Books matching: gritty military fantasy
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- #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
'Promise of Blood' by Brian McClellan is set in a world where a revolution has just taken place, led by Field Marshall Tamas, a powder mage with a personal vendetta. The aftermath of the revolution brings about unexpected complications, challenging the characters' motives and loyalties. The story is filled with action, intrigue, and unique magic systems, including powder mages and other individuals with various powers. The plot unfolds through the perspectives of multiple characters, each with conflicting motives, adding depth to the narrative.
The writing style in 'Promise of Blood' is described as fast-paced, engaging, and with intricate world-building. The magic system, reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson's works, adds a unique touch to the story. The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps readers entertained with unexpected twists and a mix of action, politics, and magic. Overall, the book sets the stage for an epic fantasy series filled with intriguing characters and a gripping storyline.
Adamat wore his coat tight, top buttons fastened against a wet night air that seemed to want to drown him. He tugged at his sleeves, trying to coax more length, and picked at the front of the jacket w... - #3
'The Commander's Tale' in the series 'Limitless Lands' by author Dean Henegar is a LitRPG Fantasy novel that follows the story of Colonel Raytak, a 93-year-old war veteran gamer who gets a chance to restore his memories and intellectual abilities through a new medical pod in a virtual reality game. The book combines elements of military fiction, fantasy, and classic RPG gameplay, focusing on Lt. Raytak's adventures as a troop commander. The plot revolves around the protagonist's journey of rediscovery, town building, military command, and exploiting game mechanics, creating a unique and engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
The writing style of 'The Commander's Tale' is praised for its heavy emphasis on the military aspect, detailed world-building, and engaging character development. Readers appreciate the blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and LitRPG genres, which adds depth to the story and appeals to a wide range of readers, including fans of military fiction and RPG players. The book is commended for its well-written narrative, likable characters, and immersive storytelling, making it a compelling read that stands out in the LitRPG genre.
- #4
In the fantasy novel Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky, we follow the journey of Emily, a noblewoman who is conscripted to serve in her country's war against its former ally. As the story unfolds, Emily's beliefs about patriotism, war, and victory are tested, leading her to question the harsh realities of conflict. The book combines elements of gunpowder fantasy with traditional fantasy, creating a vivid and desperate world filled with gritty battle scenes and realistic characters. The narrative explores themes of honor, corruption, and the struggle for survival in a war-torn land.
The air was hot, muggy with moisture, filled with flies. Emily had not known hot before she came to these swamps. Hot had once been pleasant summer days with the corn ripening gold in the fields. Hot ... - #5
'Normal People' by Sally Rooney follows the complex relationship between two young individuals, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate through high school and college years, dealing with issues of miscommunication, self-worth, and emotional struggles. The story delves into the intricacies of their evolving friendship and love, portraying realistic dialogues and character interactions that highlight the challenges faced by the protagonists as they grow and change over time. Rooney's writing style captures the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of the characters, creating a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
She turns and walks down the hall. He follows her, closing the door behind him. Down a few steps in the kitchen, his mother Lorraine is peeling off a pair of rubber gloves. Marianne hops onto the coun... - #6
The Wall by John Lanchester is a dystopian novel set in a future Britain where a massive wall has been built around the country to keep out refugees and immigrants due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. The story follows Kavanaugh, a young Defender tasked with guarding the wall and repelling the Others, who constantly try to breach it. The narrative explores themes of survival, duty, generational divides, and the impact of climate change on society, all portrayed through the perspective of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances.
The writing style in The Wall is vivid and fast-paced, making it a compelling page-turner that delves into the bleak and realistic consequences of environmental disaster and societal divisions. Lanchester's narrative captures the physical and mental challenges faced by the characters, the relationships formed among the guards, and the overall atmosphere of a dystopian world where young people are conscripted to defend their nation against a desperate outside world.
It’s cold on the Wall. That’s the first thing everybody tells you, and the first thing you notice when you’re sent there, and it’s the thing you think about all the time you’re on it, and it’s the thi... - #7
'Deathworld' by Harry Harrison follows the story of Jason dinAlt, a gambler recruited by a representative of the planet Pyrrus to win money to buy weapons for their desperate world. Jason travels to Pyrrus and discovers a hostile environment where the planet itself is waging war against its inhabitants. With the help of the native Pyrrans and a badass female character, Jason delves into the root of the conflict and attempts to bring about a profound change to save the planet and its people. The plot is action-packed, filled with twists, and carries a message about the consequences of projecting hatred towards the unknown.
The Project Gutenberg EBook of Deathworld, by Harry Harrison This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use... - #8
The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie is a gritty and realistic fantasy war book that focuses more on the characters and their struggles rather than the fantasy elements. The story revolves around a three-day battle between the savages of the North and the civilized men of the Union, showcasing dual perspectives of carnage, ineptitude, and opportunism. The narrative delves deep into the theme of wartime heroism and the complexities of human nature amidst conflict, providing a raw and dark portrayal of war devoid of romanticism.
‘Too old for this shit,’ muttered Craw, wincing at the pain in his dodgy knee with every other step. High time he retired. Long past high time. Sat on the porch behind his house with a pipe, smiling a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series First Law ) - #9
The Jackal of Nar by John Marco is a gritty fantasy novel with a focus on military writing and complex characters. The story follows protagonist Richius and his experiences in what he perceives as an unjust war in a foreign country. The book features vivid battle sequences, political intrigue, and unexpected plot twists, creating a world where characters are not simply good or evil but rather portrayed with depth and nuance. John Marco's writing style has been compared to Glen Cook's Black Company series, with a character-driven narrative that explores motivations and ethical decisions.
Sleep has become too precious for us now. The war wolves come almost every night, and we are all afraid to sleep for fear of waking to that terrible sound. I've had the men take turns on the flame can... - #10
'Breach of Peace' by Daniel B. Greene is a debut novella in the 'Lawful Times' series, an industrial fantasy thriller that follows three detectives investigating the murder of a noble family in a mid-Victorian style capital city. The story delves into a dark and mysterious plot, with hints of rebellion and corruption in a fantasy world ruled by a deity named the Almighty. Despite the low page count, the characters are authentic and the interactions hint at shared history, creating an intriguing narrative that leaves the reader begging for more.
The novella is characterized by a gripping murder investigation, intriguing plot twists, and a strong authorial voice reminiscent of influences like Jim Butcher and Stephen King. The world-building is concise yet vivid, portraying an empire governed by Orwellian ministries and undergoing rapid technological advancements under the Almighty's rule. Despite some faults in pacing and depth, the book offers a compelling story with well-crafted characters and dialogues, setting the stage for future entries in the series.
The scene at the front door was seared into Khlid’s mind: a child, hanging by a chain from the second-story window, his swollen, bloody face confronting her as she approached the manor. Protocol was t...