The Akarans, who have ruled the Known World for 22 generations, face issues with the Meins, who execute a takeover scheme, causing the king's four children to be exiled and forced to help the Known World.
Chasing Graves is a dark fantasy novel by Ben Galley, set in Arcturus, where the dead serve as gravelings. Caltro Basalt navigates corrupt nobles, necromancers, and ancient magic to uncover his sister's murder.
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie features a diverse cast of characters, navigating a world on the brink of war, characterized by ambiguous morality and violence.
J.V. Jones' "A Cavern of Black Ice" introduces the "Sword of Shadows" series, following Ash March and Raif Severance through Middle Ages politics and mythology.
Chronicles of the Black Company is a fantasy series by Glen Cook, detailing the adventures of the Black Company, a group of soldiers, wizards, and assassins.
Steven Erikson's Gardens of the Moon introduces readers to the Malazan Empire, a conflict-ridden city in Darujhistan. The story follows Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his group as they navigate magic and intrigue.
Lord Foul's Bane is a Stephen Donaldson classic novel that follows Thomas Covenant, a leprosy-stricken character, as he navigates mythical creatures, ancient magic, and moral ambiguity.
The Dreaming City by Michael Moorcock follows Elric of Melniboné, an albino prince, as he navigates politics, intrigue, and supernatural forces in the imperial city of Imrryr.