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No Game for Knights
NEW STORIES OF SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY WITH A HARDBOILED NOIR TWIST BY BEST-SELLING AUTHORS LARRY CORREIA, LAURELL K. HAMILTON, AND MORE!
“Knights had no meaning in this game. It wasn't a game for knights.� � Raymond Chandler
In a world of criminals, thugs, con artists, cheats, and swindlers, there must be a man to stand against the powers of darkness and corruption. A man not afraid to walk the meanstreets—whether they be those of1930s Los Angeles,an ancient fantasy realm, or some far-flung planet of a future star empire. He is a man who knows that a “good man� is not always a “nice guy.� But when the chips are down, he understands that a hero does the right thing, even if it means losing everything.
He’s a hard man, sure. But an honorable one. He’s a truth-seeker, a score-evener.
He is Sam Spade. He is Philip Marlowe. He is Rick Deckard. He is Harry Dresden.
He is all these men and more.
Now, join Larry Correia and Kacey Ezell as they present all-new stories of fantasy and science fiction with a hardboiled detective bentby today's top authors.
Grab the bottle of Scotch from your bottom desk drawer. Light a cigarette. Tilt your fedora back on your head. But don’t forget to watch your back. This isNo Game for Knights.
Stories by:Laurell K. Hamilton,Larry Correia,Christopher Ruocchio,Michael Haspil,D.J. Butler,Kacey Ezell,Griffin Barber, Robert Buettner,SharonShinn, Craig Martelle, Chris Kennedy,S.A.Bailey,G. Scott Huggins,Nicole Givens Kurtz, andRob Howell.
AboutNoir Fatale, edited by Correia and Ezell:
“Marvelous is a good word to describe all of the stories in the book. . . .Noir Fataleis a book that will charm both noir fans, and general science fiction and fantasy readers. Correia and Ezell have created a captivating mix of stories.”�TheGalveston County Daily News
“[A]wonderfully diverse collection of stories from a broad range of authors and it delivers in spades . . .It is a diverse and exciting slice of Noir and Fatale and a great read.”�SFRevu
About Larry Correia and the Monster Hunter International series:
“[E]verything I like in fantasy: intense action scenes, evil in horrifying array, good struggling against the darkness, and most of all people—gorgeously flawed human beings faced with horrible moral choices that force them to question and change and grow.”—Jim Butcher
“[A] no-holds-barred all-out page turner that is part science fiction, part horror, and an absolute blast to read.”�Bookreporter.com
“If you love monsters and action, you’ll love this book. If you love guns, you’ll love this book. If you love fantasy, and especially horror fantasy, you’ll love this book.”�Knotclan.com
“A gun person who likes science fiction—or, heck, anyone who likes science fiction—will enjoy [these books] . . . The plotting is excellent, and Correia makes you care about the characters . . .I read both books without putting them down except for work . . . so whaddaya waitin� for? Go and buy some . . . for yourself and for stocking stuffers.”—Massad Ayoob
“This lighthearted, testosterone-soaked sequel to 2009'sMonster Hunter Internationalwill delight fans of action horror with elaborate weaponry, hand-to-hand combat, disgusting monsters, and an endless stream of blood and body parts.”�Publishers WeeklyonMonster Hunter Vendetta
About the work of Kacey Ezell:
“Gritty, dark and damp. Much like the war itself.� —Michael Z. Williamson, best-selling author ofA Long Time Until Now
“I lovedMinds of Men.� —D.J. Butler,best-selling author ofWitchy Eye
“A lot of good scifi writers write war, but sometimes forget that it is fought by actual people, and even in the midst of war, you don't stop being people while you fight. If you want a good read that dares you to think about what it is like to go to war when you can't hide behind the masks you learn to wear, check it out.”—John T. Mainer
“Knights had no meaning in this game. It wasn't a game for knights.� � Raymond Chandler
In a world of criminals, thugs, con artists, cheats, and swindlers, there must be a man to stand against the powers of darkness and corruption. A man not afraid to walk the meanstreets—whether they be those of1930s Los Angeles,an ancient fantasy realm, or some far-flung planet of a future star empire. He is a man who knows that a “good man� is not always a “nice guy.� But when the chips are down, he understands that a hero does the right thing, even if it means losing everything.
He’s a hard man, sure. But an honorable one. He’s a truth-seeker, a score-evener.
