Best Military Fantasy Books

Fantasy Books Focusing on Military Life

If you like fantasy with plenty of epic battles where the battle scenes and strategies are well-defined (you are immersed in the happenings on the battlefield), then this list of the best military fantasy is for you. This subgenre has been receiving a lot of attention, in no small part to some of the great fantasy writers who have been writing some stellar military fantasy-esque books.

Military Fantasy vs Fantasy with Military Elements

Many fantasy books, especially epic fantasy, have detailed military elements. However, keep in mind that there IS a difference between straight Military Fantasy and Fantasy With Military Elements. What’s the major difference? Pure military fantasy has most of the characters in the military. Fantasy With Military Elements may include battle scenes and wars, but the focus is not only on the military or about military life.

This book nearly tops the Best Fantasy Books list and a number of other lists on this site; it would be an injustice to omit this series here as well, considering that it contains descriptions of in-depth military tactics, strategy, and epic battles so big they explode from the pages. The books follow the exploits of the Malazan Empire as they try to conquer an entire continent by fair means or foul. The plot vastly grows to incorporate other kingdoms, gods, wizards, and alternate universes (so brace yourself, these books are epic) as you progress in the series, but one thing never changes: it's all about war, conquest, and power struggles between empires, gods, and men. Battles and tactics make up quite a large portion of every book in this series. Because of the heavy emphasis on war, Malazan takes military fantasy to a new level. Every book has a big battle and quite often, each novel spends quite a bit of time building up to that battle. Now about the battle scenes. One word to describe: ZING. Erickson doesn't hold back when it comes to writing visceral battle scenes. You are swept away through vivid on-the-ground view of battles from the perspectives of both the grunt and the officer. You feel like you are in the center of action as it happens. Erickson is fantastic at really creating realistic battle scenes. Take WW1 and throw in some magic and that gives you a pretty good idea what every Malazan book is about.

Books in The Malazan Book Of The Fallen Series (11)

In an era when fantasy was about honorable farm boys with magic swords and a noble destiny, Glen Cook said 'fuck that mess; let's have some amoral pricks doing bad deeds in a dark world, that's way cooler'. And you know what? I believe he may just have been right. The Black Company is about the titular band of mercenaries simply doing their jobs and, well, killing people for coin. It just so happens that the person supplying said coin is the sort of dark lord that, in any other story, would be the arch-villain. But why should the Black Company give a shit? They get paid either way. The writing is unremarkable and to the point, which reflects the points of view of the grunts whose stories we follow. None of the characters are nice, and the combat is never glorified. It's all in a day's work for these sorry bastards, and the epic conflicts of the god-like figures they fight for and against are far above their pay-grades. Gritty humour also abounds, and reading the book is entertaining, and fun, even if the characters are having the most miserable times of their lives. The world is dark as hell, and made darker by the exploits of the Black Company and their masters. Read this book if: you're pissed about fantasy heroes always taking down the dark lord and leaving thousands of good, hard-working grunts unemployed.

Books in The Chronicles Of The Black Company Series (10)

Similar Recommendations

Instrumentalities of the Night

If you like Black Company, you should definitely read his other fantasy series, The Instrumentalities of the Night. It combines an ancient evil coming-back-into-the-world plot, a military genius hero, plenty of conflicts between worldly powers, political scheming, all filtered through Cook's military narrative. The closest you'll find to The Black Company in style and form. And duh, it's by the same freaking author. How much closer CAN you get?

Bloodsounder's Arc

Starts with Scourge of the Betrayers. About as close as you are going to get to Cook -- the narrator is even an archivist and the tale is told in first person. There's a LOT of similarities and the Bloodsounder books are gritty gritty grimdark dark. Delicious and some of the best fantasy to come out the past couple years. Do NOT pass this series by if you want something similar to The Black Company. It's the best of the similar recommendations I can give.

Malazan Book of the Fallen

For another "dark" military fantasy, you should read Malazan Book of the Fallen. It's more epic in scope than The Black Company, but there are enough similarities that you'll find yourself right at home. Steven Erikson has even stated that Glen Cook's books were an influence on his own writing, so there you have it.

The Dagger and the Coin

You may want to give Daniel Abraham's The Dagger and the Coin series a good go at it. Books one and two are out and they are seriously good -- some of the best epic fantasy that's come out. Abraham's work is a good mix of epic and military fantasy with some smart writing and a cast of compelling characters (some which are anti-heroes). Both are character driven, though Black Company has a hell of a lot more action and angst while The Dagger and the Coin is far more about the characters. It can be somewhat plodding and slow at times. However, if you like Black Company, and military fantasy with strong characters, you may just like this series. 

