I have been looking through other posts but it constantly comes up with the same list. Have read (and enjoyed) the following:
The Black Company – Glen Cook. Croaker! Pretty solid series. Can take some patience to stick with it.
Heroes die – Matthew Strover. Really good and neat concept. Faded for me after the first book. But fun. The whole take on the world thing (as real or virtual as it may be lol).
Desden Files – Jim Butcher. Not necessarily dark or gritty but awesome series. Love how the MC doesn’t feel over powered. If anything is always outclassed (no matter how much power he is there is always someone bigger and badder) but when faced with an impossible task says screw it and just gets it done. Writing gets better at the series going on.
Have read all the Joe Ambercobie, Steven Erikson and Mark Lawrence stuff. Mixed bag for me but glad to read it all.
The newer authors like Steven Lynch and Peter Brett.
The older authors like David Gemmell – who if you haven’t checked out… Please do so! Waylander left such an impact on me all those years ago. The proverbial staring down the barrel of the gun. Outnumbered and dead in the water but never give up attitude. Facing enemies that would kill you but no one moves because the first to step against you will die…
Even some of the Terry Pratchett books. The Night watch I think it was called. Had a solid feel to a lot of it and good humor. Not a home run but characters that stuck with me.
Have read Brent Weeks, Scott Bakker…
I am sure I am missing a 100 others that I have read but I am also sure I am missing a million I haven’t! Tried to knock off a few of the most common suggestions.
Ideally and it’s a tall order so really just looking for what anyone likes and wants to share…
Real feel and more to the point a book that follows it’s own boundaries and rules. Preferably a male protagonist and not a ton of shifting perspectives. Back against the wall type settings are awesome. And something that makes you care about the characters. Speaking of which… Death and loss are a part of most good books but who doesn’t love a (mostly) happy ending.
And on the off chance someone really gets me and can make heads or tails of this long ass post 🙂 … For perspective Jim Butcher (both Dresden and Codex Aelra) and Brandon Sanderson (Elantris for example) are probably my favorites.
Thanks so much in advance for anyone who shares any recommendations. Happy reading!
by Responsible_Car_6515