He is Sam Spade. He is Philip Marlowe. He is Rick Deckard. He is Harry Dresden.
He is all these men and more.
Now, join Larry Correia and Kacey Ezell as they present all-new stories of fantasy and science fiction with a hardboiled detective bentby today's top authors.
Grab the bottle of Scotch from your bottom desk drawer. Light a cigarette. Tilt your fedora back on your head. But don’t forget to watch your back. This isNo Game for Knights.
Stories by:Laurell K. Hamilton,Larry Correia,Christopher Ruocchio,Michael Haspil,D.J. Butler,Kacey Ezell,Griffin Barber, Robert Buettner,SharonShinn, Craig Martelle, Chris Kennedy,S.A.Bailey,G. Scott Huggins,Nicole Givens Kurtz, andRob Howell.
AboutNoir Fatale, edited by Correia and Ezell:
“Marvelous is a good word to describe all of the stories in the book. . . .Noir Fataleis a book that will charm both noir fans, and general science fiction and fantasy readers. Correia and Ezell have created a captivating mix of stories.”�TheGalveston County Daily News
“[A]wonderfully diverse collection of stories from a broad range of authors and it delivers in spades . . .It is a diverse and exciting slice of Noir and Fatale and a great read.”�SFRevu
About Larry Correia and the Monster Hunter International series:
“[E]verything I like in fantasy: intense action scenes, evil in horrifying array, good struggling against the darkness, and most of all people—gorgeously flawed human beings faced with horrible moral choices that force them to question and change and grow.”—Jim Butcher
“[A] no-holds-barred all-out page turner that is part science fiction, part horror, and an absolute blast to read.”�Bookreporter.com
“If you love monsters and action, you’ll love this book. If you love guns, you’ll love this book. If you love fantasy, and especially horror fantasy, you’ll love this book.”�Knotclan.com
“A gun person who likes science fiction—or, heck, anyone who likes science fiction—will enjoy [these books] . . . The plotting is excellent, and Correia makes you care about the characters . . .I read both books without putting them down except for work . . . so whaddaya waitin� for? Go and buy some . . . for yourself and for stocking stuffers.”—Massad Ayoob
“This lighthearted, testosterone-soaked sequel to 2009'sMonster Hunter Internationalwill delight fans of action horror with elaborate weaponry, hand-to-hand combat, disgusting monsters, and an endless stream of blood and body parts.”�Publishers WeeklyonMonster Hunter Vendetta
About the work of Kacey Ezell:
“Gritty, dark and damp. Much like the war itself.� —Michael Z. Williamson, best-selling author ofA Long Time Until Now
“I lovedMinds of Men.� —D.J. Butler,best-selling author ofWitchy Eye
“A lot of good scifi writers write war, but sometimes forget that it is fought by actual people, and even in the midst of war, you don't stop being people while you fight. If you want a good read that dares you to think about what it is like to go to war when you can't hide behind the masks you learn to wear, check it out.”—John T. Mainer
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2022
49 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Larry Correia
121books4,282followersLarry Correia (born 1977) is the New York Times bestselling author of the Monster Hunter International series, the Grimnoir Chronicles, and the thriller Dead Six.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 12, 2022
Good If Uneven Collection
As expected Gutter Ballet set in the Sun Eater universe was an absolute treat as is everything written by Christopher Ruocchio. I also really enjoyed the last story set in the Monster Hunter World by Larry Corriea. Overall I really like the idea of mixing noir detective storytelling with fantasy and sci fi. I also really liked the alternate history short story in this collection. There were just a few stories that couldn't hold my attention. It was still worth the few bucks I paid for the kindle version.
As expected Gutter Ballet set in the Sun Eater universe was an absolute treat as is everything written by Christopher Ruocchio. I also really enjoyed the last story set in the Monster Hunter World by Larry Corriea. Overall I really like the idea of mixing noir detective storytelling with fantasy and sci fi. I also really liked the alternate history short story in this collection. There were just a few stories that couldn't hold my attention. It was still worth the few bucks I paid for the kindle version.
March 8, 2024
No Game for Knights is a great collection of pulpy noir themed detective stories set in a variety of different themes, worlds, and environments. These stories range from the classic fedora wearing, chain smoking detectives we all know and love to a supernatural Egyptian warrior protecting a young girl from vampires! Each story is a delight and vastly different from one another besides the one common theme each of them possess which is a typically older, disgruntled, private-eye (or in some cases a monster veterinarian) taking on a case or challenge which he knows won’t end well but nevertheless trudges forward.
