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‘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 P
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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 ...more
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 ...more
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 S
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“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 t ...more
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 t ...more
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 e ...more
The other characters in this story, Karina and the others, are well-crafted characters and help the story progress.
The e ...more
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 e ...more
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 e ...more
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 cliffh
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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.
Feb 01, 2024
Seth Hobbs
rated it
it was amazing
· (Review from the author)
Shelves:
gunpowder-fantasy
