Books matching: dark medieval
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- #1
Save:"Between Two Fires" by Christopher Buehlman is a dark fantasy set in 14th century France during the devastating Black Death. The story follows an orphaned young girl, a fallen knight, and an alcoholic priest as they navigate a world filled with pestilence, monsters, and supernatural forces. The plot weaves together elements of horror, historical fiction, and religious themes, creating a tale of redemption, hope, and the battle between good and evil.
The book is praised for its vivid and atmospheric storytelling, blending gritty realism with high fantasy elements. Readers commend Buehlman's ability to create engaging characters, compelling relationships, and haunting scenes that delve deep into the darkness of the human heart and the horrors of the plague-ridden landscape.
It looked at them hopefully from beneath a willow tree, swishing its tail against the flies. The fat one, and nobody knew how he stayed fat, took his war hammer up, meaning to brain it, but Thomas sto... - #2
Save:In 'Empire of the Vampire' by Jay Kristoff, readers are introduced to Gabriel de Leon, a Silversaint who recounts his life to a vampire historian while being held captive. The story unfolds with Gabriel narrating his battles, love, betrayal, and quest to protect the Holy Grail, all while living in a world drowned in darkness where vampires roam freely and humans are constantly at war with them. The book is described as a dark fantasy with a ton of worldbuilding, compelling characters, and a fresh, interesting structuring device that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The narrative style in 'Empire of the Vampire' is bold, violent, and blunt, providing an ominous and immersive experience for readers. The story is filled with action, plot twists, and intricate worldbuilding, making it akin to a TV show playing in the reader's mind. Through Gabriel's tale, the book explores themes of faith, hope, blind faith, and understanding, all set in a world where vampires and humans coexist in a perpetual state of darkness, creating a gripping and complex storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
“I’m going to make you scream, leech. I’m going to bleed you like a hog, stuff the best of you in a pipe for later, and then show you how much your immortality is truly worth.” He stared into the mons... - #3
Save:'The Blacktongue Thief' by Christopher Buehlman is a fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Kinch Na Shannack, a thief in training who embarks on a secret mission to save himself and potentially the world. The story is epic in scale, featuring different peoples, languages, societies, giants, goblins, witches, and kings and queens. The writing style is witty and concise, filled with humor that is dark and black, keeping readers engaged and entertained throughout the book.
The plot of 'The Blacktongue Thief' is fast-paced, filled with great characters, adventures, magic, snark, and a touch of romance. The story revolves around Kinch's journey, his encounters with various creatures like battle corvids and blind cats, and his quest to pay off his debts while navigating a world full of political intrigue, magic, and danger.
Not that I was afraid to die, but maybe who you die with is important. It’s important who’s with you when you’re born, after all. If everybody’s wearing clean linen and silk and looking down at you sq... - #4
Save:'The Darkness That Comes Before' by R. Scott Bakker is a departure from ordinary fantasy literature, focusing on the intrigue surrounding a vast crusade with philosophical and introspective characters. The book delves into the perspectives, philosophies, egos, and pieties of key figures involved in the holy war, with occasional gory assassinations and sorceries. The narrative unfolds slowly, with complex character introductions and a focus on the build-up to a Holy War, leading to an absorbing and intriguing read that sets the stage for events to come.
The book presents a dark and gritty fantasy world with detailed character introductions, political drama, and a deep sense of history. It features a manageable cast of characters, each with shades of gray, competing factions, and a sense of impending apocalyptic force. The writing style is dense, philosophical, and well-crafted, providing readers with a challenging yet rewarding reading experience that leaves them eager to delve into the subsequent books in the series.
All spies obsessed over their informants. It was a game they played in the moments before sleep or even during nervous gaps in conversation. A spy would look at his informant, as Achamian looked at Ge... - #5
Save:Set in the same world as 'The First Law' trilogy, 'Best Served Cold' follows the story of Monza Murcatto, a fierce and vengeful woman seeking revenge after being left for dead by her enemies who also killed her brother. The book is praised for its brutal and violent nature, showcasing a tale of betrayal, revenge, and the dark side of humanity. Readers are drawn into a world filled with complex characters, intricate plots, and a writing style that delves deep into the darker aspects of fantasy storytelling.
The sunrise was the colour of bad blood. It leaked out of the east and stained the dark sky red, marked the scraps of cloud with stolen gold. Underneath it the road twisted up the mountainside towards...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series First Law ) - #6
Save:'Devil's Dominion' by Kathryn Le Veque is a dark and gritty medieval story that follows the journey of Bretton de Llion, a man consumed by hate and revenge after witnessing his family's brutal murder. The plot unfolds with Bretton seeking vengeance against the Dark Lord, Jax de Velt, by kidnapping his daughter, Allaston, a novice nun. The story delves into themes of war, love, and redemption as Bretton's hardened heart begins to soften in the presence of Allaston's compassion and understanding.
The writing style of 'Devil's Dominion' is described as intense and emotionally gripping, immersing readers in a world of brutality, vengeance, and complex characters. The narrative intricately weaves together elements of historical accuracy with fictitious portrayals, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that explores the depths of human emotion and the complexities of love amidst turmoil.
- #7
Save:The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie is a dark fantasy novel that delves into a world filled with political intrigue, impending war, and morally ambiguous characters. Set in a medieval-like world, the story follows multiple characters such as Logen Ninefingers, Inquisitor Glokta, and Captain Luthar, each with their own unique perspectives and motivations. The plot weaves together their stories as they navigate through a world on the brink of change, with war looming and alliances shifting. Abercrombie's writing style is characterized by its gritty realism, grounded characters, and a focus on the inner thoughts and struggles of the protagonists.
Logen opened his eyes a crack. Light, blurry bright through leaves. This was death? Then why did it hurt so much? His whole left side was throbbing. He tried to take a proper breath, choked, coughed u... - #8
Save:Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence is a dark fantasy novel that follows the journey of Prince Jorg, a young and ruthless protagonist seeking revenge in a post-apocalyptic medieval world. The story is narrated through the eyes of Jorg, a character described as a psychopath by some readers, who leads a band of outlaws on a bloody and violent quest for power and vengeance. The writing style is noted for its gritty and dark tone, with a fast-paced plot that delves into themes of brutality, survival, and the consequences of a shattered world.
I could see some of the lads exchanging coin on their bets. The Lich Road is as boring as a Sunday sermon. It runs straight and level. So straight it gets so as you’d kill for a left turn or a right t... - #9
Save:Little Marek, the abused and delusional son of the village shepherd, never knew his mother his father told him she died in childbirth. One of life's few consolations for Marek is his enduring bond with the blind village midwife, Ina, who suckled him as a baby, as she did so many of the village's children. Ina's gifts extend beyond childcare she possesses a unique ability to communicate with the natural world. Her gift often brings her the transmission of sacred knowledge on levels far beyond those available to other villagers, however religious they might be. For some people, Ina's home in the woods outside of the village is a place to fear and to avoid, a godless place. Among their number is Father Barnabas, the town priest and lackey for the depraved lord and governor, Villiam, whose hilltop manor contains a secret embarrassment of riches. The people's desperate need to believe that there are powers that be who have their best interests at heart is put to a cruel test by Villiam and the priest, especially in this year of record drought and famine. But when fate brings Marek into violent proximity to the lord's family, new and occult forces upset the old order. By year's end, the veil between blindness and sight, life and death, the natural world and the spirit world, civility and savagery, will prove to be very thin indeed.
The bandits came again on Easter. This time they slaughtered two men, three women, and two small children. Some smelting tools were stolen from the blacksmith, but no gold or silver, as there was none... - #10
Save:Armed in Her Fashion by Kate Heartfield is a dark, gritty fantasy set in medieval Europe, particularly in 1328 Bruges. The story follows the protagonist, Margriet de Vos, a feisty widow who demands her rightful inheritance for her daughter, leading to a series of events involving a transgender man-at-arms named Claude, a mysterious hellbeast, and a cast of diverse characters fighting against the powers of Hell and Earth. The writing style is described as evocative, moving, and reminiscent of a Hieronymous Bosch painting brought to life, filled with strange and vivid imagery that tumbles along at a fast pace.
