of independence, assumed dead by most but actually imprisoned for war crimes...
Silver Rose Michel Bravis is attempting to climb the ranks of Lady Chancellor Lindet's "sceret police", the Black Roses...
A Godstone unearthed in a archaeological dig...
This is 600 page whirlwind of politics, intrigue, epic battles, and everything I've come to expect from this author. I can honestly say that the writers who have never let me down can be counter on one hand and Brian McClellan is amongst them. With the Powder Mage trilogy complete and launching in to the second series I wasn't sure how it was going to go. Of course I had high hopes, having read and loved every single word that has been written about the world in which this book and the Powder Mage trilogy is set. As you can tell by what I've said so far, I was not disappointed.
As usual the world building was amazing and consistent with the rest of the stories set in this universe. It is obvious that McClellan loves what he does and doesn't cut corners. The only downside is that due to this it's a longer wait between books than for authors who don't care nearly as much about consistency. The reward for that wait is amazing books that I, personally, can't put down.
Mad Ben Styke, a hero of the Fatrstan war of independence, assumed dead by most but actually imprisoned for war crimes...
Silver Rose Michel Bravis is attempting to climb the ranks of Lady Chancellor Lindet's "sceret police", the Black Roses...
A Godstone unearthed in a archaeological dig...
This is 600 page whirlwind of politics, intrigue, epic battles, and everything I've come to expect from this author. I can honestly say that the writers who have never let me down can be counter on one hand and Brian McClellan is amongst them. With the Powder Mage trilogy complete and launching in to the second series I wasn't sure how it was going to go. Of course I had high hopes, having read and loved every single word that has been written about the world in which this book and the Powder Mage trilogy is set. As you can tell by what I've said so far, I was not disappointed.
As usual the world building was amazing and consistent with the rest of the stories set in this universe. It is obvious that McClellan loves what he does and doesn't cut corners. The only downside is that due to this it's a longer wait between books than for authors who don't care nearly as much about consistency. The reward for that wait is amazing books that I, personally, can't put down.
scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
3.0
the characters did not grab me in the way they did in the original trilogy and it lacked greatly for that.
Plot- 3.5
Characters- 2.5
World Building- 3
Originality- 2.5
Enjoyability- 3.5
Writing- 2.5
Relationships- 2.5
For a total of 2.85 rounded to 3
Continue the series-Yes.
Plot- 3.5
Characters- 2.5
World Building- 3
Originality- 2.5
Enjoyability- 3.5
Writing- 2.5
Relationships- 2.5
For a total of 2.85 rounded to 3
Continue the series-Yes.
troll_for_initiative's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
krandelkransky's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tezzarudge's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded to 4.
There are parts of this book that are excellent. Then there is some I just didn't care for.
Of the 3 POV. 2 are excellent and 1 was an absolute bore
The book is brilliantly paced and the world building is good. Unfortunately didn't really connect with any of the 3 MCs
Finally I massively regret not reading the series that proceeded this, even if this series can be read without it.
There are parts of this book that are excellent. Then there is some I just didn't care for.
Of the 3 POV. 2 are excellent and 1 was an absolute bore
The book is brilliantly paced and the world building is good. Unfortunately didn't really connect with any of the 3 MCs
Finally I massively regret not reading the series that proceeded this, even if this series can be read without it.
reasonpassion's review against another edition
5.0
So much fun
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.
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.
nikasbooklounge's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0