Looking for fantasy novels where information is the battlefield? Discover five fantasy books about secrets, espionage, bureaucracy, political intrigue, and the struggle to control the truth.
Armies clash. Heroes fight villains. Kingdoms rise and fall.
But some of the most interesting fantasy novels I’ve read are about information.
Who controls it.
Who hides it.
Who gets to decide what’s true.
In these books, the decisive battles aren’t fought with swords. They’re fought with records, secrets, bureaucracy, manipulation, and the ability to shape what people believe.
If that sounds like your sort of thing, here are five books worth checking out.
This is probably the clearest example of what I’m talking about.
Baru comes from a conquered people and decides she’s going to destroy the empire that took her homeland.
The twist is that she doesn’t do it with an army.
She does it through administration. Tax policy. Economics. Bureaucracy.
It’s a novel where financial systems are weapons and accounting can be more dangerous than a sword.
What makes the book so compelling is the cost. To use the empire’s tools, Baru has to understand them. To understand them, she has to become part of them.
The result is one of the most devastating political fantasies I’ve ever read.
You could put several K. J. Parker novels on this list, but this is probably the easiest place to start.
The protagonist isn’t a great warrior or a chosen hero. He’s an engineer.
When a city comes under threat, he survives through logistics, planning, deception, and sheer nerve.
The joy of the novel is watching an intelligent person solve impossible problems.
The horror is realising how easily practical solutions can become moral compromises.
Parker understands better than almost anyone that institutions often run on paperwork, procedure, and people convincing themselves they’re being reasonable.
Abraham is interested in leverage rather than spectacle. Most of the important moments involve negotiations, agreements, obligations, and people understanding things their opponents don’t.
Very little is settled by violence.
Almost everything is settled by information.
What I love about Abraham’s work is that he never loses sight of the human cost. These aren’t abstract political manoeuvres. They’re choices that affect real people.
If you’ve read any of these books, I’d love to know what you thought of them.
And if you’ve got recommendations for fantasy novels where information, bureaucracy, espionage, or institutional power sit at the heart of the story, let me know. I’m always looking for more.
Exploring Scott Lynch’s monumental impact on modern fantasy literature through his ‘Gentleman Bastard’ series, shaping characters, world-building & narrative style.
Scott Lynch’s tour de force, ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ burst onto the fantasy scene in 2006, marking a significant turning point in the genre’s evolution.
The book, and its subsequent sequels in the ‘Gentleman Bastard’ series, introduced readers to a unique and innovative world of fantasy that has since greatly influenced countless authors and contributed to the development of modern fantasy literature.
The Influence of Lynch’s World-Building
Perhaps the most substantial impact of ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ lies in Lynch’s innovative world-building.
Lynch breathes life into the city of Camorr, imbued with a Renaissance Venice-like setting, complete with a network of canals, grand structures, and a dark underworld.
This type of detailed and vivid cityscape, one that is both fantastical and grounded in historical reality, has inspired subsequent authors to create rich, detailed, and believable fantasy worlds of their own.
The city of Camorr, much like a character itself, is layered, flawed, and complex.
Its distinct districts, culture, social structure, and even food, craft an immersive and palpable atmosphere.
Lynch’s approach to world-building has changed how modern authors perceive and depict their settings, encouraging them to create worlds that extend far beyond generic kingdoms and forests.
The Significance of Realistic Characters
Lynch has also made his mark on the fantasy genre through his complex, flawed, and deeply human characters.
Locke Lamora, the eponymous protagonist, is no stereotypical hero.
Instead, he’s a crafty thief with his own set of morals, which don’t always align with societal expectations.
The novel’s emphasis on character development, relationships, and moral dilemmas has encouraged authors to break away from traditional, archetypical fantasy characters, forging instead more relatable, complex, and morally grey personas.
Further, the use of camaraderie and brotherhood as a central theme adds depth to the narrative.
The characters in ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ are tied together by bonds of friendship and loyalty, rather than destiny or prophecy, which was previously a common trope in fantasy literature.
This has pushed authors (include myself) to explore the themes of loyalty, love, and friendship in more profound and nuanced ways.
The Impact of Lynch’s Narrative Style
Lynch’s narrative style, rich in its use of suspense, humour, and shocking plot twists, represents a departure from the more traditional, linear storytelling techniques previously prevalent in the genre.
This approach adds a level of unpredictability and dynamism to the story, compelling readers to stay engaged and constantly guess what might happen next.
‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ also excels in its fusion of elements from different genres.
The book blends fantasy with crime, mystery, and thriller elements, creating a diverse and captivating narrative.
