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Book ReviewsFantasyFlintlock
Home›Book Reviews›Hope’s End by Brian McClellan

Hope’s End by Brian McClellan

By Laura M. Hughes
September 14, 2017
3694
0

Hope's End (Powder Mage) by Brian McClellanHope’s End is an engaging short story from the creator of the Powder Mage trilogy. The events take place several years prior to the events of the main trilogy, meaning no previous knowledge of the series is necessary. However, those who have read Promise of Blood will be especially delighted: Hope’s End adds a new dimension to the world of the powder mages, as well as giving us an intriguing glimpse of Tamas in his younger days.

This is the story of Tamas, however, but that of Captain Verundish. The restrictions of the short story format can make it difficult to create characters we care about, but I was rooting for Verundish after reading the first couple of paragraphs, which are poignant yet pleasantly morbid. I was filled with sympathy at her situation, as well as admiration for her resolve: her entire situation really increased the resonance of the title ‘Hope’s End’.

As a huge fan of Promise of Blood I was looking forward to some characteristically enthralling action, and there’s about as much of it here as you can expect from a story this length. The atmosphere shifts from tense to explosive in a matter of moments, and there are some really nice moments of Privileged magic and powder mage awesomeness. I would like to have seen more of Tamas in action, but I suppose this wasn’t really his story.

The balance of various elements – personal crises, army politics, and chaotic warfare – as well as their satisfying resolution makes this a perfectly self-contained story for those new to the author. For others more familiar with his work, it’s a wonderful companion tale to the series and a great way to break down the time spent waiting for the release of the next full-length instalment.

TagsBook ReviewsBrian McClellanfantasyFlintlockHope's EndPowder MageShort StoryTamas

Laura M. Hughes

Laura works as a freelance editor beneath the grey, pigeon-filled skies of northern England. When she isn’t working on a manuscript or writing for the Hive, you're most likely to find her on Twitter, playing Dragon Age, or hoarding polyhedral dice. Laura also writes LitRPG under the pen name Demi Harper; her first novel, GOD OF GNOMES, was published in September 2019. She created The Fantasy Hive in 2017; her sanity has been steadily disintegrating ever since.

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