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Powder Mage #0.2
Servant of the Crown
Captain Tamas is an ambitious young officer in the Adran army. As a commoner, he is one of very few without noble blood to hold a rank. When he challenges the son of a duke over an insult, the subsequent duel lands him in hot water with the nobility and the royal cabal of Privileged sorcerers. Tamas is soon drawn into a conflict that goes to the very highest office in the land, and his only ally is the most unlikely of people; a young noblewoman named Erika, who needs Tamas to teach her how to wield her powers as a powder mage.
Occurs about 35 years before the events in Promise of Blood.
Occurs about 35 years before the events in Promise of Blood.
91 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2014
63 people are currently reading
2960 people want to read
About the author
Brian McClellan
39 books8,822 followersBrian McClellan is an American epic fantasy author from Cleveland, Ohio. He is known for his acclaimed Powder Mage Universe and essays on the life and business of being a writer.
Brian now lives on the side of a mountain in Utah with his wife, Michele, where he writes books and nurses a crippling video game addiction.
Brian's novels include the Powder Mage Trilogy (Promise of Blood, The Crimson Campaign, and The Autumn Republic), Gods of Blood and Powder (Sins of Empire, Wrath of Empire, and Blood of Empire), and Valkyrie Collections (Uncanny Collateral)
Brian now lives on the side of a mountain in Utah with his wife, Michele, where he writes books and nurses a crippling video game addiction.
Brian's novels include the Powder Mage Trilogy (Promise of Blood, The Crimson Campaign, and The Autumn Republic), Gods of Blood and Powder (Sins of Empire, Wrath of Empire, and Blood of Empire), and Valkyrie Collections (Uncanny Collateral)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
March 20, 2017
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
Tamas is (arguably) the driving force of the Powder Mage trilogy; his force of personality, his vision for a new future what propels the series from its bloody beginnings in Promise of Blood to its concluding scenes in The Autumn Republic. So when I began reading these prequel stories, one of my main objectives was to learn more about this man, more about the past which molded him, and especially more about his deceased wife, whose memory still looms large in everything Field Marshal Tamas does. Well, Servant of the Crown fulfilled my every desire; Brian McClellan pulling the curtain back on a young commoner who has defied all odds to become a captain in the Adran Army but finds that he has yet to face down the worst the world has to offer.
From the first sentence of this story, Tamas’ force of will, drive, and perseverance shines through. A duel of honor between himself and a Duke’s son, who has openly ridiculed Tamas’ common background, quickly establishing the tone of the young Captain Tamas. The fight’s conclusion and its inevitable repercussions propelling the narrative into pulse-pounding, edge of your seats adventure, as our proud soldier finds love with a young Kez noblewoman named Erika but must face down certain death at the hands of a member of the Royal Cabal, who has determined to end the rise of Tamas before it can truly begin.
Sounds damn good, doesn’t it? And it is. This short, compact story delivering enough twists and turns to keep even the most demanding fan reading until the end. Knowledge of Tamas’s future does add more meaning to the events but it isn’t really necessary for one to just enjoy every second of this rollicking, suspenseful adventure.
As always, the Powder Mage world itself with all its similarities and wonderful differences with real world historical periods is on full display here. Powder mages, royal cabal (mages), musketeers, duelists, and scheming royals strutting their stuff all over the pages, dazzling in their diverse personalities and colorful chaos. Political schemes, magical fights, and powder mage awesomeness radiating from every page.
What sets Servant of the Crown apart from other Powder Mage novellas, though, is the focus on characterization. Here young Tamas slowly comes to life from scene to scene; his past, his insecurities, his dreams presented in the most appropriate way. The gruffy Butcher of Nobles turning into a living, breathing man whom I could more easily understand and empathize with. But what I personally enjoyed even more was getting to know Erika (Tamas’s future wife). I certainly found her introduction in Forsworn well done, but here she bursts into life, revealing a proud, strong woman who can both dazzle you with her feminine charm yet cut you into shreds with her masterful dueling skills. Not only is she the perfect partner for this young, ambitious Tamas but also a lady you could see the elder Field Marshal never being able to truly replace. Hell, I’m even a little in love with her now, but please don’t mention that to Tamas, because I’m sure he’d kill me — if Erika didn’t do it first.
All in all, this short story is another great piece of the Powder Mage puzzle Mr. McClellan is slowly putting together via novels and novellas. It really is a wonderful place for many, many reasons that I have explained in my other reviews, and it just keeps getting better — which scares me a little since I keep wondering how much longer the brilliance can last.
Tamas is (arguably) the driving force of the Powder Mage trilogy; his force of personality, his vision for a new future what propels the series from its bloody beginnings in Promise of Blood to its concluding scenes in The Autumn Republic. So when I began reading these prequel stories, one of my main objectives was to learn more about this man, more about the past which molded him, and especially more about his deceased wife, whose memory still looms large in everything Field Marshal Tamas does. Well, Servant of the Crown fulfilled my every desire; Brian McClellan pulling the curtain back on a young commoner who has defied all odds to become a captain in the Adran Army but finds that he has yet to face down the worst the world has to offer.
From the first sentence of this story, Tamas’ force of will, drive, and perseverance shines through. A duel of honor between himself and a Duke’s son, who has openly ridiculed Tamas’ common background, quickly establishing the tone of the young Captain Tamas. The fight’s conclusion and its inevitable repercussions propelling the narrative into pulse-pounding, edge of your seats adventure, as our proud soldier finds love with a young Kez noblewoman named Erika but must face down certain death at the hands of a member of the Royal Cabal, who has determined to end the rise of Tamas before it can truly begin.
Sounds damn good, doesn’t it? And it is. This short, compact story delivering enough twists and turns to keep even the most demanding fan reading until the end. Knowledge of Tamas’s future does add more meaning to the events but it isn’t really necessary for one to just enjoy every second of this rollicking, suspenseful adventure.
As always, the Powder Mage world itself with all its similarities and wonderful differences with real world historical periods is on full display here. Powder mages, royal cabal (mages), musketeers, duelists, and scheming royals strutting their stuff all over the pages, dazzling in their diverse personalities and colorful chaos. Political schemes, magical fights, and powder mage awesomeness radiating from every page.
What sets Servant of the Crown apart from other Powder Mage novellas, though, is the focus on characterization. Here young Tamas slowly comes to life from scene to scene; his past, his insecurities, his dreams presented in the most appropriate way. The gruffy Butcher of Nobles turning into a living, breathing man whom I could more easily understand and empathize with. But what I personally enjoyed even more was getting to know Erika (Tamas’s future wife). I certainly found her introduction in Forsworn well done, but here she bursts into life, revealing a proud, strong woman who can both dazzle you with her feminine charm yet cut you into shreds with her masterful dueling skills. Not only is she the perfect partner for this young, ambitious Tamas but also a lady you could see the elder Field Marshal never being able to truly replace. Hell, I’m even a little in love with her now, but please don’t mention that to Tamas, because I’m sure he’d kill me — if Erika didn’t do it first.
All in all, this short story is another great piece of the Powder Mage puzzle Mr. McClellan is slowly putting together via novels and novellas. It really is a wonderful place for many, many reasons that I have explained in my other reviews, and it just keeps getting better — which scares me a little since I keep wondering how much longer the brilliance can last.
February 8, 2019
Servant of the Crown
is a fun and exciting novella in the Powder Mage world. It is centered around Captain Tamas when he was a young ambitious soldier trying to work his way through the Adran army ranks. The story is told as sort of double edged sword from an informative stand point.
One one side, it shows Tamas' experiences with the nobles and Privileged that eventually drove him to his actions in The Powder Mage trilogy. On the other side,
There is plenty of action packed into the 77 pages of this story. Several confrontations that lead to duels with swords and pistols, and a deadly cat and mouse game that will push Tamas to his limits. Mentally and magical.
"Dueling is not just about blood and honor. It's about the message."
This was a great story that really shed some light on future events from the main trilogy. I would recommend reading the first novella Forsworn before this as some of the story may not make any sense. Best short story I have read to date.
4 stars *****
One one side, it shows Tamas' experiences with the nobles and Privileged that eventually drove him to his actions in The Powder Mage trilogy. On the other side,
There is plenty of action packed into the 77 pages of this story. Several confrontations that lead to duels with swords and pistols, and a deadly cat and mouse game that will push Tamas to his limits. Mentally and magical.
"Dueling is not just about blood and honor. It's about the message."
This was a great story that really shed some light on future events from the main trilogy. I would recommend reading the first novella Forsworn before this as some of the story may not make any sense. Best short story I have read to date.
4 stars *****
May 26, 2017
Captain Tamas and Lady Erica meet, taking down some Privileged on the way to their potential Happily Ever After... Short and very good!!!
August 29, 2017
4.5 stars
More backstory on Tamas and Erika offering a much more in depth look at how Tamas evolved into the man we know from the Powder Mage trilogy and the woman who made him what he is today.
Awesome, awesome, awesome.
More backstory on Tamas and Erika offering a much more in depth look at how Tamas evolved into the man we know from the Powder Mage trilogy and the woman who made him what he is today.
Awesome, awesome, awesome.
August 6, 2014
In this short story set in the world of 'The Powder Mage' Tamas is a young captain of extraordinary ability scorned by his noble colleagues because of his low birth. When he engages the son of a duke in a duel the fall-out threatens to destroy everything he has worked so hard to achieve.
All of the Powder mage novellas have been enjoyable reads with interesting plots, likeable characters and most importantly valuable insights into the world McClellan has built. And in my opinion this is the best of them. Perhaps the most important thing this novella does is provide motivation for Tamas' actions in the main series. In this short story McClellan strongly conveys the sense of a corrupt, oppressive society. The condescension and scorn Tamas suffers in spite of his heroic service to his country and the sense of injustice that permeates this book make Tamas' actions in Promise of Blood much more understandable.
Another well-developed part of this book was the relationship between Tamas and Erika, who was introduced in Forsworn. While the course of their romance was somewhat predictable due to references in the main series it was still handled very well. Their relationship made for some interesting sections without undermining the plot as a whole. My only complaint about it was not getting any POV's from Erika. I'd really like to hear her thoughts on Tamas and I'm hoping McClellan will write some more short stories featuring her in the future.
Overall this was a well-written short story that provided some more interesting background for the world of The Powder Mage while still being an enjoyable story in it's own right.
All of the Powder mage novellas have been enjoyable reads with interesting plots, likeable characters and most importantly valuable insights into the world McClellan has built. And in my opinion this is the best of them. Perhaps the most important thing this novella does is provide motivation for Tamas' actions in the main series. In this short story McClellan strongly conveys the sense of a corrupt, oppressive society. The condescension and scorn Tamas suffers in spite of his heroic service to his country and the sense of injustice that permeates this book make Tamas' actions in Promise of Blood much more understandable.
Another well-developed part of this book was the relationship between Tamas and Erika, who was introduced in Forsworn. While the course of their romance was somewhat predictable due to references in the main series it was still handled very well. Their relationship made for some interesting sections without undermining the plot as a whole. My only complaint about it was not getting any POV's from Erika. I'd really like to hear her thoughts on Tamas and I'm hoping McClellan will write some more short stories featuring her in the future.
Overall this was a well-written short story that provided some more interesting background for the world of The Powder Mage while still being an enjoyable story in it's own right.
June 24, 2014
Servant of the Crown is another short novella in the world of the Powder Mage. In this volume, Tamas, a commoner, is a young Captain struggling to advance in the stifling aristocratic order. He has made the foolish decision to engage in a duel with the son of a Duke and finds himself teetering on the brink of destruction as a result.
I like these little stories. They provide context and back-story that enhances my appreciation for the author's world. This little book tells the story of how Tamas met Ericka, his future wife. It also provides a little context for the capriciousness of the Old Order.
One of my critiques of the first Powder Mage work, Promise of Blood, was that you never really had a good sense as to why the Old Order needed to be swept away. This book provides a taste of that. Tamas is kept down despite his achievements for no other reason than he is not a noble. For that crime, he is to be destroyed.
I also liked the interplay between Ericka and Tamas. She is a strong woman who knows exactly what she wants, and, by the end of the story, you can feel her hand settling over Tamas, guiding him on his path. (What is that expression? Behind every strong man ....) The relationship between the pair also explains Tamas periodic pining for Ericka in the later books.
All in all, if you like the Powder Mage series, these are must reads. Four out of five stars.
I like these little stories. They provide context and back-story that enhances my appreciation for the author's world. This little book tells the story of how Tamas met Ericka, his future wife. It also provides a little context for the capriciousness of the Old Order.
One of my critiques of the first Powder Mage work, Promise of Blood, was that you never really had a good sense as to why the Old Order needed to be swept away. This book provides a taste of that. Tamas is kept down despite his achievements for no other reason than he is not a noble. For that crime, he is to be destroyed.
I also liked the interplay between Ericka and Tamas. She is a strong woman who knows exactly what she wants, and, by the end of the story, you can feel her hand settling over Tamas, guiding him on his path. (What is that expression? Behind every strong man ....) The relationship between the pair also explains Tamas periodic pining for Ericka in the later books.
All in all, if you like the Powder Mage series, these are must reads. Four out of five stars.
September 10, 2017
A nice, entertaining read. a bit melodramatic :)
January 25, 2020
I think I may have a new obsession.
May 23, 2024
This was brilliant, by far the best Powder Mage novella so far. Erika was exactly as I expected based on everything that was said about her in the main trilogy.
This novella covers the first meeting between Tamas and her and the beginning of their romance. It's flawless, engaging both in action and character work. You can see how a person like her helped Tamas become the man he is in the trilogy and why he cherished her so much. McClellan nailed her character and relationship with Tamas.
Basically my only issue with this novella is that Erika from Forsworn novella is almost a different person. Sure, Servant is told from Tamas's perspective while Forsworn is from Erika's and so her personality should be a bit different when she's looked at from someone else's view.
Here she's the woman her grandfather predicted she would become several times in Forsworn. But that makes little sense because there wasn't enough time between the novellas. It was only a few weeks (think not even a month) since the end of Forsworn when she meets Tamas. That doesn't provide enough time for her character growth. I wish it was more, like a year or two instead. It would've made more sense that way as no one gains this much confidence in a few weeks, not even after what Erika's been through at the end of Forsworn.
But back to Servant. It's almost a mandatory read, imo. It also helped me understand Taniel's struggles with the army generals in The Crimson Campaign better as Tamas goes through something similar here, though here it wasn't so insanely annoying.
This novella covers the first meeting between Tamas and her and the beginning of their romance. It's flawless, engaging both in action and character work. You can see how a person like her helped Tamas become the man he is in the trilogy and why he cherished her so much. McClellan nailed her character and relationship with Tamas.
Basically my only issue with this novella is that Erika from Forsworn novella is almost a different person. Sure, Servant is told from Tamas's perspective while Forsworn is from Erika's and so her personality should be a bit different when she's looked at from someone else's view.
Here she's the woman her grandfather predicted she would become several times in Forsworn. But that makes little sense because there wasn't enough time between the novellas. It was only a few weeks (think not even a month) since the end of Forsworn when she meets Tamas. That doesn't provide enough time for her character growth. I wish it was more, like a year or two instead. It would've made more sense that way as no one gains this much confidence in a few weeks, not even after what Erika's been through at the end of Forsworn.
But back to Servant. It's almost a mandatory read, imo. It also helped me understand Taniel's struggles with the army generals in The Crimson Campaign better as Tamas goes through something similar here, though here it wasn't so insanely annoying.
Read
February 6, 2017This short story is basically the sequel of Forsworn, featuring both Erika & Tamas. It features a completely different Tamas, fighting for an opportunity to ascent the ranks, against both the will of Nobles & the Cabal Privileged, as the first commoner (and Powder Mage) receiving the rank of Major.
It's a pretty average short story, but i would recommend it for the context.
Ps. I do not rate short stories.
It's a pretty average short story, but i would recommend it for the context.
Ps. I do not rate short stories.
May 29, 2017
A bit YAish to my taste, but very fun to read
January 18, 2015
WOOHOO!!
That was freaking awesome!
Holy pudding pops I love these books! This is the 2nd short story I have read from McClellan set in his Powder Mage series and I really, reeeeally, liked it!
Tamas is the man!! This quick little story gives us some insight into what drives Tamas. In the main trilogy of the Powder Mage books, Tamas is already a grizzled veteran and general badass mofo! Servant Of The Crown takes us back to Tamas's humble beginnings. It shows us his perseverance and reasons for his disdain towards those of noble birth.
It was also hella fun to watch Tamas and Erika grow close.
The final book in the main trilogy comes out next month, and while I am beyond excited for it, I have to admit that I am a little sad that it will all be over. Hopefully, the author will either continue on writing more short stories set in this world or even, dare I hope, continue on with more full-length Powder Mage novels.
Regardless - I will follow Brian McClellan anywhere he wishes to take us!
