Prince of Thorns is an exceptional read for those who like their fantasy on the far side of the dark side. It is not for the faint of heart; indeed, I would not recommend it to my younger or more conservative friends, as it examines in minute and uncomfortable detail some of the wickedest things humans can do to one another.

“I’ll tell you now. That silence almost beat me. It’s the silence that scares me. It’s the blank page on which I can write my own fears. The spirits of the dead have nothing on it. The dead one tried to show me hell, but it was a pale imitation of the horror I can paint on the darkness in a quiet moment.”
― Mark Lawrence, Prince of Thorns

Mark Lawrence has proven his absolute mastery of grimdark fantasy; from his multi-hued characters to perfectly timed dark humor, even the occasional glimpse of sunlight through the clouds, this entire series is well worth the read if you don’t mind wading through a little blood. Unlike other attempts at truly dark fantasy, none of these stories feel like an endless slog through viscera and misery; indeed, I find myself torn between wanting to skewer the protagonist and cheer him on.

I’ll read anything Mark Lawrence puts on the shelf.

http://princeofthorns.com/