This article contains mentions of violence and aggression.
There are many fantasy books that mix horror, adventure and romance in their plots, but when revenge is added to the mix, it becomes an unforgettable story. When the book's protagonist is on a dogged quest for revenge, gives the narrative a sense of forward momentum along the main story beats. This could result in an incredible payoff if the author provides subtle enough foreshadowing. Furthermore, most of these novels address important social and cultural themes, as it is the injustices done to the main characters that spur them to action.
Like many of the best revenge films of all time, these books are full of action and unbelievable twists that leave audiences guessing until the very end. Playing the revenge game is undeniably dangerous, and characters often lose themselves as they sacrifice the ideals they fought for in favor of blood-soaked satisfaction. By embedding these tales in fantastical legends and magical worlds, readers are transported to an escapist reality that provokes interesting questions about human nature. The justifications for the protagonists' actions become hazy as these stories progress and hidden motivations come to light.
10
Best Served Cold (2009)
Written by Joe Abercrombie
One of Joe Abercrombie's best books, Best Served Coldis as driven by revenge as the name suggests. Following the story of Monza Murcatto, a bloodthirsty mercenary who was betrayed by her own employer, Murcatto soon proves how wrong it was to betray her. However, the odds are undoubtedly against her, as the man she is tracking is a powerful duke who has sent his own envoy after her. Furthermore, the people on Murcatto's side are a ragtag group of unlikely allies, but they are all she has.
Even when her quest takes her to dangerous and unexpected places, Murcatto maintains her desire for revenge.
Set in the same universe as Abercrombie's beloved First Law series, Best Served Cold it loses none of the drama and action that made the original trilogy so instantly readable. Known for imbuing a lot of violence and shock factor into his writing, Abercrombie didn't hold back with the blood-soaked text. Best Served Coldand Murcatto is a delightfully resourceful and strong-willed character to follow in the heat of battle. Even when her quest takes her to dangerous and unexpected places, Murcatto maintains her desire for revenge.
9
Iron Widow (2021)
Written by Xiran Jay Zhao
The mortal and current Iron Widowthe debut novel by author Xiran Jay Zhao, is an insightful and critical exploration of the history of misogyny in the real and fantasy worlds. Zetian, the main character, voluntarily joins the ranks of concubine pilots in Iron Widowa group of young women normally forced into military service that kills them. However, Zetian will not allow herself to be dominated by the same men who caused her sister's death and plans to take many of them with her.
Set in a science fantasy fictional version of medieval China called Huaxia, Iron Widow sees Zetian rise through the ranks of the military order and discover how deep the corruption runs and how far she must take her quest to end the sacrifice and abuse of women in the country. Along the way, she falls in love and discovers that avenging her sister is far from the only thing she must accomplish. The incredible twist in the story's final moments puts even more pressure on Zetian to set aside his personal desires and put humanity first.
8
Prince of Thorns (2011)
Written by Mark Lawrence
The first part by Mark Lawrence The Broken Empire series, Prince of ThornsIt's not for everyone. It should be noted that there are many intense and disturbing scenes throughout the book. There's no doubt why Prince of Thorns It's such a polarizing novel, and while it's well-written and Lawrence uses the pacing of the story to his advantage, it doesn't change the fact that some fantasy fans aren't looking for such a dark narrative. While revenge stories tend to lean into dark territory, Prince of Thorns takes it to the next level.
Be aware of this content before taking it Prince of Thorns it allows the audience to decide if they want to deal with these difficult themes and if this is the kind of revenge story they are looking for.
There are descriptions of sexual assault and violence throughout Prince of Thornsand the protagonist is not one the reader will see as any kind of hero or want to root for. Be aware of this content before taking it Prince of Thorns it allows the audience to decide if they want to deal with these difficult themes and if this is the kind of revenge story they are looking for. Similar to the best dark fantasy book series like A Song of Ice and Fire, Prince of Thorns it makes the characters and the audience go through a lot.
7
Red Rise (2014)
Written by Pierce Brown
When Darrow, the protagonist of Red RiseDiscovers the terrible secret at the heart of his society: that he and those of his caste have been deceived and exploited for generations, he takes matters into his own hands. In Red Rise, Darrow decides he is not going to sit by and let the upper classes profit from his work. more, and joins a secret rebellion that sees him infiltrate the highest levels of society as a Gold. His original status may have been low red, but Darrow is trained to pass as Gold.
Using his resources and knowledge, Darrow finds ways to poke holes in the totalitarian regime. As Darrow is young when the book begins, Red Rise is a little more aimed at a young adult audience, but it is rich and complex enough to appeal to readers of all ages. The golden school that Darrow must enter has many new friends and treacherous enemies, but Darrow sees through their tricks. His early loss and incredible sacrifice will not allow the perks of the Gold life to cloud his judgment.
6
Vicious (2013)
Written by VE Schwab
VE Schwab is well known for her contributions to the fantasy genre, and her Villains series is one of his most underrated projects to date. The first book in the series, Viciousis an interesting take on the superhero genre, that has become so prevalent in recent years. For the characters of ViciousThese epic abilities aren't always used for good. In fact, the two main characters, Eli and Victor, are not afraid to use them for evil and selfish purposes.
