Grimdark Fantasy + Berserk and Dark Souls | Eleventh Cycle by Kian N. Ardalan

[@ArdalanKian]

Thank you SO SO SO much. I am showing this review to EVERYONE

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank YOU for writing such an amazing book, Kian! And for the kind words, too! 😁

[@jordendarrett1725]

While I'm not a Souls player, I do really like Berserk, and this sounds awesome. Sounds like this author suceeded in exactly what he set out to accomplish.

[@PetrikLeo]

He definitely succeeded, imo. I think as long that you love Berserk and grimdark/epic fantasy, you should be okay with this! :)

[@evanfont913]

I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t get past the weak prose. Glad so many people are enjoying it though!

[@PetrikLeo]

@@evanfont913 nothing wrong with that! The book is being reedited roght now to improve it!

[@dinocollins720]

The cover art is so sick!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

SO SICK! :D

[@nckoussis8949]

This one was fantastic for me! Really glad you liked it. Quickly became one of my favorite fantasy books of all time. I have a feeling in ten years that when people ask "who has the best characterization in fantasy" that Ardalan will be one of the first names listed.

[@PetrikLeo]

Glad you loved it, too! The characterizations were excellent. Truly one of the best I've read! :)

[@MichaelSmith-zx5lw]

Pre-ordered the paperback. I have KU but I want to support this author already. I AM ZO EXCITED FOR THIS

[@PetrikLeo]

Heck yeahhh! As a fellow Berserk fan, I look forward to hearing your thoughts! :)

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Sounds like something I would devour! Brilliant review mate. Ed

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you!I think you'll love it, Ed!! 😀

[@Lila_S.]

First I heard about this book was with the cover revelation and DS influences was enough for a huge fan of fromsoft titles like me to be intrigued .. Glad to hear it lives up to most of my expectations. Thanks, Petrik!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome, Lila! Right from the prologue, I think you'll find the Soulsborne influence oozing already. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it! :)

[@yiShxng1996]

Summoning VaatiVidya...

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahaha that would be amazing! 😀

[@SatanClauze]

Exciting! I look forward to picking this up. That cover art is insane

[@PetrikLeo]

The cover art is so badass!!! 🔥

[@alexandermendez4653]

I'm going to check this out. I love Dark Souls but its so stressful I've never been able to finish any of them. Maybe this will be a more enjoyable form of media to consume that kind of content. Also, a four armed knight on the cover? Absolutely. Edit: You inspired me. I'm going to beat DS3.

[@PetrikLeo]

Can't deny, I'm glad you're interested in this book, but I will be happier to hear you tackle Dark Souls 3 to the end because of me. You can do it!!

[@rdf4315]

This sounds pretty good I'm going to have to check this book out, I love berserk it's my favorite manga of all time and I've been playing soulsborne games since demon's souls, with demon souls and bloodborne being my favorite so I'm going to definitely check this book out when I get a chance .

[@PetrikLeo]

Then you must give it a try! It's quite mixed received. But if it clicked, like it did for me, then I think you will have an incredible reading experience! :)

[@book_scent]

I’m not a gamer, but the cover art alone got me interested, and I preordered the audiobook as soon as I heared you mention it 😁 I’m kinda in the mood for something darker, so this sounds perfect! I can’t wait 😍

[@PetrikLeo]

Woohoo! It's okay if you're not a gamer. I think you'll still love this one! :)

[@book_scent]

@@PetrikLeo Thank you, Petrik! Your recommendations have been on point so far (I really appreciate how you always point out what might/might not work for some in a book), so I'm sure it'll be another winner!!! :D

[@dpeady78]

I’ve just started this, never played a Souls game but I am aware of their style etc. Hopefully I enjoy it as much as everyone else seems to

[@PetrikLeo]

No need to read the games to enjoy this! The book has received an incredibly mixed reception since its release, I hope you will end up loving it, Dan! :D

[@butterflyamanda]

I pre-ordered this straight away, the cover is stunning and your great review just makes me want to read it sooner!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you!! And that's superb. I hope you'll love it. I agree the cover is so stunning! :)

[@AMF0504]

Alright, as someone whose been getting into the soulsborne series these past months and as someone who loves berserk, I can say Im sold.

[@PetrikLeo]

Well then, you can't go wrong with this one. Right from the prologue, you will see what I mean when I say it's Dark Souls inspired. :)

[@AMF0504]

@@PetrikLeo can’t wait to see it

[@junebug9359]

I’ve seen this book around and now I definitely will check it out

[@PetrikLeo]

Superb. I hope you will love it! 😁

[@esmayrosalyne]

I know absolutely nothing about Dark Souls and Berserk, but I am still EXTREMELY hyped for this book. And I don't know what this says about me, but hearing about how dark and disturbing it gets only makes me more excited to check it out, hahah. I've heard nothing but amazing things from the early reviews, so this book will be read as soon as possible!! Amazing review, I am so glad you found a new favourite so early on in the year Petrik!! 🤩

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Esmay!! No worries. Knowing or loving Dark Souls and Berserk are bonuses for readers who want to read this book. It doesn't get much darker and more disturbing than Eleventh Cycle, really. Let's see what you think about it! :)

[@esmayrosalyne]

@@PetrikLeo That's great to hear. I will keep you updated!!

