Promise of Blood

The most enjoyable read of this year.

I finished First Law trilogy earlier and while those are also masterpieces they lacked solid plot, instead they had some of the best characters in fantasy. This book (and hopefully whole series) has excellent mix of both, which I prefer.

Set in a world similar to 18th century France it begins with Adran revolution. King and entire aristocracy are put to guillotine, republic is established. But bordering nations don't like it. Especially Kez, empire who rules other neighboring kingdoms and was suppose to rule Adro as well before Marshall Tamas put an end to the deal by decapitating the deviant king. Was it for the good of the nation or personal revenge against Kez?

Tamas's deed upsets the whole continent however that's not all. Old gods start to stir. But are they even real? People whisper of bad omens. Conflict erupts between royalists and new government, civil war is at hand while Kez is marching to the border. And that's only the beginning.

We follow three characters. Private investigator Adamat is hired by Marshall to investigate royal secrets. He has a knack. A magical talent that allows him to recall any memory. Some gifted individuals have a trait that gives them supernatural powers such as they don't need sleep, can tell if someone is lying, enhanced strength or endurance, etc.

Tamas is army veteran, the most renowned soldier alive in Adro. Revolutionary and leader. His son Taniel is somewhat estranged and often conflicted about his relationship with Tamas. Though who could blame him after he receives an order to assassinate his best friend. Both are powder mages, capable of enhancing their reflexes and stamina, able to ignite black powder with a thought and change bullet direction in flight. Anathema to ordinary mages they're hated and hunted in other countries as twisted unnatural freaks. Ironic, as mage servants known as Wardens are true monstrosities.

The novel has excellent pacing with memorable side characters. Some of the banter reminded me of Malazan. There was one scene about smoking between Tamas and his bodyguard Olem that would fit into Tehol and Bugg's parts perfectly. It toned down after that which fit the book better.

I can't believe this was in my TBR for years but because I didn't expect to love it this much I never got to it until now. As much as this was French revolution I'm expecting sequel to be reminiscent of Napoleonic wars. We shall see.