In the Shadow of Lightning by Brian McClellan

 

A disgraced general must return from his self-imposed exile when his mother is brutally murdered. In The Shadow of Lightning by Brian McClellan tells the story of Demir Grappo, a brilliant young general and Governor who led a very successful military campaign that nevertheless ended in unspeakable disaster. Now he must return home and take his mother's place as head of the family guild, discover who killed her and what secrets were they trying to protect. 

Demir hires Kizzie Vorcien, a member of a rival guild family and childhood friend to investigate the murder. Another childhood friend, Baby Montego, returns home to help Demir as well. Demir must navigate the politics both of the Empire and of the other guild families. He discovers that godglass, the source of magic that powers the Empire, is running out and threatens to throw the world into chaos. Soon a war begins and it is ultimately up to Demir to fight a war to save not only the present but the future. 

In The Shadow of Lightning combines thrilling military encounters, a well-designed magic system, complicated government and business politics, mystery, and excellent characters. Some people in this world, like Demir, wield strong magical powers. Godglass, which is forged by gifted craftspeople called "siliceers" also confers powerful magical powers upon individuals. The story revolves around a few viewpoint characters as the story moves forward. McClellan skillfully weaves the storylines together as Demir navigates military leadership, leading his guild, finding his mother's killers and the reason behind it, and just maybe, a way to preserve the future of the empire.

All of the characters are strongly portrayed. One of my favorite quotes is from a soldier who is asked how they care about the people around them who are as insignificant as ants compared to their strength. "Because I don't look for their weaknesses. If that's all you want to find, of course you think of them as ants. But if you find the strength in your friends, and you nurture it, then you will always be surrounded by giants."

The world-building is fascinating and the politics are intriguing and treacherous. This book tells a complete story while laying the seeds for future volumes with threats that are unearthed as the book unfolds. This is a great beginning to a new series with characters and a world I can't wait to revisit. New and old fans of McClellan will be pleased.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.