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Gods of Blood and Powder #3.5
Mr. Styke
One of the cruelest jokes the world played on itself was turning a monster into a civilized
man. That’s how Ben Styke sees it, anyway. Fifteen years have passed since the Dynize War
and people no longer remember Styke as a convict or a soldier or a killer. He’s just another
businessman. Hurting. Tired. Old. Playing a role that does not suit him.
Styke’s world is upended on the day he refuses to sell horses to the wrong man. He is
soon targeted by dangerous people with deep pockets, to whom one soft old rancher means
nothing. But civilization can only impress itself on a man so much, and Ben Styke has some
madness in him yet.
man. That’s how Ben Styke sees it, anyway. Fifteen years have passed since the Dynize War
and people no longer remember Styke as a convict or a soldier or a killer. He’s just another
businessman. Hurting. Tired. Old. Playing a role that does not suit him.
Styke’s world is upended on the day he refuses to sell horses to the wrong man. He is
soon targeted by dangerous people with deep pockets, to whom one soft old rancher means
nothing. But civilization can only impress itself on a man so much, and Ben Styke has some
madness in him yet.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
About the author
Brian McClellan
36 books8,906 followersBrian McClellan is an American epic fantasy author from Cleveland, Ohio. He is known for his acclaimed Powder Mage Universe and essays on the life and business of being a writer.
Brian now lives on the side of a mountain in Utah with his wife, Michele, where he writes books and nurses a crippling video game addiction.
Brian's novels include the Powder Mage Trilogy (Promise of Blood, The Crimson Campaign, and The Autumn Republic), Gods of Blood and Powder (Sins of Empire, Wrath of Empire, and Blood of Empire), and Valkyrie Collections (Uncanny Collateral)
Brian now lives on the side of a mountain in Utah with his wife, Michele, where he writes books and nurses a crippling video game addiction.
Brian's novels include the Powder Mage Trilogy (Promise of Blood, The Crimson Campaign, and The Autumn Republic), Gods of Blood and Powder (Sins of Empire, Wrath of Empire, and Blood of Empire), and Valkyrie Collections (Uncanny Collateral)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
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April 30, 2026
I can’t believe I didn’t know this novella existed until yesterday! I thought I had read everything set in the Powder Mage universe, but was delighted to dive back in. It was so good to see so many beloved characters: Styke of course, Vlora, Michel, and Ka-poel, if briefly. Set 15 years after Blood of Empire (book 3 of the Gods of Blood and Powder trilogy), Styke the businessman, no longer a soldier or a Mad Lancer, has to go back to killing his way through a lot of bad people to rescue his adopted, adult daughter. And what fun it was to be part of this tale. I hope there will be many more novels and novellas to enjoy in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Got my hands on this early through the kickstarter project and couldn't help but read it immediately.
And what a ride this was. Very entertaining and I realized how much I missed these characters. If you like the series you'll love this as well, no surprise here. 😂
And what a ride this was. Very entertaining and I realized how much I missed these characters. If you like the series you'll love this as well, no surprise here. 😂
April 8, 2026
Ben Stykes remains one of my all-time favorite characters. Fun read. I remain a big McClellan fan.
February 24, 2026
***4.5/5 Stars***
A nostalgic return to the Powder Mage world
This novella hit me right in the nostalgia. It’s such a joy to see familiar faces again - Styke, Vlora, Taniel, and Ka-poel — and to slip back into the Powder Mage world whose vibe I’ve always loved. McClellan has a real gift for making even short stories feel alive, and this one absolutely does. The ending even leaves the door open for more, which I’d love to see.
Styke is brutal and larger than life as always, giving the story that gritty punch only he can bring. The whole thing is fast, fun, with detective vibes, politics, and a nice bit of world building. The flintlock/industrial revolution atmosphere is still so unique, and it reminded me how much I miss this universe. The novella was great, but short, and it left me with that melancholic feeling of wanting more. I really hope McClellan returns to this world with a full novel - there’s still so much to explore.
