Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook

This compilation is composed of the three Books of the North; namely, The Black Company, Shadows Linger and The White Rose.

The story is told from the point of view of Croaker, a member of a mercenary unit called the Black Company. The later books have other POV characters.

The Black Company, at the beginning of the first book with the same title, is employed by the Syndic of Beryl. But the unit's survival becomes questionable as their employer seems to be on the losing battle against the rival factions of his city. That is when a Taken named Soulcatcher offers them a chance to serve the Lady.

The Company acquires new members during its adventures with its new employers. One is a mysterious guy who calls himself Raven. This Raven later rescues a child named Darling.

The books explain bit by bit the history of the world in which this series is set. The first few pages did seem confusing to me, but it was only because the author's style is something I haven't encountered before. He's straight to the point. While this might be inadequate for readers expecting a lot of details, I think it's realistic when you consider that it is told from one person's point of view. No one person can know everything after all. What the readers gets is what Croaker knows and sees, hears, feels and thinks.

If like me you have read the Malazan books before the Black Company, I think you will see the similarities and appreciate why the authors of Malazan are fans of this series.

This is the kind story you'll enjoy and is just as satisfying as most high fantasy series without the burden of so many details you need to remember and the voluminous books.

Rating: 10 out of 10