What do You think about The Many Deaths Of The Black Company (2009)?
Well, that was a conclusion!The two books contained within this omnibus are different enough that they deserve their own separate reviews. The first one is all about underground warfare and guerilla tactics, as what's left of the Black Company after the previous book's ending is thriving to sabotage the regime and rescue their comrades. Also, ghosts. It's an interesting change in tone carried by a change in character focus, particularly with more ladies in charge.***some spoilers below***The second book ties up all (most?) loose ends. In fact it is pretty brutal at doing that in the last third of the book. Familiar characters fall like flies, often in what seem gratuitous or cruel circumstances. It can be difficult to stomach... and yet. In the end, literally in the last few pages, Cook somehow manages to put all that in perspective and give it meaning. "Soldiers Live", the book is called; throughout the old Company mantra is often repeated: "Soldiers live. And wonder why." But at the very end it takes on a whole different meaning which, at least I, did not see coming. We get closure for the old familiar characters at the end of their road; we get distance from our involvement in their lives; and we get yet another fresh start for the Company, which really had been the theme of the entire series all along. Don't get too attached, bad things always happen yet life continues on.It worked for me.
—molly
A great ending to a great series.I had started the series because I was looking for a gritty dark fantasy at the time and this suited me fine. Eventually, (like I always do) I connected with some of the characters and I couldn't keep the book away.The way Cook also delivers the story is definitely different than your typical fantasy book and it might be an acquired taste, but I still urge people to read them.The saddest thing is that it's over, and although Cook discussed a continuation to Soldiers Live, that interview was a long time ago and that book might never come.
—nathalie
didn't care for the ending but good overall
—Noma
