Books Like...

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.

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.

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.

'The Gutter Prayer' by Gareth Hanrahan follows a trio of thieves, Cari, Spar, and Rat, navigating the intricate city streets of Guerdon amidst a conflict between gods and sorceries. The story delves into a world filled with history, tunnels, and horrifying creatures while exploring themes of politics, justice, and death. The author combines fantastic imagination with engaging characters, a thrilling plot, and a grimly realistic world.

'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.

In a world ravaged by demons, a mute protagonist known as the Vagrant embarks on a perilous journey with a baby, a goat, and a powerful sword. The story follows his quest to deliver the weapon to the last bastion of humanity, the Shining City, while navigating through a landscape where human bodies are used like components in a strange jigsaw puzzle. As the Vagrant encounters allies and enemies along the way, the plot unfolds through a mix of action, worldbuilding, and lyrical prose, providing a unique blend of dystopian, sci-fi, and fantasy elements.

The narrative weaves between past and present, gradually revealing the backstory of the Vagrant and his companions, including a rebellious member named Harm and a very stubborn goat. Through the author's smart and beautiful writing, the characters come to life in a devastated world where survival is tough and alliances are crucial. Despite challenges and betrayals, the Vagrant's silent determination and the interactions with his companions add depth and contrast to the dark and gritty setting of the novel.

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.

Death Rider is a short novella set in the 'Gunmetal Gods' series by Zamil Akhtar. The story revolves around Darya, a nomadic khagan who is sentenced to death but given a second chance to become a Death Rider, a suicide mission that leads to a brutal and bloody war. The writing style is described as vivid and disturbing, with intense battle scenes and elements of psychological horror and Lovecraftian themes woven throughout the narrative.

'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.

'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.