Bravo, sir.
November 9, 2017
Listened to the audible version of this book...the narrator was more tolerable this book than the last one. She's still terrible just less terrible. The story in this one was good. I really liked seeing a young Tamas and getting to see how the relationship with Erika started.
October 7, 2015
So far I’ve read a few other short stories set in the world of Powder Mage, though that’s the first story that Tamas is the main character, so it was kind of interesting to see the world from young captain Tamas eyes. Erika, the main character in Forsworn, is another main character in this story, though she’s not a POV. Actually this story occurs a short time after Forswotn, so it was nice to read Forsworn before reading this one.
In this story we learn about some politics in Adro, get some information regarding the world, learn more about the privileged and their powers and the cabal. The pace is great, the characterization is good, and I enjoyed reading this short story. That’s a good short story, and I’m glad that Brian wrote a few short stories in this series.
4.25-4.5/5
In this story we learn about some politics in Adro, get some information regarding the world, learn more about the privileged and their powers and the cabal. The pace is great, the characterization is good, and I enjoyed reading this short story. That’s a good short story, and I’m glad that Brian wrote a few short stories in this series.
4.25-4.5/5
August 14, 2019
Powder Mage Novella
More background story of Tamas and Erika, sure to make fans of the original trilogy happy and and to the depth of the overall arc. Worth the read!
More background story of Tamas and Erika, sure to make fans of the original trilogy happy and and to the depth of the overall arc. Worth the read!
January 5, 2018
“Nature,” he said, “would not see one man or woman above another by right of birth. That is earned. And the duty of those who earn such a right is to protect those that cannot protect themselves.”
February 7, 2016
After reading The Crimson Campaign, I was very excited - Brian McClellan continued his trilogy and improved on a lot of the aspects from Promise of Blood. I was a little nervous when I heard about some of the setting for this novella.
I knew it took place immediately after the events in Forsworn, and I had heard about the possibility of a masquerade and certain characters meeting, but it sounded a little bit like a let down when compared to how good The Crimson Campaign was.
Servant of the Crown is anything but a letdown. Brian McClellan somehow continues to get better. The story is fun and fast-paced, the plot is fresh and unpredictable, and the characters are really great. He continues showing off how well he can build up a new character in a short story, and how he can add new dimensions to his old characters. This novella continues building on an amazing world and a great cast of characters.
It's amazing to me that Brian can pump out this much content so quickly, and yet instead of seeing his work suffer due to the short release timelines, they keep getting better. I loved the story and I can only look forward to whatever else Brian puts out, whether they are short stories, the conclusion to the Powder Mage Trilogy, or any new works.
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Edit: re-read January 2, 2016
I knew it took place immediately after the events in Forsworn, and I had heard about the possibility of a masquerade and certain characters meeting, but it sounded a little bit like a let down when compared to how good The Crimson Campaign was.
Servant of the Crown is anything but a letdown. Brian McClellan somehow continues to get better. The story is fun and fast-paced, the plot is fresh and unpredictable, and the characters are really great. He continues showing off how well he can build up a new character in a short story, and how he can add new dimensions to his old characters. This novella continues building on an amazing world and a great cast of characters.
It's amazing to me that Brian can pump out this much content so quickly, and yet instead of seeing his work suffer due to the short release timelines, they keep getting better. I loved the story and I can only look forward to whatever else Brian puts out, whether they are short stories, the conclusion to the Powder Mage Trilogy, or any new works.
--------------------
Edit: re-read January 2, 2016
October 6, 2016
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!
February 16, 2016
I really like Erika. I'd quite happily steal Tamas off her and spirit him away to be mine FOREVER.. but I like her.
The one problem with reading prequels is that you know what's gonna happen. No matter how much you really don't want it to happen and you hope that it doesn't - it's gotta happen.
... now onto Hopes End.
The one problem with reading prequels is that you know what's gonna happen. No matter how much you really don't want it to happen and you hope that it doesn't - it's gotta happen.
... now onto Hopes End.
April 21, 2022
Unterhaltsame Novelle die einen noch stärker in die Powder-Mage-Welt zieht!
November 21, 2017
“Nature would not see one man or a woman above another by right of birth.
That is earned.
And the duty of those who earn such a right is to protect those that cannot protect themselves. ”
Ambition of a commoner. Most of the time that ambition will get you a little closer to nowhere in a world of Adro.
