What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shadow Order #3
The Crimson War
The Shadow Order have completed the mission they were sent to Solsans for. But now Seb has seen how the Crimson Countess oppresses the beings living there, he can’t walk away.
Driven by his goal to overthrow the Countess’ regime, Seb has to amass an army capable of taking down the Crimson foot soldiers. An army built on slum dwellers, who have spent their entire lives yielding to their oppressors.
Victory will make Solsans a better place to live. However, if they lose, the Countess will undoubtably make the people pay.
Failure isn’t an option.
The Crimson War (Book Three of The Shadow Order) is a fast-paced space opera adventure.
DOWNLOAD NOW to start reading The Crimson War today!
Driven by his goal to overthrow the Countess’ regime, Seb has to amass an army capable of taking down the Crimson foot soldiers. An army built on slum dwellers, who have spent their entire lives yielding to their oppressors.
Victory will make Solsans a better place to live. However, if they lose, the Countess will undoubtably make the people pay.
Failure isn’t an option.
The Crimson War (Book Three of The Shadow Order) is a fast-paced space opera adventure.
DOWNLOAD NOW to start reading The Crimson War today!
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2017
109 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robertson
99 books209 followersMichael Robertson is an author and blogger. He has had several short stories published, including one with HarperCollins. He is the author of Crash - http://michaelrobertson.co.uk/crash--...
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 1, 2021
'Seb roared again and hunched over on all fours as the children climbed on him. “I’m the toughest there is. The toughest in all the galaxy.'
Brilliant...Brilliant...Brilliant!
After rescuing their target on the first mission Seb remains behind on Solsans to overthrow the Crimson Countess.
We see Seb really shine through as a character here. It seems like his brawling self centered ways have gone.
He manages to recruit a revolution and take the fight to the Countess.
With more insight into his growing powers and more hints to his mother. I'm very intrigued, what else can he do? Who or what is his mother?
I can't wait to find out :)
'We’re here to take that power back. To stop the suffering.'
Brilliant...Brilliant...Brilliant!
After rescuing their target on the first mission Seb remains behind on Solsans to overthrow the Crimson Countess.
We see Seb really shine through as a character here. It seems like his brawling self centered ways have gone.
He manages to recruit a revolution and take the fight to the Countess.
With more insight into his growing powers and more hints to his mother. I'm very intrigued, what else can he do? Who or what is his mother?
I can't wait to find out :)
'We’re here to take that power back. To stop the suffering.'
April 23, 2018
In this 3rd story of the Shadow Order, Seb has gone rogue, failing to leave Solsans as he was ordered, so that he can take down the Countess, and free those that are oppressed under her rule.
Having seen how she treats the subjects of the planet, the way she oppresses the people through abuse, torture, murder and other foul deeds, Seb cannot bear it, and decides he must act, while can, since he believes the palace is vulnerable from their last mission, well as vulnerable as it will ever get.
As such, he sets off on his one man mission of vengeance.
This is a story that quickly becomes a walking brawl, following acts of kindness, and we get to see more of the true person that Seb is, and the person that Seb is striving to become.
As we progress through this story, we also learn several new things about Seb, not just his personality, past and background, but we also get to gain a greater understanding of the power that Seb wields, his gifts, and it is not just that he can see where a punch is coming, or how to disable an opponent, we learn he has other gifts as well.
However, it would not be a Shadow Order book without the rest of the Shadow Order, and it is not long before the rest of the Order also return to Solsans to aid their friend.
As the story unfolds, we get to learn more about Seb’s powers, his past, and start to gain an understanding of who he really is, pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place. I won’t say more, don’t want to give anything away.
There are some truly epic battles in this book, the descriptions of the hand to hand combat scenes are just outstanding, incredibly detailed, you feel like you are in the middle of the fight on many occasions, ducking and weaving right along with Seb, Gurt and SA, or at the console with Sparks, working her tech magic.
Needless to say, that the battle to both reach and take down the Countess is a brutal and bloody afai
Although these books are a lot of fun, this one was a lot darker that the previous ones, but still had the same high quality characters, Robertson rights brilliant characters with fantastic dialogue and banter, allowing for an easy flow and easy to read stories, you find that this is an enjoyable and effortless read and a lot of fun.
If you have read any of the others, you will enjoy this, if you haven't pick up book one and start there (it will make more sense!), and keep reading, the series is well worth it!!
