Fantasy Fanatics discussion

Here is where we can discuss Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan chapters 1-8.
DO NOT post any spoilers from further along in the book, this is just for chapters 1-8.

Hi all - let me be the first to jump in and start commenting. It is our first official day and I am already mid-way through chapter 8 of this book (I may have started early ;)). So far I have been enjoying it. After reading the description on good reads I was kind of confused and not sure if this novel would be for me. However, there were so many raving reccommendations I decided to give it a chance. I am glad I did. The fantasy setting is unique and the magic system (the powder mages) are also original. The story definitely starts off with a bang and hooks you early. I am very in to adamat's journey investigating "kreshmir's promise". Hopefully the rest of the story will continue to impress...

Joe wrote: "Hi all - let me be the first to jump in and start commenting. It is our first official day and I am already mid-way through chapter 8 of this book (I may have started early ;)). So far I have bee..."

OH! I'm so jealous! My library has this ordered, but hasn't gotten it yet. I am the first on their hold list though, so I hope it comes in soon! If not I'll just buy a copy next week.

Glad you are enjoying it!

I bought it on my kindle (love the whispernet!). Unfortunately I could not find a copy in the local library. It would def. be better for my wallet.

Joe wrote: "I bought it on my kindle (love the whispernet!). Unfortunately I could not find a copy in the local library. It would def. be better for my wallet."

Joe wrote: "I bought it on my kindle (love the whispernet!). Unfortunately I could not find a copy in the local library. It would def. be better for my wallet."

I just purchased this yesterday! I am really looking forward to starting it in the next couple days! I Cant WAIT!!!! :) Jopefully its as good as its hype!

I'm near the end of chapter 8. I like the world and the magic feels quite original, but I'm struggling with the characters. I don't find anyone terribly likable. And no, the characters don't have to be amazing for the book to be good, but I think it helps.

So if you have a minute let me know which characters you find interesting and why, because I think I might be missing something. thanks!

I'm looking forward to reading this one but I'm not one for having too many on the go so I'm gonna try and read this one once I finish Elantris :)

Rachel wrote: "I'm near the end of chapter 8. I like the world and the magic feels quite original, but I'm struggling with the characters. I don't find anyone terribly likable. And no, the characters don't have t..."

I just finished chapter 8! This book is a mixed bag so far. I am having some trouble connecting with the characters. I feel like certain parts are interesting but then maybe next section go back to being average. I agree on the world and magic is quite interesting but I get a little confused about the different types of magic ex Priveleged, magebreaker, powder mage etc.
I felt like Chapter 8 was good so I am hoping this starts to develop!

I'm on chapter 4 and it's intriguing so far. I love a mix of fantasy and history and I'm getting that feeling here. But it seems to start with too much and too fast. It's a little difficult to keep things straight. I like the characters but no one is really standing out yet.

Yeah, I'm liking the mix of history and fantasy too. A very well thought out world I think. I'm up to chapter 22 now, and I remember thinking that it was all a lot at the beginning and hard to figure it all out and stuff, but after a few more chapters it'll start to make sense in your head. It did in mine anyway!

I completely agree that at beginning there was so much going on it was difficult to understands some of the stuff that was happening but by the middle things get a bit clearer! I also thought the world was all thought but yet I was still a bit confused with the different terminology at this point in the novel!

Finished the first part. And I think I like it. It actually reminds me of Erikson's Malazan books. Like those books it starts where most books end, the revolution. And as a reader you're unsure of who to trust, and who not to trust. So far I like reading Tamas's sections, but I don't trust him. I think there's more to his actions than he is telling. I like Taniel his son more, and I think he'll end up playing a big part in future events. And I like Adamat. I imagine he will be the one to piece together the truth. I also like Olem, Tamas's new bodyguard, because he has a dry sense of humor that I like.

Traci L. wrote: "Finished the first part. And I think I like it. It actually reminds me of Erikson's Malazan books. Like those books it starts where most books end, the revolution. And as a reader you're unsure of ..."
I sort of agree with the malazan comparison even though I have only read 200 pages of Gardens of the moon! I feel like this doesnt have a big of a scope and malazan is much more confusing! In Promise of Blood everything is much smaller scale and much more defined! I also really enjoyed Olem!

Yeah. Malazan is definitely bigger. But it wouldn't surprise me if it was an inspiration.

I think magic system is influenced by Brandon Sanderson's Allomancy I think it laid the foundation for mclellan magic but he obviously added and changed a few things! He i a former student of Brandon Sanderson's!

That's funny. During some of the scenes I was thinking it reminded me of The Alloy of Law (my favorite Sanderson book). I guess it wasn't coincidence. Plus, I love the combination of guns and magic.

I have not read alloy of law yet! But I have it on my shelf I really want to read it soon!

I just started reading this book and yes, you are right. It does remind me of The Alloy of Law. The guns and the ability to "push" bullets has a lot of resemblance. However, The Alloy of Law was actually one of my least liked favorites from Brandon.

This book is starting out very good but like others have said, some of the terms can be a bit confusing since the author doesn't explain them.

Shaad wrote: "I have not read alloy of law yet! But I have it on my shelf I really want to read it soon!"

The Alloy of Law is one of my favorite books, but I have to warn you, it is not the typical Sanderson book. It is lighter than his usual. More in the style of classic sword and sorcery (with guns instead of swords). I think it is a fun book, but do not expect Mistborn or The Way of Kings.

Traci L. wrote: "Shaad wrote: "I have not read alloy of law yet! But I have it on my shelf I really want to read it soon!"

The Alloy of Law is one of my favorite books, but I have to warn you, it is not the typica..."

I know thats what I have heard! Its also much shorter than all his other books too. I have loved Sanderson boooks so far! The only ones I have not read are Warbreaker and the alloy of law!