A Coup in the Night

In the fog-shrouded city of Adopest, Inspector Adamat is summoned to Skyline Palace, where he finds Field Marshal Tamas has executed a coup, overthrowing the monarchy to prevent a disastrous treaty with Kez. The king's royal cabal is executed, and Tamas tasks Adamat with investigating the dying words of the Privileged: "You can't break Kresimir's Promise." This sets the stage for a tumultuous power struggle and the unraveling of deep-seated secrets.

Secrets Beneath the Palace

Tamas's coup comes at a cost, with losses among his powder mages and a rogue Privileged on the loose. His son, Taniel, returns from Fatrasta, dealing with personal betrayal. Tamas assigns him to hunt the rogue Privileged, a task complicated by mercenaries Julene and Gothen, whose loyalties are uncertain. The palace's secrets and alliances are as fragile as they are dangerous.

The King's Execution

King Manhouch's execution is a public spectacle meant to satisfy the people's thirst for justice. Tamas hopes to quell unrest, but the execution is just the beginning. He must navigate the political fallout and the threat of a royalist uprising led by General Westeven, as the nation teeters on the brink of chaos.

The Hunt for the Privileged

Taniel, with Julene and Gothen, tracks the rogue Privileged, Rozalia, through the city. Rozalia is powerful and elusive, leaving destruction in her wake. Her motives and connection to Kresimir's Promise remain a mystery, posing a potential threat that could have dire consequences for Adro.

Betrayal and Alliances

As Tamas consolidates power, he faces betrayal within his ranks and must rely on unlikely allies, including mercenary leader Lady Winceslav and the enigmatic Proprietor. Meanwhile, Adamat's investigation leads him to a dangerous encounter with Lord Vetas, a man with his own agenda and ties to a shadowy master, further complicating the web of alliances and betrayals.

The Siege of Centestershire

The royalists, led by General Westeven, have barricaded themselves in Centestershire. Tamas must decide whether to negotiate or attack, knowing the outcome will shape Adro's future. The siege is a test of strategy and resolve, with the nation's fate hanging in the balance.

The Promise of Kresimir

Adamat's search for the meaning of Kresimir's Promise takes him to Shouldercrown Fortress, where he learns from Privileged Borbador that the promise is a legend tied to the foundation of the Nine Nations. As the truth unfolds, the threat of Kresimir's return looms, and Tamas must prepare for a conflict that could change the world.

A Dangerous Encounter in Adopest

Adamat is visited by the enigmatic Lord Vetas, who delivers a chilling message: a severed finger belonging to Adamat's son. Vetas demands information about Adamat's investigation into Tamas's council, revealing that Adamat's family is in danger. Forced to comply, Adamat divulges everything he knows, underscoring the perilous web of intrigue surrounding Tamas and his allies.

Secrets and Schemes Unveiled

Adamat continues his investigation, uncovering financial ties and potential motives, but the truth remains elusive. Meanwhile, Tamas's council is rife with tension, as suspicions of betrayal loom large. The enigmatic Mihali, claiming to be the god Adom reborn, becomes a focal point of interest, with his miraculous culinary abilities raising questions about his true nature.

A Desperate Battle at South Pike

At South Pike, Taniel and Bo defend the Mountainwatch against the relentless Kez army. Despite the odds, Taniel's sharpshooting and Bo's sorcery hold the line. The battle is fierce, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. As the Kez push forward, Taniel and Bo must rely on their skills and the mysterious Ka-poel's enchanted bullets to turn the tide.

Captured and Powerless

Tamas is captured by Duke Nikslaus and his Wardens, who plan to take him to Kez for execution. Stripped of his powder mage abilities by a gold implant, Tamas is rendered powerless. As he grapples with his captivity and the loss of his powers, he must find a way to escape and warn his allies of the impending threat.

Betrayal in the King's Wood

During the Orchard Valley Hunt, Tamas is ambushed by Brigadier Ryze and his men, revealing a betrayal within the Wings of Adom. Ryze, coerced by threats to his family, attempts to warn Tamas of a traitor within his council. However, the situation spirals out of control when a Kez Privileged and Wardens attack, leading to a deadly confrontation.

A Treacherous Trap Unveiled

Determined to confront the traitor within his ranks, Tamas leads his forces to arrest Arch-Diocel Charlemund. However, the arch-diocel has been forewarned, and Tamas's men are ambushed by air rifles and sorcery. Despite the chaos, Tamas's resolve remains unbroken as he faces the treacherous Charlemund and the Kez sorcerer Nikslaus.

The Battle for Kresimir's Return

Taniel and his companions reach the summit of South Pike, where they discover the Kez Cabal's plan to summon Kresimir. As the solstice approaches, Taniel witnesses the terrifying power of the Privileged and the ancient sorcery at play. With the fate of Adro hanging in the balance, Taniel must confront the impossible task of stopping a god's return.

The Aftermath of Divine Wrath

In the wake of Kresimir's death, Adro is left to deal with the repercussions. The mountain's eruption devastates the land, and the threat of Kez invasion looms large. Tamas, burdened by loss and betrayal, must rally his forces to defend his nation. As the dust settles, the true cost of the conflict becomes clear, and the survivors must find a way to rebuild amidst the ruins of their world.