This cross-genre style has inspired many contemporary authors to experiment with genre boundaries, resulting in a new breed of hybrid fantasy books.
The Legacy of ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’
Lynch’s narrative introduced a vibrant blend of genres and a distinctive approach to character and world-building that many subsequent authors have embraced.
Notably, Michael J. Sullivan’s ‘Riyria Revelations,’ Fonda Lee’s ‘Green Bone Saga,’ and Leigh Bardugo’s ‘Six of Crows’ exhibit the profound influence of Lynch’s work.
One of the distinctive qualities of Lynch’s novel is the comradery and complex relationship between Locke Lamora and his partner-in-crime, Jean Tannen.
The bonds of brotherhood that tie these characters together have created a blueprint for ‘bromance’ that is apparent in Michael J. Sullivan’s ‘Riyria Revelations.’
The protagonists of Sullivan’s series, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, mirror the friendship and loyalty seen in ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’.
Sullivan, like Lynch, establishes a balance of humour, camaraderie, and dark pasts in the dynamic between his characters, showing that deep, platonic relationships can serve as a strong backbone for a compelling narrative.
‘Green Bone Saga’ and the Reflection of Realism
Fonda Lee’s ‘Green Bone Saga’ series reflects Lynch’s commitment to grounding a fantasy world in realism.
Much like Camorr, Lee’s city of Janloon is a well-structured, believable world.
Lee’s decision to focus on crime families and their struggles for power within a fantastical setting mirrors the gritty underworld and realistic socio-political structures found in ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora.’
The emphasis on gang wars, politics, and crime within a fantastical setting, strongly resonates with Lynch’s Camorr and the criminal activities of the Gentleman Bastards.
‘Six of Crows’ and the Band of Misfits
Leigh Bardugo’s ‘Six of Crows’ bears the undeniable mark of Scott Lynch’s influence.
Bardugo’s story revolves around a band of misfits who undertake a seemingly impossible heist, much like Locke and his band of thieves.
Kaz Brekker, the leader of the gang in Bardugo’s novel, shares Locke’s cunning and tactical mind, coupled with a moral compass that isn’t always aligned with the law.
Bardugo’s knack for intricate planning, multiple point-of-view storytelling, and the unexpected plot twists strongly echo Lynch’s narrative style, as she takes readers through a thrilling journey full of surprises.
Each of these works, while unique and inventive in their own right, owe a certain level of their approach to the trail blazed by Scott Lynch.
From the strong bonds of friendship, detailed world-building and the intricate blend of crime and fantasy elements, Lynch’s influence is apparent in these modern fantasy sagas.
Lynch’s masterpiece has not only altered the way we perceive fantasy literature but has also served as a stepping stone for other authors to push the boundaries of their own creativity.
As such, ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ continues to shape the landscape of fantasy literature through its lasting influence on contemporary works.
Recommended Fantasy Reads for Fans of Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard Series”
If you have been captivated by the charm and intrigue of Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard series, then you’re likely seeking more fantasy books that echo its rich world-building, morally complex characters, and intricate plots.
Below is a selection of excellent fantasy novels that should satiate your craving for more such fascinating stories.
‘The First Law’ Series by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie’s grimdark fantasy series ‘The First Law’ offers a realistic portrayal of a fantastical world, much like Lynch’s Camorr. Its morally grey characters and ruthless political machinations will appeal to fans of Lynch’s dark and complex narratives.
‘The Broken Empire’ Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
This trilogy, starting with ‘Prince of Thorns’, introduces readers to Jorg Ancrath, a character whose morally grey persona echoes that of Locke Lamora. The series is filled with complex characters, clever plots, and a dark, gritty world that fans of Lynch’s work will appreciate.
‘The Powder Mage’ Trilogy by Brian McClellan
Brian McClellan’s series is set in a world transitioning from a monarchy to a republic, and like Lynch’s work, it features a richly detailed world, complicated political intrigue, and characters with dubious morality. Its unique blend of gunpowder-era technology and magic adds a distinctive flair to the narrative.
‘Mistborn’ Series by Brandon Sanderson
For readers who enjoy Lynch’s intricate heists and complex magic system, Sanderson’s ‘Mistborn’ series is an excellent choice. The protagonist, Vin, is a young woman adept at allomancy – a magic system involving the manipulation of metals – and her journey is filled with intriguing twists and turns that will appeal to fans of the Gentleman Bastard series.
‘The Night Angel’ Trilogy by Brent Weeks
A dark, gritty fantasy series about a young street rat who becomes an apprentice to the city’s top assassin. Fans of the ‘Gentleman Bastard’ series will appreciate the dark atmosphere and layered characters.
