Books Like...

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.

Black Stone Heart follows Khraen, a man reborn into a world of dark magic and forgotten memories, seeking to reunite the shattered pieces of his black heart to uncover his past. The book delves into themes of identity, evil, and redemption, as Khraen navigates a journey filled with necromancy, demonology, and blood magic, all while questioning his own nature and the consequences of his past actions.

The novella "Hellmouth" by Giles Kristian follows Galien, an excommunicated knight leading a band of mercenaries in the Holy Roman Empire as they are hired by Cardinal Cesarini to hunt a heretic. However, their mission takes a dark turn as they find themselves entangled in a supernatural horror story that challenges their beliefs and confronts them with their own sins and violence. The writing style is described as evocative, filled with vivid imagery, creeping dread, black humor, and quality horror, all set against a medieval backdrop in the Czech Republic wilderness.

Aching God by Mike Shel follows an aging adventurer, Auric Manteo, who is reluctantly pulled back into a dangerous quest when his daughter falls ill from a mysterious plague caused by an ancient idol. The story is a blend of horror and fantasy, rich in world-building and character development, with a focus on post-traumatic stress and the consequences of past actions. Shel's writing style intricately weaves together elements of suspense, dread, and intricate world-building, creating a dark and deteriorating world filled with malevolence, madness, and magic.

'Night Winds' in the 'Kane Collection' by Karl Edward Wagner is a dark fantasy book that follows the adventures of the anti-hero Kane, a cursed immortal who has lived many lives and excelled in various roles such as killer, mercenary, wizard, and king. The book consists of a collection of short stories where Kane navigates through a grim world filled with enemies, showcasing his ruthless and unpredictable nature. Wagner's writing style is described as dark, moody, and foreboding, with a musical quality that is perfect for portraying the mysterious and brooding character of Kane.

The stories in 'Night Winds' range from horror to war to adventure, offering a variety of subgenres within the sword and sorcery theme. Wagner infuses the tales with a nihilistic quality through Kane's eternal life, keeping readers engaged with the breakneck pace and unexpected twists in each story. The character of Kane is depicted as a monstrous villain, devoid of traditional heroism, making him a unique and intriguing protagonist in the fantasy genre.

In "Heroes Die" by Matthew Woodring Stover, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through a dystopian world where actors are sent to a parallel universe to entertain the masses with violent and action-packed performances. The main character, Hari Michaelson, plays the role of Caine, a top assassin in the parallel Earth called Overworld. As the story unfolds, Hari must navigate political intrigue, magickal plots, and the desperate race to save his estranged wife, who is in danger in the other world. The book expertly blends elements of science fiction, cyberpunk, and fantasy, offering readers a fast-paced and compelling narrative filled with gritty violence and convoluted betrayals.

The writing style in "Heroes Die" is described as epic and engaging, making readers feel like they are watching an adrenaline-pumping action movie. The book's plot is praised for its twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Hari's quest to rescue his wife amidst the complex societal structures of both Earth and Overworld. Despite its violent and graphic nature, the novel delves into deeper philosophical themes about humanity's fascination with violent entertainment, offering readers a thought-provoking experience alongside the thrilling action sequences.

'Hollow' by B Catling is a genre-fusing work of imaginative fiction that takes readers on a mystical journey through a world filled with unforgettable scenes and mordant humor. The plot involves a group of mercenaries and knights on a mission to deliver a new oracle to a mysterious monastery, encountering unsettling and sinister elements along the way. Catling's writing style is described as intricate yet beautiful, drawing readers into a dark yet fantastically beautiful world reminiscent of a surrealist painting.

The Judging Eye, part of the Aspect-Emperor series by R. Scott Bakker, continues the story from the Prince of Nothing trilogy, set over 20 years later. The narrative follows the march of the Great Ordeal led by Kellhus, the challenges faced by Empress Esmenet in Momemn, and Achamian's expedition through the mountainous regions. The book is known for its complex and rich plotlines, powerful characters with their own motivations, and deep world-building that includes historical and religious aspects from various societies. The writing style is described as immersive, detailed, and continuing the brilliance of the author's world-building seen in the previous trilogy.

'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.

Nifft the Lean is a collection of four longish tales set in a far future dying Earth where science and magic have merged, and demons and aliens stalk the land. The stories follow Nifft, a self-aggrandizing rogue with a flair for words, as he recounts his various thefts, rescues, and daring schemes through the narration of his good friend Shag Margold. The writing style is described as a mixture of Vance, Leiber, Moorcock, and Clark Ashton Smith, offering a blend of fantastic elements and touches of realism. Each story takes the reader on detailed guided tours through hell and otherworlds, filled with bizarre creatures and dark wonders.