[@thesmuli83]

Hi Petrik. Great review. I'm really looking forward to the book. I have ordered it.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Samuli! I hope you'll love it! :)

[@johnmauro1230]

Totally agree. Eleventh Cycle is SO GOOD. Truly a revelation for me. Excellent review, Petrik!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! It is amazing, John! I didn't expect it would be this good. I'm glad you loved it, too! :)

[@safinan8008]

Hello 👋 good review of the book... happy weekend reading to you!! 🎧📚🌿

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Safina! Happy reading to you, too!

[@magellan1000]

Wow this sounds good, I’ll definitely check it out! Thanks for the review! 😃

[@PetrikLeo]

You're so welcome, Joe! I hope you'll love it when you get around to it! :)

[@magellan1000]

@@PetrikLeo thanks, I’m sure I will!

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

I was looking for something that blurs the line between fantasy and horror and this was recommended to me by someone who got the ARC and I'm so excited for it's release day

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah, this one fits the bill, imo! Thankfully, the release day isn't too long from now! 😁

[@narakudream]

Petrik! What a shirt! Niceeee. I am huge fan of you from Costa Rica. Thank you for your content and your recommendations, thanks to your recommendations my bucketlist is endless. Happy new year to you and your family; including the cute Choco-boy. Best wishes!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Mige! I appreciate your comment and happy new year to you and your family, too! Choco boy says hi back! :D

[@Heathennation1976]

CAN NOT WAIT....I had this book on pre-order from last time u mentioned it,February 1st it comes out,I've played Dark Souls and Love Berserker this is one of my most anticipated books to read I will start it when I get keep up the great content great video

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh wow, if you love those two, and I know you love grimdark fantasy, too, you will certainly love this! :)

[@Heathennation1976]

@@PetrikLeo this guy also has this book out, The Fantastically Underwhelming Epic of a Dead Wizard and average Bard

[@PetrikLeo]

@@Heathennation1976 yeah I haven't read that one yet!

[@Tom960]

Thanks, I was unsure about this book but the review has convinced me pick it up

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! I hope you'll love it, Thomas! 😁

[@LitoYLW]

Excited to read this one! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome, Carlos! I hope you'll love it when you get around to it. Less than 2 weeks until it's out! :)

[@ssspaceman86]

I am VERY intrigued. However, lately they label very dark stories with mostly good characters as "Nobledark", and I've seen the Souls series fall into this category!

[@PetrikLeo]

What even is this.... there are wayyyy too many subgenre. 😂😂

[@ssspaceman86]

@@PetrikLeo I think it's suitable, because it serves to distinguish from stories focused on the bleak and gray side of the human soul, those that tell of a bleak world in which, however, there is someone who still seeks the good. In my opinion, Malazan also falls into this genre nuance.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@ssspaceman86 If this ever becomes a norm in the industry, it will be good, though. I wanted to call this book dark fantasy because the main characters don't suit the grimdark subgenre, but the content and events definitely suit it. So yeah, if Nobledark ever became something widely accepted, then yes let's call it that!

[@adamdarrar121]

I just ordered it for the cover 😂 glad the books dope though

[@PetrikLeo]

I hope you'll love it. It's an absolutely love or hate book. 😂

[@skullcrusher4169]

Thank you for justifying my Souls addiction.

[@PetrikLeo]

ELDEN RINGGGG

[@luvBB4lyf]

Wow this sounds so cool! I love the dark souls universe so I'm definitely going to give this a try, and the content warnings are why I haven't read Berserk, but i think i might be able to handle this novel format (rather than the graphic manga panels). But just to be safe can you tell me the chapter you mentioned with the graphic content? It's so interesting to see different works in different media influence each other, and across cultures too. Also amazing to see how someone's vision (in Berserk) can influence generations of creative minds across the world as well... Just for that I'm definitely going to pick this book up, despite being a bit nervous about the content warnings. Thanks for highlighting them and for this review petrik!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you for the kind words, and you're welcome! I think as long that you love the Dark Souls universe, or Berserk, you will have a blast reading this one. The world-building is so detailed and atmospheric. And yes, I love media around the world influence each other! 😁 Yes! I think beside this one chapter, everything inside should still be possible to be read for majority of adult fantasy readera. The chapter with the heaviest and explicit graphic scene is in chapter 55!

[@luvBB4lyf]

@@PetrikLeo thank you!!!

[@Uppernorwood976]

I’m really intrigued by this book, been waiting to hear what Petrik thinks of it! Looks like it’s one more for my tbr in the near future…

[@PetrikLeo]

Certainly one to read in the future!

[@gregorykontaxis4885]

Look forward for that. Great review and great author!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Gregory! :)

[@historymax5479]

Nice to see you're having a good month. Of War and Ruin comes out in a week, so there's that review to look forward to as well. I was surprised to notice you still haven't reviewed A Clash of Fates on Goodreads, actually. I am currently taking a break from reading (well mostly, The Symphony of Wind seems to somehow keep finding its way into my hands when I'm not looking) to binge Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It's really good so far. Incidentally, do you have any other anime recommendations that aren't dark like Attack on Titan but still have good characters, plot and action, like Fullmetal?

[@PetrikLeo]

Try reading Steel Crow Saga by Paul Krueger. That book is Full Metal Alchemist inspired fantasy. :)

[@historymax5479]

@@PetrikLeo Already did. It's magnificent.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@historymax5479 Ah that's good! I am struggling so hard with reviewing A Clash of Fates right now. I don't know why my writing just won't appear writing a review for that book. 🙃

[@historymax5479]

@@PetrikLeo You'll get it. You are Petrik of House Leo, King of Booktube, after all. Well, unless you get crucified again like in Priest of Gallows 😂(read it two weeks ago).

[@killerbee1974]

I'll look into this

[@PetrikLeo]

Awesome! 😁

[@gripriparmwrestling]

I can’t wait to read this

[@PetrikLeo]

It's so awesome. I hope you'll love it! :)

[@andrewhanson405]

You sold me on this Petrik. This book sounds like my kind of Grimdark. I just pre-ordered it on kindle and then saw Amazon offer it on audible for high discount due to Kindle purchase, so I also pre-ordered it on that, because I want to listen to it while I play fromsoft games. Thanks for putting this series on my radar!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Andrew, and you're so welcome! Let me know what you think about it. I think it's amazing! :)

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

I will add it to my tbr list.

[@PetrikLeo]

Awesome!

[@pappywinky4749]

where the hell did you get a physical copy of this!!?? I got the ebook and am waiting for it to come out, but it sounds right up my alley. Anything with adversity is what I want to read about. I spent my whole life confronted by it. By trauma and other difficult things to face. And reading about others who face this, and overcome it, is just that boost you need sometimes.

[@PetrikLeo]

The author sent a copy for me to read and review. 😁 I agree with what you said, though. Overcoming trauma and cruel adversity, especially when they're done right, is the kind of story I can't get enough of. I think that's why I'm allured to Berserk and Dark Souls, too. 😁

[@pappywinky4749]

@@PetrikLeo definitely, there's nothing quite like beating that part you couldn't deal with with dark souls, finally beating that boss after 15 tries. That feeling of liberation that comes after is such a rush

[@mattamant915]

Wonderful. Thanks for making me add to my TBR Petrik 🤨🤣

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome, Matt! I hope you'll love this one as much as I did! :)

[@Almighty_Mage]

I like grimdark, Berserk, and the Souls series. This book is too potent of a mix to not read so I am sold.

[@PetrikLeo]

I love all three and this clicked with me. I hope it will be the same for you. Seems like people absolutely love/hate this book. 😂

[@HakolBeseder09]

Since Prince of Nothing/ Aspect Emperor is my favorite fantasy book. Most disturbing fantasy i read now you got me drooling over this Eleventh Cycle. When is the release date?

[@PetrikLeo]

Prince of Nothing is on my list this year, at least the first trilogy! Eleventh Cycle will be released February 1st! :)

[@muxx2810]

You say it's great, I order it. Just pre-ordered on Amazon dunno when it will get delivered though.

[@PetrikLeo]

As long that you love grimdark, I think you'll love this. The book comes out on the 1st of February. 2 weeks from now! :)

[@pherranine]

this sounds just for me thanks so much for introducing people to different books you are very influential! i do have a question tho, does it work as a standalone? like does it end in a satisfying enough way?i hate waiting for the second book haha

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Glade! Hmm, I don't think it really works as a standalone. It doesn't have a cliffhanger ending, but I think the ending just makes it more exciting to read the sequel.

[@ethancoyle2193]

I will definitely be picking this up. Do you have any other recommendations for Dark Souls like/inspired books?

[@PetrikLeo]

None of these are inspired by it, but Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson, and supposedly Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe and The Second Apocalypse by R. Scott Bakker should be suitable for Dark Souls fans! :)

[@Paromita_M]

Great review!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@fjuran1]

Petrik, great review. Already have this on my list, waiting for it to arrive. Would you say the content is more severe that Brian Durfee?

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Frank! I'll say this one is yes. Especially emotionally. So brutal. 😶

[@spyroskampanos7965]

Great review, another book to add to my TBR! Irrelevant question to the video, but do you know when Of war and ruin, by Ryan Cahill, will be released in physical format?

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Spyros! Unfortunately, no. Ryan Cahill isn't sure about it yet, too. Could be in February or even March!

[@spyroskampanos7965]

@@PetrikLeo Thank you for the quick reply!

[@kyleagawin]

I’m definitely getting it after watching this! Would you compare it to Dreams of the Dying or would you say it’s more dark and with different themes? I finished DotD last year and loved it!

[@PetrikLeo]

I loved Dreams of the Dying, too! This one is up there in terms of quality, even better in some places, really. But the themes tackle are different. And it's darker and more violent than Dreams of the Dying. :)

[@wilsonguillory490]

I have to say I feel a bit led astray on this one, Petrik. I preordered the book based on your review and DNFd after about 50 pages. The book is in dire need of editing, with grammar mistakes and awkward diction in every other paragraph. The writing in general lacks polish, with the first chapter opening with an "as you know..." infodump and improving little thereafter. It has a shiny presentation, but it felt like I was beta reading for a friend rather than trying a major new s/p release. The notion that this is as worth my time as the best of traditionally published books of similar length like ASOIAF and Malazan seems laughable.

[@PetrikLeo]

Really? Well, I have to disagree with you. And it's not just me, many who've read it absolutely loved it, too. It is your opinion and you have every right to think the book is trash. Not sure why you compared it to Malazan or A Song of Ice and Fire, though? I never mentioned these two in my review. I've read and loved Malazan Book of the Fallen and ASOIAF. This book is nothing similar to those two. Anyway, sorry the first 50 pages of this one was trash for you. I've had other people thanking me saying this is one of their favorite books already. So obviously, as always, it all depends on each reader. :)

[@wilsonguillory490]

@@PetrikLeo Yeah, so far the praise seems universal which is why I felt weird reading the book. "What am I missing?" It's always interesting seeing how opinions can differ, especially as I follow you since usually our tastes are pretty aligned. But then I remember one time I commented here on how you rated The Traitor Baru Cormorant a 1/5 and it's one of my favorite books of all time! I compared the book to those others because they're dark and of similar size (as individual books), and for me are benchmarks of excellence.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@wilsonguillory490 hahaha exactly! I know what you mean. I genuinely can't find anything likable about Traitor Baru Cormorant. Glad you and other readers loved it though!

[@morleywritesbooks]

I'm curious... It'll probably traumatize me... but I'm foolish enough to still put it on my TBR.

[@PetrikLeo]

A few scenes here did get really dark, especially in THAT one chapter! I hope you'll still find the book suitable to your reading, Rachel! :)

[@muhammadannasfarooq4561]

I'm torn between starting Eleventh Cycle and Of Blood and Fire.....which should I start with?

[@PetrikLeo]

Eleventh Cycle for something more grim. Of Blood and Fire for something more classic and traditional. 😃

[@irocz5150]

TBR keeps getting more books.

[@PetrikLeo]

As always. xD

[@TeamCarbos]

Hello Petrik! What did you think of all the spelling errors and grammatical errors? For me they made the book almost unreadable

[@PetrikLeo]

Honestly speaking, they can be distracting but didn't bother me too much. I think this is mostly because I've been reading ARCs for years. Many of them came with spelling errors and typos. I read an ARC of this, too, so I thought they were fixed in the final edition. I guess not, based on the mixed reviews it got. I hope this will be fixed in a future update because the book is indeed awesome, imo. :)

[@sono_chi_no_sodium_chlorid7635]

Okay Is it dark fantasy or grimdark? These are two different things

[@PetrikLeo]

Grimdark fantasy. But these genre classifications are insanely annoying. Many grimdark fantasy are called dark fantasy outside US/UK readership.

[@sono_chi_no_sodium_chlorid7635]

@@PetrikLeo In general the difference between these two is that, while they are both dark and at times edgy, grim dark is WAY more dark and hopeless while dark fantasy is simply more gritty. That's why grimdark is so disliked. I just want to know how edgy it is

[@PetrikLeo]

@@sono_chi_no_sodium_chlorid7635 and that definition too is sometimes disputed. Berserk is so often called grimdark in the West, in Japan and where I live it's simply called dark fantasy. Anyway, yeah this is grimdark. I mention dark fantasy at the end of the review because there are horror element to the book.

[@sono_chi_no_sodium_chlorid7635]

@@PetrikLeo Never heard anyone on the west reffer to Berserk as grimdark personally. But anyway, I may check out the book Have a great day

[@MrOrthiad]

Can you read this as a standalone? I know this is meant to be a series, but still.

[@PetrikLeo]

I think so. Not really a standalone but there is no cliffhanger. The ending will make you excited for the next installment though.