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  • In the Shadow of Lightning

In the Shadow of Lightning

Glass Immortals #1 / 3
by Brian McClellan
In the Shadow of Lightning (Glass Immortals #1) by Brian McClellan
★ 9.84 / 6
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From Brian McClellan, author of The Powder Mage trilogy, comes the first novel in the Glass Immortals series, In the Shadow of Lightning, an epic fantasy where magic is a finite resource—and it’s running out.

"Excellent worldbuilding and a truly epic narrative combine into Brian's finest work to date. Heartily recommended to anyone who wants a new favorite fantasy series to read."—Brandon Sanderson

Demir Grappo is an outcast—he fled a life of wealth and power, abandoning his responsibilities as a general, a governor, and a son. Now he will live out his days as a grifter, rootless, and alone. But when his mother is brutally murdered, Demir must return from exile to claim his seat at the head of the family and uncover the truth that got her killed: the very power that keeps civilization turning, godglass, is running out.

Now, Demir must find allies, old friends and rivals alike, confront the powerful guild-families who are only interested in making the most of the scraps left at the table and uncover the invisible hand that threatens the Empire. A war is coming, a war unlike any other. And Demir and his ragtag group of outcasts are the only thing that stands in the way of the end of life as the world knows it.

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FantasyEpic FantasyHigh Fantasy
Release date: June 21, 2022

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Brian McClellan

Brian McClellan

Brian McClellan's work stands at the intersection of the epic and the gritty, where magic and warfare collide, and human ambition comes at a high cost. As the creator of The Powder Mage series, McClellan blends elements of traditional epic fantasy with a unique focus on firearms, military tactics, and political intrigue. This fusion creates a world that feels both familiar and revolutionary, where gunpowder meets sorcery in an explosive mix that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Read more ...

Born with a deep love for history and an eye for intricate world-building, McClellan draws on his passion for both the fantastical and the historical to craft narratives that resonate with fans of complex plots and compelling characters. Raised in the United States, McClellan's early exposure to fantasy came through the works of iconic authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, but it was his own experiences in writing that led him to develop his signature style: one that mixes military strategy, personal conflict, and magical systems in a way that feels fresh and innovative.

McClellan's Powder Mage series, which introduces readers to an empire on the brink of collapse, features a world where magic is as much about power and control as it is about raw energy. The series is beloved for its morally complex characters, particularly the antiheroes who navigate the brutal political landscapes with cunning and force. It’s a world where nothing is ever truly black or white, and where the line between right and wrong is as volatile as the powder kegs fueling the war.

Through his work, McClellan has been praised for his ability to bring magic and politics to life in ways that feel personal, immediate, and dangerously unpredictable. Each installment in the series delves deeper into the cost of war, the intricacies of loyalty, and the price of power. His books don’t just tell stories—they ask readers to think critically about the world they’re immersed in, to question authority, and to ponder the difficult choices that define our own lives.

A fan of exploring new worlds and complex systems, McClellan continues to evolve as a writer, expanding the universe of The Powder Mage while also branching into other genres. With numerous accolades and a growing fan base, he remains one of the most exciting voices in modern fantasy.

When not writing, McClellan can be found playing games or immersing himself in the world of history and storytelling. As he puts it, "The world is full of untold stories, and I’m here to tell as many of them as I can."

Glass Immortals

Glass Immortals plunges readers into a world where magic is a finite resource, and the clash between ambition, power, and survival could bring down a civilization. Set in an industrialized society where glass-derived magic fuels both the economy and warfare, the series follows a diverse group of characters caught in a web of conspiracy, personal loss, and a dying system.

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The story begins with In the Shadow of Lightning, where Demir Grappo, a former prodigy turned rogue, returns home after the brutal murder of his mother. What starts as a quest for vengeance soon spirals into a larger battle for the future of the Ossan Empire, a fractured world teetering on the brink of collapse. With the godglass that powers their civilization running dry, the stakes have never been higher. Demir's journey weaves through treacherous political landscapes and dangerous alliances, all while uncovering secrets that could destroy everything he holds dear.

What sets Glass Immortals apart is its intricate world-building. The Empire’s complex social structure, with its guild-families and political machinations, creates a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama. McClellan blends steampunk elements with high-stakes fantasy, crafting a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. Magic, once abundant, is now scarce and a commodity that can be controlled by the few who hold power—a metaphor for the decay of systems and the fragility of progress.

As Demir and his companions navigate betrayal, shifting loyalties, and a crumbling empire, their fates are intertwined in ways that will keep you hooked until the final page. Each character is complex, with their own motivations and flaws, making them as unpredictable as the world they inhabit.

For readers who crave a story of political intrigue, slow-burn suspense, and richly detailed magic systems, Glass Immortals is a series that promises not only to entertain but to challenge the very fabric of its world. With the second book on the horizon, the saga is only just beginning—there are still many secrets left to uncover, and the future of the empire hangs in the balance.


Glass Immortals consists of one book and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

In the Shadow of Lightning (Glass Immortals #1)
★ 9.84 / 6
Glass Immortals Book 2 (Glass Immortals #2)
⧗ 9.84 / 18
Glass Immortals Book 3 (Glass Immortals #3)
⧗ 9.00 / 1


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