The Black Company

by Glen Cook
The Black Company cover
Good Books rating 4.31
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  • 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.

Everyday Should Be Tuesday · 2022-02-24
refreshing 4.00

The Black Company is both an epic fantasy and an anti-epic fantasy, flouting many conventions of the sub-genre. It offers a unique and captivating narrative.

The reviewer describes The Black Company as a unique blend of epic and anti-epic fantasy, which sets it apart from traditional works in the genre. They appreciate how the novel challenges and subverts expectations, creating a fresh and engaging experience. The narrative's gritty realism and fast-paced storytelling are particularly highlighted, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy fantasy with a twist.

Quick quotes

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

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