Unless you are Tamas.
“Captain Tamas. On your first campaign at the age of sixteen, you were commended for valor in the field on seven separate occasions, suffering eleven wounds in that campaign alone.
On the next campaign, as sergeant, you single handedly ended the siege of Herone.
As a lieutenant in charge of just thirty marksmen on special assignment you captured the town of Lukanjev and held it against two companies of Gurlish cavalry.”
Captain Tamas at the very start of this novella is about to be promoted to a rank of major at the age of 28.
Ambition gets completely new meaning in the hands of Captain Tamas.
But all that can be trampled because of a duel with a nobler.
Ambitious as he is, Tamas is still a commoner. And that, in hands of a capable person, could be most dangerous thing.
God I love Erika Ja Leora’s character.
At the beginning of the first book in Powder Mage series Promise of Blood I couldn’t empathize with his character after what he had done to nobles. He was interesting to follow, but for me he was still a monster and a butcher of nobility.
But after getting to know more of Erika in this novella, what she was, and what she meant to him, I say: burn everything Tamas!
For Erika.
September 22, 2014
Captain Tamas is a commoner hated by nobility. The feeling is mutual. All he has he got by being capable, brave and extraordinary. The fact he is a powder mage helps too. But it hinders him too.
Certain parties want him humiliated, stripped of his rank and maybe even killed. His king is playing a dangerous game with the Privileged (sorcerers who are forgetting they are supposed to be the Iron King's subjects) making them pay more attention to Tamas than he needs. Even though he is depicted as brave, there is an unpleasant thread of reality in this story. Tamas has to act out of character in certain situations. Some are even uncomfortable to read because he has to hold his temper in check in front of lesser men only because they outrank him. And they are lesser!
Tamas will have to fight for his rank, his place in society and even his life. How lucky he is, then, to have Erika ja Leora by his side. I loved these two. Erika is one of my favourite female characters ever. In Forsworn her parents warned her that Tamas hates nobility and that he wouldn't be eager to teach her how to use her powder mage powers, but nothing could have prepared Tamas for someone like her.
Certain parties want him humiliated, stripped of his rank and maybe even killed. His king is playing a dangerous game with the Privileged (sorcerers who are forgetting they are supposed to be the Iron King's subjects) making them pay more attention to Tamas than he needs. Even though he is depicted as brave, there is an unpleasant thread of reality in this story. Tamas has to act out of character in certain situations. Some are even uncomfortable to read because he has to hold his temper in check in front of lesser men only because they outrank him. And they are lesser!
Tamas will have to fight for his rank, his place in society and even his life. How lucky he is, then, to have Erika ja Leora by his side. I loved these two. Erika is one of my favourite female characters ever. In Forsworn her parents warned her that Tamas hates nobility and that he wouldn't be eager to teach her how to use her powder mage powers, but nothing could have prepared Tamas for someone like her.
' "What are your terms?" Tamas asked Erika. Erika sniffed. "I suppose you'd argue if I said 'to the death?'" "I would." "A pity. First blood, then, even if I won't be able to carve his name into his chest." Tamas coughed into his hand.'I loved this story, I loved Tamas and Erika, their respect and courage. They are equals in every way.
July 17, 2014
It's impressive how fast Brian McClellan has improved his craft since the release of his first book in the Powder Mage universe.
The short stories that followed that book were good but not mind bending.
The last two novellas however make me wish that the whole Powder Mage trilogy was about Tamas and Erika instead of taking place 20 years later.
In a way this story is simpler, there is no god, just injustice and a simpler commoner vs noble fight and that's what makes it so good. We learn alot more about Tamas's wife and all of this makes me really wish that she was still alive today...
This novella is sold for 2.99$ and will last you around 50 minutes. All in all it is highly recommended for any Powder Mage fan ( you can skip the first few short stories but the two novellas are a must).
The short stories that followed that book were good but not mind bending.
The last two novellas however make me wish that the whole Powder Mage trilogy was about Tamas and Erika instead of taking place 20 years later.
In a way this story is simpler, there is no god, just injustice and a simpler commoner vs noble fight and that's what makes it so good. We learn alot more about Tamas's wife and all of this makes me really wish that she was still alive today...
This novella is sold for 2.99$ and will last you around 50 minutes. All in all it is highly recommended for any Powder Mage fan ( you can skip the first few short stories but the two novellas are a must).
