I first read this book when I was 10(I think). It's been about 12 years since then.

Here's what I remember - There are two opposing forces. One side has the power to use magic and have trained many mages etc to use in their army. The book follows the other side and the main point of view(perhaps only point of view?) is of a young man who has a gifted mind and who is very much at the forefront of invention and discovery of new technologies. I only really remember two scences well. The first is where the main character has set a trap with possibly gun powder or some other explosive that he has made for the marching ranks of the soldiers and mages. His trap kills many of the enemy but he is dissapointed that it did not get more of the more powerful mages. The other scene is at the end of the book and basically the main character has fought a sea battle(perhaps?) and is trying to escape on his ship. He is cornered but there is not much wind and he has secretly developed a steam engine on his boat. He uses the lull of the wind to escape and power away from his enemy.

My memory is very fuzzy on this whole novel but I remember that I enjoyed it alot.
It was the first "thick" book I read and I was very proud that I read a book of about 700 pages. It was second hand so the earliest it could have come out in Australia was probably 1997 but I suspect it came out before then as it was well worn when I got it.

I believe it is part of a series.
I have no clues as to the author or Title.

Any help would be sweet.