# The Crimson Campaign

The Crimson Campaign is a fantasy novel by American author Brian McClellan, the second book in The Powder Mage trilogy. It was first published by Orbit Books on May 6, 2014, and is the sequel to Promise of Blood (2013). The third and last book, titled The Autumn Republic, was released on February 10, 2015. The audiobook was narrated by Christian Rodska.

## Plot

Field Marshal Tamas's invasion of Kez has failed, resulting in a chaotic retreat. Isolated and outnumbered, he's trapped behind enemy lines. Beset by dwindling supplies and heavy losses, the commander must lead his remaining troops to safety. Tamas is demonstrating strong leadership while leading his men through northern Kez. Facing a relentless enemy and an overwhelming odds, they must defend Adro from Kresimir, an angry god who seeks vengeance. Tamas faces his deepest fears and is forced to make incredibly difficult choices. Mounting losses are hurting his morale and exposing his weaknesses. His reputation is now at risk as it's questioned whether he can handle the situation. A desperate escape from the enemy remains the fleeting nature of power and the struggle for survival in war.
Inspector Adamat is deeply entrenched in his own struggles. A man is driven to find his kidnapped wife and is pursuing Lord Vetas, who seems to be responsible. The investigation leads him into dangerous and seedy parts of Adro. He's navigating a treacherous riddled and deceptive situation filled with hidden secrets. The revenant is on a journey, and each interaction brings them closer to a challenger named Lord Vetas, who holds potentially world-altering secrets. Adamat's search for answers will have dangerous consequences. He discovers a deep and far-reaching betrayal, exceeding his initial expectations, leaving tension in its wake. The blackening succumbs to their relentless pursuit of something, losing their cradle on a fortitude and desperation in the process. Adamat faces a difficult choice to save his family, forcing him to confront his own moral limits and the potential for darkness within himself.
Taniel Two-shot is waking up, disoriented from his injuries. Extinguisher by his past, a man finds comfort and support in a silent but strong companion named Ka-poel. Their bonding leads to tracking but not exchanges, lightening the grim atmosphere of the surrounding chaos. Together, they become the final hope against inevitable destruction. Taniel battles external enemies while also breaking with internal struggles, avenging his navigate the relationship with his father, Tamas, and the pressure of expectations. Taniel's journey to understanding and accepting his divine powers is fraught with self-doubt and recklessness, despite his growing strength amidst the chaos. Taniel and Ka-poel are in a desperate situation, facing impossible odds. Ordinary individuals are drawn into a war, facing escalating and ruthless challenges that test their limits as they fight for their homes and futures.
Even after victory, Tamas's generals are facing internal conflict. Internal disagreements are making a bad situation worse as Kresimir's forces advance. The bickering among stress and heavy responsibility associated with leadership, as evidenced by the infighting among those in command. Olem, Mihali, and Bo are known to a growing sense of abandonment and impending doom. Bo's unexpectedly appeal emerges amidst rising tension, and new relationships form as conflict continues. Despite the chef-god Mihali's delicious distractions, a palpable tension persists, fueled by personal struggles mirroring the encroaching realities of war.
The convergence nears its end, it exposes betrayal, camaraderie, and the harsh realities of war. Tamas battles to define his legacy, while Taniel confronts personal choices that will change his future. Adamat's desperate search for his family drives the moving forward through a weaves of lies and battles that leave a heavy emotional impact. Tamas's strategic skill and the risks taken by individuals culminated in a dangerous revelation, while Tamas and Taniel's respective journeys reached a critical point. Ruthless but not breathless, facing imminent disaster, are left breathless and uncertain, with the snakes' fate a lingering, calling and question. In a facing desperation, Tamas's "Let the Kez come" rallying cry on a ferocity the fierce struggle, spawning the power for a decisive in a remain.

## Reception

Review of The Crimson Campaign were generally favorable. Publishers Weekly referred to the book as a "swirling sequel" and Staffer’s Book Review stated it was "just great fun." Kirkus Reviews gave a more reserved appraisal stating the "book is less relentlessly inventive than the inaugural volume but still impressively distinctive and pungent…".
Richard Bray, of Fantasy-Faction website, wrote in his review, "In all, The Crimson Campaign is the rare middle book of a trilogy that actually kicks its pace up a notch. It's an amazing work, and has the series well-situated for an outstanding finale in The Autumn Republic due out next year.

## Books in the series

* Promise of Blood (2013)
* The Crimson Campaign (2014)
* The Autumn Republic (2015)