The Crimson Campaign

The Powder Mage Trilogy, Book 2

By: Brian McClellan

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

A staggering defeat on the border of Adro and Kez leaves Tamas and his powder mages in grave danger and cut off from all aid. Meanwhile, deadly political games threaten his allies at home.

When invasion looms...

Tamas's invasion of Kez ends in disaster when a Kez counter-offensive leaves him cut off behind enemy lines with only a fraction of his army, no supplies, and no hope of reinforcements. Drastically outnumbered and pursued by the enemy's best, he must lead his men on a reckless march through northern Kez to safety, and back over the mountains so that he can defend his country from an angry god, Kresimir.

But the threats are closer to home...

In Adro, Inspector Adamat wants only to rescue his wife. To do so he must track down and confront the evil Lord Vetas. He has questions for Vetas concerning his enigmatic master, but the answers will lead Adamat on a darker journey.Who will lead the charge?

Tamas's generals bicker among themselves, the brigades lose ground every day beneath the Kez onslaught, and Kresimir wants the head of the man who shot him in the eye. With Tamas and his powder cabal presumed dead, Taniel Two-shot finds himself as the last line of defense against Kresimir's advancing army.

The Crimson Campaign continues the most acclaimed and action-packed new epic fantasy series in years, following on from Promise of Blood - an adrenaline-fuelled debut of flintlock mages, civil war, and cold-blooded murder in a world where gods walk the Earth.

©2014 Brian McClellan (P)2014 Hachette Audio

a middle book of a trilogy

the book was good but like most trilogy middle books it is spent building out the story. that is expected but it seemed like some of the story was just drawn out.

it is a good book though. at my age starting up late just doesn't happen but with this book it did.

great book

Starts off a little slow, but picks up and gets really exciting. . . .

Field Marshall?

My primary complaint is the commander in chief of an army galavants around like James Bond. Other than that it's a good book in a good setting.

Post Revolutions are bloody times

The challenges after the quelling of dissidents, of old legends becoming facts, of allies and enemies, and coming to grips with the roles each character serves. This was a fantastic continuation of Tamas, Taniel, Vlora, Ka-Poels, Borbador's, and many more storylines. I loved watching them succeed and fail and learn. The magic gets more explanation and mystery added to it, which is perfect at this point, and I can't wait to see more of it.

I am also actively taking notes on fights and battle sequences McClellan juggles armies and individual duels amazingly well.

New and old characters are given life by Rodska to the point that I can't imagine anyone else doing the narration, I was excited to learn there was another series after this one, and that he was there telling it. I can definitely say I want to keep listening.

Awesome

One of my favorite books. Wonderful characters that make you want more. I am ready for more.

Best trilogy ever

This beats anything I’ve ever read! Best trilogy ever! Even better than LoTR, Witcher, GoT and Harry Potter

I liked it!

What made the experience of listening to The Crimson Campaign the most enjoyable?

The story's great, with engaging characters doing interesting things in an interesting world.

Which character – as performed by Christian Rodska – was your favorite?

My favourite character is Taniel, but I didn't think the narrator did a great job on his voice.

Any additional comments?

The narrator had REALLY GOOD old-man voices, and lots of different accents - maybe too many, considering that a lot of these people were raised in the same place. But his voices for young men were pretty terrible. Bo, especially, sounded like a ninety-year old drunk with no teeth, which was a bit weird when the text was going on about how young Bo was, and how you could only see his age in his eyes.

I can see how it would be really challenging to do distinctive voices for a book with so many characters, but I would have been happy with less distinctiveness and more connection to the characters.

even better than book 1

Great narrator. Great story. What's not to love? The best part is, the entire trilogy is complete, so you can binge listen.

What happened to Bo’s voice?

It was great except for the fact that Privileged Bo’s voice changed in this one for some reason. He sounds like a 90 year old man who smoked his whole life even though he’s supposed to be a 20 year old.
???

Need More Time with these Characters!

This book starts off with an action sequence and throws us right in to the midst of the characters' struggles-Adamat seeking to rescue his wife and children, Taniel's attempts to forget what he's done, and Tamas' efforts to bring his piece of the army to Adro. We see other familiar characters as well. (No spoilers) I have only two complaints about this book. It is the second book in the trilogy so, while some problems are overcome, many situations remain unresolved. Given the author's attention to detail and character development, I am certain everything will be wrapped up nicely in the third book. My second complaint is that this book is too short and too good. I want more in this series and I want it now.

This book contains sleuthing; military campaigning; characters sinking to greater depths or rising to heights of heroism, understanding, and bravery; a bit of romance, intrigue, treachery, and humor. Fans of Promise of Blood are sure to love The Crimson Campaign. I also recommend the Audible short stories set in the same universe-The Girl of Hrush Avenue, Forsworn, and Hope's End.