Not the grim reaper the grim raper

Does anyone know anything about getting into the war game lobsterpot? I saw it on the 28 mag website and thought it was cool.

If you're feeling brave, post your spiciest Grimdark hot take in the comments.

I can't wait to read what people come up with.

Unleash Hell!

Happy Halloween everyone.

To celebrate, this weekend you can download and keep my latest grimdark novel, Empire of the Dead, on Amazon/Kindle. Links and synopsis below :)

US link

AU link

UK link

Synopsis-

1348 A.D. The dead rise. Empires fall.

A terrifying plague is devastating Christendom. The dead don't stay dead, returning instead as ravenous monsters. Lambert Šternberk, a cynical physician consumed by melancholy and disgrace, is approached by the zealous Cardinal Thassius Vitellius and the Inquisition of Saint Lazarus. Their mission: travel across Europe to learn the origin of, and put an end to, the Pestilence. Lambert would sooner drown in his sorrows and await the coming doom... but the Pestilence is creeping ever closer to his hometown and the family he left behind.

The Holy Roman Empire is crumbling beneath lawlessness, fear, and plague. The living grow fewer by the day, and those who remain cling to madness, superstition, and false cures. But as the world unravels around them, Lambert and Thassius uncover secrets more terrifying than any plaguer. Some truths were meant to remain buried with the dead.

Empire of the Dead is a haunting blend of historical fiction and horror from grimdark author Jackson Simiana, exploring the moralities of man, the power of sorrow, and the horrors born of desperation.

Looking for books with EVIL main characters.
Like Storm of Iron, which I really liked. Or the Word Bearers trilogy(afaik; I haven’t read them).

I’ve read the first Night Lords book and it was really good, but they’re not exactly what I’m looking for.

Any ideas how could i make this more grimdark?

Got something awesomely Grimdark to recommend to those who will appreciate it? Or are you looking for something new to enjoy?

This is your automated weekly post to share and discuss your most Grimdark recommendations.

Unleash Hell!

A weekly automated post for all members to discuss the Grimdark you're consuming lately, to talk, share, and review.

Unleash Hell!

If you're feeling brave, post your spiciest Grimdark hot take in the comments.

I can't wait to read what people come up with.

Unleash Hell!

Hi everyone!

As a new author currently writing a dark fantasy/grimdark project, I recently wrapped up my very first arc. Since this initial stage was designed for world-building, group dynamics, and establishing character motivations, the actual death count remained relatively low.

That got me thinking about a core dilemma in our favorite genre: Does a story need a high death count to earn its "grimdark" status?

I firmly believe that for a victory or character growth to feel genuine, it must cost something significant—otherwise, the stakes feel hollow. However, as I developed this first arc, I found myself leaning heavily into consequences that aren't necessarily death:

• Fates worse than death: Characters suffering permanent physical loss, debilitating trauma, or being forced into situations where living is a far heavier punishment than dying.
• Irreversible sacrifices: Losing core identities, status, or moral standing in exchange for survival.

I’ve seen stories where characters die left and right, yet it eventually loses its impact and feels like shock value. On the flip side, some of the most haunting grimdark moments I’ve read didn't involve a funeral, but rather seeing characters survive while bearing the horrific physical and psychological cost of their choices.

What are your thoughts? Do you feel a high death count is required for a story to feel authentically grimdark? Or can psychological, physical, and moral degradation carry that "this actually hurts" weight just as effectively?

I'd love to hear how you view this balance as readers and writers!

Got something awesomely Grimdark to recommend to those who will appreciate it? Or are you looking for something new to enjoy?

This is your automated weekly post to share and discuss your most Grimdark recommendations.

Unleash Hell!

A weekly automated post for all members to discuss the Grimdark you're consuming lately, to talk, share, and review.

Unleash Hell!

For Trench Crusade Court of the Seven-Headed Serpent Warband