As a sequel to “Push Not the River,” this book continues the story of the Polish Countess Anna Maria Berezowska. The author began writing about her after discovering her unpublished diary, which recounted her experiences as a 17-year-old orphan who falls in love with her handsome neighbor Jan Stelnicki, but is brutally raped and married off before their love can be realized. Behind her misfortune is none other than her cousin Zofia, and “Push Not the River” follows Anna up until the Russian army invades Poland. “Against a Crimson Sky” picks up right where the first book left off, which is great, but unless you have read its predecessor the characters’ actions and motivations will not make much sense. At this point Queen Catherine of Russia has taken control of Poland and Napoleon Bonaparte’s army has begun their ill-fated march whose aim is conquering Russia. Because of their noble status Anna and her family cannot help but become entangled in the political and military intrigue that encompasses their country. From fierce loyalty and bittersweet longing, to blackmail and murder, this story has a bit of everything. Martin does a fine job of incorporating Polish history into his novel and I especially loved the chapters that dealt with Anna’s sons, who by this time are old enough to be soldiers in Napoleon’s army. I only wish that he had devoted more time to the character of Zofia, whose beauty, intelligence and ruthlessness makes her a riveting tale waiting to happen. Perhaps he is saving her for book number three?