The Ten Thousand

Paul Kearney's The Ten Thousand is a superb military fantasy by a much underrated author. If you like Black Company, you'll dig this one hard. 

The Way of Kings

Sanderson's awesome The Way of Kings is also another book you might want to read (it's first in the Stormlight Archive series). The main character (Kaladin) has a few basic similarities to The Black Company main character (Croaker). Both are retired physicians who've given up their profession to become soldiers. Both lead a squad of men (and there is the squad dynamics). Cook's work is more gray and his style more dry, however. The narrator (Croaker), is not a crazy badass super hero, while Sanderson's work is more heroic in nature as is the character. So don't get the idea that The Way of Kings is anything like The Black Company as a whole, but as stated there are some similarities.

Heroes Die

Heroes Die by Mathew Woodring Stoover. Dark and gritty world. Check. An anti-hero character who ends up working for the bad guys most of the time? Check. Explosive and brutal action? Check. Strong characterization. Check and Check. Heroes die is MORE about a singular hero than a company of characters, as is The Black Company, but there's enough that you'll probably love it if you like Glenn Cook's work.

The Darkness That Comes Before

The Darkness that Comes Before. Ah, grimdark epic fantasy at it's best, but not your standard epic fantasy: this shit is deep and philosophical. Lots of wars and grand military battles and dark gods taking over the world. There's nothing else quite like it to be honest, but ignoring all the philosophy sprinkled between the chapters, there's a hell of a lot of bloody action, gratuitous sex, character development, and political intrigue to keep you turning the pages. Oh and there's a world-ending apocalypse coming. 

The Coldfire Trilogy

Black Sun Rising is a different sort of work. But it's a very dark and grim world featuring an anti-hero character and side kick heroes that are all flawed individuals. One of the best fantasy books in the genre. You'll probably like it, even if it's about a couple characters solving a quest rather than a military band caught up in incessant warfare.

The Thousand Names

The Thousand Names by Django Wexler. This is a new series that came out in 2013 with two books out so far (the last one was out a few months ago, mid 2014). If you like large scale battles and the story of a squad/company facing extreme survival odds in a foreign country, you'll love this series. It's one of the better fantasy books to come out the past few years. And it's certainly one of the best military fantasy series since Erikson's Mazalan. If you like Black Company, you'll love this series.

Legend

Legend by David Gemmell. A classic, but one all about a hero fighting an endless war against endless odds. There's something of beauty in this heroic treatment of an old washed up hero who's pressured by the need of his people to come back from retirement to kick some ass.

The Red Knight

For a very medieval fantasy with magic and monsters and knights, Miles Cameron's The Red Knight. This was one of my favorite reads of 2013. There's a lot of military battles and squad/company warfare against foes with superior numbers. It's not as dark, on a whole, as The Black Company, but it's a stellar read. If you like might and magic and battles and warfare, this is one for your.

Steven Eriksen has been both lauded and criticized for his extreme detail, and that extends to his magic system. In Malazan, magic comes from warrens, a realm from which mages and shamans can draw their power. Some are associated with the world’s various races, locked behind rituals and blood bonds. Humans can draw from those known as paths, as a source of power, opening them to healing, sea, fire, land, light, and mind magic. From them, they can place protective wards, weave the spells of multiple users together, and travel. Though the system doesn’t sound entirely new or complex, the detail the author imbues makes it interesting. Through the course of his ten-book epic, Eriksen dives into far more than can be held in this small description, regaling histories and gods, exceptions and drawbacks. If you can get past his thick pockets of information, he will take you on a journey of magic unlike any you’ve seen.

Books in The Malazan Book Of The Fallen Series (11)

Similar Recommendations

A Song of Ice and Fire

George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire saga also features an epic scope and the grey characterization that Erikson so loves. Martin's work is smaller in scale though and tends to be more focused, plot wise. 

The Darkness That Comes Before

You can also try Scott R. Baker's The Darkness That Comes Before saga, which is an alternative history saga, where the Roman Empire has never fallen and magic works. Oath of Empires is epic, featuring massive magical battles and huge opposing armies (Persian and Roman) clashing so hard you can hear the horses scream. 

The Cry of the Newborn

Also give James Barclay's The Cry of the Newborn a whirl which is similar in style and content (though less epic) to Erikson. It's an example of a Fantasy military fiction done right. Barclay also knows how to write damn good battle scenes, giving even Erikson a run for his money. Also give David Anthony Durham a try. 

