The Black Company

by Glen Cook
The Black Company cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4601
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Reddit - Fantasy · 2025-10-22
unique 4.00

The Black Company has the trappings of a traditional fantasy novel but reads like a Vietnam war novel. This unique blend is what makes it special and loved by many.

This review highlights the unique blend of traditional fantasy and war novel elements in The Black Company. The reviewer appreciates how the book reads like a Vietnam war novel, making it stand out in the fantasy genre. This blend is what makes the book special and loved by many readers. The narrative's gritty and realistic portrayal of war adds depth and makes it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    The Black Company has the trappings of a traditional fantasy novel but reads like a Vietnam war novel.

    That to me is what I loved about it.

    This unique blend is what makes it special and loved by many.

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-21
captivating 4.75

The story is captivating with its gritty realism and fast-paced storytelling. The perspective from which the story is told adds a unique layer to the narrative.

The reviewer was captivated by The Black Company, praising its gritty realism and fast-paced storytelling. They particularly enjoyed the perspective from which the story is told, which adds a unique and engaging layer to the narrative. The novel's ability to immerse the reader in its world and characters is highlighted, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

    I was absolutely captivated by this story, with its gritty realism and fast paced storytelling.

    And the perspective from which the story is told, that of the ...

    I was absolutely captivated by this story, with its gritty realism and fast paced storytelling.

Grimdark Magazine · 2025-08-29
essential 4.50

The Black Company is a cornerstone for grimdark, offering a fresh and alive narrative that has left a lasting mark. It's a must-read for fans of the genre.

The reviewer highlights The Black Company as a pivotal work in the grimdark genre, praising its enduring relevance and impact. They appreciate the novel's ability to feel both timeless and contemporary, making it a must-read. The narrative's depth and the way it engages with its themes are particularly noted, suggesting it's a book that leaves a lasting impression on its readers.

Quick quotes

    The Black Company is a cornerstone for grimdark.

    This is a must-read, one that left its mark but also still feels fresh and alive enough to ...

    The Black Company is a cornerstone for grimdark.

Grimdark Magazine · 2025-08-29
influential 4.50

The Black Company is a classic that has significantly influenced the dark fantasy genre. Its unique blend of epic and anti-epic fantasy elements makes it a timeless piece.

This reviewer highlights The Black Company as an all-time classic that has left a lasting impact on the dark fantasy genre. They appreciate how the book flouts many conventional fantasy tropes, making it both an epic and an anti-epic fantasy. The reviewer emphasizes the book's timeless quality and its ability to influence the genre, making it a must-read for fans of dark fantasy.

Quick quotes

    An all-time classic, The Black Company is a book that has left its mark and continues to influence the entire genre of dark fantasy.

    It is the latter because it flouts many of the conventions of the sub-genre.

    The Black Company is both an epic fantasy and an anti-epic fantasy.

Appears in Lists