Having seen how she treats the subjects of the planet, the way she oppresses the people through abuse, torture, murder and other foul deeds, Seb cannot bear it, and decides he must act, while can, since he believes the palace is vulnerable from their last mission, well as vulnerable as it will ever get.
As such, he sets off on his one man mission of vengeance.
This is a story that quickly becomes a walking brawl, following acts of kindness, and we get to see more of the true person that Seb is, and the person that Seb is striving to become.
As we progress through this story, we also learn several new things about Seb, not just his personality, past and background, but we also get to gain a greater understanding of the power that Seb wields, his gifts, and it is not just that he can see where a punch is coming, or how to disable an opponent, we learn he has other gifts as well.
However, it would not be a Shadow Order book without the rest of the Shadow Order, and it is not long before the rest of the Order also return to Solsans to aid their friend.
As the story unfolds, we get to learn more about Seb’s powers, his past, and start to gain an understanding of who he really is, pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place. I won’t say more, don’t want to give anything away.
There are some truly epic battles in this book, the descriptions of the hand to hand combat scenes are just outstanding, incredibly detailed, you feel like you are in the middle of the fight on many occasions, ducking and weaving right along with Seb, Gurt and SA, or at the console with Sparks, working her tech magic.
Needless to say, that the battle to both reach and take down the Countess is a brutal and bloody afai
Although these books are a lot of fun, this one was a lot darker that the previous ones, but still had the same high quality characters, Robertson rights brilliant characters with fantastic dialogue and banter, allowing for an easy flow and easy to read stories, you find that this is an enjoyable and effortless read and a lot of fun.
If you have read any of the others, you will enjoy this, if you haven't pick up book one and start there (it will make more sense!), and keep reading, the series is well worth it!!
November 28, 2017
I am enjoying the series overall. A team of agents with their own abilities of different alien races working for a shark (by choice or by manipulation) and taking on jobs cleaning up someone's mess. In this episode, it just felt repetitive and slow-paced. Seb's behavior seemed juvenile to the point I felt like I was watching the responses of a 14 year old child rather than a 20-something year old young man.
On the positive side - 1) the overall arc of the larger space opera story moved forward with new reveals, 2) Robertson's writing skills are correct so we are never forced to suffer a bad form of writing (which is important to my reading enjoyment), and 3) we are introduced to some new characters that play larger roles in future books.
Not the best in the series thus far, but still worth reading and definitely worth proceedings to book #4. (Technically, I give this one a 2.5, but since I can't do that, I gave it a 3 in Amazon and a 2 in Goodreads.)
On the positive side - 1) the overall arc of the larger space opera story moved forward with new reveals, 2) Robertson's writing skills are correct so we are never forced to suffer a bad form of writing (which is important to my reading enjoyment), and 3) we are introduced to some new characters that play larger roles in future books.
Not the best in the series thus far, but still worth reading and definitely worth proceedings to book #4. (Technically, I give this one a 2.5, but since I can't do that, I gave it a 3 in Amazon and a 2 in Goodreads.)
December 21, 2017
Perils of Pauline
She continues his quest to be the whiner of the galaxy. I find myself scanning multiple pages of one continuous peril after another. Action and suspense is good but like eating too many candy bars you get a belly full. Please please cut so e of the melodrama it is not necessary. You have the talent but not the courage to cut out the fat and leave the meat.
She continues his quest to be the whiner of the galaxy. I find myself scanning multiple pages of one continuous peril after another. Action and suspense is good but like eating too many candy bars you get a belly full. Please please cut so e of the melodrama it is not necessary. You have the talent but not the courage to cut out the fat and leave the meat.
February 5, 2018
Michael Robertson as always does not disappoint with the third installment of The Shadow Order. With unique characters and setting this series is a real page turner. Michael keeps the story moving with crisp, descriptive dialog, that never lets the story get bogged down. I highly recommend this to all the sci-fi fans out there.
July 7, 2024
With Seb’s first mission complete and his teammates Sparks, SA, and Gurt safe, he went back to that horrible planet. He had a goal he needed to accomplish, a personal goal. A goal that would change the life of every living being on that cursed planet if he were successful. He was going to assassinate the Crimson Queen. He was going to be the catalyst for a social revolution. He wanted to topple her regime and bring a new order, a new system of governance for the inhabitants.
