Berserk Spoilers.
For a long time for me the best fantasy books were: The Witcher, Lord of the rings and Song of Ice and Fire. But then I read Berserk. And it surpassed them all. Both the art and the story of Berserk are the best I have ever seen. The art of Berserk inspired some of my works. And what fantasy story could be better than the one about a man waging war against demons and trying to slay a godlike monsters? Berserk world is dark and dangerous but not just because of monsters and demons. The biggest danger lies in trusting someone. Even after fighting side by side someone you consider a brother for years you can't be sure that person will not stab you in the back. Our main character Guts is stronger, faster and braver than normal people. But his biggest superiority is his unshakable will to to move forward and keep on struggling against impossible odds. Any other character in his place would likely just give up and then get killed(and likely eaten). But no matter if Guts is faced with a hundred man, a giant monster or betrayal by his allies he always finds the strength to keep swinging his enormous sword Dragon Slayer(such a cool name for a sword). For a long time Guts was just a single mercenary, wandering from one battlefield to another. From his early childhood Guts knew only abuse and betrayal. His life changed for ever than one day he met with Band of the Hawk and their leader Griffith. This also led to meeting Casca( his future lover.) One would think that after finding friendship, comrades and love first time in his life Guts will be happier... But what if it is just another cruel joke? Another way for the Fate or the Gods to torment him? Prelude to a true nightmare? Either way Guts is not gonna just be beaten while lying down while begging for mercy. No. No matter what happens he will keep on fighting. Even if he is betrayed, tormented and deeply damaged...even if the fight seems completely hopeless. Not only does Guts keeps fighting against all odds he also learns to trust and cherish other humans. But he soon finds out that protecting someone you love is harder task than just surviving battle after battle on your own.
Berserk is perhaps not perfect story but that is simply because unfortunately author died before he could finish his masterpiece. But there is still hope because a friend of author is continuing Berserk. But for now those 14 books are some of the best of my purchases. Perhaps Hive/ HBD could rival Berserk books for my best spent money. But other than that only a few things I bought were close to this level of greatness.
