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The Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McClellan is best enjoyed by reading the three main novels in publication order, starting with Promise of Blood (2013), followed by The Crimson Campaign (2014), and concluding with The Autumn Republic (2015). Short stories and novellas set in this universe are supplemental and can be read before or after the trilogy, depending on your preference—though many fans recommend reading select short fiction before diving into the trilogy for richer context.
Publication Order
Here are the primary novels of the Powder Mage Trilogy in the order they were released:
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Promise of Blood | 2013 |
| 2 | The Crimson Campaign | 2014 |
| 3 | The Autumn Republic | 2015 |
- Promise of Blood introduces the kingdom of Adro, the revolutionary Field Marshal Tamas, powder magic, and upheaval against the monarchy.
- The Crimson Campaign raises the stakes with full-scale war, divine wrath, and political machinations following the coup.
- The Autumn Republic brings the trilogy to a head by resolving conflicts, expanding the world’s magical and political dimensions, and delivering a dramatic conclusion.
Chronological Order
In‑universe chronological order incorporates short stories and novellas that predate the trilogy. These tales provide background on characters and world history.
Suggested chronological reading sequence (novellas/short fiction before the trilogy):
- Forsworn – set ~35 years before Promise of Blood
- Servant of the Crown – immediately after Forsworn
- Hope’s End – around 19 years before Promise of Blood
- The Girl of Hrusch Avenue – roughly 10 years prior
- The Face in the Window – about two years before Promise of Blood
- Promise of Blood (then continue with main novels in publication order)
Other stories like Ghosts of the Tristan Basin, Return to Honor, In the Field Marshal’s Shadow, The Mad Lancers, and Siege of Tilpur fit between or just before the trilogy, but their exact placements vary.
Recommended Reading Order
Recommended reading order balances author intent, narrative impact, and world-building context.
Recommendation: Read the trilogy in publication order, and only include short fiction either before the trilogy (for background) or after (for expanded lore).
Why publication order is preferred:
- Clarity and pacing: The trilogy escalates logically—from the coup through war to resolution. Starting with the main novels maintains narrative momentum.
- Minimal spoilers: Reading the trilogy first ensures surprises and character arcs land as intended. The short fiction often contains contextual hints but can spoil emotional beats if read too early.
- Authorial structure: Brian McClellan designed the trilogy to stand as a coherent arc. Supplemental stories enrich, but aren’t required for comprehension.
- Flexible integration: After finishing the main story, you can explore prequels and side-stories at leisure—enhancing rather than disrupting your experience.
Complete Book Series List
Here are all works in the Powder Mage Trilogy universe, including short fiction:
- Promise of Blood (2013)
- The Crimson Campaign (2014)
- The Autumn Republic (2015)
- Forsworn (novella, ~35 years before trilogy)
- Servant of the Crown (novella)
- Hope’s End (short story)
- The Girl of Hrusch Avenue (short story)
- The Face in the Window (short story)
- Ghosts of the Tristan Basin (short story)
- Return to Honor (short story)
- In the Field Marshal’s Shadow (collection of stories)
- The Mad Lancers (short story)
- Siege of Tilpur (short story)
Upcoming / Latest Release
The Powder Mage Trilogy is complete, with its three main novels published between 2013 and 2015. The short fiction additions followed through 2018. No new novels in this trilogy have been announced. However, the universe has expanded with the sequel trilogy Gods of Blood and Powder.
FAQs
Here are focused answers to common questions about the Powder Mage Trilogy:
How many books are in the Powder Mage Trilogy?
There are three main novels: Promise of Blood, The Crimson Campaign, and The Autumn Republic.
Is the series finished?
Yes; the trilogy concluded in 2015, and all short stories and novellas have been published (latest around 2018).
What order should I read the series?
Start with the main novels in publication order. Add short fiction before or after as preferred—many read them after to enrich the world.
What genre is this trilogy?
This is flintlock epic fantasy, blending gunpowder-era technology with magic in a revolutionary setting.
Is there a sequel series?
Yes. Gods of Blood and Powder is a follow-up trilogy set in the same world.
Are short stories necessary to understand the trilogy?
Not essential—main novels stand well on their own—but short fiction provides extra depth and backstory for dedicated readers.
Related Series Suggestions
Readers who enjoy The Powder Mage Trilogy may also like:
- Gods of Blood and Powder Trilogy by Brian McClellan — continues the universe with new characters and challenges.
- The Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne — for high-stakes fantasy with gritty war, complex characters, and epic scope.
In summary, the Powder Mage Trilogy delivers a compelling flintlock fantasy experience best consumed by reading the three main novels as originally published. Supplement with short fiction for expanded context and deeper immersion, either before as backstory or after to savor added lore.