#grimdark fantasy
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The Feast of Pigs
A Grimdark Tale about an experience Terra Lavee had in her own universe while dealing with another domain.
Based on a nightmare I had a long time ago, I've been waiting a long time to write it out and I finally managed to do so... for RP reasons.
Still It's a piece that symbolically and literally shows how Lavee operates herself when dealing with treachery and depravity within her own universe and shows why some other Domains are out to get her.
Text version down below
“There was a time long ago where I had sought to infiltrate a wealthy domain to whisk off their wealth to those newer rulers who were struggling. Hordes of gold, but especially troves and troves of food from fertile fields that filled their gluttonous stomachs. More than enough to share, enough of a reason to take matters into my own hands.”
“Only when we got there my followers and I came to find a domain bleak and barren. Her citizens clothed in rags and little spoils to their name. Pantries and grocers empty. Completely unlike the stories of opulence and a gilded city I had been told of.”
“My curiosity took over as Farol and I inquired to the townsfolk what had happened to their once mighty home. We were told stories of the royals having found some sort of ‘delicious secret’ that would make them even richer and stomachs fuller.”
“At first they required all of the wealth of their citizens. Which they obliged. Then all of their crops… Lastly, all children of school-age be taken to the castle so that they could be “trained” and this would be the key to unlocking the ‘secret,’ which they would share to everyone.”
“Before they knew it, the royals had bunkered themselves up in their castle with no word in ages. Fertile fields sucked dry with no returns. Their citizens soon became malnourished, neglected, and forgotten as not a single child remained within their numbers.”
“Something was wrong. Anyone’s alarm bells would be going off. So naturally I snooped more.”
“The castle was more like a fortress, locked up like a prison, but of course we snuck our way inside. There we saw what we had initially expected, glistening and lustrous excess, coated from floor to ceiling that would make even Versallies blush.”
“The deeper we went the more we found storeroom after storeroom of fresh food. No expense spared to preserve and prepare it. Kitchens lined with cookbooks and tools ready to prepare any kind of meal imaginable. From the surface, one could see that they were greedily hoarding all the food for themselves. Leaving their people to suffer and starve… but that wasn’t the true source of their sudden withdrawal from their subjects.”
“No words can describe the horror that befell us both as we discovered the largest and most expensive butchery we had ever seen. Within was meat unlike any I had seen. It did not take long for me to realize what it was.”
“Not pork, nor poultry, nor beef, nor seafood, nor venison, nor rabbit, nor lamb…”
“They had been slaughtering their own kin and consuming them.”
“So gluttonous and mad in the minds of a gourmand that they became addicted to the fresh meat and bone of their young. A taboo and morally bankrupt delicacy so out of control evidence suggested they were considering tricking other domains into sending their children for the slaughter.”
“Oh… Had I not felt such a pit in my stomach in a good long time… and I was going to make them pay. In the only way I sought fit.”
“I hurried back to Libertalia to make preparations for the coming morning. This time I paraded to the foot of their castle with my followers, offering a hand of peace and trade in a “time of need.” My offering? A vast and expansive feast fit for only the most ravenous king. Their souls practically watering over the dishes only a witch of my kind could create.”
“They rushed inside in hopes of no peasant watching. They did not even make it to their own banquet halls before tearing into the meal. Despite their expanded stomachs and stained bibs prior to my arrival they ate like they had been starved of even the smallest of crumbs.”
“Together Farol, my followers, and I simply watched as they devoured entree after entree. So entranced in their animalistic feeding that they did not even notice as their bodies began to contort and take new shape. The food was a trap, enchanted with true polymorph. Every last royal, from the domain ruler to his court, slowly took the form of the swine they truly were, and by the time they realized what had happened our own knives were upon them.”
“Much later I returned to their people and delivered the bitter, yet honest news. Those fortunate children spared from slaughter were returned to their waiting parents. Yet I opened my arms to the now orphaned people, their tormentors were gone, and I offered them a gift to ensure my sincerity.”
“A feast. Even grander than the first to fill the starving mouths of the people betrayed by the ones who were supposed to protect and nurture them. Now jubilantly dined on the finest pork they had ever tasted. Many wept for the first good meal they had eaten in ages. None the wiser to the fact they were now the ones who finished off their traitorous royals.”
“For the lowest form of depravity one can be driven to by gluttony, no greater punishment was there than to be torn apart and feasted upon by the ones they had stolen from and betrayed. Thus I came to call it ‘The Feast for Pigs.’”
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Our Kickstarter campaign was HERE!
If you're interested in a sapphic, grimdark fantasy comic series featuring romance and horror, and older lady love interests, please consider checking our page out and preordering! If you are unable to, you can still help by spreading the word and reblogging!
PREORDER now at our shop HERE!
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WTSA APPRECIATION WEEK (VII) – free choice.
Because WHEN THE STARS ALIGHT is just the beginning, I thought I'd recommend a few other stories by the author. WTSA is a great introduction, but once you've read it, you'll want to know more about the world of THE ESSENCE OF THE EQUINOX!
Caution: one of this ("We Will Devour the Night") spoils WTSA!
-IN PURSUIT OF PERFECTION. Amira has always demanded perfection—of herself and those around her. Her quest for absolute control takes her on a journey to the hot deserts of Seraj where rumours permeate that humans may have rediscovered the ancient phoenix. Should its power be harnessed, the fire witches will be unmatched. Amira thinks it time they re-learn who the true supreme being on earth is.
This short story, which can be found in the 2022 edition of "Fall into Fantasy", serves as a prequel tale to WTSA. It features Amira, the mother of WTSA's protagonist, and a toxic sapphic relationship that is very fitting for such a fascinating character.
-THE SANGUINE SORCERESS. Centuries before the events of When The Stars Alight, Serafina Stilia prepares herself to be sold off into marriage. Descended from an immortal race of demons, their might is plentiful, but their lack of fertility proves to be a crippling weakness against other races in a cursed land of scarce resources. With territorial wars ongoing, the constant demand for fresh warriors weighs a heavy burden when failed births or excruciating death is an almost guaranteed certainty for childbearing.
Unwilling to play the role of sacrificial pawn in her society’s imperial regime, Serafina continually strikes out against her violent father’s attempts to control her destiny and turns a lucrative suitor away at the door. However, the suitor is not so easily dissuaded, and her refusal only serves to embolden his determination to possess her. After her reputation is left in tatters by his unwanted advances, Serafina must carve a path to liberation from the fury of her honour-driven father, or die trying.
A grimdark novella about one of the best characters in tEotE. Perfect story of rage, revenge, and corruption.
-WE WILL DEVOUR THE NIGHT. Twenty years after the events of the first novel, Laila has been slowly prepping for her campaign to become the next Impératrice of Soleterea. Unfortunately, she must also contend with competitors who are attempting to wrangle the throne from her dynasty by capitalising on the negative repercussions caused by that fateful voyage to the north. In the meantime, Darius has settled into his new position as the Rex of Mortos, but his rule has not been without conflict and conspiracy.
When Amira suggests that Laila help herself politically by lending a hand to Darius, she finds herself once more crossing paths with her old lover and confronting the whirlwind of emotions that twenty years apart had done little to settle. Determined to put her feelings to one side, Laila throws herself headfirst into the pit of vipers that is Mortesian court politics in the interest of charming them under her influence. However, Darius continues to have an allure of his own - one that is not quite so simple to resist.
The author is currently posting the chapters in her ko-fi and substack accounts, as an early-release version you can access with a subscription.
I recommend checking out her ko-fi, where you can find some additional scenes and short stories set in the same world. "Wasp Stings and Bee Pollen" is a favourite of mine.
#wtsaweek2023#the essence of the equinox#books#indie books#indie authors#indie novella#fantasy#romantasy#grimdark fantasy#boost#id in alt text#captioned
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Fell God Ryn
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Craiyon + Fantasy subgenres
#unreality#craiyon#ai#ai art#fantasy#high fantasy#low fantasy#urban fantasy#historical fantasy#arthurian fantasy#absurdist fantasy#dark fantasy#grimdark fantasy#fairytale#magical realism#genre#genres
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[BOOK TOUR] THE SWORD OF WRATH AND MERCY // NC KOUSSIS
VENGEANCE CUTS A BLOODY PATH.
