Book Review: The Black Company (The Chronicles of the Black Company #1) by Glen Cook
(Three Stars)
“There are no self-proclaimed villains, only regiments of self-proclaimed saints.”
Popcorn for the mind. As the opening round of a fantasy series, it reads like a collection of short stories. There’s a vector, but each chapter reads like a standalone.
“Any man who barely maintains an armistice with himself has no business poking around in an alien soul.”
Good storytelling, from the point of view of a caring, if morally-challenged medic of a mercenary regiment. Less violent than Joe Abercrombie, less humor then Michael J. Sullivan.
“I reached the gates unable to whip a grandmother. Lucky for me, the grandmas were goofing off.”
Digestible narrative gaps. Doesn’t weary or insult the reader with endless narrative. Only one big battle scene–near the end, and it’s way too long.
“I am haunted by the clear knowledge that … , in the end, evil always triumphs.”
As a Matter of Fancy 