Discover books similar to "Mercenary"

Mercenary cover

Piers Anthony

Mercenary

3.79

Part of "Bio of a Space Tyrant" series

"Mercenary" by Piers Anthony is a science fiction novel that explores the themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of violence. The story follows the journey of a young man named Aron, who is kidnapped and forced to become a mercenary in a distant planet. As he navigates through the complexities of his new life, Aron must confront his own beliefs and values, as well as the harsh realities of war. Anthony's world-building is exceptional, creating a vivid and immersive universe filled with unique cultures, languages, and technologies. The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the story easy to follow despite its complex themes. The characters are well-developed, with Aron's internal struggles and gradual transformation being the heart of the story. One of the strengths of "Mercenary" is its exploration of the morality of violence and the consequences of war. The novel does not shy away from the brutal realities of combat, and it challenges the reader to consider the implications of taking a life. The book also raises questions about identity and the concept of self, as Aron grapples with his new role and the expectations placed upon him. Overall, "Mercenary" is a thought-provoking and engaging science fiction novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Its exploration of complex themes, exceptional world-building, and well-developed characters make it a standout addition to any reader's shelf. However, its graphic depictions of violence and mature themes may not be suitable for all audiences. In conclusion, "Mercenary" by Piers Anthony is a must-read for science fiction fans who enjoy thought-provoking stories with complex themes and well-developed characters. Its exceptional world-building and exploration of morality and identity make it a standout addition to the genre...

List of books similar to "Mercenary":

Soldier of the Mist cover

Gene Wolfe

Soldier of the Mist

Like 'Mercenary', this book explores the life of a soldier, but with a fantastical twist. The protagonist is a mercenary in ancient Greece who is suffering from memory loss and is guided by the goddesses of his pantheon.

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The Sword-Edged Blonde cover

Alex Bledsoe

The Sword-Edged Blonde

A hard-boiled detective novel with a fantasy twist, this book features a mercenary-turned-private investigator named Eddie LaCrosse. A great choice for fans of 'Mercenary' who want to see a similar character in a different genre.

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The Heroes cover

Joe Abercrombie

The Heroes

This standalone novel set in the world of the First Law series features a brutal and realistic portrayal of war, much like 'Mercenary'. The story follows a group of soldiers over the course of three days of battle.

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The Black Company cover

Glen Cook

The Black Company

This series about a group of mercenaries known as the Black Company is a must-read for fans of 'Mercenary'. The books are known for their gritty, realistic portrayal of mercenary life and their large cast of morally ambiguous characters.

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The Lies of Locke Lamora cover

Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora

This book about a group of con artists in a fantasy city is a great choice for fans of 'Mercenary' who want to see a different side of the fantasy genre. The protagonists are thieves instead of soldiers, but the camaraderie and the twists and turns of the plot will be familiar to readers of 'Mercenary'.

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The Blade Itself cover

Joe Abercrombie

The Blade Itself

This is the first book in the First Law series, which features a gritty and realistic portrayal of war and politics. The characters are morally ambiguous and the plot is full of twists and turns, making it a great choice for fans of 'Mercenary'.

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The Steel Remains cover

Richard K. Morgan

The Steel Remains

This dark and gritty fantasy novel features a gay protagonist and a brutal portrayal of war. The book is known for its graphic violence and its exploration of sexuality, making it a good choice for fans of 'Mercenary' who want to see a different side of the fantasy genre.

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The Guns of the South cover

Harry Turtledove

The Guns of the South

This alternate history novel features a group of time-traveling Confederate soldiers who are given AK-47s by a group of South African white supremacists. The book explores the moral and practical implications of time travel and the use of advanced technology in warfare, making it a good choice for fans of 'Mercenary' who want to see a different take on the theme of war.

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The Forever War cover

Joe Haldeman

The Forever War

This science fiction novel explores the themes of time dilation and the psychological effects of war. The protagonist is a soldier who is fighting in a war that lasts for centuries due to the effects of time dilation. The book is a great choice for fans of 'Mercenary' who want to see a different take on the theme of war.

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The Hero With a Thousand Faces cover

Joseph Campbell

The Hero With a Thousand Faces

This non-fiction book explores the concept of the hero's journey, which is a common theme in many works of literature, including 'Mercenary'. The book is a great choice for fans of 'Mercenary' who want to learn more about the literary techniques and themes used in the book.

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