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Black Powder, Black Heart: A Dark Flintlock Fantasy Novel
Zachariah Garbius has seen and done terrible things during his time with the Sendyne Army. However, he awakens to find himself in a new kind of hell. Trapped in a foreign land, chained to a chair, he learns that he is now the prisoner of some mysterious, bespectacled captor, but why?
Several centuries ago, General Rotilla Voxinus and his allies saved their world from the evil despots running the Sendyne Empire, and the demonic Vannunkye race that those deviants served. The old, false gods were put away in favor of the martyred Messiah, and now the nation states of the West largely serve the Arch Vestry, the church devoted to the religion of the Messiah's Couriers.
Other heretical religions, such as that of the Planetesians, were hunted down more ferociously than ever, yet some still remain. Though the political leaders of the West are forbidden from consulting and sheltering with such dissidents, they might be the only key to understanding new planetary developments-- developments that could usher in a whole new multitude of powers and problems.
Karina Von Oceanskimmer is one of the few women lucky enough to land a job as secretary to Primary Marshal Jerovius Cathus. Her darker skin, curious habits, famous last name, and connections to a Prog city are more than enough to draw the suspicions of fellow workers in the Coil, the executive government building that houses Cathus and numerous other bureaucrats under his domain.
Lorelia Garbius, the sister of Zachariah, was once living it up big in a penthouse paid for by her successful lover. The only problem is that his wife found out and threatened to take the matter before the Arch Vestry. Now, Lorelia sinks to new lows. Her and Zach's parents are dead, she is hopelessly addicted to gabbrano and jogga dabar, resorting to selling herself and slumming around the Carcass, an impoverished and crime-ridden cesspool of Ecstasy Bay.
Bertram Vidayo was once a hero of the Sendyne Army, but his actions have landed him a dishonorable discharge and a terrifying sentence in the Ecstasy Bay Prison. Lucky for him, he might just have one friend left in this world, and a few tricks up his sleeve.
War has largely been kept at bay for some time, though Sendya has recently gone through a civil war and a tense peace, but when mysterious meteorites begin to fall in both the East and West, war will erupt with all of the rage and fury that characterized the tumultuous past. Flintlock weapons and gunpowder, new technologies, political intrigue, forbidden loves, brutal warfare, dark secrets, mysterious agents, and much more await...
Praise for Seth Hobbs' books in the same
"Seth Hobbs has done it again!"
"Hobbs engrosses the reader in his vast realm. Well-written and complex world building with plenty of bloody action in a techno-magical saga."
"A whole new perspective of world-building that is both vast and horrifying in scope."
"Hobbs is a master teller of these ambitious, complex sagas!"
"Rome (including the origins of Christianity) meets Game of Thrones meets Conspiracy Theory meets Outbreak."
"An exciting page turner!"
"The World-Building is exceptional!"
Several centuries ago, General Rotilla Voxinus and his allies saved their world from the evil despots running the Sendyne Empire, and the demonic Vannunkye race that those deviants served. The old, false gods were put away in favor of the martyred Messiah, and now the nation states of the West largely serve the Arch Vestry, the church devoted to the religion of the Messiah's Couriers.
Other heretical religions, such as that of the Planetesians, were hunted down more ferociously than ever, yet some still remain. Though the political leaders of the West are forbidden from consulting and sheltering with such dissidents, they might be the only key to understanding new planetary developments-- developments that could usher in a whole new multitude of powers and problems.
Karina Von Oceanskimmer is one of the few women lucky enough to land a job as secretary to Primary Marshal Jerovius Cathus. Her darker skin, curious habits, famous last name, and connections to a Prog city are more than enough to draw the suspicions of fellow workers in the Coil, the executive government building that houses Cathus and numerous other bureaucrats under his domain.
Lorelia Garbius, the sister of Zachariah, was once living it up big in a penthouse paid for by her successful lover. The only problem is that his wife found out and threatened to take the matter before the Arch Vestry. Now, Lorelia sinks to new lows. Her and Zach's parents are dead, she is hopelessly addicted to gabbrano and jogga dabar, resorting to selling herself and slumming around the Carcass, an impoverished and crime-ridden cesspool of Ecstasy Bay.
Bertram Vidayo was once a hero of the Sendyne Army, but his actions have landed him a dishonorable discharge and a terrifying sentence in the Ecstasy Bay Prison. Lucky for him, he might just have one friend left in this world, and a few tricks up his sleeve.
War has largely been kept at bay for some time, though Sendya has recently gone through a civil war and a tense peace, but when mysterious meteorites begin to fall in both the East and West, war will erupt with all of the rage and fury that characterized the tumultuous past. Flintlock weapons and gunpowder, new technologies, political intrigue, forbidden loves, brutal warfare, dark secrets, mysterious agents, and much more await...
Praise for Seth Hobbs' books in the same
"Seth Hobbs has done it again!"
"Hobbs engrosses the reader in his vast realm. Well-written and complex world building with plenty of bloody action in a techno-magical saga."
"A whole new perspective of world-building that is both vast and horrifying in scope."
"Hobbs is a master teller of these ambitious, complex sagas!"
"Rome (including the origins of Christianity) meets Game of Thrones meets Conspiracy Theory meets Outbreak."
"An exciting page turner!"
"The World-Building is exceptional!"
- GenresFantasy
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 3, 2026
Black Powder, Black Heart was an interesting fantasy-cum-sci/fi romp which kept me intrigued throughout.
The book actually starts with the two strongest characters, Zachariah Rotilla Garbius and Braddock Polverrius – although you only know the latter as Usher at this stage. The scene is cleverly set by jumping back and forth five years so that the captive (Zach) can provide the captor (Usher) with the information that he craves – along with some useful information for the reader on the political and religious landscape of this (unnamed) world. The setting is dark, the humour is darker, and the dialogue is superb. Right from the start you find yourself kind of hoping that these two characters are going to unite on the same side, despite their grandfathers fighting on opposite sides in the Sendyne Civil War – and despite Usher being Zach’s pending torturer!
