The Black Company PDF is a fantasy novel written by Glen Cook and first published in 1984. The book was published by Tor Books, a New York-based publishing company that specializes in science fiction and fantasy novels.
The Black Company has received positive reviews since its release, with many critics praising Cook’s realistic portrayal of mercenaries and soldiers. The book has been credited with helping to establish the “grimdark” subgenre of fantasy, which features morally ambiguous characters and a darker, grittier tone.
Some of the themes explored in the book include the nature of loyalty, the cost of war, and the power of magic. The novel also examines the role of mercenaries in conflicts and the impact of war on both soldiers and civilians. The book is available in multiple formats, including paperback, hardcover, and e-book.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The book begins with the Black Company being hired by the Lady, a powerful sorceress, to fight in a decades-long war for control of a world called The North. The Black Company is a group of soldiers who are hired to fight for anyone who can pay their fee. The company is led by a mysterious and feared figure known as the Captain.
As the war rages on, the Black Company finds itself caught up in the politics and intrigue of The North. They discover that the Lady is not what she seems and that she has plans for the Black Company that go beyond their current contract. The Company is forced to choose between their loyalty to the Lady and their own survival.
Throughout the book, the Black Company faces numerous challenges, including battles with other mercenary groups, encounters with powerful sorcerers, and betrayal from within their own ranks. Croaker provides a detailed account of these events, including the deaths of many of the Company’s members.
As the book comes to a close, the Black Company finds itself facing off against the Lady’s forces in a final, climactic battle. The outcome of the battle is uncertain, and the fate of the Black Company hangs in the balance.
Characters in The Black Company
Here are the main characters in “The Black Company” by Glen Cook:
- Croaker – The physician and annalist of the Black Company, Croaker is the narrator of the story. He is a thoughtful and introspective man who struggles with the ethical dilemmas of serving a morally ambiguous mercenary organization.
- Lady – A powerful sorceress who hires the Black Company to serve as her personal army, Lady is a complex and enigmatic character who becomes the focus of the Company’s loyalty and betrayal.
- The Captain – The leader of the Black Company, The Captain is a gruff and no-nonsense veteran soldier who takes pride in his unit’s professionalism and loyalty.
- Raven – A mysterious and brooding warrior, Raven is one of the Company’s most skilled and deadly fighters. He has a dark past that is slowly revealed over the course of the story.
- Silent – A skilled and silent assassin, Silent is a member of the Company who rarely speaks and keeps to himself. He is known for his ruthless efficiency and loyalty to the Company.
Review
“The Black Company” by Glen Cook is a classic work of fantasy literature that has received generally positive reviews from both readers and critics. The book has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, indicating that it is well-regarded by many readers.
Many reviewers praise the book for its gritty and realistic portrayal of mercenary life, as well as its complex and morally ambiguous characters. Cook’s writing style, which is characterized by terse prose and a focus on action and dialogue, is also widely admired.
Some readers, however, criticize the book for its lack of character development and for the frequent use of military jargon and terminology. Some also note that the book’s plot can be difficult to follow at times, particularly for readers who are not familiar with the conventions of the fantasy genre.
Overall, “The Black Company” is a well-regarded work of fantasy that is likely to appeal to fans of the genre who enjoy complex characters, realistic world-building, and military themes.
Details of The Black Company Book
| Book | The Black Company |
| Author | Glen Cook |
| Original language | English |
| Originally published | May 15, 1984 |
| Category | Epic fantasy, dark fantasy |
| Publisher | Tor Fantasy |
| Total Pages | 319 |
| Format | PDF, ePub |
Multiple Languages Editions of The Black Company Book
“The Black Company” has been translated into several languages, including French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Polish. It is widely available in bookstores and online retailers in these languages, in both physical and digital formats.
| Book Editions | Check Now |
|---|---|
| English | Check Price |
| German | Check Price |
| Spanish | Check Price |
| Chinese | Check Price |
About Glen Cook
Glen Cook, born on July 9, 1944, is an American science fiction and fantasy author. He was born in New York City and grew up in California, where he attended the University of California, Berkeley. After graduation, Cook served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.
Cook’s writing career began in the 1970s when he started publishing short stories in various science fiction and fantasy magazines. His first novel, “The Heirs of Babylon,” was published in 1972. However, he is best known for his work in the fantasy genre, particularly for his “Black Company” series.
Cook has written over 70 novels and numerous short stories throughout his career, covering a variety of genres including science fiction, fantasy, and horror. In addition to “The Black Company,” some of his other notable works include “The Dread Empire” series and the “Garrett, P.I.” series.
Cook’s writing is characterized by his use of gritty realism, complex characters, and intricate world-building. He is known for his ability to create vivid and believable worlds, populated by flawed and relatable characters. His work has been widely praised for its depth and complexity.
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FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
How many pages is The Black Company book?
The number of pages in The Black Company book may vary depending on the edition, but the average page count is around 320 pages.
Is The Black Company hard to read?
The Black Company can be a challenging read for some due to its complex characters, intricate world-building, and mature themes.
Is The Black Company worth reading?
The Black Company is widely regarded as a classic of the fantasy genre and is considered a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and gritty, realistic storytelling.
How long does it take to read The Black Company book?
The time it takes to read The Black Company book will vary depending on the individual reading speed, but it typically takes around 10-12 hours to read.
Who is the target audience of The Black Company book?
The target audience of The Black Company book is generally adult readers who enjoy dark and gritty fantasy with complex characters and intricate world-building.
