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The Crimson Campaign
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The Crimson Campaign (The Powder Mage, #2) by Brian McClellan; Start Date in May 25th
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When did we decide to read this? The 25th?
I'm starting a day early as I have to work on Sunday and then I'm going to see the X-Men movie.Thoughts on Chapter 1 -
Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
"The Hounds At Our Heels...Will Soon Know We Are Lions." - Cover quote.
"Adamat breathed a sigh of relief and fell to his knees. They were alive, His children." - I'm glad Adamat's kids are safe - he can now use his mad investigative skills without any distractions.
Oops, looks like Adamat still has to rescue Josep and Faye.
I really hope Rojas was only talking trash about Faye and that she didn't have to suffer that ordeal.
Poor Tamas seems to have yet another traitor on his council.
Thoughts on Chapters 2 - 3Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
"Invade? I'd have to be mad to launch an attack against an army ten times our size?" - As if impossible odds has ever stopped Tamas before.
"He ignored her. Let her think him asleep, or too deep in a mala haze to notice her. All the better. She reached out and squeezed his nose shut with one hand, pushing his mouth closed with the other." - Ka-poel isn't putting up with Taniel's nonsense!
Here's hoping Tamas' hammer and anvil plan works!
*********** THOUGHTS ON CHAPTERS 1 - 4 ***************I have to say I was a little worried going into this one as to whether I'd remember everyone. The author seems to be doing a great job of connecting things so its easy to remember.
Traitors are everywhere in real life and fiction. Looks like they know who the traitor is this time. I thought it rather a nice touch to throw Rojas in with like company. He is a piece of crap. (If anyone asks I didn't just say that. I just thought it.)
Ka-poel got him a new sketch book and and charcoal pencils. I still want these two to get together. He seems to feel she's his ward and won't act on his feelings.
Nila and Faye are together. Still no sign of Josep. I hope Faye didn't have to do anything, but wasn't there something in the last book about that? I can't remember. It's been too long. Why does Veras (Did I remember that right?) want Nila to masquerade as a lady? Will it be for a Faye/Nila swap type of ploy?
I had the same concern about remembering details from the previous book but as I continue to read the details are coming back.I'm rooting for a Taniel & Ka-poel pairing too. If anything, Taniel should be Ka-poel's ward considering how many times she saves him!
I know. I need to update my reading soon. Got to go to the store and get something to make for dinner. Was out most of the day.
Thoughts on Chapters 4 - 10Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
"I'm Faye. And I'm going to kill that bastard." - Go for it, Faye!
Mihali's back!
"What could possibly worry a god? 'What is it?'"
"I can't decide what to make for lunch tomorrow!" - When you're feeding an army, you have to prepare in advance!
"I'd planned poached eggs with asparagus tips, filet of salmon, lamb chops glazed with honey, and a selection of fruit."
"That's three meals you just named there."
"Three meals? Three meals? That's four courses, barely enough for a proper lunch, and I did the same thing five days ago. What kind of chef serves the same meal more than once a week? How could I have messed up? Maybe it's a leap year."
Ricard to the rescue! I want to know the details behind the "goat incident".
I wonder if Taniel's even noticed he traded one addiction for another?
Between Ka-poel and Fell poor Taniel didn't stand a chance! Maybe if they pull hard enough his head will dislodge from his rump.
"You won't change anyone's mind by shouting. Believe me. I'm head of the union. I've tried." - I'm really enjoying Ricard in this book.
"He asked if you'd made any recovery and if the doctors thought his presence would help in any way."
"Not I know you're lying. Tamas wouldn't leave a battlefield for anyone." Not even me. Especially not me. - I'm hoping Fell and Ka-poel knock some sense into Taniel soon.
"Nila wondered how Faye planned on killing Vetas, and if perhaps Nila would get her chance first." - Now, now, ladies, you can share. The more the merrier!
"It was the brand that Kez Privileged gave to powder mages before their execution?" - Are the Kez turning captured powder mages into Wardend? As if regular Wardens weren't scary enough!
Taniel seems to have received a power boost from his encounter with Kresimir. I can't think of anything else that would allow him to pull out ribs from a person bare-handed.