Without giving too much away, the paths of these two strong characters do indeed cross again, more than once, and it is particularly entertaining when they are joined on a later mission by a third Alpha Male who goes by the name of Steak Knife! Seth Hobbs manufactures a fine dynamic between this trio.
Again, without giving too much away, there are some great touches throughout this book: bloodpoachers (humans turned into ravening beasts though blue fluid secreted from meteorite fragments), Planetesians (deemed to be heretics for their beliefs and their studies of the planets, stars and planetary cycles), an interesting religious vs. political vs. scientific battle for supremacy, a bloodstained noose replacing the cross as the primary religious symbol, a feisty, orange-skinned beauty called Yula, and an interestingly sinister being known as the Primordial Mother!
There’s a decent supporting cast too, and a love interest of sorts for Zach, with some great tension built up over a lengthy period – before being suitably expended!
Overall, the story is fast-moving, but just a little too much so for me. I would have preferred more of a journey story for some of the missions and characters, along with some maps to help immerse myself deeper in Seth Hobbs’s world. We then rapidly teleport to a key trial (that pops up out of the blue, but which is described perfectly – again with great dialogue) and which is terminated rather dramatically and chaotically. Then again, if you like your stories to be fast-moving, you will absolutely love that sector of the book and all that follows!
The book actually starts with the two strongest characters, Zachariah Rotilla Garbius and Braddock Polverrius – although you only know the latter as Usher at this stage. The scene is cleverly set by jumping back and forth five years so that the captive (Zach) can provide the captor (Usher) with the information that he craves – along with some useful information for the reader on the political and religious landscape of this (unnamed) world. The setting is dark, the humour is darker, and the dialogue is superb. Right from the start you find yourself kind of hoping that these two characters are going to unite on the same side, despite their grandfathers fighting on opposite sides in the Sendyne Civil War – and despite Usher being Zach’s pending torturer!
Without giving too much away, the paths of these two strong characters do indeed cross again, more than once, and it is particularly entertaining when they are joined on a later mission by a third Alpha Male who goes by the name of Steak Knife! Seth Hobbs manufactures a fine dynamic between this trio.
Again, without giving too much away, there are some great touches throughout this book: bloodpoachers (humans turned into ravening beasts though blue fluid secreted from meteorite fragments), Planetesians (deemed to be heretics for their beliefs and their studies of the planets, stars and planetary cycles), an interesting religious vs. political vs. scientific battle for supremacy, a bloodstained noose replacing the cross as the primary religious symbol, a feisty, orange-skinned beauty called Yula, and an interestingly sinister being known as the Primordial Mother!
There’s a decent supporting cast too, and a love interest of sorts for Zach, with some great tension built up over a lengthy period – before being suitably expended!
Overall, the story is fast-moving, but just a little too much so for me. I would have preferred more of a journey story for some of the missions and characters, along with some maps to help immerse myself deeper in Seth Hobbs’s world. We then rapidly teleport to a key trial (that pops up out of the blue, but which is described perfectly – again with great dialogue) and which is terminated rather dramatically and chaotically. Then again, if you like your stories to be fast-moving, you will absolutely love that sector of the book and all that follows!
May 28, 2026
I really enjoyed how big and detailed the world in this book feels. There’s a lot going on with politics, religion, and past wars, which gives the story a lot of depth. It can be a bit heavy at times, but if you like getting pulled into a fully built world, it does a great job of that.
The story follows a few different characters, all dealing with their own struggles, and that was interesting because you get to see the world from different angles. That said, it can take a little time to keep everyone and everything straight.
The tone is definitely on the darker side, with some pretty intense situations and themes, so it’s not exactly a light or easy read. But that also makes it feel more real and gives the story some weight.
Overall, it’s a solid read if you enjoy complex fantasy with lots of detail and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve at the start. It’s the kind of book that really rewards you if you stick with it.
The story follows a few different characters, all dealing with their own struggles, and that was interesting because you get to see the world from different angles. That said, it can take a little time to keep everyone and everything straight.
The tone is definitely on the darker side, with some pretty intense situations and themes, so it’s not exactly a light or easy read. But that also makes it feel more real and gives the story some weight.
Overall, it’s a solid read if you enjoy complex fantasy with lots of detail and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve at the start. It’s the kind of book that really rewards you if you stick with it.
October 9, 2024
chaotic but interesting
had a really good start that kinda amused and horrified me at the same time, so kudos to the author for being able to do that. the main character Zach is likable, but for some reason Elvara is my favorite. I really appreciated the numerous POC characters, and they were written just as casually and as well as the non-POC characters. It may seem like a minor thing, but it's nice when you see it. I liked Karina, that romantic tension there was definitely refreshing. As for the political/religious theme and plot of the story, I thought it was done well but the amount of names did threaten to become overwhelming. I would have liked a little more exposition at the end and beginning of chapters as well, just as guard rails to the story. It's something I look for in all the fiction I read. Two favorite plot related things were the ending and a twist sort of thing that happened towards the midpoint of the story. It's the only way I can describe it without just blurting the plot. style wise, I do suggest the author tone down the verbiage and make some formatting in the book more cohesive. 3.5 stars rounded to 4
had a really good start that kinda amused and horrified me at the same time, so kudos to the author for being able to do that. the main character Zach is likable, but for some reason Elvara is my favorite. I really appreciated the numerous POC characters, and they were written just as casually and as well as the non-POC characters. It may seem like a minor thing, but it's nice when you see it. I liked Karina, that romantic tension there was definitely refreshing. As for the political/religious theme and plot of the story, I thought it was done well but the amount of names did threaten to become overwhelming. I would have liked a little more exposition at the end and beginning of chapters as well, just as guard rails to the story. It's something I look for in all the fiction I read. Two favorite plot related things were the ending and a twist sort of thing that happened towards the midpoint of the story. It's the only way I can describe it without just blurting the plot. style wise, I do suggest the author tone down the verbiage and make some formatting in the book more cohesive. 3.5 stars rounded to 4
May 6, 2026
The opening sequence sets the tone for the rest of the book which introduces the reader to a questioning session between Zachariah Garbius and Usher. Hobbs demonstrates the impact of Garbius, a government liquidator who functions as an assassin while carrying heavy paperwork, on the way to understanding life without assistance.
