Which Fantasy Novel Books Explore War And Politics Like 'The Black Company'?

If you’re into gritty war and political intrigue like 'The Black Company', you’ll love 'The Malazan Book of the Fallen' by Steven Erikson. It’s a sprawling epic with complex characters and morally ambiguous decisions. The series dives deep into the chaos of war, the weight of leadership, and the cost of power. Erikson doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal realities of conflict, and the politics are as intricate as they come. Another great pick is 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. It’s dark, witty, and full of backstabbing alliances. Abercrombie’s characters are flawed and human, making the political maneuvering feel raw and real. For something more focused on strategy, 'The Traitor Baru Cormorant' by Seth Dickinson is a must-read. It’s about a brilliant woman using economics and politics to overthrow an empire from within. The tension is palpable, and the stakes are sky-high.

For fans of 'The Black Company', there’s a treasure trove of fantasy novels that blend war and politics seamlessly. One standout is 'The Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson. It’s a massive series with intricate world-building and characters who grapple with leadership, honor, and betrayal. The battles are epic, but it’s the political maneuvering between kingdoms that keeps you hooked. Sanderson’s ability to weave personal struggles with larger conflicts is unmatched.

Another gem is 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang. Inspired by Chinese history, it’s a brutal exploration of war, colonialism, and the cost of power. The protagonist, Rin, starts as a student and becomes a military leader, but her journey is anything but heroic. The politics are messy, and the moral dilemmas are gut-wrenching. It’s a raw, unflinching look at the horrors of war.

If you’re looking for something more grounded, 'The Dagger and the Coin' series by Daniel Abraham is perfect. It’s a slower burn, focusing on economic warfare and the rise of a banking empire. The characters are deeply flawed, and the political intrigue is razor-sharp. Abraham’s writing is subtle but impactful, making every decision feel weighty. For a shorter read, 'The Heroes' by Joe Abercrombie is a standalone novel that captures the chaos of a single battle and the politics behind it. It’s gritty, dark, and utterly compelling.

When I think of fantasy novels that tackle war and politics like 'The Black Company', 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin immediately comes to mind. It’s a masterclass in political intrigue, with shifting alliances, betrayals, and the constant threat of war. Martin doesn’t hold back on the brutality of conflict, and the characters are complex, making their struggles feel real. The series is a deep dive into the consequences of power and ambition.

Another favorite is 'The Broken Empire' trilogy by Mark Lawrence. It’s dark, violent, and unapologetically grim. The protagonist, Jorg Ancrath, is a ruthless anti-hero who uses cunning and brutality to climb the political ladder. The series explores the cost of power and the moral compromises of war. Lawrence’s writing is sharp, and the world-building is immersive.

For something different, 'The Shadow Campaigns' by Django Wexler is a fantastic blend of military strategy and political intrigue. Set in a world inspired by the Napoleonic Wars, it follows a diverse cast of characters navigating the chaos of revolution and war. The battles are meticulously detailed, and the political schemes are intricate. Wexler’s ability to balance action with character development is impressive. If you’re into anime, 'Legend of the Galactic Heroes' is a space opera that mirrors these themes, focusing on the clash between two galactic empires and the politics behind their war.