Books matching: grimdark fantasy
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- #1
Save:'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang is a fantasy novel based on Chinese history, featuring a protagonist named Rin who rises from being an orphan to excelling at a prestigious military academy. The story takes unexpected turns diverging from typical YA fantasy tropes, delving into themes of tragedy, war, and morality. The book incorporates elements of Chinese culture and history, drawing parallels to real-world events such as the Japanese occupation and the Second Sino-Japanese War. The writing style is described as detailed, immersive, and thought-provoking, providing a fresh take on epic fantasy with strong themes and messages.
Rin crossed her arms tightly across her chest and walked toward the second proctor. She was led behind a screen, patted thoroughly to make sure she hadn’t packed test materials up any orifices, and th... - #2
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... - #3
Save: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.... - #4
Save:The Fifth Season is a captivating blend of fantasy and science fiction set in a geologically unstable future Earth. The story follows individuals with the magical ability to control the earth's structures, known as orogenes, who are feared and oppressed by society. Through multiple perspectives, the book weaves together a tale of survival, discrimination, and the impending end of the world. N.K. Jemisin's unique writing style, intricate world-building, and complex characters create an immersive and thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of power, oppression, and resilience.
For the past ten years you’ve lived as ordinary a life as possible. You came to Tirimo from elsewhere; the townsfolk don’t really care where or why. Since you were obviously well educated, you became ... - #5
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... - #6
Save:The Gunslinger, the first book in 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King, follows a mysterious man known as The Gunslinger as he tracks a man named The Man in Black through a desolate world. The book is described as a mix of fantasy and western genres, with a post-apocalyptic setting. The narrative is meandering and sparse, offering glimpses into The Gunslinger's past as he progresses on his journey.
The writing style in The Gunslinger is noted for being descriptive and rich, with a compelling and atmospheric world-building that is both familiar and strange. The book is praised for its unique blend of elements, such as fantasy with horror undertones, and its ability to captivate readers with its intriguing storyline and enigmatic characters.
The desert was the apotheosis of all deserts, huge, standing to the sky for what might have been parsecs in all directions. White; blinding; waterless; without feature save for the faint, cloudy haze ... - #7
Save: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... - #8
Save:'Red Sister' by Mark Lawrence follows the journey of Nona Grey, a young girl rescued from a dire fate to become a sister at a convent of warrior nuns on a planet facing a dying sun and encroaching ice. The story unfolds in a world filled with magic, conflict, and complex characters, reminiscent of works by acclaimed authors like Robin Hobb and Patrick Rothfuss. The book balances action with character development, focusing on Nona's growth as she navigates her new life and uncovers the mysteries of her unique abilities and the threats surrounding the convent.
No child truly believes they will be hanged. Even on the gallows platform with the rope scratching at their wrists and the shadow of the noose upon their face they know that someone will step forward,... - #9
Save:'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... - #10
Save:'The Warded Man' in the series 'The Demon Cycle' by author Peter V. Brett is a fantasy novel set in a world terrorized by demons that rise every night to hunt people. The story follows three main characters as they navigate through a dark and dangerous world, with intricate world-building and character development. The plot revolves around the characters' journey from adolescence to adulthood, their struggles, motivations, and sacrifices in a world where demons threaten their existence every night.
The book is praised for its unique concept of demons rising from the core of the earth every night, the intricate magic system of wards used for protection, and the character-driven storytelling that delves deep into the motivations and struggles of the protagonists. Readers appreciate the strong characterization, interesting plot, solid world-building, and original story that keeps them engaged and eager to read more.
Arlen paused in his work, looking up at the lavender wash of the dawn sky. Mist still clung to the air, bringing with it a damp, acrid taste that was all too familiar. A quiet dread built in his gut a...