Usher is genuinely unsettling, resembling someone who has studied people for a long time and determined the precise nature of their situation.They kept me from moving forward.
The secondary characters were written well too. Zach's sister is facing a dismal story and her situation in the Carcass district was emotionally charged. Bertram Vidayo, Despite being a disgraced soldier, manages to become one of the most compelling characters to survive Ecstasy Bay Prison. My only criticism with the book is that there are some sections that I felt the plot was rushed, and it also had some political content that seemed to drag along at times.
Could've been tightened. Thus, four star instead to five.
Usher is genuinely unsettling, resembling someone who has studied people for a long time and determined the precise nature of their situation.They kept me from moving forward.
The secondary characters were written well too. Zach's sister is facing a dismal story and her situation in the Carcass district was emotionally charged. Bertram Vidayo, Despite being a disgraced soldier, manages to become one of the most compelling characters to survive Ecstasy Bay Prison. My only criticism with the book is that there are some sections that I felt the plot was rushed, and it also had some political content that seemed to drag along at times.
Could've been tightened. Thus, four star instead to five.
November 21, 2025
Thrilling and adventurous dark fantasy!
Black Powder, Black Heart was a thrilling read; dark, immersive, and adventurous all at once. The story maintains a high level of tension and skillfully weaves together themes of politics, religion, drugs, horror, and survival. Zachariah is a brilliantly written main character. Other characters also leave a lasting impression, especially Usher. The story follows Zach’s life and the events surrounding his role as a “special analyst,” delivering a tale that is bold, richly detailed, sometimes emotional, and consistently gripping.
This was the second book I’ve read by Seth Hobbs, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is fast-paced and the dialogue between characters is dramatic, engaging, and full of personality. A great story from Sendyne Flintlock Fantasy Chronicles!
Black Powder, Black Heart was a thrilling read; dark, immersive, and adventurous all at once. The story maintains a high level of tension and skillfully weaves together themes of politics, religion, drugs, horror, and survival. Zachariah is a brilliantly written main character. Other characters also leave a lasting impression, especially Usher. The story follows Zach’s life and the events surrounding his role as a “special analyst,” delivering a tale that is bold, richly detailed, sometimes emotional, and consistently gripping.
This was the second book I’ve read by Seth Hobbs, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is fast-paced and the dialogue between characters is dramatic, engaging, and full of personality. A great story from Sendyne Flintlock Fantasy Chronicles!
September 4, 2024
Exciting saga that feels like historical fiction from the future.
Author Seth Hobbs is amazing at weaving and overlapping genres of science fiction, politics and dark fantasy epic sagas, and this one didn’t disappoint. Black Powder, Black Heart: is book 1 of the Sendyne Flintlock Fantasy Chronicles. Hobbs has written an intriguing story of a dystopian empire fighting for religion, politics and power. The Roman Empire meets the Spanish Inquisition in a fight to cast out the ancient heretical Gods for the religion of the Messiah. The characters are interesting and bloodthirsty and I am excited to enjoy more female bloodthirsty characters in this saga. There is a lot at stake here as the meteorites hail down from the heavens and war is imminent. Get into this enjoyable saga that feels like historical fiction from the future. Recommended.
Author Seth Hobbs is amazing at weaving and overlapping genres of science fiction, politics and dark fantasy epic sagas, and this one didn’t disappoint. Black Powder, Black Heart: is book 1 of the Sendyne Flintlock Fantasy Chronicles. Hobbs has written an intriguing story of a dystopian empire fighting for religion, politics and power. The Roman Empire meets the Spanish Inquisition in a fight to cast out the ancient heretical Gods for the religion of the Messiah. The characters are interesting and bloodthirsty and I am excited to enjoy more female bloodthirsty characters in this saga. There is a lot at stake here as the meteorites hail down from the heavens and war is imminent. Get into this enjoyable saga that feels like historical fiction from the future. Recommended.
July 20, 2026
An interesting story.
This book felt a bit like Pirates of the Carribean meets steampunk plus a Victorian like James Bond who runs into rampaging zombies like creatures! We meet Zach who is on a mission for his government agency when he runs into a very precarious situation, he barely escapes before being thrust into a complex political situation between religious factions. While he tries to keep himself alive, an apocalyptic event occurs which complicates matters and now he’s trying to help keep his friends and family alive. He finds himself questioning his beliefs and having to make certain concerning alliances. This story has a lot going for it, political intrigue, betrayal, monsters and meteors! One thing I wished was to see more wider world building of this unique world. Overall, it’s a very interesting story and I’ll definitely be reading book 2 which is likely a continuation of this one.
This book felt a bit like Pirates of the Carribean meets steampunk plus a Victorian like James Bond who runs into rampaging zombies like creatures! We meet Zach who is on a mission for his government agency when he runs into a very precarious situation, he barely escapes before being thrust into a complex political situation between religious factions. While he tries to keep himself alive, an apocalyptic event occurs which complicates matters and now he’s trying to help keep his friends and family alive. He finds himself questioning his beliefs and having to make certain concerning alliances. This story has a lot going for it, political intrigue, betrayal, monsters and meteors! One thing I wished was to see more wider world building of this unique world. Overall, it’s a very interesting story and I’ll definitely be reading book 2 which is likely a continuation of this one.
