Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Chronicles of the Black Company summary
Brief summary
Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook is a gritty and dark fantasy series that follows an elite mercenary unit as they navigate the treacherous politics and magic of their war-torn world. With complex characters and intense action, it's a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
Topics
Table of Contents
Chronicles of the Black Company
Summary of key ideas
The Black Company
In Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook, we are introduced to the eponymous mercenary group, the Black Company, as they are hired by the Lady, a powerful sorceress, to serve in her war against the Rebel. The story is narrated by Croaker, the Company's physician and historian, who provides a unique perspective on the Company's brutal and morally ambiguous operations.
As the Company serves the Lady, they begin to uncover her dark and tyrannical nature. They also learn about the Dominator, a powerful sorcerer who was imprisoned by the Lady centuries ago. The Company's loyalty is tested as they navigate the treacherous politics of the world they inhabit, and Croaker's growing suspicion of the Lady's true intentions.
Shadows Linger
In the second book, Shadows Linger, the Black Company has fled the Lady's service and taken refuge in the city of Juniper. However, they soon find themselves embroiled in a new conflict as they become entangled with the city's corrupt rulers and a mysterious cult that worships the Dominator. Croaker and his comrades must navigate the treacherous city politics while also contending with the supernatural forces at play.
Meanwhile, the Lady's rule is threatened by the return of the Dominator, who has been freed from his prison. She enlists the Black Company to help her stop the Dominator's return, leading to a climactic battle that results in the Dominator's defeat and the Lady's apparent death. However, the Company's victory comes at a great cost, as many of their members are killed or captured.
The White Rose
In the third book, The White Rose, the surviving members of the Black Company, led by Croaker, are in hiding, mourning their losses and trying to make sense of the Lady's apparent demise. However, they soon discover that the Lady is not dead, but has been transformed into a powerful and vengeful entity known as the Taken. She is now leading the remaining forces of the Dominator, and the Company must find a way to stop her.
At the same time, a new figure, the White Rose, has emerged as a symbol of resistance against the Lady's rule. The Company decides to ally with the White Rose and join her in the fight against the Taken. The story culminates in a final battle between the forces of good and evil, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chronicles of the Black Company is a dark and gritty fantasy series that explores the complexities of war, power, and morality. Through the eyes of the Black Company, we are presented with a world where there are no clear heroes or villains, only individuals trying to survive in a harsh and unforgiving reality. The series is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience in the face of overwhelming adversity.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Chronicles of the Black Company about?
Chronicles of the Black Company is a gripping dark fantasy series by Glen Cook. It follows an elite mercenary unit, the Black Company, as they navigate through a war-torn world filled with magic, treachery, and ancient beings. With its complex characters and gritty realism, the series offers a unique perspective on the classic battle between good and evil. A must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
Chronicles of the Black Company Review
Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook, Andrea Blendl (1984) follows the gritty tales of a mercenary band operating in a dark and mysterious world. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Explores the complex dynamics within a mercenary group, offering a fresh perspective on loyalty, morality, and survival.
- Offers a raw and unfiltered portrayal of warfare, providing a realistic and captivating insight into the brutal realities of combat.
- Creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue by delving into the mysteries of sorcery and ancient beings, keeping readers hooked throughout.
Who should read Chronicles of the Black Company?
- Readers who enjoy dark, gritty, and morally ambiguous fantasy stories
- Fans of complex and well-developed anti-hero characters
- Those who appreciate immersive world-building and intricate military fantasy
Categories with Chronicles of the Black Company
Book summaries like Chronicles of the Black Company
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Chronicles of the Black Company FAQs
What is the main message of Chronicles of the Black Company?
The main message of Chronicles of the Black Company revolves around loyalty, survival, and the complexities of power.
How long does it take to read Chronicles of the Black Company?
Reading time for Chronicles of the Black Company varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in a short span.
Is Chronicles of the Black Company a good book? Is it worth reading?
Chronicles of the Black Company is worth reading for its gritty realism and intricate character dynamics.
Who is the author of Chronicles of the Black Company?
Glen Cook is the author of Chronicles of the Black Company.
What to read after Chronicles of the Black Company?
If you're wondering what to read next after Chronicles of the Black Company, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
- Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
- Season of Mists by Neil Gaiman
- King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
- Weaveworld by Clive Barker
- Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff
- Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
- Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
- The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
- Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa