Books matching: grimdark fantasy
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
The Black Company is a gritty military fantasy novel that follows the exploits of a mercenary band in service to a powerful sorceress known as the Lady. The story is narrated from the perspective of Croaker, the company's physician and annalist, providing a unique viewpoint of the conflicts between the Lady and the rebels who oppose her. The book delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a world where mercenaries must navigate treacherous alliances and deadly battles.
Lightning from a clear sky smote the Necropolitan Hill. One bolt struck the bronze plaque sealing the tomb of the forvalaka, obliterating half the spell of confinement. It rained stones. Statues bled.... - #2
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... - #3
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... - #4
Beyond Redemption is a dark and twisted tale where the most powerful individuals are those with strong delusions, shaping a world steeped in chaos, madness, and delusion. The story follows a trio of wretched thieves - Bedeckt, Stehlen, and Wichtig - who disrupt the plans of High Priest Konig Furimmer, leading to a cat-and-mouse chase filled with violence, intrigue, and eccentric characters. The unique magic system based on psychology and insanity adds layers of depth to the narrative, making it a wild and dark tale that delves into the complexities of delusions and the consequences of unchecked power.
Bedeckt, eyes slitted against the abrasive wind, rode into town flanked by Stehlen and Wichtig. Launisch, Bedeckt’s monstrous black destrier, hung its head in exhaustion. They’d ridden hours without r... - #5
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
'Seven Blades in Black' by Sam Sykes is a grim dark fantasy novel that follows the protagonist Sal the Cacophony on her quest for revenge against her former comrades who betrayed her. The story is set in a fascinating world filled with magic, killer ostriches, and steampunk elements. Sal, a broken yet strong female character, makes a deal with a demon to achieve her goal, leading to a tale of action, adventure, and magic in a world torn between the Imperium and the Revolution.
From the walls of Imperial Cathama to the farthest reach of the Revolution, there was no citizen of the Scar who could think of a finer way to spend an afternoon than watching the walls get painted wi... - #7
The Court of Broken Knives by Anna Smith Spark is a dark fantasy novel set in the series 'Empires of Dust'. The story follows the ambitious Lord Orhan who plans to overthrow the current Emperor of the Empire, believing the realm is weak and in need of reform. To execute his coup, Orhan hires a group of mercenaries led by Tobias to carry out a massacre in the city of Sorlost. Among the mercenaries is Marith, a mysterious and handsome soldier with dark secrets, whose actions could change the fate of Sorlost and the world. The narrative weaves between perspectives of the main characters, showcasing their morally ambiguous and broken personalities, driving the plot forward with intricate internalizations and complex relationships.
The writing style of the book is described as unique and challenging, with a rhythmic and almost musical prose that can be hypnotic but may dominate over the storytelling at times. The author skillfully alternates between first and third-person perspectives, adding depth to the characters and creating a sense of unpredictability in the plot. The worldbuilding in 'The Court of Broken Knives' is richly detailed, painting a grim and unforgiving picture of the Empire and its inhabitants, with fantastic beasts, intricate cultures, and a magic system that is more hinted at than fully explained.
Down to close work like that, men wrestling in the mud, jabbing at each other, too tired to care any more. Just die and get it over with. Half of them fighting with their guts hanging out of their sto... - #8
In the grimdark fantasy novel 'Blackwing' by Ed McDonald, readers are introduced to a bleak world where mortals struggle against the odds imposed by godlike beings. The protagonist, Captain Galharrow, commands the Blackwings, a paramilitary force tasked with battling monsters created by the Deep Kings to reactivate Nall's Engine. As the story unfolds, Galharrow navigates a dangerous landscape known as the Misery, filled with twisted creatures and supernatural dangers, all while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the world as he knows it. McDonald's writing style is described as dark, twisted, and filled with gruesome scenes, redefining grimdark fantasy for many readers.
SOMEBODY warned them that we were coming. The sympathisers left nothing behind but an empty apartment and a few volumes of illegal verse. A half-eaten meal, ransacked drawers. They’d scrambled togethe... - #9
'A Dance of Cloaks' in the series 'Shadowdance' by David Dalglish follows the story of Aaron, the son of Thren Felhorn, the ruthless leader of a Thieves' Guild in the city of Veldaren. As Aaron is groomed to inherit his father's position, he grapples with the desire to break free from his father's shadow and forge his own path. The narrative is filled with intricate struggles between different factions, complex character dynamics, and a brewing war between the thieves' guilds and the powerful Trifect families. The writing style is described as fast-paced, tightly controlled, and character-driven, with elements of dark fantasy and strong world-building.
Aaron sat alone. The walls were bare wood. The floor had no carpet. There were no windows and only a single door, locked and barred from the outside. The silence was heavy, broken only by his occasion... - #10
'The Steel Remains' by Richard K. Morgan is a gritty and dark fantasy novel that follows the stories of three disparate heroes dealing with their own baggage from past campaigns. The plot intertwines themes of violence, explicit sexual encounters, and a mix of swords and sorcery with a touch of science fiction. The characters are portrayed as flawed individuals with complex histories, set in a world filled with gods, aliens, political intrigue, and battles between church and state.
The writing style of Morgan is described as descriptive, dark, and gritty, with a 'no holds barred' approach. The novel explores themes of alien encounters, brutal violence, and graphic sex scenes, which are intertwined with a fast-paced adventure filled with family obligations, political tensions, and societal prejudices. The story is characterized by its unique blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, creating a rich and dirty world where heroes navigate through a complex and adult-themed narrative.
When a man you know to be of sound mind tells you his recently deceased mother has just tried to climb in his bedroom window and eat him, you only have two basic options. You can smell his breath, tak...