August 11, 2026
I’m not gonna pretend I understood every name and faction right away because there is a LOT going on here. I had to go back a couple times early on, especially with the politics and religion stuff. But once I stopped trying to remember absolutely everything and just went with it, the story became much more fun.
Zach was the character I found myself following most closely. He’s not really someone you would call a hero, and honestly most people in this book are pretty messed up in one way or another. That actually fits the world though. It feels dirty, violent and unfair, like everyone is carrying some kind of baggage.
Some parts could have moved faster, but the world itself kept me curious. There’s always some strange new piece of it showing up.
Definitely not a light fantasy read, but I enjoyed it more than I expected.
Zach was the character I found myself following most closely. He’s not really someone you would call a hero, and honestly most people in this book are pretty messed up in one way or another. That actually fits the world though. It feels dirty, violent and unfair, like everyone is carrying some kind of baggage.
Some parts could have moved faster, but the world itself kept me curious. There’s always some strange new piece of it showing up.
Definitely not a light fantasy read, but I enjoyed it more than I expected.
November 2, 2025
Seth Hobbs creates a world so vivid you can smell the smoke and hear the clatter of brass in the streets. Black Powder Black Heart thrums with grit, mystery, and quiet magic—every alleyway and whisper feels steeped in forgotten history. It’s a place where rebellion and wonder coexist, where even the shadows tell stories. Dark, immersive, and beautifully realized fantasy, this is worldbuilding that lingers long after the final page. Really enjoyed this read!
April 1, 2026
Black Powder, Black Heart pulled me in quickly with a gripping and tense opening. The atmosphere is dark and immersive, and the story keeps you curious about what’s going to happen next. The writing flows well and the characters feel intriguing from the start.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. If you like darker fantasy with a strong sense of atmosphere, this is definitely worth a read.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. If you like darker fantasy with a strong sense of atmosphere, this is definitely worth a read.
July 12, 2026
Black Powder, Black Heart is not a book I would normally pick up, but I ended up really enjoying it.
The main characters, Usher and Zach, were well developed, complex, and morally grey - exactly the sort of characters I like reading about. Zach in particular stood out to me. As a government liquidator, he's effectively an assassin, and his storyline kept me engaged throughout.
The worldbuilding was one of the strongest aspects of the book. I especially liked Anguished Pool and the concept of the bloodpoachers - creatures created by substances in meteorites that have some similarities to vampires. There is also a significant political element woven into the story, which added depth to the world.
At times I found it a little difficult to keep track of all the names, and there were occasional instances of modern-sounding language or phrases that pulled me out of the setting. The only section I found genuinely confusing was the major bloodpoachers scene near the end. A lot of information was introduced very quickly, and I struggled to keep track of everything that was happening.
Despite that, I found the story exciting and engaging for almost the entire book. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the world, and the political intrigue, and I look forward to finding out what happens in the next instalment.
The main characters, Usher and Zach, were well developed, complex, and morally grey - exactly the sort of characters I like reading about. Zach in particular stood out to me. As a government liquidator, he's effectively an assassin, and his storyline kept me engaged throughout.
The worldbuilding was one of the strongest aspects of the book. I especially liked Anguished Pool and the concept of the bloodpoachers - creatures created by substances in meteorites that have some similarities to vampires. There is also a significant political element woven into the story, which added depth to the world.
At times I found it a little difficult to keep track of all the names, and there were occasional instances of modern-sounding language or phrases that pulled me out of the setting. The only section I found genuinely confusing was the major bloodpoachers scene near the end. A lot of information was introduced very quickly, and I struggled to keep track of everything that was happening.
Despite that, I found the story exciting and engaging for almost the entire book. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the world, and the political intrigue, and I look forward to finding out what happens in the next instalment.
January 23, 2025
“Go back in time to before the 1800s on a whole new world”
I didn’t know in the beginning if I was reading a SciFi, a Fantasy, or a Thriller! Seth Hobbs found a way to capture all three genres into a new adventure series. This is the first book I have read based in the Sendyne Empire, but it will not be the last. Although, there are other books related to the same world, you do not have to read the other series to start this one. With that being said, YES, the end of this book is not the end of the story as Mr. Hobbs plans on completing the trilogy, but it is an excellent cliff hanger leading you to want to get book 2.
The main character, Zachariah Rotilla Garbius, finds himself waking up in chains. His captor interrogates him, which is a great way of introducing the past, history, background, and much more. It is a bit to grasp, but it all ties into the story beautifully in future chapters. Zach is a great character who you will enjoy getting to know as the story unfolds. He isn’t perfect, but that is part of the appeal. In fact, all the characters are well described and are easy to like or hate depending on your worldview.
Speaking of worldview, Sendyne has a lot of the same religious and political controversies and problems that we have here on earth. There are a lot of parallels with the ways this world is managed and our own. Crazy how believable I find it that another world possibly in another galaxy would probably have similar issues we have here.
Overall, you will find this book enjoyable for a variety of reasons whatever your flavor. It has action, love, mystery, and political intrigue. And just when you think you have the plot figured out, Seth changes direction and pushes you deeper into this world by introducing a new type of enemy that we do not have on our world.
4 ½ stars round
I didn’t know in the beginning if I was reading a SciFi, a Fantasy, or a Thriller! Seth Hobbs found a way to capture all three genres into a new adventure series. This is the first book I have read based in the Sendyne Empire, but it will not be the last. Although, there are other books related to the same world, you do not have to read the other series to start this one. With that being said, YES, the end of this book is not the end of the story as Mr. Hobbs plans on completing the trilogy, but it is an excellent cliff hanger leading you to want to get book 2.
The main character, Zachariah Rotilla Garbius, finds himself waking up in chains. His captor interrogates him, which is a great way of introducing the past, history, background, and much more. It is a bit to grasp, but it all ties into the story beautifully in future chapters. Zach is a great character who you will enjoy getting to know as the story unfolds. He isn’t perfect, but that is part of the appeal. In fact, all the characters are well described and are easy to like or hate depending on your worldview.
Speaking of worldview, Sendyne has a lot of the same religious and political controversies and problems that we have here on earth. There are a lot of parallels with the ways this world is managed and our own. Crazy how believable I find it that another world possibly in another galaxy would probably have similar issues we have here.
Overall, you will find this book enjoyable for a variety of reasons whatever your flavor. It has action, love, mystery, and political intrigue. And just when you think you have the plot figured out, Seth changes direction and pushes you deeper into this world by introducing a new type of enemy that we do not have on our world.
4 ½ stars round
June 8, 2025
Black Powder, Black Heart by Seth Hobbs is a genre-blending story quite unlike anything I have read before!
It is set in a richly imagined dystopian world that melds together sci-fi, horror, political intrigue, and dark fantasy. At the centre is Zachariah Garbius, a government liquidator navigating a crumbling empire rife with religious zealotry, political scheming, and monstrous threats including feral, zombie-like creatures.
The opening scene is immersive and grabs attention straight away. Quite disturbing and fraught with tension, readers will find themselves immersed in a vividly constructed universe filled with complex characters and gritty dialogue.
I did find some parts difficult to follow but that could be because I was venturing into a genre that I don’t normally reach for. There was an array of names and institutions that was a little overwhelming to process BUT the dialogue and world-building are standout elements and Seth excels at crafting suspenseful moments and morally grey dilemmas. Violence and strong language make it suitable for older readers. Fans of politically charged dystopian fiction, survival horror, and epic sagas will find plenty to satisfy them. Four and half stars from me.
It is set in a richly imagined dystopian world that melds together sci-fi, horror, political intrigue, and dark fantasy. At the centre is Zachariah Garbius, a government liquidator navigating a crumbling empire rife with religious zealotry, political scheming, and monstrous threats including feral, zombie-like creatures.
The opening scene is immersive and grabs attention straight away. Quite disturbing and fraught with tension, readers will find themselves immersed in a vividly constructed universe filled with complex characters and gritty dialogue.
I did find some parts difficult to follow but that could be because I was venturing into a genre that I don’t normally reach for. There was an array of names and institutions that was a little overwhelming to process BUT the dialogue and world-building are standout elements and Seth excels at crafting suspenseful moments and morally grey dilemmas. Violence and strong language make it suitable for older readers. Fans of politically charged dystopian fiction, survival horror, and epic sagas will find plenty to satisfy them. Four and half stars from me.
June 28, 2024
Blended genres
Sci-Fi and Fantasy blended together. I like the world building enough to start the other books in this series. I am looking forward to this sequel as well. The world is believable, politics, religion, assassins, drugs, romance, etc. I also like contemporary authors who can bring some of today's language into a world, place, or time that creates that unique blend that makes it all exciting and imaginative. I recommend it to anyone who can appreciate both genres.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy blended together. I like the world building enough to start the other books in this series. I am looking forward to this sequel as well. The world is believable, politics, religion, assassins, drugs, romance, etc. I also like contemporary authors who can bring some of today's language into a world, place, or time that creates that unique blend that makes it all exciting and imaginative. I recommend it to anyone who can appreciate both genres.
May 29, 2026
Black Powder, Black Heart by Seth Hobbs has a lot of positive reviews—hooray! This is what any author hopes to see: readers enjoying their books and sharing happy snapshots on GR. Do I agree with them? In part.
The world-building is very well done. That’s Hobbs’s strongest point, and I enjoyed it a lot—it’s my favorite thing too, both when writing and reading, so it’s always a pleasure to discover someone who’s skilled at it. World-building is half the creative process and half the ability to put on paper the images an author has in their mind. If those halves aren’t balanced, then the world-building folds on itself. Hobbs doesn’t have that problem at all :D yay for complex yet believable worlds!
As a direct consequence, the plot is compelling and interesting, and here I agree with those who calls Black Powder, Black Heart a page-turner. The story arc is solid, main plot and subplots well-woven together. The characters have strong voices—good—and they read unique—even better—both the main and the secondary ones. That way, the cast can carry the plot forward with ease, a detail I like. I'm a fan of single povs, to be fair, but here it wouldn't have worked at all.
Points for choosing a dialogue-driven approach, too.
What doesn’t work for me is more on a technical level. The use of ‘say’ after a dialogue tag tends to go unnoticed for the most part, especially when the structure of a paragraph is repeated throughout the chapter. Other verbs can and will work for me when used sparingly, because they catch my attention and throw me out of the story.
I’m not a fan of the sex scenes either. I read a lot of those, het and gay and non-binary and and and, and I know first-hand how hard it is to nail down a scene without slipping into purple or unintentionally funny prose. Here, I just couldn’t get into them. My advice for that is, write more sex! Smut is hard—see what I did here?—but glorious, and in this day and age of neopuritanism rising its censoring head, authors who don’t shy away from it need to be supported.
3,5 stars on GR.
The world-building is very well done. That’s Hobbs’s strongest point, and I enjoyed it a lot—it’s my favorite thing too, both when writing and reading, so it’s always a pleasure to discover someone who’s skilled at it. World-building is half the creative process and half the ability to put on paper the images an author has in their mind. If those halves aren’t balanced, then the world-building folds on itself. Hobbs doesn’t have that problem at all :D yay for complex yet believable worlds!