Acacia

His recent novel, Acacia, is a fantastic read -- big on the epic battles and gritty dark realism of Erikson and Martin. At it's core, 

The Black Company

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a military fantasy; you might want to read Glen Cook's classic Black Company series. It's dark, gritty, and has a hell of a lot of battles. It's the book that has forever defined military fantasy.

The Broken Empire

Mark Lawrence's delicious gritty anti-hero military fantasy. If you like large battles, underdog heroes, and a full scale invasion of the dead into the land of the living, well, The Broken Empire is what you need to read. One of the more interesting heroes in the genre and featuring superbly written prose.

The Bloodsounder's Arc

Starts with Scourge of the Betrayer. Some new 2014 military fantasy in a good grimdark tradition. Reminds me of Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence mixed with The Black Company by Glenn Cook.

The Thousand Names

The Thousand Names came out 2013 with a serious bang. Detailed military campaign and squad tactics/warfare as several companies of foreign colonial soldiers must make their way through an inhospitable desert to escape hostile locals trying to kill them.

The Traitor's Son Cycle

Starts with The Red Knight. Plenty of medieval warfare here - tactics, sieges, and fierce battles against men and monsters.

The title is a bit tongue-in-cheek, as Abercrombie himself describes it this way: "Three men. One battle. No heroes." It was designed to be a standalone novel, but is set in the world of The First Law. The entire novel transpires during a three-day battle between the North and the Union.  In true Abercrombie style, The Heroes is a bloodbath full of wit and dark humor. Far from the typical heroic fantasy, good doesn't prevail over evil; in fact I'm not sure any of these dudes could really classify as "good," but you are invested in them either way. This rough, thrilling ride features realism done well. Full of jealousy, revenge, and recklessness, we follow their adventures, exposing the gory truth of both war and human nature.

Books in First Law World Series (6)

Paul Kearny is one of the most underrated fantasy authors out there. He’s written a host of awesome military fantasy books and has been mostly ignored by the wider public for it. A shame, as he writes some of the most entertaining military fantasy out there. The Ten Thousand is loosely based on an ancient historical work by the Greek author Xenophon. The book describes how Cyrus the Younger hired a mercenary force of ten thousand as part of a scheme to overthrow his older brother; when Cyrus dies, his now defunct mercenary army is forced to fight its way out of a hostile empire to return home. It’s a compelling re-imagining of the ancient tale, brought to vivid life by one of the best epic fantasy writers out there. The author does a great job at creating some compelling characters – you really feel for them as they are tossed into a pretty much hopeless survival situation. Kearney has a real talent for paining a living, breathing battlefield, right up there with (and arguably surpassing) some of the other greats in the genre, such as Erickson and Martin. Brutal battles that challenge the key characters, forcing them to grow in both wisdom and perception. With the changing battle scenarios, the characters themselves also evolve as well. Absolutely recommended if you enjoy the gritty and brutal military fantasy worlds of Bakker, Martin, Cook, and Erikson. Kearney has also written another compelling military fantasy saga, The Voyage of Hawkwood, which is more of an epic sword-and-sorcery military fantasy than The Ten Thousand (which is mostly historical fiction with a bit of fantasy mixed in).

Books in The Macht Series (2)

Heroic military fantasy starring woman? This is the premise of Deed of Paksenarrion, following the exploits of a woman who rises above her station to become a legend. This novel is most concerned with the characters and personal struggles framed through the eyes of a young woman (at first a child), living among a military company. It takes a while for the ball to get rolling in terms of the plot, but it's worth the wait. While there is action, the story is more concerned with the struggle of the characters and their rise (and fall) than battle and conquest, though there are plenty of both. So for a strong military fantasy with one of the strongest females characters you'll find in fantasy, read this series.

Books in The Deed Of Paksenarrion Series (3)

Understandably, some readers prefer series more epic in their nature, and Sanderson also has that covered. Though it’s magic systemsaren’t quite as compelling as in Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive is stillup there with the best. Stormlight, a magical energy, comes from a huge storm that circles the Earth in the same direction.  That energy is absorbed by gemstones, fought over by armies and able to power almost indestructible armor that enhances the user’s strength. However, also able to harness Stormlight are those known as Surgebinders. With an intake of breath, they can channel the energy, but need a constant source as fuel. Because of this, gemstones become even more important, allowing them to breathe in stored Stormlight at any time. Users gain not only supernatural strength and speed, but the ability to ‘lash’. By doing so, they can adjust gravity, burn, manipulation friction, create illusions, and more. The system is incredibly complex, but Sanderson walks readers through, introducing elements as and when required. As a result, his world is a joy to explore, and it’s joined by some science and engineering, too. Fabrials are complex devices that use gemstones to serve a purpose. Augmenters, for example, can create heat or movement, while diminishers can reduce pain or wind. All of the magic systems are tied together by overarching concepts, which slowly unfold and impress as the story continues.

Books in The Stormlight Archive Series (4)

Gemmell specializes in heroic fantasy. His best book is widely regarded as Legend. Legend doesn’t try to be anything but what it is: a heroic adventure with lots of blood, battles, babes, and badass magic. There’s a plot in there somewhere, but in true Sword and Sorcery form, the focus is on the action itself and not so much the plot. Gemmell explores a lot of themes in this book -- the idea of true heroism for instance. And there’s a hell of a lot of action and blood.So if you’re in a mood for a rousing adventure that would put Braveheart to shame, David Gemmell’s Legend is a good pick.

Books in Drenai Tales Series (14)

Most of theitems on this list made it thanks to their unique ideas. Instead, Codex Alera takes a system familiar to millions of children. While many authors claim inspiration from Tolkien or Jordan, Butcher takes his from Pokémon. It’s not something you’d expect in a serious, epic fantasy series, but this gives it an incredible amount of flavor. Butcher is a master world-builder, and he doesn’t simply throw Pikachu or Charizard into a fantasy world of his making. The Pokémon, in this case, are known as Furies. Furies are elemental spirits home to the realm of Alera. The greatest among them act as gods for the populace, while some bond to humans and forge a magical connection. Fury crafters can use that bond to control wind, water, fire, air, and wood, but they also have other perks. Watercrafters, for example, can read emotions, shapeshift, heal, or remain beautiful indefinitely. Metalcrafters are better suited to swordplay, able to sense nearby metal, strengthen and forge metal, as well as gaining speed and accuracy. Of course, there are some that can become masters of multiple disciplines, allowing them to reach tremendous power. The protagonist, however, isn’t one of them. In fact, he’s one of the few without a craft. Through this tool, Butcher gives a glimpse of the world from the perspective of a non-magic user. He shows the strength of both magic and wits, and paints incredible action scenes alongside them.

Books in Codex Alera Series (5)

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These recommendations are taking up the 'Roman themes' in fantasy. That is, fantasy set in a Roman-esque setting or fantasy about roman legions or influenced by Roman history/culture. 

Oath of Empires

Oath of Empires. Fantasy set in an alternative Roman Empire with the whole East vs West mentality. Lots of magic, lots of powerful heroes, lots of action, lots of sword and sorcery battles, and quite dark overall. I'd say the closest thing to Codex Alera you'll find.

The Videssos cycle

You might also want to check out The Videssos cycle by Harry Turtledove which is about a Roman legion who find themselves magically transported into another world in the middle of a pitched Roman battle. While this is not really about magic, there's lots of politics and battle strategy involved with a few vs. overwhelming odds theme -- so it shares that similarity with the battle tactics Butcher details in his Codex Books. 

Ghost King

Ghost King by David Gemmell. Features a whole barbarian invading a roman-like empire theme here.

The Gates of Rome

The Gates of Rome. Conn Iggulden's alternative historical fiction featuring some of the famous roman characters we've all studied in history class. You might like it if you are hungering for some Roman historical fiction.

Latro in the Mist

Latro in the Mist by Gene Wolfe. Expect something remarkably well written, excellent plotting, but not as much action. For those who enjoy a well written tale set in a roman-like landscape.

Sailing to Sarantium

Saling to Sarantium (and the sequel Lord of Emperors) written by Guy Gaverial Kay. Expect awesome plots, detailed world building, complex characters, but less so on action. The action often takes place on the political stage and between characters, but not via battles. No magic. Still, read it.

This book and the Prince of Nothing trilogy, as well as the other books that follow, are so dark that you'll need a shower after reading them. And therapy. This bad-boy was nominated for the Locus Award for Best First Novel. It's a deep, philosophical read that demands your full attention, rather than being a light, pacey read like, for example, some of the young adult entries on this list. The prose is deep and enthralling, thick as rich chocolate but with the mental nutritional value of, like, kale or something. , the content of the book is deeply philosophical and intellectual, not in an 'everyone sits around and discusses the meaning of life' way, but in that the underpinnings of the characters and plot draw from eastern and western philosophies. The plot is epic and with many threads that play out across the series. Both monstrous and human entities within the book are horrifying, and the way magic-users operate is particularly unsettling. Read this book if: you like more intellectual novels, but don't want to miss out on all the sex and violence either.

Books in The Prince Of Nothing Series (6)

Similar Recommendations

Mazalan Book for the Fallen

The vast scope of The Darkness That Comes Before is very redolent of Steven Erickson's Malazan Book of the Fallen saga, though the characters are less gray, and the story more focused.

A Song of Ice and Fire

Also try George R.R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, which is very epic and very gritty but way less philosophical. I'd also say it's more "character driven" as a whole than is The Darkness that comes before.

The Steel Remains

Another series that does that is Abercrombie's First Law series (starts with The Blade Itself) and Richard Morgan's The Steel Remains

Acacia

I'd say you'll also probably find Acacia by David Anthony Durnham a good read too -- there are gray characters, an exotic landscape, and world-ending powers at play in the background.

Tyrants and Kings

For another fantasy about war, look at John Marco's Tyrants and Kings trilogy. It's a great read with a cast of grey characters.

The Black Company

Another gritty military fantasy you'll probably like (though it's less cerebral than The Prince of Nothing) is The Black Company by Cook.

The Godless Word

The Godless World series by Brian Ruckley is dark, atmospheric and very gritty, though it lacks some of the polish of the other series. The series never full lives up to it's potential, however.

The Long Price Quartet

For a deep character-driven fantasy you might try Daniel Abraham's The Long Price Quartet.

Monarchies of God

For a gray fantasy with lots of politics, different kingdoms going to war, a cast of ambiguous characters, adventure and magic, check out Paul Kearney's Monarchies of God.

The Broken Empire

Like pointed philosophical bits about the state of mankind thrown out by the hero? Try Mark Lawrence's The Broken Empire trilogy. It has a gritty and dark world it's probably the closest in theme and style you'll find to Bakker's works.
 

Military fantasy with some great characterization, gray characters, and a lot of plot twists the whole way through. The author takes great pains to create most characters as morally ambiguous – simple humans fighting to survive in a world that rewards the bad and punishes the good. This series hasn't gotten the sort of attention it deserves. So if you are looking for a well-written good character-driven epic of love and war, treachery and betrayal, this one comes recommended.

Books in Tyrants And Kings Series (9)

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If you like John Marco's style of character-driven fantasy, you should read his The Bronze Knight books.
Epic war fantasy where there is a clear sense of black and white. For some, this may be a breath of fresh air from all the gritty, shades-of-grey type fantasy that’s in vogue right now. The “typical” military fantasy being written these days seems to be all brutal shades-of-grey character-driven fantasy epics with a heavy dash of battles, swords, and sorcery – with the requisite no-holds barred graphic violence and gore bleeding from the pages. This is not so much the case with Ascendents of Estorea. Cry of the Newborn doesn’t slot itself into the typical gritty military epic – which is a good thing, I feel. There is room in the genre for a lighter military fantasy epic. The series has a bit of a lighter tone than some of the more heavy modern military fantasy series (Martin, Black Company, Song of Ice and Fire), but the lighter tone is interspersed with some horrific ones too, such as the rape of a child. The novel follows the conflict between two great powers, The Kingdom of Tsard and the Estorean Conquord. The birth of the Ascendants, powerful individuals with superhuman magical abilities, is the game-changing moment in this conflict, one that’s the central focus of the story. Barclay does an excellent job at detailing masterfully crafted battle scenes as they take place on the sea and across large stretches of open ground. Fans of detailed battlecraft won’t be disappointed as Barclay takes you through the battle – some of the battles cover nearly a hundred pages! The author has a firm grasp on battle tactics, much so than most of the authors who write military fantasy; he has a keen eye for real battle strategies and tactics. These are not simple “charge until the enemy dies” or “attack from the flank and win the battle” strategies, but rather Barclay spends a great deal of time weaving together multilayered attacks from both sides – you are never quite sure who is really winning till the end! Unlike some other authors who incorporate large battles (cough Jordan), the use of magic fits in with the battle strategies and never seems overpowered.If you like Acendents of Estorea, you’ll want to check out Barclay’s other series, Chronicles of Raven, for more military fantasy written in the same vein (though not as epic or grant as that series follows the exploits of a single mercenary band).

