I like it rough! Give me a hand?

**hawkeyye** · June 10th, 2010, 09:46 PM

So i'm looking for a new book, or series to read. My favorite books from the past 5 years are Abercrobie's First Law series. Specifically the POV's from Logen, Dogman and his party. I love the group dynamic, the action, the grit, the humor (lots), the male bonding and fellowship. I also love some of the betrayal, difficult choices, huge odds, and feeling of loss when they lose a brother. I don't want no Mary Sue characters, some of the heroes have to be severely flawed and/or die. I prefer little or no magic and i'm not big on dragons. Recommendations?

**ChrisW** · June 10th, 2010, 09:57 PM

You might want to mention other stuff you have already read that's similiar otherwise you will just have twenty people recommending a song of ice and fire.

**Alchemist** · June 10th, 2010, 10:07 PM

The Black Company books by Glen Cook? Some David Gemmell, maybe. As Chris said, A Song of Ice and Fire (George RR Martin) applies. Steven Erikson's Malazan books, although they have quite a bit of magic. You might like R. Scott Bakker too, but his is also a more magical world (although should be miserable enough for your tastes). Also, KJ Parker.

**hawkeyye** · June 10th, 2010, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by ChrisW

You might want to mention other stuff you have already read that's similiar otherwise you will just have twenty people recommending a song of ice and fire.

Sure. I actually haven't read grrm yet, so I already know that. I've been holding off for him to release his next book before I start. I've read the Steel Remains, Warded Man, Dawnthief, and Best Served Cold. That's actually all the fantasy I've read as i'm new to the genre...came over from sci-fi about 6 months ago.

**ChrisW** · June 10th, 2010, 10:29 PM

This might be a regression to scifi but have you read the Guants Ghosts books by Abbnett?

I'll second Gemmell starting with his Drenai books and Waylander novels.

**werewolfv2** · June 10th, 2010, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by ChrisW

I'll second Gemmell starting with his Drenai books and Waylander novels.

and I third it :P

**DelphicRaven** · June 10th, 2010, 10:37 PM

The Malazan books by Steven Erikson might be up your alley. Yes, the series is very, very long and yes, people generally don't start liking it till the third book but it seems to fit the bill and it's worth it. I'm a huge Malazan fan.

I'm not sure if this fits the bill quite as much but Scott Lynch's Gentlemen Bastard's series has lots of male bonding, difficult choices, huge odds, humorous dialogue and lots of ... uh ... creative language. Honestly, this series has made me laugh harder than I've laughed while reading a book in a long time.

This one doesn't quite fit all of your stipulations but Brent Weeks Night Angel Trilogy does have magic, but huge odds, incredible situations and edge-of-your-seat action. I think Joe Abercrombie and Brent Weeks are on the same level (in my opinion, which many may not agree with).

**ChrisW** · June 10th, 2010, 10:42 PM

I don't think malazan meets the little or no magic stipulation no matter how big of a fan you are

The Nightrunner books have lots of male bonding eh? Not sure if that was the type of bonding he was after

**DelphicRaven** · June 10th, 2010, 10:48 PM

haha Chris, I agree. I was thinking pre-book 3.... I forgot about what you are talking about before I posted. I guess I should edit and take them off. Oops! I'll go do that now.

And yes, Malazan do have a lot of magic but the rest of it seems to fit what he's looking for.

I usually try to avoid giving recommendations because I tend to suck at it...

**ChrisW** · June 10th, 2010, 10:54 PM

Don't sell ya self short. The Lynch rec is a good one which I'll second

**DelphicRaven** · June 10th, 2010, 11:01 PM

Thanks, Chris

**F451** · June 11th, 2010, 07:10 AM

If you like sci-fi at all, you might like the David Weber's "Honor Harrington" series. Not much male bonding, though, since Honor's female, but I think the series has some of what interests you. It's popular in military sci-fi circles.

**Spears&Buckler** · June 11th, 2010, 07:47 AM

Love the thread title.

I'll second The Black Company books. I really enjoyed those when I read them. I must warn you that the books are first person narratives as they are supposed to be journals of the Company's jobs. Personally, I love the first person narrative and some of my favorite books are written in the first person. But I know that there are a lot of people that hate it. If you are one of those people, then the Black Company may not be for you.