Was surprised to hear a different narrator for this one but it looks like most of the novellas have different narrators. This one was good, but I think I like the other one better. It was cool to see some scenes from the past and how things worked with powder mages being sanctioned and hunted and then collected by Tomas. ( )

A good introduction to the Powder Mage world and powder mages, with characters that tie into the main story of the trilogy. ( )

Some novellas and short stories are just that, short. Then there are those that are just perfect like they are, and this one was.

I think there is a fine line when writing novellas. Most often I get that feeling I want more, and not in a good way, they are just too short. I can't say how McClellan managed to make it so good but he did. This was an episode in Erika's life and yes of course I want more. But this story was perfect like this. I just want more by the author instead.

Ok yes yes I should stop talking about novellas, but you guys know me ;)

Erika is a powdermage in a country where that is bad, but she is also a grand daughter of a Duke so that saved her. As lucky is not the person on the run she finds and decides to help. There is danger to be had.

And I liked meeting Erika as I knew from the book who she was. The little I knew also seemed in interesting so this was fun to read. Now I kind of also want to see what she said when she meets a certain person for the first time.

As it does take place before Promise of Blood you can read it before, or read it after. Just read it. ( )

Die erste Geschichte aus McClellans Powder Mage Welt handelt von Erika, der Frau vom späteren Field Marshal Tamas. Geht ganz gut dahin, bringt einen gut in die Welt hinein. ( )