Characters

Field Marshal Tamas

Tamas is a brilliant strategist who orchestrates a coup to save Adro from ruin. Haunted by the death of his wife and driven by a desire to protect his country, he is ruthless yet principled. His relationship with his son, Taniel, is strained by expectations and unspoken emotions, adding depth to his character as he navigates the treacherous political landscape.

Inspector Adamat

Adamat is a former police inspector with a perfect memory, tasked by Tamas to uncover the meaning of Kresimir's Promise. His investigation leads him into dangerous territory, where he must navigate threats from powerful enemies while protecting his family. Adamat's determination and resourcefulness make him a key player in the unfolding events.

Taniel Two-Shot

Taniel is Tamas's son, a renowned powder mage returning from war to find his fiancée unfaithful. Tasked with hunting a rogue Privileged, he struggles with personal demons and his father's expectations, seeking redemption and purpose. Taniel's journey is marked by his resilience and the weight of his actions on the world.

Julene

Julene is a powerful sorceress hired by Tamas to hunt the rogue Privileged. Her past is shrouded in mystery, and her true loyalties are uncertain. She is both an asset and a potential threat to Tamas's plans, embodying the complexities of power and allegiance in the conflict.

Rozalia

Rozalia is a former member of the royal cabal, now hunted by Tamas's forces. Her connection to Kresimir's Promise and her true intentions are unknown, making her a pivotal figure in the unfolding conflict. Rozalia's actions and motivations add layers of intrigue and danger to the narrative.

General Westeven

Westeven is a legendary military leader who opposes Tamas's coup. His strategic acumen and dedication to the monarchy make him a significant obstacle to Tamas's new regime. Westeven's character highlights the complexities of loyalty and the high stakes of the civil war.

Lord Vetas

Vetas is a mysterious figure with ties to a powerful master. He seeks to exploit the chaos in Adro for his own gain, using threats and manipulation to achieve his goals. Vetas's presence adds a layer of danger to the unfolding events, as Adamat struggles to protect his loved ones while navigating the treacherous political landscape.

Sabon

Sabon is Tamas's trusted ally and a fellow powder mage. He provides counsel and support, helping Tamas navigate the political and military challenges of the coup. Sabon's loyalty and wisdom are crucial to Tamas's efforts to maintain control and achieve his goals.

Ka-poel

Ka-poel is Taniel's mute Dynize companion, possessing unique sorcerous talents. Her loyalty to Taniel is unwavering, and her abilities are crucial in the hunt for Rozalia. Ka-poel's mysterious powers challenge the traditional understanding of sorcery, making her a key figure in the conflict.

Privileged Borbador (Bo)

Bo is a former member of the royal cabal, now living in exile. His friendship with Taniel and his knowledge of Kresimir's Promise make him a key figure in the unfolding events. Bo's struggle with his own demons adds depth to his character, as he grapples with the consequences of his past actions.

Mihali

Mihali, claiming to be the god Adom reborn, possesses a unique Knack that allows him to create food from thin air. His culinary skills boost the morale of Tamas's army, but his true nature and intentions are unclear. Mihali's presence raises questions about the nature of divinity and sorcery, as well as the potential for powerful allies in the conflict.

Plot Devices

Kresimir's Promise

Kresimir's Promise is a legend tied to the foundation of the Nine Nations, suggesting that the end of a royal line through violence will bring Kresimir's wrath. This promise drives the actions of the Privileged and poses a potential threat to the world, adding a layer of tension and uncertainty to the narrative.

Powder Magic

Powder mages like Taniel and Tamas can manipulate gunpowder to enhance their abilities, making them formidable opponents. This magic is central to the conflict, providing both an advantage and a source of tension with traditional Privileged sorcery. The use of powder magic highlights the evolving nature of warfare and the potential for unconventional tactics to turn the tide of battle.

The Coup

Tamas's coup against the monarchy sets the stage for the novel's events, creating a power vacuum and igniting a civil war. The coup's success and the subsequent execution of the king are pivotal moments that shape the narrative, driving the characters' actions and the unfolding conflict.

The Siege of Centestershire

The siege represents the clash between Tamas's forces and the royalists, led by General Westeven. It is a battle of strategy and resolve, with the outcome determining the future of Adro. The siege tests the characters' loyalty, courage, and strategic acumen, highlighting the high stakes of the conflict.

The Hunt for Rozalia

The search for the rogue Privileged, Rozalia, drives much of the action, as Taniel and his allies navigate the chaos of Adopest to stop her before she can fulfill her mysterious agenda. The hunt underscores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of power in the world of the Nine Nations.

Analysis

"Promise of Blood" by Brian McClellan is a gripping tale that explores the complexities of power, loyalty, and betrayal in a world on the brink of chaos. The novel's intricate plot and richly developed characters highlight the high stakes of the conflict, as Tamas and his allies navigate a treacherous political landscape. The themes of loyalty and betrayal are central to the narrative, as characters grapple with difficult choices and the consequences of their actions. The use of powder magic and the legend of Kresimir's Promise add depth and intrigue to the story, challenging traditional notions of power and sorcery. Ultimately, "Promise of Blood" is a compelling exploration of the human condition, as characters seek redemption and purpose in a world torn apart by war and ambition.

Last updated: February 27, 2025