Picture a beekeeper from Cleveland, Ohio, weaving epic tales of gunpowder mages and political intrigue—meet Brian McClellan! This American fantasy author burst onto the scene with his debut novel, Promise of Blood, launching the acclaimed Powder Mage trilogy. With a knack for blending flintlock fantasy and vivid world-building, McClellan has carved a unique niche in modern fantasy literature.
Born on January 25, 1986, McClellan’s journey from a video game enthusiast to a celebrated author is as captivating as his stories. His works, infused with military tactics and magic, have earned him the 2014 Morningstar Award for Best Fantasy Newcomer, making him a must-read for fantasy fans.
The Making of Brian McClellan
Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Brian McClellan’s love for storytelling sparked at age fifteen through role-playing on Wheel of Time websites. Encouraged by his parents, he penned short stories and novellas in his teens. At Brigham Young University, he majored in English, studying under fantasy titan Brandon Sanderson, whose mentorship shaped his craft. McClellan’s determination to become a full-time writer led him to Orson Scott Card’s Literary Bootcamp in 2006 and earned him an honorable mention in the 2008 Writers of the Future Contest.
Brian McClellan’s Unforgettable Stories
McClellan’s Powder Mage trilogy, starting with Promise of Blood (2013), redefined flintlock fantasy. Set in the nation of Adro, it follows Field Marshal Tamas, a powder mage who manipulates gunpowder for magical feats, amid a brutal coup. The series, including The Crimson Campaign (2014) and The Autumn Republic (2015), weaves political intrigue, gritty battles, and complex characters, earning praise for its innovative magic system.
His sequel trilogy, Gods of Blood and Powder (Sins of Empire, Wrath of Empire, Blood of Empire), expands the universe with new conflicts and deeper lore. McClellan also ventured into urban fantasy with Uncanny Collateral (2019), featuring a supernatural debt collector, and launched the Glass Immortals series with In the Shadow of Lightning (2022), showcasing his evolving style. His works balance epic scope with personal stakes, drawing from historical influences like the Napoleonic era.
Short stories like Forsworn and Murder at the Kinnen Hotel offer fans rich glimpses into the Powder Mage world, while his podcast, Page Break, reveals his insights on writing and creativity, cementing his multifaceted presence in the genre.
Why Brian McClellan Matters
Brian McClellan’s impact lies in his ability to merge historical depth with fantastical innovation. His flintlock fantasy subgenre, blending 18th-century technology with sorcery, has inspired a new wave of fantasy authors. Fans on platforms like Reddit’s r/Fantasy praise his fast-paced narratives and morally gray characters, while his mentorship under Sanderson connects him to a broader fantasy legacy. Living in Utah with his wife, Michele, McClellan continues to write, tend bees, and engage fans through social media and conventions.
His stories challenge readers to question power and loyalty, resonating in today’s complex world. As he crafts new works, like the Glass Immortals series, McClellan remains a vibrant voice in epic fantasy, inviting readers into worlds where magic and ambition collide.
- Born: January 25, 1986, Cleveland, Ohio
- Key Works: Powder Mage trilogy, Gods of Blood and Powder, Glass Immortals
- Awards: 2014 Morningstar Award for Best Fantasy Newcomer
- Hobbies: Beekeeping, video gaming, making homemade jam
Snag Promise of Blood and dive into Brian McClellan’s thrilling flintlock fantasy today!