‘The Dagger and the Coin’ Series by Daniel Abraham
This series stands out for its intricate politics and economics, as well as a diverse cast of characters. Its blend of fantasy and political intrigue is reminiscent of the power struggles in Camorr.
‘Low Town’ Series by Daniel Polansky
This series centres on a former intelligence agent turned drug dealer navigating through the criminal underworld. Its noir style and focus on the seedy underbelly of society will appeal to fans of Scott Lynch.
‘The City of Stairs’ by Robert Jackson Bennett
This standalone novel is renowned for its innovative world-building, something Scott Lynch’s fans would be familiar with. The novel’s main character, a spy tasked with solving a murder in a city where gods once lived, will resonate with fans of complex, morally ambiguous characters.
‘The Gutter Prayer’ by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan
This book is the first in ‘The Black Iron Legacy’ series, and it takes readers into a world of gods, monsters, and thieves. Its mix of horror and fantasy elements, along with its rich world-building and focus on the criminal underworld, should appeal to fans of Scott Lynch.
If you enjoy reading about thieves and assassins, you might also enjoy my Dawn of Assassins series.
You can get the prequel novel Birth of Assassins as part of the Ravenglass Universe starter library.
Dive into the world of indie fantasy books. Discover diverse narratives, innovative tales, and recommended authors in the independent publishing realm.
Picture this. You’ve got a hot cup of tea at your side, you’re snuggled in your favourite armchair, the rain is tapping politely on your window.
What better time to crack open a good book? You reach for the latest fantasy epic from a big-name author, but then you remember…you’ve already read this tale a dozen times.
Elves, dragons, magical swords – been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of the old tried-and-true.
But if you’re like me, you might be craving a bit of a change.
Indie authors are those brave souls who’ve chosen to venture beyond the comfortable confines of corporate publishing houses.
They’re the ones who’ve said, “I’ve got a story to tell, and I’m not going to let a few suits in an office dictate how I tell it.”
Now, don’t be fooled by the corporate spin into believing that because an author is indie, they’re somehow less skilled or talented.
In fact, indie authors are often on the cutting edge of innovation, crafting tales that might not jive with the risk-averse sensibilities of big publishing.
You see, the advent of indie publishing has done something remarkable—it’s removed the gatekeepers.
Okay, that’s not quite accurate. The gatekeepers are still there, but the wall’s been knocked down beside them.
No longer are authors from marginalised groups overlooked or shunted to the sidelines.
Instead, they’re front and centre, telling their stories in their own voices, reaching the right readers who want to experience those worlds and characters.
This makes for a vibrant, diverse, and utterly captivating landscape of narrative possibilities.
Why I’m an Indie
Let me put on my ‘personal hat’ for a moment.
As someone who is severely visually impaired, the traditional route of corporate publishing was a bit like trying to navigate a hedge maze blindfolded.
Becoming an indie author, however, has allowed me to carve out my own path.
I’m not writing for an agent who’s eyeing the latest market trends, or a publisher who’s more interested in the bottom line than the story line.
No, I’m writing for you, the reader.
I’m writing to pay my bills, yes, but also to share my ideas, my worlds, and my characters with those who will appreciate them.
And if that isn’t the epitome of job satisfaction, I don’t know what is.
So, next time you’re looking for a new book to curl up with, why not give an indie fantasy novel a go?
You might just find yourself swept away to worlds you never imagined, by voices you’ve never heard before. And who knows, you might even find your new favourite author hiding in the indie section.
Remember, there’s a whole universe of stories out there waiting to be discovered.
Don’t let someone else decide which ones you get to read.
Recommended Indie Fantasy Authors
Looking for an epic fantasy novel to sweep you away to magical realms?
With so many independents publishing their works, there are lots of talented authors to discover.
Here are 10 writers creating epic fantasy worlds to get lost in:
Dive into the rich worldbuilding of Manning’s Mageborn series, following the coming of age of a young wizard. Intricate magic systems and complex characters make this a must-read.
Buroker blends fantasy and sci-fi in her action-packed Emperor’s Edge series. Follow a charming rogue and his band of misfits preventing magical disasters.
C.N. Crawford
Crawford’s Remnant Chronicles provide a fresh take on dragon riders amid royal intrigue. Fast-paced adventure mixed with romantic tension.
Jonathan Brooks
Brooks’ Rise of the Free Fleet series offers up swashbuckling fantasy on the high seas. Pirate escapades meet magic in this seafaring saga.
Ellie Raine
Raine’s Sorceress Queen Saga boasts bold worldbuilding and sweeping magical battles. If you love dangerous quests and clashes between kingdoms, check this out.