As a direct consequence, the plot is compelling and interesting, and here I agree with those who calls Black Powder, Black Heart a page-turner. The story arc is solid, main plot and subplots well-woven together. The characters have strong voices—good—and they read unique—even better—both the main and the secondary ones. That way, the cast can carry the plot forward with ease, a detail I like. I'm a fan of single povs, to be fair, but here it wouldn't have worked at all.
Points for choosing a dialogue-driven approach, too.
What doesn’t work for me is more on a technical level. The use of ‘say’ after a dialogue tag tends to go unnoticed for the most part, especially when the structure of a paragraph is repeated throughout the chapter. Other verbs can and will work for me when used sparingly, because they catch my attention and throw me out of the story.
I’m not a fan of the sex scenes either. I read a lot of those, het and gay and non-binary and and and, and I know first-hand how hard it is to nail down a scene without slipping into purple or unintentionally funny prose. Here, I just couldn’t get into them. My advice for that is, write more sex! Smut is hard—see what I did here?—but glorious, and in this day and age of neopuritanism rising its censoring head, authors who don’t shy away from it need to be supported.
3,5 stars on GR.
November 26, 2024
‘Black Powder, Black Heart’ by Seth Hobbs is the first book of The Sendyne Flintlock Fantasy Chronicles and takes place in the same alternate universe as the Sendyne Empire Trilogy, but occurs centuries later. This book mostly follows the life of Zachariah Rotilla Garbius, a Special Analyst or Liquidator employed by the Primary Marshal’s office in the Sendyne government. As a liquidator, Garbius is tasked with eliminating various enemies of Sendyne, or other targets that threaten his boss, the Primary Marshal. The story starts with Garbius in chains being interrogated by a psychopathic killer who goes by the name of Usher. Usher has a sorted history as a medical student and an army medic who has become a ruthless spy/executioner who intimidates his victims into providing information before meeting their demise. For various reasons, Usher decides to spare Garbius’ life and lets him go, until they meet again later in the book. Besides acting as a liquidator, Garbius is charged with protecting the Sendyne people from all enemies, which includes blood guzzlers – people who have been reduced to blood-sucking zombies after contacting an ooze or its fumes that emanate from meteorites that have been plaguing the known world. This book is high fantasy with incredibly detailed world-building constructed by the extremely creative author Seth Hobbs. While some of Hobbs's books can be overwhelming with long lists of names, societies, and detailed events that span his universe, this book is quite focused and allows the reader to delve deep into a few key characters. And Hobbs gives us a masterclass in the writing of character descriptions and dialogue that dominate the thrilling plot of this novel. Riddled with page-turning twists, teeth-clenching adventure, and sizzling romance, the plot keeps the reader riveted to the text. Despite the disappointingly truncated finish, the book is highly recommended for lovers of action-packed fantasy, devoid of witches and magic.
December 14, 2024
"Black Powder, Black Heart" is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of humanity, loss, and the gritty reality of the Old West. From the first chapter, I was drawn in by its vividly painted characters and the palpable tension that runs through every page. The way the story weaves personal struggles with larger historical themes is remarkable. As a reader, I felt deeply connected to the protagonist's moral dilemmas and the harsh realities he faces. The writing style is raw yet poetic, which perfectly matches the story's atmosphere.
That said, there are moments when the pacing feels slightly uneven—certain action scenes are gripping but are occasionally interrupted by slower narrative passages. For me, this minor issue didn’t detract from the overall experience, but it might be worth tightening these sections for future editions.
Overall, this book offers a visceral and emotional journey that lingers long after you finish the last page. If you're a fan of historical fiction with depth and grit, this one is for you."
That said, there are moments when the pacing feels slightly uneven—certain action scenes are gripping but are occasionally interrupted by slower narrative passages. For me, this minor issue didn’t detract from the overall experience, but it might be worth tightening these sections for future editions.
Overall, this book offers a visceral and emotional journey that lingers long after you finish the last page. If you're a fan of historical fiction with depth and grit, this one is for you."
May 8, 2025
Zach is the main character in this story that blends science fiction and horror, including zombie-ish creatures called bloodpoachers. The beginning of the story was scary, not knowing what would happen with Zach, Usher, and Jester. For adult readers who don't mind lots of blood and gore, monsters, and strong language pretty much on every page, this will be an entertaining read.
The other characters in this story, Karina and the others, are well-crafted characters and help the story progress.
The end was quite a cliffhanger with Karina coming to understand something, and being in a dangerous situation at the same time. The end is clearly leading into another book. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers myself; I like resolution and closure at the ends of books. But readers who like cliffhangers that lead them into the next book will be fine with this one.
Overall, a well-written story, not appropriate for kiddos because of the language, sex, and gore. Adult readers who enjoy scary gory stories and don't mind lots of strong language would enjoy this book.
The other characters in this story, Karina and the others, are well-crafted characters and help the story progress.
The end was quite a cliffhanger with Karina coming to understand something, and being in a dangerous situation at the same time. The end is clearly leading into another book. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers myself; I like resolution and closure at the ends of books. But readers who like cliffhangers that lead them into the next book will be fine with this one.
Overall, a well-written story, not appropriate for kiddos because of the language, sex, and gore. Adult readers who enjoy scary gory stories and don't mind lots of strong language would enjoy this book.
February 8, 2026
Political and Religious Strife with a side of Zombies
Black Powder, Black Heart is an epic fantasy set in a richly detailed world with elements of sword and sorcery and the Middle Ages. The action is mainly driven by politics and religion, which makes it stand out from other works in the genre. The protagonist is Special Analyst Zachariah Garbius, a secret agent and assassin. He’s a James Bond-like character who travels throughout the Midlands putting out fires for his employer, the government of Sendaya. He develops a relationship with Karina Von Oceanskimmer, a secretary of the Primary Marshall of Sendaya. In the beginning, the action is largely driven by politics and religion, ranging from boardroom to courtroom to battlefield. About two-thirds into the book, the emphasis changes due to a cataclysm that transforms Sendaya into a zombie world. There is bad language and explicit sex, rating this for a mature audience. The biggest fault is excess verbiage, which detracts from the excitement and makes the book too long. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Black Powder, Black Heart is an epic fantasy set in a richly detailed world with elements of sword and sorcery and the Middle Ages. The action is mainly driven by politics and religion, which makes it stand out from other works in the genre. The protagonist is Special Analyst Zachariah Garbius, a secret agent and assassin. He’s a James Bond-like character who travels throughout the Midlands putting out fires for his employer, the government of Sendaya. He develops a relationship with Karina Von Oceanskimmer, a secretary of the Primary Marshall of Sendaya. In the beginning, the action is largely driven by politics and religion, ranging from boardroom to courtroom to battlefield. About two-thirds into the book, the emphasis changes due to a cataclysm that transforms Sendaya into a zombie world. There is bad language and explicit sex, rating this for a mature audience. The biggest fault is excess verbiage, which detracts from the excitement and makes the book too long. 3.5 stars rounded up.
August 15, 2026
Magical meteors fall from the sky, turning men into monsters...
…But a handful of black-hearted heroes stand against them. Chief among these scoundrels is Zachariah Garbius, a ‘special agent’ for a corrupt theocracy. Another is the scholarly murderer who terms himself the ‘Usher,’ along with the enigmatic Karina and an assortment of soldiers and criminals. Matters go from bad to worse when a massive wave of meteors strikes, unleashing thousands of vampiric ‘blood poachers’ across the land.
Apart from Karina and, to a lesser extent, Zachariah, none of the characters were all that sympathetic or relatable. They had positive purposes, but were so steeped in corruption and murder that they were scarcely better than the blood poachers. That said, the world has both width and depth, and sufficient action to keep the story moving.
‘Black Powder, Black Hearts’ is the first in a series, ending with a continuation. Recommended for fans of Grimdark epics and those who like Flintlock fantasy.
…But a handful of black-hearted heroes stand against them. Chief among these scoundrels is Zachariah Garbius, a ‘special agent’ for a corrupt theocracy. Another is the scholarly murderer who terms himself the ‘Usher,’ along with the enigmatic Karina and an assortment of soldiers and criminals. Matters go from bad to worse when a massive wave of meteors strikes, unleashing thousands of vampiric ‘blood poachers’ across the land.
Apart from Karina and, to a lesser extent, Zachariah, none of the characters were all that sympathetic or relatable. They had positive purposes, but were so steeped in corruption and murder that they were scarcely better than the blood poachers. That said, the world has both width and depth, and sufficient action to keep the story moving.
‘Black Powder, Black Hearts’ is the first in a series, ending with a continuation. Recommended for fans of Grimdark epics and those who like Flintlock fantasy.
June 8, 2026
Warning: foul language, gray characters, grim situations.
A concoction of politics, religion, and a dash of romance, the opening of this book delves straightaway into action that threatens to get sordid. However, an interesting interrogation of Zachariah Garbius soon evolves into a friendly discussion. It reveals a lot about both the characters. Usher’s decision pulls you in with the eagerness to know more about him. It’s fascinating to meet him again in the middle of the book.
It is difficult to follow the political discourse, but the conversation in all the scenes is quite immersive and helps in character development. Suspense in the form of Karina Von Oceanskimmer adds another dimension to the plot. Weird names like Oceanskimmer, Steak Knife, Tantus, Hampterfell, Carcass, Colon, Anguished Pool Island definitely fit the world of fantasy. My favorite scene is the trial of Cathus, though the bloodsuckers are overwhelming. This political fantasy is quite heavy.
A concoction of politics, religion, and a dash of romance, the opening of this book delves straightaway into action that threatens to get sordid. However, an interesting interrogation of Zachariah Garbius soon evolves into a friendly discussion. It reveals a lot about both the characters. Usher’s decision pulls you in with the eagerness to know more about him. It’s fascinating to meet him again in the middle of the book.
It is difficult to follow the political discourse, but the conversation in all the scenes is quite immersive and helps in character development. Suspense in the form of Karina Von Oceanskimmer adds another dimension to the plot. Weird names like Oceanskimmer, Steak Knife, Tantus, Hampterfell, Carcass, Colon, Anguished Pool Island definitely fit the world of fantasy. My favorite scene is the trial of Cathus, though the bloodsuckers are overwhelming. This political fantasy is quite heavy.
January 1, 2025
Perhaps it is possible to read this book simply as a swashbuckling romp, but the intricacy of Seth Hobbs’ political and social commentary on his imagined world offers a disturbing commentary on our own world; our own politics, corruption of power, gender struggles and religious intransigence.
In Black Powder, Black Heart, the reader is plunged instantly into a dark interaction between the main character, Zachariah Garbius and a mysterious captor. A contorted relationship forms, which will wind throughout the story.
What starts as a story of espionage, adventure and religious and political scheming builds into a dystopian survival adventure with humans battling vampires and engaging with ancient civilizations and alien races. The plot draws the reader along in a tense narrative which is arrested at points along the way to provide knots of horror and violence; focal points which serve to build a vivid and detailed picture of the Sendyne empire.
Their world is under attack, and in the dissolution of their society – which has traditionally coerced its population into antagonistic social and political groups – the main characters are forced to acknowledge the flaws of their own entrenched beliefs and recognize that there might be room for compromise with other systems of government.
Black Powder, Black Heart fields bold, dynamic and colourful primary characters, lively and varied dialogue and graphic battle scenes in an intricate tale of adventure, corruption, ambition, power and prejudice. The cliff-hanger at the end of the book leaves the reader tottering on the edge, clutching for what happens next.
In Black Powder, Black Heart, the reader is plunged instantly into a dark interaction between the main character, Zachariah Garbius and a mysterious captor. A contorted relationship forms, which will wind throughout the story.
What starts as a story of espionage, adventure and religious and political scheming builds into a dystopian survival adventure with humans battling vampires and engaging with ancient civilizations and alien races. The plot draws the reader along in a tense narrative which is arrested at points along the way to provide knots of horror and violence; focal points which serve to build a vivid and detailed picture of the Sendyne empire.
Their world is under attack, and in the dissolution of their society – which has traditionally coerced its population into antagonistic social and political groups – the main characters are forced to acknowledge the flaws of their own entrenched beliefs and recognize that there might be room for compromise with other systems of government.
Black Powder, Black Heart fields bold, dynamic and colourful primary characters, lively and varied dialogue and graphic battle scenes in an intricate tale of adventure, corruption, ambition, power and prejudice. The cliff-hanger at the end of the book leaves the reader tottering on the edge, clutching for what happens next.
December 24, 2024
Black Powder, Black Heart by Seth Hobbs is a gripping blend of political intrigue, religious dogma, and survival horror. The story follows Zach, a special operative for the Coil, whose mission to protect his country takes a shocking turn when meteorites decimate the population and unleash bloodthirsty feral vampires.
The fast-paced narrative keeps readers hooked as Hobbs seamlessly transitions from a political thriller to a survival horror. Zach is a compelling protagonist, but the standout character is the enigmatic Dr., whose resourcefulness adds depth to the story. I really loved the story—it’s both fascinating and thrilling, holding my attention until the very end.
With vivid world-building, sharp writing, and a cliffhanger ending, this genre-bending novel is perfect for fans of dystopian thrillers and horror.
The fast-paced narrative keeps readers hooked as Hobbs seamlessly transitions from a political thriller to a survival horror. Zach is a compelling protagonist, but the standout character is the enigmatic Dr., whose resourcefulness adds depth to the story. I really loved the story—it’s both fascinating and thrilling, holding my attention until the very end.
With vivid world-building, sharp writing, and a cliffhanger ending, this genre-bending novel is perfect for fans of dystopian thrillers and horror.
June 6, 2025
Black Powder, Black Heart is the newest SciFi/Historical/Thriller/(insert genre here) from Seth Hobbs. The government hides behind "the Messiah" and its Arch Vestry to get its agendas passed. If you disagree, then you are a heretic. (hmmm, sounds familiar).
The main hero of the story is Zack, who isn't thrilled with the current political situation but must tread lightly to avoid arrest. Zach's love interest is Karina, but will they get together? I'm not telling you. The author doesn't tell you either because the book ends in a cliff-hanger. To find out, you have to wait for the next book.
All of Seth Hobbs' books are entertaining and an escape into a different world, and this one is no different. My one critique is that I would like to see more facial expressions or movements instead of: "she suggested," or "she protested." Still an enjoyable escape, and I recommend it.
The main hero of the story is Zack, who isn't thrilled with the current political situation but must tread lightly to avoid arrest. Zach's love interest is Karina, but will they get together? I'm not telling you. The author doesn't tell you either because the book ends in a cliff-hanger. To find out, you have to wait for the next book.
All of Seth Hobbs' books are entertaining and an escape into a different world, and this one is no different. My one critique is that I would like to see more facial expressions or movements instead of: "she suggested," or "she protested." Still an enjoyable escape, and I recommend it.
September 30, 2024
This book quickly transported me to another world with a colourful landscape and characters—that felt real with all the political and religious tension, battles, assassins, and romance. The story follows Zachariah Garbius, a multi-faceted character who is a special analyst for Sendyne. There is intrigue and drama aplenty, including falling meteorites that alter the state of humans. The book is well-paced and written clearly for those who have not read the Sendyne Empire trilogy, prequels about Sendyne's illustrious history. The end leaves the reader with a desire for more. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and escapism.
October 6, 2024
I really enjoyed Black Powder, Black Heart. The story at its core is politics vs religious dogma. Zach, the main protagonist is a special operative working directly for the Coil. He is responsible for undertaking all kinds of jobs to keep the country safe. However, then the meteorites strike wiping out large swathes of the population and turning the rest into blood sucking feral vampires. Here the story takes a turn into the left field and becomes survival horror before leaving us with a cliffhanger.
The writing was fast paced, keeping me glued. The characters were great, with the majority of the focus on Zack, however my favourite character was the Dr.
All in all, a great story.
The writing was fast paced, keeping me glued. The characters were great, with the majority of the focus on Zack, however my favourite character was the Dr.
All in all, a great story.
June 29, 2026
Dark, original, and hard to put down. Seth Hobbs has built a genuinely impressive world here. The Sendyne Empire feels lived-in and real. Politics, religion, and power are all tangled together in ways that keep you guessing. Zachariah is a great main character, morally complicated and easy to root for. The dialogue is sharp and the story moves fast. It does get dark. Cruel at times, more than I personally enjoy. But it never feels gratuitous for its own sake. If you like gritty fantasy with real stakes and complex characters, this is worth your time.
May 13, 2025
Black Powder, Black Heart delivers a gripping saga that stands out for its philosophical depth. Hobbs’s writing is confident and layered. The political and religious worldbuilding is especially strong, lending weight to the story’s moral complexity.
That said, the novel sometimes gets bogged down in its own density. Some dialogue-heavy scenes, particularly between Zach and his prisoner Usher, feel a bit long-winded. Still, this is a bold, intelligent read that balances grit with substance.
That said, the novel sometimes gets bogged down in its own density. Some dialogue-heavy scenes, particularly between Zach and his prisoner Usher, feel a bit long-winded. Still, this is a bold, intelligent read that balances grit with substance.
March 30, 2026
AI cover art 🙄.
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