Seeing Taniel again was bittersweet. I’m always happy when he shows up, but I’m still sad he’s no longer the force he was in the first trilogy. That’s a broader world issue, not a flaw of this novella — but part of me keeps hoping he’ll get a real comeback someday, the kind of dramatic restoration you sometimes see in big epic fantasy series (without spoiling anything, think Wheel of Time).
A nostalgic return to the Powder Mage world
This novella hit me right in the nostalgia. It’s such a joy to see familiar faces again - Styke, Vlora, Taniel, and Ka-poel — and to slip back into the Powder Mage world whose vibe I’ve always loved. McClellan has a real gift for making even short stories feel alive, and this one absolutely does. The ending even leaves the door open for more, which I’d love to see.
Styke is brutal and larger than life as always, giving the story that gritty punch only he can bring. The whole thing is fast, fun, with detective vibes, politics, and a nice bit of world building. The flintlock/industrial revolution atmosphere is still so unique, and it reminded me how much I miss this universe. The novella was great, but short, and it left me with that melancholic feeling of wanting more. I really hope McClellan returns to this world with a full novel - there’s still so much to explore.
Seeing Taniel again was bittersweet. I’m always happy when he shows up, but I’m still sad he’s no longer the force he was in the first trilogy. That’s a broader world issue, not a flaw of this novella — but part of me keeps hoping he’ll get a real comeback someday, the kind of dramatic restoration you sometimes see in big epic fantasy series (without spoiling anything, think Wheel of Time).
May 8, 2026
Takes place 15 years after the end of the Gods of Blood and Powder finale.
Styke, Vlora, Michel, and Pole all back together again, albeit not for a happy time. I'm never going to get tired of reading about these characters...especially Ben Styke.
As is typical from McClellan's short stories, this one is pretty much full-on action for 100 pages. As he tries very hard to put his violent past behind him, Ben (unsurprisingly) finds that sometimes there's no diplomatic way to handle a situation. The "Mr." in Mr. Styke refers to this transitionary period in Ben's life as he tries to separate from "Mad Ben."
I enjoyed this one very much and hope that McClellan is not finished with the Powder Mage universe yet.
Styke, Vlora, Michel, and Pole all back together again, albeit not for a happy time. I'm never going to get tired of reading about these characters...especially Ben Styke.
As is typical from McClellan's short stories, this one is pretty much full-on action for 100 pages. As he tries very hard to put his violent past behind him, Ben (unsurprisingly) finds that sometimes there's no diplomatic way to handle a situation. The "Mr." in Mr. Styke refers to this transitionary period in Ben's life as he tries to separate from "Mad Ben."
I enjoyed this one very much and hope that McClellan is not finished with the Powder Mage universe yet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a pleasure to return to the Powder Mage world. It’s been 15 years and the world of Fatrasta is now civilized. Even a monster like Ben Styke is now a business man. Styke is such an enjoyable perspective, straightforward and blunt but curious and clever too. It was so fun to see the interactions between Michel and Styke, the humor of Styke’s disdain for how Michel operates. Such a treat to visit these beloved characters in their older incarnations and see where they have developed, what they have learned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2026
Rating 4
Really enjoyed this novella. Forgotten how much i enjoyed this world and this author.
Am thinking now a reread is in order for the novels, just need to find them in one of the storage boxes hopefully to read later this year.
Overall definite recommendation, I don’t think you need to have read any of the novels necessarily but you would miss background on the world, but that doesn’t ruin this novella … it just creates additional interest in reading the other short stories, novellas and novels.
Really enjoyed this novella. Forgotten how much i enjoyed this world and this author.
Am thinking now a reread is in order for the novels, just need to find them in one of the storage boxes hopefully to read later this year.
Overall definite recommendation, I don’t think you need to have read any of the novels necessarily but you would miss background on the world, but that doesn’t ruin this novella … it just creates additional interest in reading the other short stories, novellas and novels.
March 8, 2026
Great novella! So nice to get some more time in this world. I always enjoy myself when McClellan returns here, especially with a character like Ben Styke, and this was no exception. Quick, engaging story with a couple of great cameos from old characters and some classic Styke doing his best Bloody Nine impression. Always rooting for more books in this world!
