Ten year old Vlora is at a boarding school and knows she loves the smell of sulfur from the black powder smoke of freshly fired guns at the gunsmithies on Hrusch Avenue. The focus and energy that comes from it... Vlora has to have a gun. The desire so strong she can't quench it. But the streets are dangerous for a lone orphan girl. While escaping the grasps of the two bullies that 'own' the street Vlora makes a stronger enemy, a Noble who has no qualms with killing. Vlora comes across another the bullies attack, Taniel. A strong boy that fights back against the odds. Taniel tells Vlora of the magic of powder and become quick friends.
Oh I love seeing Vlora as a young girl. Even Taniel and Bo! They are kids, and it's awesome the things kids of this time and world do. Oh great! Once again we see Tamas in action. He does have a quick action scene and influences as he recruits his Powder Mages.
I give great credit to Brian as he easily tells you of the Powder Mage and Privileged powers in the world. So you know the rules of the world and not left clueless.
To see the history of Vlora explains a bit more about her character. We knew she had a rough upbringing, well before she came to Tamas, but this shows it better through actions. To see Taniel and Bo and children as well...they are a hoot, but I'm not on the receiving end of the antics. lol.
I think this is my favorite novella out of the three thus far, because of the characters involved. Vlora's story at the age of ten. How she meet Taniel and Bo and came to start a trust with Tamas. We see them as children and the troubles they get into. I very much enjoyed seeing this side of the characters and their history. Fun quick read. Well worth picking up.