The Recommended Reading Order
If you are ready to venture into the mud, blood, and dark magic of the Star, the recommended way to experience the series is by following the main trilogy in its original publication order before diving into the prequel short stories. While the short stories occur chronologically before the events of the first book, they contain world-building details and lore that are much easier to digest once you have already established a solid grounding in the main narrative.
The Main Crimson Empire Trilogy
- A Crown for Cold Silver (2015) – The starting point of the epic, introducing readers to the retired legendary general Zosia, her old war band, and her quest for cold-blooded revenge after her peaceful village life is burned to the ground.
- A Blade of Black Steel (2016) – The second installment, expanding the conflict across the continent as Zosia's former allies and new factions clash, secrets of the ancient past unravel, and the stakes of the imperial war escalate.
- A War in Crimson Embers (2017) – The explosive conclusion to the trilogy, wrapping up Zosia's quest as gateways to other realms open, devils run amok, and the ultimate fate of the empire is decided in ashes and magic.
The Prequels and Companion Short Fiction
Once you have finished the trilogy—or if you are a completionist who insists on chronological context—these companion stories flesh out the history and distinct organizations of the Star:
- "The Divine Death of Jirella Martigore" (2017) – Set chronologically before the trilogy, this short story explores the ruthless, chaotic, and macabre rise of a young woman within the hierarchy of the world's church. It was originally published in the anthology Evil is a Matter of Perspective: An Anthology of Antagonists.
- "Beasts of the Burnished Chain" (2018) – A novelette focusing on the Chainites, a martial order of pipe-smoking nuns. It centers on the character Sister Portolés and was published in Issue 14 of Grimdark Magazine.
- "The Conspiracy Against the Twenty-Third Canton" (2022) – A later short story written by Marshall, featured in the dark fantasy anthology The King Must Fall published by Grimdark Magazine.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For the absolute best reader experience, publication order is highly recommended. Starting with A Crown for Cold Silver allows the mystery of Zosia's past and the legendary history of her original companion group, the Cobalt Company, to unfold naturally. If you attempt a strictly chronological read-through by starting with "The Divine Death of Jirella Martigore" or "Beasts of the Burnished Chain," you might find yourself disoriented by the sheer volume of unfamiliar religious terminology, cultural factions, and magic systems before having a narrative anchor. Think of the short stories as supplementary history lessons that enrich your appreciation of the world after you have fallen in love with Zosia's ragtag crew of aging villains.
What to Know Before You Start
Alex Marshall's work is a love letter to epic fantasy, but it is written with a sharp, modern chisel that actively subverts the stale tropes of the genre. Before you pick up the first book, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- A Different Kind of Hero: Unlike traditional fantasy that centers on the rise of a young, naive stable boy, the Crimson Empire stars a retired, older, pipe-smoking female warlord who is dragged back into the game. It is a story about the consequences of youthful glory and the heavy toll of past atrocities.
- Inclusive World-Building: The Crimson Empire is widely celebrated for its natural representation of diverse identities. You will find bisexual leads, polyamorous relationships, and gender-fluid characters woven seamlessly into the fabric of the setting without the typical gendered violence that plagues classic grimdark.
- Tone and Style: The writing balances hyper-stylized, bloody violence with a dry, irreverent, and wickedly funny humor. Marshall's inspiration from heavy metal and classical folklore is palpable in every battle scene and bizarre devil encounter.
Behind the Pseudonym: Alex Marshall and Jesse Bullington
For readers who appreciate Marshall's style, it is worth exploring the author's real identity. Alex Marshall is the pen name of Jesse Bullington, an American author with a strong academic background in literature and history. Under his real name, Bullington has written highly acclaimed, atmospheric historical fantasy novels such as The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart and The Enterprise of Death. While his books under the Bullington name lean heavily into historical settings and gothic horror, his work as Alex Marshall allowed him the creative freedom to construct a fully realized, secondary-world epic fantasy that flips the traditional sword-and-sorcery blueprint on its head.