4.25 Stars
4.25 Stars
April 28, 2026
I love everything about this series and characters. He could write 10 more novels/novellas about Styke and this universe, and I’ll invest in every kickstarter. It was over way before I wanted it to be yet felt like a complete powder mage story. (There’s also something extra awesome about seeing my name in the book on the same page as guys like Matt Dinniman. Keep ‘em coming Brian.)
February 13, 2026
Quick read,old friends
Short read, but seeing well known characters again was really enjoyable.
I usually hate mixing genres, or magic and technology, but the storytelling and characters in the powdermage series are an exception.
Short read, but seeing well known characters again was really enjoyable.
I usually hate mixing genres, or magic and technology, but the storytelling and characters in the powdermage series are an exception.
April 29, 2026
Just more of Ben Styke
Really enjoyed this new book. Ive recently been re-listening to the powder mage trilogy. When I saw a new short story from Brian McClellan was extremely excited. The book is great. Would love more from this world.
Really enjoyed this new book. Ive recently been re-listening to the powder mage trilogy. When I saw a new short story from Brian McClellan was extremely excited. The book is great. Would love more from this world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A great return to Fatrasta that provides a wonderful look at what has happened since the conclusion of Blood of Empire.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was good to catch up with the colonel. Fun book.
Review of advance copy
Just fantastic, Ben Styke being Ben Styke.
Brian knocks it out the park, as per usual.
Brian knocks it out the park, as per usual.
January 25, 2026
What an awesome book great to be back in this world
February 8, 2026
I actually really enjoyed this, been a long time since finishing the original trilogy and mad lancers but it was so easy to slip back into the word. Some nice cameos throughout this short, fun read.
February 9, 2026
Excellent story about a favorite character. Loved Ben Styke in the novels and this short story did not disappoint.
February 10, 2026
You never know how much you missed a world, until you start reading a novel and boom! You're there. And everything comes back to you. Great addition to the series.
February 11, 2026
4.5
Fun to be back in this world again, even if it’s only for 100pages
Fun to be back in this world again, even if it’s only for 100pages
February 23, 2026
I seriously missed Ben Styke.
This was awesome and I hope we get more.
This was awesome and I hope we get more.
February 26, 2026
Short and Bloody
A wonderful novella, filled to the brim with blood, guts and violence..... Ya gotta love Ben Styke, it might not be pretty but he'll get the job done
A wonderful novella, filled to the brim with blood, guts and violence..... Ya gotta love Ben Styke, it might not be pretty but he'll get the job done
April 9, 2026
Utterly glorious revisit into the life of Mad Ben Styke - a joy from start to finish.
A lovely amuse-bouche while we all wait for Glass Immortals 2.
A lovely amuse-bouche while we all wait for Glass Immortals 2.
May 10, 2026
A novella 5 for me. My favorite "too old for this shit" character. Love that we got a new Styke story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
8.5 / 10 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Returning to the world of the Gods of Blood and Powder filled me with nostalgia. Though that particular story was jam-packed with deep and interesting characters, Ben Styke was one for the ages, stepping into Taniel’s shoes when Two-Shot left as a POV, following the Powder Mage trilogy. Styke was, after all, insane. A blood-soaked killer, even before the series began. The fact that he lived through it was nothing short of a miracle. That the world could’ve civilized him in the absence of war is laughable, but Styke still goes through the motions.
In terms of plot, it’s pretty straightforward. Celine—Styke’s adopted daughter—has been kidnapped. He wants her back, and is perfectly willing to kill anyone in his path. His body, however, isn’t entirely sold on this plan. Neither are his sometimes allies, who mostly see Ben Styke as a liability, a has-been. The resulting story isn’t nearly as straightforward. But it’s not that complex, either. The novella’s only 103 pages, after all. And Styke is hardly one for cloak-and-dagger nonsense. What follows is a somewhat straightforward, somewhat not, path of blood and broken bones.