It was hard to put this book down and I often found myself wishing some of these short stories continued even further. The majority of them were the perfect pace and had satisfying conclusions which left me either feeling satisfied, or pondering a moral dilemma. If I had to pick my top three stories which is a very hard task I’d probably choose: The Incomparable Treasure by Rob Howell, Gutter Ballet by Christopher Ruocchio, and Faint Hearts by Griffin Barber and Kacey Ezell. It’s not often to find a collection of stories so vastly different yet all so well written as in the case of No Game for Knights.
Books like this make me wish GoodReads had a .5 option as this book deserves a 4.5 in my opinion rather strictly a 4 or 5. Nonetheless I’d highly recommend this book as it’s an entertaining read and you’re sure to find something in here you enjoy.
It was hard to put this book down and I often found myself wishing some of these short stories continued even further. The majority of them were the perfect pace and had satisfying conclusions which left me either feeling satisfied, or pondering a moral dilemma. If I had to pick my top three stories which is a very hard task I’d probably choose: The Incomparable Treasure by Rob Howell, Gutter Ballet by Christopher Ruocchio, and Faint Hearts by Griffin Barber and Kacey Ezell. It’s not often to find a collection of stories so vastly different yet all so well written as in the case of No Game for Knights.
Books like this make me wish GoodReads had a .5 option as this book deserves a 4.5 in my opinion rather strictly a 4 or 5. Nonetheless I’d highly recommend this book as it’s an entertaining read and you’re sure to find something in here you enjoy.
July 5, 2023
This anthology started off just OK...but thankfully ended awesome.
Both 1957 and Faint Hearts were just OK. Not bad, but a little boring. Very unlike Correia to edit an anthlogy and start off with two of the three weakest stories in the set (the other being Gutter Ballet, which I didn't love).
Things picked up with The Lady in the Pit. The narrator was sassy and fun!
All In the Family had the most classic, alcoholic detective of the set.
Sammy Oakley and the Jewel of Amureki by Laurel Hamilton was fantastic.
Utopia's Sheep was something entirely different and unique. Loved it.
Pandemonium was also unique and intriguing.
Pagan was awesome, with a large amount of world building for such a short story.
The Hound of the Bastard's Villa was my favorite in the book. Outstanding! Very funny!
Midnight Ride was good. Pulpy action. Maybe not as good as the other stories, but still fast paced.
The Incomparable Treasure also good, pulpy detective action. With strong world building.
Storm Surge was good monster-killing action, starring a mummy! Reminded me a lot of MHI.
Gutter Ballet: not my favorite. Probably the worst in the book. Mostly, the actions / motivations. of the characters weren't super believable.
Allegation of an Honorable Man: outstanding story in the MHI universe. Loved it. Great way to cap off the book.
Both 1957 and Faint Hearts were just OK. Not bad, but a little boring. Very unlike Correia to edit an anthlogy and start off with two of the three weakest stories in the set (the other being Gutter Ballet, which I didn't love).
Things picked up with The Lady in the Pit. The narrator was sassy and fun!
All In the Family had the most classic, alcoholic detective of the set.
Sammy Oakley and the Jewel of Amureki by Laurel Hamilton was fantastic.
Utopia's Sheep was something entirely different and unique. Loved it.
Pandemonium was also unique and intriguing.
Pagan was awesome, with a large amount of world building for such a short story.
The Hound of the Bastard's Villa was my favorite in the book. Outstanding! Very funny!
Midnight Ride was good. Pulpy action. Maybe not as good as the other stories, but still fast paced.
The Incomparable Treasure also good, pulpy detective action. With strong world building.
Storm Surge was good monster-killing action, starring a mummy! Reminded me a lot of MHI.
Gutter Ballet: not my favorite. Probably the worst in the book. Mostly, the actions / motivations. of the characters weren't super believable.
Allegation of an Honorable Man: outstanding story in the MHI universe. Loved it. Great way to cap off the book.
