Critical Role: The Mighty Nein — Stories Untold review
Across Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein and Bells Hells, Critical Role has built a rich version of Exandria through streamed campaigns, animation, comics and novels. The adventuring parties remain the centre of attention, but the setting is now large enough to support stories far beyond its main heroes.
A wider view of Campaign 2
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein — Stories Untold is an anthology from Critical Role and a group of contributing authors. Published by Random House Worlds, it revisits allies, rivals and other supporting characters connected to Campaign 2.
The Mighty Nein appear through cameos and overlapping events, while individual chapters focus on figures including Dairon and Essek. Both characters also feature in The Mighty Nein, the animated adaptation of the second campaign released in 2025.
You do not need to know every detail of the original Campaign 2 to appreciate the collection. The book sits comfortably alongside the animated series, while also adding context and fresh perspectives for readers who have followed the campaign from the beginning.
Strong standalone adventures
Every chapter has its own point of view and identity. Familiarity with the wider canon adds extra meaning, but the contributors give each character enough emotional weight to carry an independent story.
“Dreams of Drowning” by Nino Cipri is a particularly effective example. The story follows Avantika, an important figure in Fjord’s Campaign 2 storyline who had not yet appeared in The Mighty Nein at the time discussed. Her path includes tragedy, heartbreak and a compelling pull towards something bigger than herself.
Avantika is one of the Nein’s enemies, and readers already know the damage she causes and where her story leads. Even so, the chapter makes her journey engaging. Its success comes from treating a villain as a genuine protagonist rather than a simple obstacle.
Sprinkle gets a turn in the spotlight
The anthology is not limited to conventional prose. Chase K’s “Super Weasel” follows Sprinkle, Jester’s crimson-furred pet weasel, and provides a playful change of scale and style.
That detour also reinforces the book’s central idea: a character does not need to be a major player to have a worthwhile story. The collection finds room for both influential figures and seemingly minor companions.
Verdict
Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein and Bells Hells will naturally attract the most attention, but Stories Untold argues that Exandria itself is now the larger story. Its best chapters reveal how much life exists around the headline adventurers, from notorious enemies to ordinary people who might otherwise remain at the edge of the narrative.
For Australian readers who enjoy tabletop fantasy, character-led fiction or the broader arcade and gaming news conversation, this is an accessible entry point as well as a rewarding companion to Campaign 2. It works for newcomers who know the animated series and for long-time Critters looking for more of Exandria’s side stories.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein — Stories Untold is written by Critical Role, Betsy Aoki, Kiri Callaghan, Dani Carr, Mae Catt, Mike Chen, Rin Chupeco, Nino Cipri, Nadia El-Fassi and Chase K. It is available to purchase now from local bookshops and other retailers.
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