Fell's a brave badass. Not many regular humans would jump into a fight with a warden. Ricard should court Fell - he needs a strong woman who can keep him in line.
"I'm going south. If Tamas is truly dead, and the Kez are making Wardens out of powder mages, then the army will need me." - Yes! The pity party is over and it's back to business.
"A lot of violence planned for a family man."
"'Family'. Remember that word. There is nothing that will make a man more desperate and more capable of violence than endangering his family."
**** Comments and Thoughts for Chapters 5 - 28****My favorite part right now is someone telling Taniel that he can't have Pole join him because she's not his wife or fiance or officially part of the military. He turns to her and says, "Ka-pole, will you marry me." Loving it.
I too liked the family quote and highlighted it.
What the heck is going on with everyone assuming Tamas is dead. It sounds like a conspiracy.
Hating General Ket.
Mihali's advice does not seem all that great.
I am dumbfounded by them court marshalling Taniel. Heads are going to roll when Tamas returns. I want him to return
Taniel working for the Wings of Adom? The utter madness of things. How is this country surviving?
Whose deal do you like more--Ricard's or Abrax's?
Faye doesn't sound like she's in that great of shape.
So the scary powder mages Wardens are being made from people who were stolen out from Tamas? Is anyone loyal to him? His reign seems doomed. So far the Lions aren't showing enough teeth even if they defeated Kev's in their own territory.
Fontain Academy in Starland sounds a bit like Gail Carriger's school in Etiquette & Espionage.
"First rule of bathing," Gavril said. "If you can't smell yourself anymore, it's time to wash." --I'd say that's good advice. Eeewwww!
You got your wish, Sara, in regards to Ricard and Fell. He bought her. *shakes head*
Bo got around the gaes. Yay!
Nila and Bo???? Maybe. Loved how her cuteness or beauty came into play for him taking her and Jabob in for a couple of days. She still doesn't realize she's pretty.
Nila again shows fierce loyalty to Jakob. I really like her.
Josep a powder mage? Interesting. I hope Adamat can save him.
Added******* Vlora, by the way, did not earn my sympathy with her sad little speech. She did do wrong, lost a great guy, and should feel like scum for hurting him so. She didn't just have a quick affair. She stayed with her lover for several months. She didn't even bother to find out if the rumors about Taniel were true. She was in a position that could have gotten people high up killed by acting as she did. Imagine if it wasn't just humiliation the guy was after?
That it is! My reading was sidetracked by Memorial Day (lots of fun), X-Men: Days of Future Past movie (completely awesome), and work (Watch Dogs released yesterday - the game looks awesome but my voice is tired from pitching the game and the season pass all day).I will try to catch up.
Thoughts on Chapter 11 -
Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
"It should have been terribly uncomfortable to have her clinging to him in this heat, but somehow it was the only thing that gave him relief. Not that he'd admit that to her." - Men! So stubborn!
"What would he do with this girl? She seemed to think he belonged to her in some way. He could sleep with her, he supposed, but the thought of it made him feel...conflicted. She was a savage, and his servant. A companion and nothing more. There wasn't a soul in polite Adran society who wouldn't think it most improper. When had he ever cared about what society thought proper, he reminded himself. Taniel had seen Ka-poel's sorcery. She'd saved his life on several occasions. She was anything but "just a savage girl". - That's right, forget society and go with the girl who's stuck with you through thick and thin.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir, but it seems we're supposed to arrest you." - Always an awkward moment.
Taniel's proposal was oh-so-romantic. I hope he realizes that Ka-poel was serious in her response. I'll laugh if we find out that in Ka-poel's culture the asking/acceptance seals the deal.
Doravir better pray that Ka-poel doesn't make a doll in her image. Bad things happen to Ka-poel's "dolls".
Just finished. I feel like I should pat myself on the back for that feat. It wasn't that the writing didn't keep me entertained, it just took fore ever to read. I have to pick up my kids so I'll try to write more later.
Sara said, "Taniel's proposal was oh-so-romantic. I hope he realizes that Ka-poel was serious in her response. I'll laugh if we find out that in Ka-poel's culture the asking/acceptance seals the deal."I thought Ka-poel's response was cute. I don't know if it was after this, but I'm pretty sure it was, that she started kissing Taniel. I'm curious, however, what she would have done when she straddled him at the mala den if they hadn't been interrupted.
