Meet New Books
Book Cover

The Silver Spike

Book 4 in the series:The Black Company

Save:
Find on Amazon

Who Would Like This Book:

If you love gritty, character-driven fantasy with no guarantee of happy endings, this one's for you. The Silver Spike dives deep into Glen Cook's grimdark world, giving familiar faces like Raven, Darling, and Silent more time in the spotlight. It's especially rewarding if you've already read the earlier Black Company novels, since this book explores parallel events and untold perspectives. Complex relationships, flawed heroes, tense stand-offs, and Cook's knack for making you root for both sides of a conflict make this an addictive read for fans of George R.R. Martin or anyone who likes unpredictable, morally gray stories.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found this installment a bit weaker, feeling it leaned too heavily on Raven - a character not everyone finds compelling. Since it's tightly tied to previous books, newcomers will likely feel lost. If you’re hoping for a neat, upbeat resolution or can’t stand shifting viewpoints and unresolved character arcs, you might find this one frustrating. The pacing starts off slow and the plot can feel less intense than the main Black Company saga, especially since it’s more of a side story or epilogue.

A must-read for Black Company veterans wanting more of Cook’s grim, tangled world - but not the ideal entry point and not for those craving cheerful fantasy endings.

About:

'The Silver Spike' by Glen Cook is a grimdark fantasy novel that delves into intense conflicts and complex character dynamics. The story revolves around a group of characters, including Raven and Case, as they embark on a daring adventure to steal the silver spike. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they eagerly anticipate the resolution of the entwined plotlines. Cook's writing style, though occasionally criticized for being spotty, effectively portrays flawed and multifaceted characters, adding depth to the overall storyline.

From The Publisher:

...embedded in the trunk of the scion of the godtree, it contains the essence of the maddest of the Ten Who Were Taken...The Dominator. Defeated by the Lady and cast from this world, all that was left of him was a foul trace of lingering evil. But the graveyard that was once the Barrowland contains more secrets than dead. All who would possess the power of the Dominator are drawn to the spike. A foolhardy band of thieves is the first to reach it, and a rapacious and malign spirit is unleashed on an unwary world. The forces gather, sides are drawn, and mortal men can only die as the Dark Lords battle for domination.

1989
338 pages

Ratings (10)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (16):

Read It (11)
Want To Read (3)
Not Interested (2)
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.