All in all, pretty good. Fairly straightforward, not very deep, though Styke has his moments. I would’ve liked a little more, if I’m honest. There’s more to the story, and not all the ends have been tied off by the time we leave (I realize that this is to leave the story open for sequels, but I’d have appreciated a bit more resolution in some of the subplots). That said, it’s hardly the first Powder Mage novella the author has published, and they pretty much all follow the same routine. It’s a good one, for that, but one that really could use a bit more depth. That said: definitely entertaining, certainly nostalgic, and enough to make you want to go back and experience either of the preceding trilogies again. As such, I’ve returned Sins of Empire to my bedside table.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Returning to the world of the Gods of Blood and Powder filled me with nostalgia. Though that particular story was jam-packed with deep and interesting characters, Ben Styke was one for the ages, stepping into Taniel’s shoes when Two-Shot left as a POV, following the Powder Mage trilogy. Styke was, after all, insane. A blood-soaked killer, even before the series began. The fact that he lived through it was nothing short of a miracle. That the world could’ve civilized him in the absence of war is laughable, but Styke still goes through the motions.
In terms of plot, it’s pretty straightforward. Celine—Styke’s adopted daughter—has been kidnapped. He wants her back, and is perfectly willing to kill anyone in his path. His body, however, isn’t entirely sold on this plan. Neither are his sometimes allies, who mostly see Ben Styke as a liability, a has-been. The resulting story isn’t nearly as straightforward. But it’s not that complex, either. The novella’s only 103 pages, after all. And Styke is hardly one for cloak-and-dagger nonsense. What follows is a somewhat straightforward, somewhat not, path of blood and broken bones.
All in all, pretty good. Fairly straightforward, not very deep, though Styke has his moments. I would’ve liked a little more, if I’m honest. There’s more to the story, and not all the ends have been tied off by the time we leave (I realize that this is to leave the story open for sequels, but I’d have appreciated a bit more resolution in some of the subplots). That said, it’s hardly the first Powder Mage novella the author has published, and they pretty much all follow the same routine. It’s a good one, for that, but one that really could use a bit more depth. That said: definitely entertaining, certainly nostalgic, and enough to make you want to go back and experience either of the preceding trilogies again. As such, I’ve returned Sins of Empire to my bedside table.
February 7, 2026
This definitely could have been a full-fledged book! fantastic
April 29, 2026
Thoughts about the Book
My problem with Styke is that even when he has aged, he hasn’t really matured. He is constantly putting his daughter’s life in danger with his rash actions. She has been kidnapped, you should have more sense than to kill the people who could give you more information? But no.
It is also good to see that Lindet did not change. The power hunger and the way she always wanted to punish her brother…all of those things, she still had them. Nothing had changed for her even after her fall from grace.
It was also nice to see Michel and Vlora. We also get a brief glimpse of Ka-poel. I would have liked for Taniel to show up in the fight too. And for Ibana to have been alive or some hint Styke and her had ended up together.
Thoughts on this Series
An epic (spinoff) fantasy series with shades of Erikson & Glen Cook. It is grimdark, of course, but the humor interwoven within the military adventures can be a big plus! It also treats its characters right and rewards it readers well.
Also reviewed at WP
Review of Book 0.5 here
My problem with Styke is that even when he has aged, he hasn’t really matured. He is constantly putting his daughter’s life in danger with his rash actions. She has been kidnapped, you should have more sense than to kill the people who could give you more information? But no.
It is also good to see that Lindet did not change. The power hunger and the way she always wanted to punish her brother…all of those things, she still had them. Nothing had changed for her even after her fall from grace.
It was also nice to see Michel and Vlora. We also get a brief glimpse of Ka-poel. I would have liked for Taniel to show up in the fight too. And for Ibana to have been alive or some hint Styke and her had ended up together.
Thoughts on this Series
An epic (spinoff) fantasy series with shades of Erikson & Glen Cook. It is grimdark, of course, but the humor interwoven within the military adventures can be a big plus! It also treats its characters right and rewards it readers well.
Also reviewed at WP
Review of Book 0.5 here
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews