Books matching: vengeance in fantasy
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- #1
Save:A brutal and brilliantly written revenge saga for readers who like their fantasy dark, their characters complex, and their stories dripping with blood and betrayal.
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... - #2
Save:A fast-paced, magical, and dramatic sequel that amps up the action but loses some of the spark and depth of the original - still a must-read for fans invested in Orïsha’s world, but a bit polarizing.
After bringing magic back to Orisha, Zelie and Amari find themselves in a land torn by power struggles and political unrest. As they fight against the monarchy and the nobles with newfound magic, the characters must navigate through betrayals, conflicting goals, and personal sacrifices. The book delves into themes of war, friendship, magic, and political intrigue, set in a world rich with Nigerian culture and mythology. The writing style is captivating, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers into the fantasy world created by the author.
“Zélie rọra o,” Baba called as I drifted toward the tides. I flinched when the seafoam washed over my toes. The lakes in Ibadan were always so cold. But that water was warm like the smell of Mama’s ri...December 2019•652 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Legacy of Orïsha ) - #3
Save:The Fires of Vengeance by Evan Winter is a gripping continuation of The Burning series that delves deeper into the emotional turmoil and character growth of Tau, the protagonist. The book explores themes of love, pain, and vengeance, while also expanding on the mythology of the world, introducing new cultures, and showcasing intense political dynamics. Winter's writing style is described as refreshing, emotionally charged, and engaging, with a seamless blend of brutal fight scenes and intricate world-building.
November 2020•525 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Burning ) - #4
Save:Grim, raw, and emotionally intense - "Shadow of the Knife" is a bold entry for seasoned Celaeno fans, but its dark themes and abrupt ending make it a tough starting point for new readers.
As Ellen Mittal approaches her eighteenth birthday, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous world of thievery and violence when the most vicious gang in the Homelands expands their operations to Roadsend. Teamed up with the Rangers, Ellen must navigate a web of deceit and loyalty, all while grappling with her own emotions and the complexities of trust. However, her life takes a dark turn when she falls for Hal, a woman who turns out to be deeply involved in criminal activities, leading to a tragic and heart-wrenching climax that challenges Ellen's beliefs and emotions.
"Shadow of the Knife" is a grim and edgy book that focuses on themes of loyalty, thievery, vengeance, and family, set in a society entirely composed of women and split into factions. The narrative unfolds in a progressive and balanced pace, building up to a fine climax that explores the emotional depth of the characters, particularly Ellen Mittal and her conflicted feelings towards Hal. The book delves into the complexities of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions, making readers question the true nature of relationships and the impact of choices on one's life.
The crew of the Alisha-Marie cast off its moorings and the barge moved away from the quay, slowly picking up speed as the current took it downriver, bound for the city of Landfall. As it drifted into...March 2008•306 pages - #5
Save:An ambitious, inclusive, and gorgeously built standalone epic - if you love immersive fantasy and don’t mind a slow start, it’s a must-read. Think “Game of Thrones” meets sapphic fairytale - with a side of dragons.
'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon is an immersive and expansive high fantasy novel that presents a world where women of diverse backgrounds take center stage, breaking away from traditional tropes. The book delves into a world without sexism, homophobia, and racism, while exploring themes of religious intolerance, political intrigue, and the balance of power. The story follows multiple characters as they navigate conflicting political currents and eventually unite to confront an ancient evil threatening their world.
The book offers a feminist reboot of Arthurian legend with LGBTQ representation and a focus on strong female characters. Despite some pacing issues and slow world-building, the novel weaves together a complex narrative with dragons, magic, and diverse cultures, creating a unique and engaging fantasy world that challenges traditional fantasy norms.
Every morning she kept the same routine. To be predictable was to be safe. First she went to the Master of the Posts, who confirmed he had no letters for her. Then she went to the gates and gazed out...February 2019•848 pages - #6
Save:A clever, myth-packed urban fantasy that’s both entertaining and original - perfect for anyone who loves a smart twist on the old gods. Highly recommended for mythology fans and those craving something a little different in fantasy.
'Changer' in the series 'Athanor' by Jane Lindskold introduces readers to the concept of the Athanor, an immortal species coexisting with humans in contemporary times. The central figure, The Changer, is a shapeshifter with a unique value system that causes friction with normal human relationships. The story is a modern tale of the fantastic, where gods, kings of legend, and mythological creatures live among us, creating a well-thought-out narrative with twists and turns reminiscent of Loki's deviousness.
'Changer' is a fantasy novel that delves into the lives of immortal beings who were once gods of various mythologies and are now trying to navigate the modern world without revealing their true identities. follows The Changer, an immortal Athanor seeking vengeance for the murder of his mate and pups, leading to a larger conspiracy that involves other immortals, including Arthur Pendragon. Lindskold skillfully weaves together different mythological archetypes from various cultures, injecting humor into the narrative and portraying complex characters facing moral dilemmas.
Death comes in many forms, but it has one smell, a smell of blood stagnating, of flesh stiffening, of breath grown stale. Later there is decay, and that can have many smells: sweet and sick and sour....December 1998•506 pages - #7
Save:A powerful, emotional finale with unforgettable characters and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation - just be ready for some heartbreak along the way.
In the final installment of 'The Last Herald Mage' series, Vanyel, the last active Mage amongst the Heralds, embarks on a vengeance-filled quest to uncover an enemy attacking Valdemar's defenses. Along the way, he is brought back to his senses by his lover, the Bard Stefan. The book is described as a powerful story of love, duty, and sacrifice, with scenes of implied sexual violence integral to the plot. The writing style is engaging and creates a believable world with complex characters that readers become deeply invested in.
Sweat ran down Herald Vanyel’s back, and his ankle hurt a little—he hadn’t twisted it, quite, when he’d slipped on the wooden floor of the salle back at the beginning of this bout, but it was still bo...July 1990•352 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Last Herald-Mage ) - #8
Save:A creative and ambitious entry in progression fantasy - with standout worldbuilding and a one-of-a-kind magic system. The first book is more about laying foundations than delivering big thrills, but it’s well worth sticking with if you love unique magic and gradual character growth.
Soulhome by Sarah Lin is the first book in the Weirkey Chronicles series, introducing readers to the main protagonist, Theo, who is a complex character with a bitter soul on a quest for vengeance. The story follows Theo's journey as he navigates the Nine Worlds, dealing with betrayal, loss, and the challenge of rebuilding his strength and power. The book features a unique magic system where power is gained by constructing a house inside one's soul using materials from the Nine World, offering a fresh take on the cultivation genre. Sarah Lin's writing style is described as clean and imaginative, with a focus on character development and world-building, making the story engaging and intriguing for readers.
After so long, he barely recognized the feel of a world before him, he simply stumbled through the door. Then the emptiness consumed him and he gloried in it, welcoming the abyss between worlds. When...2020•294 pages - #9
Save:A darkly original, unnerving, and sharply written thriller that’s equal parts social commentary and suspense - definitely worth reading if you have a taste for moral ambiguity and biting satire.
'The Ax' by Donald E. Westlake follows the story of Burke Devore, a middle-aged man who gets laid off from his job and remains unemployed for two years. Frustrated with the intense competition for available managerial positions in the paper industry, Devore devises a sinister plan to eliminate his competition by resorting to murder. The plot unfolds as Devore meticulously identifies and targets his rivals, leading to a chilling narrative that delves into the dark depths of desperation and corporate greed. Westlake's writing style, characterized by clean and simple sentences, effectively captures the protagonist's twisted logic and justifications for his heinous actions, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking storyline.
As the story progresses, readers are taken on a gripping journey through Devore's morally ambiguous decisions and the consequences of his ruthless actions. Westlake masterfully blends elements of a hard-boiled noir thriller with a critique of corporate capitalism, presenting a compelling exploration of the protagonist's descent into madness as he navigates the cutthroat world of job hunting through extreme measures. The novel challenges readers to ponder ethical dilemmas and the lengths individuals may go to in the face of unemployment and societal pressures, ultimately delivering a haunting and unforgettable narrative that blurs the lines between right and wrong.
The Luger went into my overnight bag, in the same plastic bag as my black shoes. The Luger had been my father’s, his one souvenir from the war, a sidearm he’d taken from a dead German officer that eit...1997•360 pages - #10
Save:A stylish, short, and wildly imaginative adventure with a classic Zelazny antihero. Not his deepest novel, but it’s inventive, entertaining, and a cool twist on the battle between science and magic.
'Jack of Shadows' by Roger Zelazny is a fantasy science fiction story that follows the character Jack, an amoral and immortal being, on an interesting quest that ultimately changes the world. The book blends fantasy with science fiction in a world where one side is perpetually facing the sun, divided between technology and magic. Jack, a character who draws power from shadows, moves between the two hemispheres of the planet, navigating through themes of duality and existence.
The Hellflame was a slim urn of silvery fires, gracefully wrought and containing a fist-sized ruby at the uppermost tips of its blazing fingers. These held it in an unbreakable grip, and the gemstone...1971•236 pages