The physical world-building leaves a lot to be desired. The ethereal world-building recalls you to that sewage water treatment plant and begs you to inhale deeply to know the conditions described in this telling. The character’s interaction seems like it could be genuine, and with this being the third book of the series, it seems that Seb has matured some. There is not much new in the established character’s history, but with the introduction of a new character, there is a little bit of new history as part of the story.
The third book of this series contains science fiction and social issues. I give it five stars out of five.
The physical world-building leaves a lot to be desired. The ethereal world-building recalls you to that sewage water treatment plant and begs you to inhale deeply to know the conditions described in this telling. The character’s interaction seems like it could be genuine, and with this being the third book of the series, it seems that Seb has matured some. There is not much new in the established character’s history, but with the introduction of a new character, there is a little bit of new history as part of the story.
The third book of this series contains science fiction and social issues. I give it five stars out of five.
August 19, 2020
This is book #3 of the Shadow Order series. This one has even more character development, and before the end, we find out even more about Seb. He starts out this one alone, without the other members of the Shadow Order, and it seems like he will be alone for the entire book. He makes new friends among the slum dwellers and among the sewer dwellers, most of whom are not even close to human. This book speaks a lot to the equality of intelligent species and cooperation toward achieving a common goal. It even has a lot to do with choosing that goal. There is even a pointed reference to looting and taking things that don't belong to you. I loved it!
July 10, 2018
Slow butt WOW
What a fantastic selection of books each better than the one befpre . Suitable from teens to old folks like me. Strong characters these books could just keep going forever. Different planets different creatures but they have a lot in common just want a fair go in life well done usually i don't go for outer galaxy books but I would have made a big mistake missing out on this series WOW keep writing we'll keep reading . magdg
What a fantastic selection of books each better than the one befpre . Suitable from teens to old folks like me. Strong characters these books could just keep going forever. Different planets different creatures but they have a lot in common just want a fair go in life well done usually i don't go for outer galaxy books but I would have made a big mistake missing out on this series WOW keep writing we'll keep reading . magdg
November 9, 2020
Another great read from the box set I have, this time battle upon battle as Solsans gears up to fight the Crimson Queen.
This planet is in the hands of complete corruption and cruelty, and Seb knows of only one way to change things - fight.
Well-written and fast-paced, intriguing characters (especially SA) and a well-formed plot, make this a compelling read. A gamut of emotions is another reason that this is a very good story.
Recommended.
This planet is in the hands of complete corruption and cruelty, and Seb knows of only one way to change things - fight.
Well-written and fast-paced, intriguing characters (especially SA) and a well-formed plot, make this a compelling read. A gamut of emotions is another reason that this is a very good story.
Recommended.
May 28, 2018
Great series!
This series so far is awesome! Can't wait to get into Book 4 to see where else the author leads these characters. His description of his characters and the places they go brings you there with them. If you're a Star Trek or Star Wars fan you will love this series.
This series so far is awesome! Can't wait to get into Book 4 to see where else the author leads these characters. His description of his characters and the places they go brings you there with them. If you're a Star Trek or Star Wars fan you will love this series.
July 12, 2017
This novel was an extension of the first book, and even more thrilling. Seb remained on the crimson planet determined to destroy the ruling power, but the odds are against him.
April 18, 2019
Great character's and a good storyline plenty of action and some very strange alien creature's.
Would definitely recommend this book and the series
Would definitely recommend this book and the series
July 27, 2019
Loved it!
Excellent! love this series of books. Very well written series of books with tongue firmly in cheek. Well done zmr Robertson!
Excellent! love this series of books. Very well written series of books with tongue firmly in cheek. Well done zmr Robertson!
January 8, 2026
Getting redundant
More coprophagia, more fantastic ali,more implausible battles with armies overwhelmed by ineptitude, more rescues and in the nick of time escapes
More coprophagia, more fantastic ali,more implausible battles with armies overwhelmed by ineptitude, more rescues and in the nick of time escapes
Currently reading
February 2, 2026Versió en espanyol d'Espanya.
March 7, 2026
*sigh* i refuse, no i do not volunteer as tribute, this book can kiss my ass.