Hi!! Today I'm pleased to be hosting a stop on the tour for THE SWORD OF WRATH AND MERCY, a (grim)dark adult fantasy novel by NC KOUSSIS, with ESCAPIST BOOK TOURS. I'll be sharing my thoughts on the book so far and some gorgeous artwork.
I'm about a third of the way through the book so far, and its gripping lore/worldbuilding, intriguing and badass characters -- such as Selene, our one-armed warrior whom we go through a every emotional high and low with, whom we are taken on a training journey with, root for, feel for, be awed by -- and the relationships between the characters (as well as the character arcs I can see them having) have me flipping the pages. And of course, being grimdark, there is no shortage of gore, violence, everything that comes with it (see list of CW/TWs below). As we flip between Selene's and Tristain's (the biological child of Selene's warden) POVs and their individual journeys to kill or be killed and the struggles and betrayals they have to contend with, the vengeance they seek, we are sure to have nonstop action and breathless excitement.
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About the Book:
The Sword of Mercy and Wrath by NC Koussis
Series: The Swords of Dominion Series
Genre: Dark Fantasy/Grimdark
Intended Age Group: Adult
Pages: 400
Published: March 20, 2023
Publisher: Self Published
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Interested? Here's where you can find the book ->
Book Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTPQF7ZY
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BTPQF7ZY
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BTPQF7ZY
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80272063-the-sword-of-mercy-and-wrath
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Content/Trigger Warnings:
Shown on Page (things clearly told to the reader):
Alcoholism
Amputation
Animal death (off-screen)
Blood (gore)
Bodies/corpses
Body horror
Bones (human)
Classism
Death/dying
Decapitation
Domestic abuse (physical, verbal)
Drinking (heavy and recreational)
Forced captivity
Graphic sex
Hospitalization
Hostages
Kidnapping
Medical procedures
Murder (committed and attempted)
Needles
Poisoning
Pregnancy
PTSD
Serious injury
Skeletons
Skulls
Slurs
Torture
Violence
Vomit
Warfare
Weapons
Alluded to (things only mentioned in passing or hinted at):
Slavery
Genocide
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About the Author:
NC Koussis was born in Perth in 1993 to Greek and Gamilaroi ancestry. He has moved all around Australia, settling in Newcastle for the moment, where he lives with his wife, son, and staffy dog, Nala. He’s been writing fantasy books since he was a little boy, after falling in love with Lord of the Rings, Realm of the Elderlings, and Deltora Quest. He decided to publish a book in 2019, and it only took him three years. The Pyres of Vengeance is his upcoming novel. He considers himself an enthusiastic amateur of medieval history, historical battles and tactics, and food. When he’s not writing, he’s making sourdough bread and working on a PhD in neuroscience.
Webite: https://nikitaskoussis.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCKoussis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nckoussis/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nckoussis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NCKoussis
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Check out other stops on the tour!
#the sword of wrath and mercy#nc koussis#escapistbooktours#book tour#grimdark#grimdark fantasy#grimdark novels#fantasy#dark fantasy
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Book Review (7/3/23)
The King Must Fall by Adrian Collins (4/5)
A wonderful collection of dark and bloody stories.
What You Wish For by Devin Madson (4.5/5)
Maybe it’s the fact this is the first story in the anthology or maybe it’s that fairytale-like ending but I loved this story apart from one or two of the character names.
The Dark Son by Luke Scull (4/5)
Apart from the jungle setting the story wasn’t too original but it did benefit from having one of the rare endings to come with a positive message.
Glory to the King! by Anna Smith Spark (3/5)
While the idea of imposter syndrome in an undefeated ruler was interesting to read and the writing generally solid, said ruler’s profanity-laced narration struck me as more juvenile than moving personally speaking.