February 7, 2023
No Game For Knights is one of those short story compilations that miraculously has something for every reader to enjoy regardless of their preferred genre. Are you a fan of Casablanca style wartime intrigue? This book has you covered. Talking animals searching for lost jewels? They’ve got that too. Neo-noir detectives from the future on the case of the century? Aliens? Vampires? Yep, yep, and yep! I’m pretty sure you could put this collection into just about anyone’s hands and they’d find something to be absolutely stoked to read as long as they like their heroes a little on the dark and gritty side. I was thrilled to discover new stories from Laurell K. Hamilton (my favorite!) and Sharon Shinn, although based on the gritty anti-hero theme I was hoping for something from Jim Butcher as well. Mild disappointment at the absence of Harry Dresden aside, the range of authors and story content is an eclectic, diverse, and overall highly entertaining mix that is best enjoyed with a stiff drink and a flair for adventure.
October 31, 2022
Are you looking for a mash-up of noir and science fiction, fantasy and/or horror? Well, then you wandered into the right office. Inside this tome you will find a collection of detectives out on the mean streets whether those streets are found in fantasy, an alternate past, of the far future all collected by the team of Larry Correia and Kacey Ezell for your reading pleasure. You will find cyborgs, shapeshifters, ex-soldiers, and actual PIs all trying to set right at least a bit of their world. So dive in and enjoy your selves. Considering the range available, you will find something you like. I know I did!
June 8, 2023
It was a good collection with some amazing authors and some that didn't quite measure up. Ruocchio had my favorite one and I loved his prose. Correia and Kacey were great as always. Even though Noir isn't 100% my go to story, there was enough diversity where everyone could latch onto someone or thing in every story.
June 19, 2023
Like any anthology, this collection of short stories has some great pieces and others that don't hit home, but I found most of them entertaining. They all revolve around a guy trying to do the right thing, usually for a dame, buy not always. The stories are from all over, hidden space colonies to ancient city-states to 1940's Los Angeles. Perfect Summer reading.
December 11, 2023
Some good, some not so much
There are some really good stories in here. In my own opinion, and I know these all characters weren't supposed to be really good good guys. They're anti-heros. But some are so unlikable it made me not care about them at all. Writing is generally good.
There are some really good stories in here. In my own opinion, and I know these all characters weren't supposed to be really good good guys. They're anti-heros. But some are so unlikable it made me not care about them at all. Writing is generally good.
September 23, 2024
"The dark side of fantasy heroes", just what I like.
There weren't really any bad stories in it.
Of course I knew Correa and DJ Butler before, that's a main reason why I bought this anthology.
But as for new authors, it made me get books by G. Scott Huggins, Michael F. Haspill, and Rob Howell. I loved the humor in their stories and I hope they can replicate that in their full stories.
There weren't really any bad stories in it.
Of course I knew Correa and DJ Butler before, that's a main reason why I bought this anthology.
But as for new authors, it made me get books by G. Scott Huggins, Michael F. Haspill, and Rob Howell. I loved the humor in their stories and I hope they can replicate that in their full stories.
March 16, 2025
Detectives as Knights!
A good read. Stories basis is detective story, but with main character having the attributes of a knight. A variety of settings and antagonists. Some stories in past, some in future and others just fantasy. Page turners with good writing by a number of writers. Looking forward to future anthologies.
A good read. Stories basis is detective story, but with main character having the attributes of a knight. A variety of settings and antagonists. Some stories in past, some in future and others just fantasy. Page turners with good writing by a number of writers. Looking forward to future anthologies.
September 19, 2022
These were some really good and some of them unexpected stories. I had a lot of fun exploring new worlds, characters, and authors in this anthology. Mystery and mayhem ensue!
April 9, 2024
DNF
Well written, interesting, varied stories... but definitely dark as advertised, and I wasn’t in the mood for it.
Well written, interesting, varied stories... but definitely dark as advertised, and I wasn’t in the mood for it.
July 21, 2024
Good read good series.
A good and enjoyable Read. Each author bring in their own style and perspective to the noir style detective. Will definitely keep an eye out for more.
A good and enjoyable Read. Each author bring in their own style and perspective to the noir style detective. Will definitely keep an eye out for more.
August 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this collection, every story had my imagination running wild. As much as I love Monster Hunter; Christopher Ruocchio stole the show.
This was my first time reading Ruocchio.
This was my first time reading Ruocchio.
Read
September 7, 2024Only read “Pandemonium� by Sharon Shinn. 1 star
October 25, 2024
Very fun collection. I'm planning to look up some of these authors, and I'm hoping their stories were set in an ongoing world.
December 10, 2024
Some of these were real gems which I would not mind to read in an expanded format.
September 17, 2022
review to come
Noir mystery stories with settings running from a space station to talking animal helpers of a wizard. Some of the stories are set in the author’s story universe while others are all new. Like most themed anthologies there are some stories better than others. Some stories are more noir than others but if you liked their previous anthology then you will like this one as well.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher
Noir mystery stories with settings running from a space station to talking animal helpers of a wizard. Some of the stories are set in the author’s story universe while others are all new. Like most themed anthologies there are some stories better than others. Some stories are more noir than others but if you liked their previous anthology then you will like this one as well.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher
January 19, 2024
I only read 1 SS in this collection.
Laurell K. Hamilton - Sammy Oakley & the Jewel of Amureki
4*
This is a stand alone story (unless it's very indirectly set in the Anitaverse, which is not discussed or alluded to in any way).
It's a fun fantasy read in a world that has Wizards, Magic, & Enchanted Animals.
Human Wizards can have Familiars & they are protected under the Enchanted Animal Act.
Sammy Oakley is an Enchanted Grey Squirrel who has a special talent for finding lost items. His character is similar to an old school PI that's a hard boiled ladies man.
Sammy is hired to find an missing artifact by Esme, a Chipmunk Housekeeper for a Human Wizard family.
They're assisted in their search by her animal & human coworkers & friends. Sammy encounters a previously known enchanted animal criminal cohort, who is a well known thief.
The ending definitely leaves room for another visit to these characters & their world.
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
I’m not currently following any of the other authors, but I may go back & read the other stories at another time, as I prefer to read series in order (including the novellas & short stories written in the same Universe/World).
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
No Game for Knights: The Dark Side of SF & Fantasy Heroes
Edited By Larry Correia & Kacey Ezell
{No Game for Knights is the follow up to Noir Fatale.}
- Contents -
1957: Robert Buettner (1957 #1)
Faint Hearts: Griffin Barber & Kacey Ezell
The Lady in the Pit: D.J. Butler
All in the Family: Nicole Givens Kurtz
Sammy Oakley & the Jewel of Amureki: Laurell K. Hamilton
Utopia’s Sheep: Craig Martell
Pandemonium: Sharon Shinn
Pagan: S.A. Bailey
The Hound of the Bastard’s Villa: G. Scott Huggins
Midnight Ride: Chris Kennedy
The Incomparable Treasure: Rob Howell
Storm Surge: Michael F. Haspil
Gutter Ballet: Christopher Ruocchio
Allegation of an Honorable Man: Larry Correia
Laurell K. Hamilton - Sammy Oakley & the Jewel of Amureki
4*
This is a stand alone story (unless it's very indirectly set in the Anitaverse, which is not discussed or alluded to in any way).
It's a fun fantasy read in a world that has Wizards, Magic, & Enchanted Animals.
Human Wizards can have Familiars & they are protected under the Enchanted Animal Act.
Sammy Oakley is an Enchanted Grey Squirrel who has a special talent for finding lost items. His character is similar to an old school PI that's a hard boiled ladies man.
Sammy is hired to find an missing artifact by Esme, a Chipmunk Housekeeper for a Human Wizard family.
They're assisted in their search by her animal & human coworkers & friends. Sammy encounters a previously known enchanted animal criminal cohort, who is a well known thief.
The ending definitely leaves room for another visit to these characters & their world.
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
I’m not currently following any of the other authors, but I may go back & read the other stories at another time, as I prefer to read series in order (including the novellas & short stories written in the same Universe/World).
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
No Game for Knights: The Dark Side of SF & Fantasy Heroes
Edited By Larry Correia & Kacey Ezell
{No Game for Knights is the follow up to Noir Fatale.}
- Contents -
1957: Robert Buettner (1957 #1)
Faint Hearts: Griffin Barber & Kacey Ezell
The Lady in the Pit: D.J. Butler
All in the Family: Nicole Givens Kurtz
Sammy Oakley & the Jewel of Amureki: Laurell K. Hamilton
Utopia’s Sheep: Craig Martell
Pandemonium: Sharon Shinn
Pagan: S.A. Bailey
The Hound of the Bastard’s Villa: G. Scott Huggins
Midnight Ride: Chris Kennedy
The Incomparable Treasure: Rob Howell
Storm Surge: Michael F. Haspil
Gutter Ballet: Christopher Ruocchio
Allegation of an Honorable Man: Larry Correia
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