October 4, 2018
Some might like this
The writer painted a bleak civilization on this world but it's also a vague and incomplete picture. Where are the producers? Food, clothing, the machines to make the goods, transport the goods and make other machines are missing. It's an incomplete society.
The slums are an idea out of a medieval fantasy. The slum dwellers serve no purpose except to provide malnourished, diseased recruits for the countess' army or a caution to the producers of the price of non-compliance. To burn them periodically rather than exterminate them, is pointless cruelty since they have no food source to maintain themselves. They have no medicine or access to water, so they don't survive for years. They survive for days as a community?, then they die.
The bulk of beings living in the upper city must be the artisans, mechanics and food growers. Especially in a feudal environment. Where are they during the battle? Who is organizing them as part of the revolt. Are they just bystanders as their houses are destroyed? Incomplete picture.
I didn't get the ecological background or the trade practice that would be needed to maintain the interstellar connections that are referenced. Isn't there one spaceport? Incomplete picture.
Why would you stand in a line with bare hands facing a line of soldiers with energy weapons. Even a club is better than nothing. Make the soldiers, as ill-trained as they are, come to you at the barricaded alleys and streets. At that point, they can be killed in small groups and provide weapons to the rebels. Armed thugs (soldiers) charging at the slum dwellers for hand-to-hand combat is silly. It's dramatic but it's not combat.
Lastly revolutions are never mounted in a day and never totally dependent on one person. Revolts l follow the same restrictions. Read about some of the massive peasant revolts of medieval Europe and the bigger slave revolts in the U.S. involving tend of thousands of people.
I like the writer (Alpha Plague) but this book is too gruesome for younger readers, too simplistic for mature readers and has interactions that would only make sense to teens and tweens. I think the writer has to be clear in his own mind about who the audience is.
The writer painted a bleak civilization on this world but it's also a vague and incomplete picture. Where are the producers? Food, clothing, the machines to make the goods, transport the goods and make other machines are missing. It's an incomplete society.
The slums are an idea out of a medieval fantasy. The slum dwellers serve no purpose except to provide malnourished, diseased recruits for the countess' army or a caution to the producers of the price of non-compliance. To burn them periodically rather than exterminate them, is pointless cruelty since they have no food source to maintain themselves. They have no medicine or access to water, so they don't survive for years. They survive for days as a community?, then they die.
The bulk of beings living in the upper city must be the artisans, mechanics and food growers. Especially in a feudal environment. Where are they during the battle? Who is organizing them as part of the revolt. Are they just bystanders as their houses are destroyed? Incomplete picture.
I didn't get the ecological background or the trade practice that would be needed to maintain the interstellar connections that are referenced. Isn't there one spaceport? Incomplete picture.
Why would you stand in a line with bare hands facing a line of soldiers with energy weapons. Even a club is better than nothing. Make the soldiers, as ill-trained as they are, come to you at the barricaded alleys and streets. At that point, they can be killed in small groups and provide weapons to the rebels. Armed thugs (soldiers) charging at the slum dwellers for hand-to-hand combat is silly. It's dramatic but it's not combat.
Lastly revolutions are never mounted in a day and never totally dependent on one person. Revolts l follow the same restrictions. Read about some of the massive peasant revolts of medieval Europe and the bigger slave revolts in the U.S. involving tend of thousands of people.
I like the writer (Alpha Plague) but this book is too gruesome for younger readers, too simplistic for mature readers and has interactions that would only make sense to teens and tweens. I think the writer has to be clear in his own mind about who the audience is.
March 8, 2017
MICHAEL ROBERTSON DEFINITELY KNOWS HOW TO KEEP A STORY GOING
What a super 3rd Book to a great story. Michael Robertson definitely knows how to keep a story going and I'm super excited for the next book in this series and that isn't just for this series but in the other books he's written. I especially love "Alpha Plague" and I really hope everyone reading this checks out his other books. Seb has grown along the way as has Sparks, they're what makes this story so great. Keep the stories coming Michael as you'll always be at the top of my favorite Authors list.
What a super 3rd Book to a great story. Michael Robertson definitely knows how to keep a story going and I'm super excited for the next book in this series and that isn't just for this series but in the other books he's written. I especially love "Alpha Plague" and I really hope everyone reading this checks out his other books. Seb has grown along the way as has Sparks, they're what makes this story so great. Keep the stories coming Michael as you'll always be at the top of my favorite Authors list.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews