I was pleasantly surprised to see Nila get a more proactive role in the story, and for her to actually have the opportunity to develop some personality. The Autumn Republic does a stellar job of gradually turning the tables once more, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see many of the characters developing in ways that allow them to overcome their own obstacles and resolve problems using their own unique skills.

The events of the previous novel, The Crimson Campaign, represented something of a downward arc (storyline-wise) for most of the characters, as they were thrown into huge events and faced with seemingly impossible odds. The Adrans are fighting a war on several fronts, and to make things worse they now have to attempt to deal with the interference of multiple newly-returned gods of incomprehensible power. But their careful plans have been skewered by the surprise arrival of a foreign power in the capital city of Adopest, a power they are helpless to repel since their own army is away on campaign. The result of years of planning, Tamas and his advisers are now following the coup by attempting to set up a successful republic in place of the monarchy.

The Autumn Republic concludes events set in motion by Field Marshal Tamas’ coup against the king in Promise of Blood. Its sequel, The Crimson Campaign, I found to be slightly less compelling than its predecessor yet it seemed to promise that better things were in store, and The Autumn Republic – the grand finale of McClellan’s flintlock fantasy trilogy – definitely doesn’t disappoint. Promise of Blood, the first book in the Powder Mage series, caught my attention because it offered something a bit different than the standard fantasy fare I’m accustomed to.

The autumn republic by brian mcclellan