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bazhsw
Posted 2025-06-04 6:49 AM (#32916 - in reply to #30718)
Subject: Re: 2025 Grimdark Reading Challenge		Quote Reply



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Well 'The Mad Ship' definitely wasn't quite so dark as the 'Ship of Magic' so possibly doesn't fit the definition of the challenge but it really is an absolutely superb novel and a brilliant 'second in a trilogy'. Loved the character development and how the reader was led from the events of the first book to the end. I'll have to bump the third in my reading list.

I also read a book of novella's called 'Apocalypse Nyx' from the Bel Dame Apocrypha series and it's a brilliant example of science fiction grimdark as opposed to fantasy. A world in pointless perpetual war, a sense of hopelessness that only living for today and surviving tomorrow matters and a vivid unique setting and technology base. I loved 'God's War' which was the first book so hope to revisit this again.

I also read a book by a self-published author which I won't ask to be added to the database here because although I have really enjoyed their work in the past I kind of really hated the book I bought. I don't have too many qualms about leaving poor reviews but I really didn't connect on any level with it and feel sad because the author is cool. I also picked up a short story collection from the Games Workshop wargames / roleplaying games 'Gotrek and Felix' series. I have loved that series for decades even if they are more high fantasy now than the 'grim and perilous' world depicted in the 80's. The book was really brief and was mostly text written to sell models so again not something I want to add to the challenge.

Years ago I recall Brandon Sanderson pitched as a 'grimdark' author everywhere but I have never dipped in to his work. I think I have mixed feelings based on what others have shared. Maybe he'll be next because I want to read him anyway.

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