June 6, 2017
4 and 1/2 stars
As the main character in the Powder Mages trilogy, Field Marshal Tamas comes across immediately as a strong, intriguing figure, and not just because of his connection to this peculiar brand of magic. Finding more about his past, and what made him the person we meet for the first time in Promise of Blood, is a fascinating journey: we saw a glimpse of him at the end of the first novella I reviewed, Forsworn, but here he takes center stage in a story that dovetails nicely with that first prequel and happens shortly after those events.
Full Review at SPACE and SORCERY BLOG
As the main character in the Powder Mages trilogy, Field Marshal Tamas comes across immediately as a strong, intriguing figure, and not just because of his connection to this peculiar brand of magic. Finding more about his past, and what made him the person we meet for the first time in Promise of Blood, is a fascinating journey: we saw a glimpse of him at the end of the first novella I reviewed, Forsworn, but here he takes center stage in a story that dovetails nicely with that first prequel and happens shortly after those events.
Full Review at SPACE and SORCERY BLOG
December 26, 2015
Servant of the Crown is an incredible powder mage novella. The story revolves around Tamas first meeting Erika and the Privileged who wants Tamas dead. I don't want to spoil a single thing because this story is amazing.
I loved seeing the interaction between Tamas and Erika as well as finding out that Tamas had trained himself to be more proficient with his powder mage abilities.
If you enjoy the Powder Mage trilogy then Servant of the Crown is a must read. Just be sure to read Forsworn first because Servant of the Crown is its direct sequel.
I loved seeing the interaction between Tamas and Erika as well as finding out that Tamas had trained himself to be more proficient with his powder mage abilities.
If you enjoy the Powder Mage trilogy then Servant of the Crown is a must read. Just be sure to read Forsworn first because Servant of the Crown is its direct sequel.
June 17, 2014
By far my favorite of all of the Powder Mage short stories. Action, suspense, mystery, romance, ass kicking. It has it all!
I appreciate that Brian uses a bit more mature language in this one as well. It comes off as authentic, and never corny or used just for shock factor.
Brian, if you read this, please, please, please, more stories about Tamas and Erika.
I appreciate that Brian uses a bit more mature language in this one as well. It comes off as authentic, and never corny or used just for shock factor.
Brian, if you read this, please, please, please, more stories about Tamas and Erika.
August 20, 2015
If I could start all over again, I would start with this short story because #1 we better understand Tamas's later motivation (an egalitarian society) and #2 we get to meet Erika (I wish we had had more of her).
On to The Crimson Campaign now
On to The Crimson Campaign now
August 28, 2015
will review at www.fantasyliterature.com
December 23, 2020
I read this straight after reading Seige of Tilpur and this seems far superior. I think it is because it has twice as many pages and a lot more dialogue and plot.
I really loved Tamas and Erika’s relationship. Despite the page count is didn't feel rushed and it wasn't in your face. It was nice and flirtatious at times but wholly in place with the characters personalities.
I also really liked Erika, enough that I'm going to read her little short too! Even though I won't have read it in order 🙈
I honestly felt like I was coming home with these characters. I'm a little worried knowing Erika’s fate to read anymore of these, I don't know if I could take it. Though, apparently I'm a masochist because I will likely still read it 😂
I loved the plot, the intrigue, I already love the world and I loved both old and new characters!
Honestly, if you loved the main trilogy read these shorts! I can't wait to get to the Taniel ones!!
I really loved Tamas and Erika’s relationship. Despite the page count is didn't feel rushed and it wasn't in your face. It was nice and flirtatious at times but wholly in place with the characters personalities.
I also really liked Erika, enough that I'm going to read her little short too! Even though I won't have read it in order 🙈
I honestly felt like I was coming home with these characters. I'm a little worried knowing Erika’s fate to read anymore of these, I don't know if I could take it. Though, apparently I'm a masochist because I will likely still read it 😂
I loved the plot, the intrigue, I already love the world and I loved both old and new characters!
Honestly, if you loved the main trilogy read these shorts! I can't wait to get to the Taniel ones!!
October 12, 2017
Lot of nice action packed into a small space. I love the way McClellan can set a scene with a few small phrases. There was one that went something like, "The trees had been wrapped and the smaller fountains shut off." Really gives the sense that they're on winter's doorstep.
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