The Book Burner’s Fall by Anthony Ryan (3.5/5)
While well-written, particularly in its opening sections, I was left somewhat dissatisfied by the climax.
Mother Death by Michael R. Fletcher (5/5)
The Ice Age-inspired setting, the unique magic system, and the compelling first-person narration made this one an instant favorite of mine.
The Black Horse by Jeremy Szal (4/5)
The bloodiest of the bunch, this story really reminded me of TLOU from the dynamic between the two main characters to the moral dilemma presented at the climax.
Thrall by Lee Murray (4/5)
The story didn’t do anything unexpected apart from making the selkies New Zealander but it was well-told.
King for a Day by Daniel Polansky (4/5)
The Mesoamerican-inspired setting was interesting but what really grabbed my attention was just how many times the MacGuffin changed hands, not to mention the fact each murderous, would-be ruler having a different reason for wanting power. Looking back now, it kind of reads like someone adding the One Ring or the Green Pearl to The Emperor’s New Groove, which…obviously isn’t very funny.
The King-Killing Queen by Shawn Speakman (5/5)
Really wish I could have backed the expanded edition on Kickstarter. Anyway, what I liked most about this particular story was the blending of an Arthurian-based mythos with a GRRM-like sensibility regarding the human condition.
The Face of the King by Adrian Tchaikovsky (5/5)
This story was by far the most experimental, which immediately earns it some brownie points. The fact Tchaikovsky actually managed to pull off the present tense, second-person narration and stick the landing with one of the most memorable endings in the whole book, on the other hand, elevates it to the top of the pile.
Hand of the Artist by Trudi Canavan (5/5)
This was another first-person story I really enjoyed. The protagonist was very relatable and it was nice to see a king be brought down through the healing power of art for a change.
The Conspiracy Against the Twenty-Third Canton by Alex Marshall (4.5/5)
A non-European setting combined with two likable female protagonists and a few good twists made this a pleasure to listen to though there were some instances of modern language I didn’t particularly enjoy. Also, cannibalism.
The Blade Queen and the Stoneheart by Anna Stephens (3/5)
Apart from the titular Blade Queen none of the characters were that interesting and again the amount of profanity was a turn-off. That said, the ending did leave a striking image in my mind and the homage to Eowyn from LOTR a nice touch as well.
The Day the Gods Went Silent by Justin T. Call (3/5)
Well-written but overstuffed with world-building.
A Piece of Movable Type by Peter Orullian (2.5/5)
Apart from the ending the story wasn’t so much bad as it was dull and underwhelming. Definitely the weakest of the bunch in my opinion.
The Wizard in the Tower by Kameron Hurley (5/5)
I wasn’t expecting something romantic but I’m also not going to complain when it’s this good.
The Varcolac by Matthew Ward (4.5/5)
The relatively straightforward plot was elevated by cool characters, excellent prose, and a stellar ending that left me torn.
On Wings of Song by Deborah A. Wolf (5/5)
A fairytale-like story of sirens and female friendship that was heartwarming, if appropriately bloody by the end.
The Last Days of Old Sharakhi by Bradley P. Beaulieu (4.5/5)
Definitely a high note to end the anthology on. As an Arab, I adored the Middle Eastern setting but just as much I enjoyed the themes of change, legacy, and mortality.
Special shoutout to audiobook narrator, Greg Patmore, who did an excellent job narrating each story.
