Black Company fans!

[Alaric_Prympax]

See, I just today started reading the Black Company (I've had it for a few weeks, but not read it.) So far, I'm not that impressed with Cook's writing -- it's extremely sparse, curt and utilitarian, with nothing much spent on descriptions, dialogue, or any of the other things that make reading novels interesting. It reads a bit more like a screenplay than a book.

That said, I think the ideas I'm seeing so far are pretty good. I can see where a lot of your version of Barsoom gets its inspiration, particularly in regards to unique, extremely high-level magic god-like NPCs.

I've only read the first 4 books but the 5th is next on my list, that is if A Feast for Crows surprises me and comes out in the next 3 weeks (though I know it's not and I do NOT want to start any rumors or speculation ). I thought the 1st book was the worst, but the series got much better IMO as the series went on. I think it was because Cook was setting things up and introducting us to the world and the Black Company, I really just wish there would have been a map of the the world. I know someone put up a map somewhere on the net but I lost the web address.

 

[Desdichado]

I've only read the first 4 books but the 5th is next on my list, that is if A Feast for Crows surprises me and comes out in the next 3 weeks (though I know it's not and I do NOT want to start any rumors or speculation ). I thought the 1st book was the worst, but the series got much better IMO as the series went on. I think it was because Cook was setting things up and introducting us to the world and the Black Company, I really just wish there would have been a map of the the world. I know someone put up a map somewhere on the net but I lost the web address.

So you're saying I should persevere?

 

[jonesy]

I really just wish there would have been a map of the the world. I know someone put up a map somewhere on the net but I lost the web address.

You mean this? http://www.cofc.edu/~wraggj/blackco/

 

[Flexor the Mighty!]

I'm just glad I don't have to read page after page of description of trees, grass, buildings and the culture behind them. I'll pick up that stuff from Croakers narration. Now in the second book the narration changes a bit, with Shed, but it's still similar. It's like reading the annals of the Black Company. Book Three here I come!

 

[Harp]

I finished Shadows Linger and it was just as good if not better than the first book. Why did I pass on this series for so long? I like how there is nothing romantic and happy going on, it's a band of sellswords caught between to evils, the Lady & the Dominator. No fluffy romance sidetreks, just the bleak war torn life of Croaker, Elmo, Silent, Goblin, One-Eye, and the rest of the Black Company.

While it wasn't a romance, per se, I always thought that Croaker's infatuation with the Lady was charming as hell. I found it one of the more moving aspects of the first book, perhaps because it was in direct contrast with the dominant bleak atmosphere of mercenary life.

And as for writing style, like others here, I really grew to love Croaker's voice (which may, in fact, be one of the reasons I disliked the books of the south so much). I'm the first to admit, though, that it took me two or three tries before I finally got into the first book. It wasn't the lack of descriptive prose so much as I was having trouble following what was going on. It's like Cook drops you in at a random point in Croaker's journal and you have to struggle a bit to catch up. Just my perspective, of course.

So yes, my advice would be to persevere. I found it to be an extremely rewarding series all in all.

 

[Alaric_Prympax]

You mean this? http://www.cofc.edu/~wraggj/blackco/

Yeah that's the one! Thanks for the link, I'll have to add it to my favorites.

 

[Desdichado]

I am getting into it as I've moved further into the book; I still struggle with the style, though. The plot, though, man! It's just good enough that I forget about the style more often than not.

 

[jgbrowning]

I just ordered SFBC's four book set of The Black Company along with Midnight Sun (Karl Edward Wagner's Kane short stories). This will be my first exposure to The Black Company as well.

Gods in Darkness (Wagner's novels compiled) is also very good. Been a BC and a Kane fan for a long time here.

joe b.

 

[CCamfield]

That doesn't seem like a very good excuse, really. I can understand Croaker's perspective, I just miss actually being able to see with my mind's eye what's going on. The writing is too Spartan; there's no descriptions at all. The introduction of Soulcatcher wasn't handled very well, I thought -- he laughed maniacally at everything One-eye and Croaker said when they figured out who he was, etc. He seemed like a stereotypical mad wizard at that moment, and it was difficult to take him seriously.

I would also encourage you to keep reading, Joshua. I don't want to give things away, but there are several things about your understanding of Soulcatcher at this point which will change as you learn more.

 

[Desdichado]

Yeah, at the point where I am now, Soulcatcher is actually somewhat interesting. Still, have a little ways to go to finish even the first one, though...