Eli and Victor are on opposite sides Viciousalthough they started out as close and cunning friends. However, betrayal and sacrifice drove them apart and changed how each other viewed the world and whether others should have access to power. There's little better than a story about friends who have a sordid past, and Schwab knows how to extract full value from this dynamic. The following novel, Vengefulcontinues on the path of wrathful revenge that Vicious It starts so brilliantly.
5
Clash of Dragons (2017)
Written by Evan Winter
Evan Winter's debut novel, The Fury of Dragonssee how war, even in fantasy, will change the course of someone's life forever. The protagonist, Tau, is not your typical chosen one, as he does not possess the militaristic gifts that connect people to dragons or give them incredible strength. However, he is fueled by something deeper and darker: the knowledge that the life and family he was supposed to have were ripped from him and that the people who did it are still out there.
The Fury of Dragons is a great fantasy book not set in Western Europe that seamlessly integrates a romance angle and a gripping revenge plot without missing a beat. It's no secret that The Fury of Dragons has been cited as one of the best fantasy books of the 21st century and should receive the same level of recognition as other contemporary works. When readers catch on The Fury of Dragonsthey will become lost in the intricate world of Tau and wonder how they survived without him.
4
Never Night (2016)
Written by Jay Kristoff
Mia Corvere, the protagonist of Never nightYou should always sleep with one eye open. Not only is she part of a deadly ring of assassins, but she is also being hunted by the government her father tried to overthrow. Never night sees Mia enter a school for these killers full of the deadliest young people she has ever encountered. She must find a way to fight her way to the top or she will never have the chance to take revenge on the corrupt government her father oversaw.
Mia is a great protagonist because she has a dark past and isn't afraid to let it influence her to take control of her destiny.
Jay Kristoff The Never Night Chronicle series starts with Never night and follows the familiar YA trajectory of seeing a young hero, or in this case, an antihero, enter into brutal competition to achieve their ultimate goal. Mia is a great protagonist because she has a dark past and isn't afraid to let it influence her to take control of her destiny. This helps this Mia has a unique gift that allows her to manipulate shadows, giving you an advantage against your opponents among assassins as well as against your powerful enemies.
3
Jade City (2017)
Written by Fonda Lee
Fonda Lee The Green Bone Saga intertwines crime, revenge and fantasy in its overarching narrative centered on the powerful Kaul clan and their enemies. The premise depends on the special powers that jade stones bestow on those who have the tolerance to wield them. Full of complex policies and corrupt leaders, Jade City received praise from readers and critics for its gripping story and epic scope. There are many overlapping stories between the members of the rival clans and their quests for revenge and recognition.
Although there is a lot of direct action in Jade Citythere are also subtle shifts in power through conversations and construction of resources that determine who will emerge victorious at the end of the story. The remaining books in the series expand on the foundation laid by Jade City and discover new corners of the island where the Kauls are fighting their enemies for power. Although the Kauls are far from perfect, they are a smart and compelling group to follow all the way. Jade City.
2
The Beautiful (2017)
Written by Silvia Moreno Garcia
Written by the author of Mexican Gothic, The beautiful ones incorporates telekinesis into its tragic romance story, betrayal and the limits of high society. Young psychic Nina thinks her prayers have been answered when Hector Auvray appears, sharing his gift and offering the opportunity to learn how to use it. However, Hector is not quite who he appears to be, and his hidden connection to one of Nina's relatives complicates her emerging feelings for him and her tenuous place in society.
One of the best parts The beautiful ones is seeing Nina's evolution as a character and witnessing her leave behind the childlike innocence she had at the beginning of the novel, while still maintaining her sense of self.
One of the best parts The beautiful ones is seeing Nina's evolution as a character and witnessing her leave behind the childlike innocence she had at the beginning of the novel, while still maintaining her sense of self. Silvia Moreno-Garcia brings Loisail's world to life with grace and skill, making it easy to understand why Nina was initially so desperate to find her place there. However, Nina's journey does not begin and end with the petty jealousies of those around her, and she comes to define herself and her power on her own terms.
1
The Cormorant Traitor Baru (2015)
Written by Seth Dickinson
Drawing comparisons to classic epic revenge stories such as The Count of Monte Cristo, The Cormorant Traitor Baru It is a test of patience for the reader and the protagonist, Baru. Combining science fiction elements into your fantasy world, The Cormorant Traitor Baru sees Baru rise through the ranks of the same empire that destroyed his life so that one day she can eviscerate the Masquerade, the imperial republic she invaded. She uses her immense intelligence and strange knowledge of manipulation to undermine the government. Baru may have a worthy moral quest, but she quickly succumbs to the uniqueness of her missions.
The author, Seth Dickinson, takes the concept of revenge to its limits in The Cormorant Traitor Baruunafraid to show how love, empathy and personal connections are just a risk when it comes to power and influence. The twist at the end of the book will leave readers shocked and devastated, but that's partly why the novel has gained a loyal following. In conversation with the terrors and dangers of totalitarian regimes and how to organize a rebellion, The Cormorant Traitor Baru It is a must-read for fans of the genre.