Currently reading: Stardust by Neil Gaiman
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THE PRICE OF POWER BY MICHAEL MICHEL | BOOK REVIEW
TITLE : The Price Of Power
AUTHOR : Michael Michel
GENRE : Dark Fantasy, Grimdark Fantasy, High fantasy, Epic Fantasy
FR RATING : ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4 – 4.5 Stars)
DATE OF PUBLISHING : February 6, 2023
PUBLISHER : Morningstar Books (Self-Published)
NO OF PAGES : 720
FR REVIEW
DISCLAIMER : Thank you so much to Micahel Michel for sending me an e-arc of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I…
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#book blog#Book Blogger#Book Blogger India#Book Blogger UAE#Book Blogging#Book Recommendation#Book Review#Book Review Of The Price Of Power By Michael Michel#Dark Fantasy#Epic Fantasy#Fantasy#Fazila Reads#grimdark fantasy#Michael Michel Author#Michael Michel Indie Author#Spoiler Free Review#TBR#The Price Of Power By Michael Michel
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𝔉𝔦𝔯𝔢𝔣𝔩𝔦𝔢𝔰 ℭ𝔞𝔰𝔱 𝔏𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱 𝔘𝔭𝔬𝔫 𝔗𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔢 𝔓𝔞𝔱𝔥 (demo)
youtube
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Hope you enjoy the book trailer if you want to know more about the book check out my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S5Q6Ab9WuY
#best grimdark fantasy books#top 15 fantasy books#grimdark fantasy#best fantasy books of all time#fantasy book recommendations#books#mark lawrence#book recs#grimdark#booktube#the prince of thorns#asoiaf#malazan#the first law#joe abercrombie#a song of ice and fire
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#gourav mohanty#sons of darkness#grimdark#grimdark fantasy#epic fantasy#indian author#indian literature#retelling
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What's the Difference Between Grimdark and Dark Fantasy?
Ah, the world of fantasy literature. A realm brimming with noble heroes, wondrous magic, and epic battles fought for the very fate of existence...
But let’s face it, sunshine and rainbows can get a tad boring after a while.
Enter dark fantasy and grimdark, the genres where shadows are more than welcome, and heroes sometimes turn out to be not-so-heroic after all.
So, let’s take a macabre…
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#bleakness#chilling atmosphere#dark fantasy#eerie world#fantasy literature#grimdark fantasy#gritty realism#human nature#macabre#monsters#morally ambiguous#Morally Grey Characters#novels#shadows#subgenres#supernatural terror#supernatural terrors#The Broken Empire trilogy#The Malazan Book of the Fallen#The Witcher series
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Looking for a sapphic romance comic set in a grimdark fantasy world?
Where creatures of horror prowl the city streets and the twisted forests beyond the kingdom walls. Where the common folk are tossed between faction wars, struggling to survive in a land where their voices go unheard. And where our main protagonist finds herself awakening with zero memory of who she is?
Then follow us here at foundintheforgotten.tumblr.com! We're hoping to get our Kickstarter up by Nov 20th, 2023, and provide a riveting world for LGBT+ readers (and our lovely allies) to explore.
#supernatural#fantasy character#fantasy#dark fantasy#fantasy art#medieval fantasy#grimdark fantasy#grimdark
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Sydonian Skatros - sketchbook
#inkart#inkdrawing#sketch#sketchbook#fantasy art#scifiart#grimdark#warhammer 40000#adeptus mechanicus#skitarii
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“Slay The Princess~”
Talk about a complicated love story.
But I’m for it xD
#grimdark#dark fantasy#traditional art#fantasy#romance#slay the princess#fanart#raven#birdman#horror#dark fairytale#black tabby games
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Wisdom Lost (Pandemonium Rising #2) By Michael Sliter | AUTHOR Q&A | Escapist Book Tours
TITLE : Wisdom Lost (Pandemonium Rising #2)
AUTHOR : Michael Sliter
GENRE : Epic Fantasy/Grimdark
INTENTED AGE GROUP : Adult
Pages: 592
DATE OF PUBLISHING : 2019
PUBLISHER : Dragyn Press (Self Published)
Welcome to my tour stop for Wisdom Lost (Pandemonium Rising #2) by Michael Sliter, hosted by Escapist Book Tours. I am so grateful to be part of The Escapist Book Tours and for getting…
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#Author interview#Book 2 Pandemonium Series#book blog#Book Blogger#Book Blogger India#Book Blogger UAE#Book Blogging#Book Recommendation#Book Review#Bookish Post#Epic Fantasy#Escapist Army#Escapist Book Tour Stop#Escapist Book Tours#Fantasy#Fazila Reads#grimdark fantasy#Michael Sliter Author#Pandemonium Rising Series#Wisdom Lost#Wisdom Lost By Michael Sliter
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