§Author· 1 book
Brian McClellan
Also known as Brian Thomas McClellan
Flintlock fantasy combines epic fantasy world-building with gunpowder-era military warfare and political upheaval. Brian McClellan established himself in this subgenre with the release of his debut novel, Promise of Blood, which launched the Powder Mage Universe. His work introduced readers to a setting where magic systems interact directly with early modern weaponry and tactical battlefields.
Career & Background
Born on January 25, 1986, in Cleveland, Ohio, McClellan began writing at fifteen while engaging with online role-playing communities focused on fantasy fiction. He attended Brigham Young University, where he studied creative writing. McClellan made his professional publishing debut in 2013 with Promise of Blood, the first entry in the Powder Mage Trilogy. He completed that series with The Crimson Campaign and The Autumn Republic before expanding the setting in the Gods of Blood and Powder trilogy, which includes Sins of Empire, Wrath of Empire, and Blood of Empire.
In addition to his primary epic fantasy series, McClellan created the Valkyrie Collections, releasing urban fantasy works such as Uncanny Collateral and Blood Tally. He has also published essays sharing practical observations on the business and craft of writing. McClellan lives in Utah with his wife, Michele, where he continues writing fantasy fiction.
Writing Style & Themes
McClellan's fantasy features magic systems rooted in industrial and martial technologies, most notably powder mages who ingest gunpowder to gain heightened sensory abilities, physical strength, and firearm accuracy. His stories frequently center on military logistics, coup d'état politics, soldier camaraderie, and the societal conflict between traditional magic and emerging technology.
His narrative approach blends fast-paced action sequences with meticulous world-building, emphasizing political pragmatism and the human costs of war. Beyond his novel-length fiction, McClellan routinely writes about the mechanics of the publishing industry, offering transparent discussions regarding both traditional publishing paths and independent releases.
Major Works
- Promise of Blood — The 2013 debut novel that launched the Powder Mage Trilogy, centering on a military coup and its turbulent magical and political aftermath.
- The Crimson Campaign — The second book in the Powder Mage Trilogy, following military defenses and escalating political conflict.
- The Autumn Republic — The concluding volume of the original Powder Mage Trilogy, resolving the war threatening the nation of Adro.
- Sins of Empire — The first book in the Gods of Blood and Powder sequel trilogy, continuing the story in a new geographical region.
- Wrath of Empire — The second entry in the Gods of Blood and Powder series, deepening the conflicts between rival military factions and ancient gods.
- Blood of Empire — The final novel in the Gods of Blood and Powder trilogy, bringing the continental conflict to a close.
- Uncanny Collateral — The opening story in the Valkyrie Collections, marking McClellan's expansion into urban fantasy.
§All Books
Promise of Blood
Brian McClellan, 2013
348 ratings