Sara said, "Doravir better pray that Ka-poel doesn't make a doll in her image. Bad things happen to Ka-poel's "dolls"."
I think a lot of people ought to pray Ka-poel doesn't make a doll of them. Voodoo at its best.
**** Spoilers for Chapters 29 - end ****Was disappointed Tamas didn't make it back home by the end of the book. I think it would have been more dramatic if it ended with him learning what they want to do to Taniel. Especially since we know how important family is to him.
Looks like Bo is probably going to go after Joseph
Nila, how cool to find out she's got powers. Mad powers.
Taniel finally admits he loves Ka-poel. Yay!
Mihal --- Nooooooo! The man just wasn't very smart where politics were concerned.
Interesting that Ka-poel can scare a god. The author seems to like strong woman characters. He's earned my respect. :)
Julene being crucified without being able to die was creepy. I don't think Taniel's kept his promise to her yet.
Looks like the elections could go sour.
So revenge is what made Tamas kill the king and his protectors.
I so wanted to see General Ket pay for what she did.
Did they manage to save Gravil? I can't recall.
I think this is the first time we've heard the term brother kings.
So the Gods could care less about the kings. Hmmm... Makes one wonder if the kings spread the rumor about there being vengeance if someone deposed them.
More info about the gloves which we didn't have. Most can't use the flames without them.
With as long as this book was, I thought we would have gotten more out of it. We've got Tamas and ally in a king. Which will probably help his cause. No word as to whether they still hold Borean prisoner, but that would be something if Tamas took out his father and brothers so he'd be king. Wonder if he'd want Tamas' head for killing them though?
Was only a little surprised at who the big traitor in the military was. He was way to quick to say Tamas was dead. That will teach Tamas to go and fight with his men. He needs to stay where he can keep his power or at least come up with a contingency plan.
Thoughts on Chapters 12 - endWarning, Spoilers Ahead...
The book was intense - it had a very "The Empire Strikes Back" feel to it when the good guys kept having their rumps handed to them.
Loved Fell, Fay, and Ka-poel - all were very badass in their own ways.
Nila has powers - and apparently doesn't need gloves.
Yep, they managed to save Gravil.
I'm glad Bo broke the curse but I felt bad for the headsman - he was just following orders and/or doing his job!
I liked Boen - I think he'll end up being Tamas' ally - he didn't seem happy with the way his father was treating the people.
Poor Mihali is dead! He was one of my faves.
There seems to be multiple traitors in the military based on Bo's discovery. I wouldn't want to be there when Tamas returns - talk about the crap hitting the fan!
I agree on Vlora's "confession". Boo hoo! Cry me a river!
Sara said,
"talk about the crap hitting the fan!"
Nope, it'll be heads rolling.
It was a one step forward two steps back kind of book until the end.
Oh yeah, lots of heads are going to roll! Tamas just needs to find a redhead to yell "off with their heads!"
Who's Your Author?
Books mentioned in this topic
Etiquette & Espionage (other topics)The Crimson Campaign (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Gail Carriger (other topics)Brian McClellan (other topics)
This topic is open for discussion of The Crimson Campaign by Brian McClellan. Be prepared for SPOILERS.
'The hounds at our heels will soon know we are lions' Tamas's invasion of Kez ends in disaster when a Kez counter-offensive leaves him cut off behind enemy lines with only a fraction of his army, no supplies, and no hope of reinforcements. Drastically outnumbered and pursued by the enemy's best, he must lead his men on a reckless march through northern Kez to safety, and back over the mountains so that he can defend his country from an angry god. In Adro, Inspector Adamat only wants to rescue his wife. To do so he must track down and confront the evil Lord Vetas. He has questions for Vetas concerning his enigmatic master, but the answers might come too quickly. With Tamas and his powder cabal presumed dead, Taniel Two-shot finds himself alongside the god-chef Mihali as the last line of defence against Kresimir's advancing army. Tamas's generals bicker among themselves, the brigades lose ground every day beneath the Kez onslaught, and Kresimir wants the head of the man who shot him in the eye.