Critical Role’s Mighty Nein Return Today in a Brand-New Adventure

Published Nov 10, 2026, 9:43 AM EST

Amanda Kay Oaks is a writer and lifelong book nerd. She has been writing about books on the internet for over 10 years, with prior bylines at Book Riot and ComicBook.com. Though she reads across most genres, Amanda Kay is particularly fond of romance, cozy fantasy, and books with strong female characters. 

Critical Role's Mighty Nein took their first adventures in Campaign 2 long before their hit animated TV series and haven't stopped popping back up ever since. Iconic Mighty Nein heroes returned for a crossover in Campaign 3, their own TV show, and of course, official Critical Role books. Today, fans can once again return to Wildemount for a brand-new story starring some of the Mighty Nein.

Along with its growing cinematic universe, Critical Role has made quite a dent in the world of books. They've got their own TTRPG, Daggerheart, as well as a handful of official spin-off novels set in Exandria. From a collection of short stories to a spicy romantasy, there's no shortage of reading material for Critical Role ​​​​​​enthusiasts. Today, Critical Role: The Mighty Nein - Children of Empire joins the lineup, offering a brand-new way to adventure with the Mighty Nein.

Children of Empire comes from Hugo, Nebula, and Ignyte Award-nominated author Nibedita Sen. She brings her impressive fantasy and TTRPG repertoire to Wildemount in a new, official sequel to Campaign 2. While prior tie-in novels have been side stories, this book takes us on an officially sanctioned adventure that bridges the gap between Campaign 2 and Campaign 3. In other words, it's canon.

Children of Empire is the second novel to expand the story of the Mighty Nein, following 2023's The Nine Eyes of Lucien. But while that story featured a familiar charming villain from the Mighty Nein campaign, it wasn't an official part of the Mighty Nein's story. That's what makes Children of Empire a first-of-its-kind release. If you've ever wondered what Caleb and Beau were up to between their adventure and their surprise reappearance in the Bells Hells campaign, this book is here to answer the question.

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In Critical Role: The Mighty Nein - Children of Empire, readers reunite with Caleb Widogast and Beauregard Lionett. Following the Campaign 2 adventures, these two members of the Mighty Nein are on the way back to their former home. But though they've hidden the Cloven Crystals and imprisoned Uk'otoa, these heroes may have a new threat to face. Wildemount is beset by an arcane threat, and soon, Caleb finds himself wrapped up in an investigation. As for Beau, well, domesticity never was quite her cup of tea. What better distraction than another adventure?

This new novel joins the lineup of Critical Role spin-offs on November 10. It's available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. If you want to check out the first chapter before you commit, we've also got an exclusive excerpt for you to check out. And if you're trying to decide on a format, the audiobook has a special treat for longtime fans. While it isn't narrated by the original talent behind Caleb and Beau, current Critical Role cast member Robbie Daymond steps in to tell this latest story in the world of Exandria. This isn't his first time narrating a Critical Role audiobook, as he has previously given voice to Vox Machina - Kith and Kin.

You can purchase Critical Role: The Mighty Nein - Children of Empire here.