The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone

"The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone" is a series of four novels written by Gregory Keyes:
* "The Briar King" (2003), ISBN 1-4050-3351-7
* "The Charnel Prince" (2004), ISBN 0-345-44067-6
* "The Blood Knight" (2006), ISBN 1-4050-3355-X
* "The Born Queen" (2008), ISBN 978-0-345-44069-3

The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone is a fantasy series that follows the overall fate of its several protagonists and the lands from which they hail. The events recounted deal mainly with the destiny of the kingdom of Crotheny. However, there are several multi-stranded plotlines which sometimes lead resolve to one another while also expanding the history, characters and events of the series. Gregory Keyes' four book series takes a more modern approach to the fantasy genre while still retaining the traditional bench marks of the fantasy. The plot itself can be considered epic, but it is not one that centres on good against evil themes. However, some of the characters do display some of these traits. Overall the series leans more on its character development to develop the plot from several different persepectives, but is also peppered with legends, myths, detailed world backstory, kingdoms, wars and monsters that characterize the genre.