Books in The Ascendants Of Estorea Series (1)

Ash: A Secret History is one of the few novels on this list with ties to the present world, framed from the start and throughout as a story a historian finds in dusty manuscripts. Gentle is so serious about her writing and creating an authentic world that she got a Master's degree in War Studies in order to write this novel. The historical portion of the novel follows Ash, a woman in the 15th century who is guided by a mysterious Voice and gets involved in real historical wars retold with magical elements. Ash is a shrewd mercenary whose imperfections only make her more admirable as she navigates her world with a toughness that at times might seem cruel. The novel itself, in its 1000+ pages, can often come across that way as well, with a gritty edginess that comes with the very real portrayal of war in the Middle Ages. Though it may seem long, the plot twists and turns, with unexpected elements like artificial intelligence and transvestites that will keep you reading all the way to the unexpected ending. Read if You Like: alternate history, medieval Europe
Not your typical military fantasy fare, but a compelling if different read. It’s a story about a half-dozen ex-soldiers who are veterans of some of the worst battles of the war. The war is over and the soldiers find they are no longer comfortable living the civilian life. They set off to form their own sanctuary on an island in the middle of nowhere. This is their story.
An almost painful amount of battle scenes and gore, to the point where reading yet another description about how a goblin’s head was mashed to pulp by a sword loses all impact. Lots and lots of gore and fighting – too much. But there are plenty of battle scenes and military planning. I would describe this as military epic fantasy. If you are looking for epic fantasy with a lot of blood, battles, and gore, this series is definitely worth a read. I personally much prefer the prequel novel, The Dark Glory War better than the sequel series. But it’s not as epic in scope. Also check out his other book, Talon: Revenent which is some pretty good heroic fantasy.
The Napoleonic Wars seem to be an especially fascinating era for writers; this series is the second on the list set in this time period at the turn of the 19th century. His Majesty's Dragon, the first in the Temeraire series, takes place in an alternate version of the world where intelligent dragons are used as military air forces in both Asia and Europe.The books center on the dragon Temeraire and his handler, Will Lawrence, who fight on the side of British forces, Lawrence having become a dragonrider when an egg unexpectedly falls into his hands. Lawrence, originally part of the Naval Corps, must learn to navigate the very different world of the Aerial Corps of which he has just joined, while at the same time rearing his dragon and teaching him about the world. This development of the curious bond between dragon and rider is one of the strengths of this book, with fans reveling in their humorous and heartwarming interactions.While the book may not contain many female characters, the ones that do exist are progressive for their time, riding dragons themselves. There is no ‘good vs. evil' battle here, which many fantasy fans may find refreshing, letting themselves instead imagine what the world could have been like if dragons existed.Read if You Like: dragons, alternate history, military fiction

Books in Temeraire Series (10)

Two words describe this series: Love and War. A flawed work as a whole, but certainly an exciting, ambitious one, and the flaws are in many ways compensated by the sheer cracking intensity of the whole thing. I can promise you that you won’t get bored reading Chris Bunch’s Seer King trilogy. The books combine a heady mix of sword and sorcery, passion and sex – yes there are plenty of detailed, almost soft-porn sex scenes sprinkled through every book. There’s a plethora of military campaigns thrown in (the whole trilogy is about a bloody, brutal war) to boot – you are taken along for the ride as soldiers march, camp, and plot defensive and offensive strategies. And of course, there’s plenty of blood and raw gore gushing from the pages as you actually get to the battles. The author is as passionate about writing battle as he is about writing the sex scenes. The author takes the view that if you are going to enjoy fantasy battles, you might as well enjoy the fantasy sex as well. If you like raw battles, high intensity, plenty of military action in all its tedium (both good and bad), and sexy scenes, you can’t go wrong with this series.

Books in The Seer King Series (1)

Humans have been conquered and now the vampires rule. That’s the premise of E.E. Knight’s wonderful Vampire Earth series. Vampire Earth is a skillful blending of different genres. It's one of those books where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The book (series in fact) follows the life of David Valentine, a man whose parents have been murdered by agents of the Kurians, otherworldly "vampires" that have enslaved humanity. The world is not as you know it, but rather a post-apocalyptic wasteland that's been corrupted and conquered by the alien overlords. Into this world is born Valentine. For those of you who like your books gritty, you won't have too much to complain about when reading this novel. The action is absolutely vicious and heart pumping when it happens. This book is all about surviving by any means possible. It’s not the most sophisticated of the vampire books in the vein of say, Butler’s Fledgling. There is no hidden depth to the the novel, no subtext message present (other than maybe "it would suck to be conquered by an alien vampiric race"). But all that other stuff doesn't matter when you read the book.

Books in Vampire Earth Series (11)