Books With Bloodthirsty Characters Like Vox Machina's Grog Strongjaw

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Are you a fan of the lovable, dim-witted, and battle-hungry Grog Strongjaw from Critical Role? Whether it’s his booming laugh, unshakable loyalty, or love of smashing things, Grog has become an iconic barbarian in fantasy storytelling. If you’re searching for books that feature characters who embody Grog’s larger-than-life personality, here’s a list that’s sure to satisfy your inner barbarian fan!

1. The Legend of Drizzt Series by R.A. Salvatore

Barbarian Character: Wulfgar
Motivation: A journey of redemption and honor, where Wulfgar overcomes his wild past and learns to channel his battle prowess for a greater cause.
Traits: Wulfgar is a towering human barbarian with immense strength and skill in combat, wielding the legendary warhammer Aegis-Fang. Though he initially comes across as brash and headstrong, his loyalty to Drizzt and their group is unwavering. His slight naivety often brings humor to their adventures, but his love for fighting and sense of camaraderie make him an indispensable ally.

2. Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames

Barbarian Character: Clay “Slowhand” Cooper (honorary mention: Ganelon)
Motivation: Rescuing a friend’s daughter and reuniting the once-legendary band of mercenaries, Saga.
Traits: While Ganelon fits the archetype of a berserker barbarian, Clay’s steadfast loyalty balances the group’s dynamic. Ganelon, after years in stasis, is a powerhouse of rage, fighting with unrelenting fury. Despite his love of battle and seemingly simplistic nature, he has a deeply rooted loyalty to his friends.

3. The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny

Barbarian Character: Dworkin Barimen (interpreted loosely as a chaotic figure with barbarian tendencies)
Motivation: Survival, loyalty to family, and protecting the Pattern that defines their multiverse.
Traits: Dworkin has a sharp blend of berserker madness and simple-mindedness, living on raw instinct and emotion. Though not a classic barbarian, his chaotic energy and unpredictable loyalty make him a fascinating and battle-ready ally.

4. The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

Barbarian Character: Karsa Orlong
Motivation: Seeking personal glory, redemption, and grappling with his cultural identity as a Teblor warrior.
Traits: Karsa begins as a brash, almost naive warrior driven by battle rage and a desire to prove his worth. He evolves through the series, reflecting on his past but never losing his love for combat. His loyalty to his companions and his unwavering commitment to his beliefs make him an unforgettable character.

5. The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie

Barbarian Character: Logen Ninefingers (The Bloody-Nine)
Motivation: Survival, revenge, and finding a place in a world that fears his berserker alter ego.
Traits: Logen is a fierce warrior whose “Bloody-Nine” alter ego unleashes terrifying battle rage. He’s not overly bright, but his loyalty to his ragtag group of Northmen is genuine. His love for fighting is counterbalanced by his moments of introspection, where he questions his violent past.

6. The Black Company by Glen Cook

Barbarian Character: One-Eye (more misfit than barbarian, but Croaker’s POV makes him shine)
Motivation: Staying alive in the grim and chaotic world while supporting the Black Company.
Traits: Though more of a wild card than a traditional barbarian, One-Eye’s gruff loyalty and chaotic fighting style contribute heavily to the group’s survival. His somewhat dim, argumentative nature contrasts humorously with his moments of brilliance and magic.

7. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence

Barbarian Character: Makin
Motivation: Protecting Prince Jorg and finding meaning in his life as part of Jorg’s band.
Traits: Makin is a loyal and skilled fighter with a rough exterior but a heart of gold. His devotion to Jorg and the crew provides much-needed stability to the group. While not the most intellectual, his battle-hardened nature and camaraderie resonate with the barbarian archetype.

8. The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski

Barbarian Character: Yarpen Zigrin
Motivation: Defending his dwarven kin and aiding Geralt and his companions during their journey.
Traits: Yarpen is a battle-loving, ale-drinking dwarf whose loyalty to his friends and kin is as solid as his axe. Though not traditionally dim-witted, his straightforward, no-nonsense demeanor often makes him come across as blunt or simplistic, adding a humorous and endearing touch to the group dynamics.

9. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter

Barbarian Character: Tau’s comrades from the Ihashe warriors (honorary mention to Jabari for loyalty themes).
Motivation: Loyalty to their caste and an unbreakable bond forged through shared hardships in a brutal military regime.
Traits: While Tau himself is the protagonist, the Ihashe warriors embody the fierce battle-hardened loyalty of barbarians, willing to sacrifice everything for their brotherhood. Their reliance on instinct and passion during combat gives a barbaric flavor to their otherwise disciplined approach.

10. Swords and Deviltry by Fritz Leiber (Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series)

Barbarian Character: Fafhrd
Motivation: Seeking adventure, fame, and riches while forming an unlikely bond with the Gray Mouser.
Traits: Fafhrd is a towering barbarian from the cold north with an unquenchable thirst for adventure and battle. Though his cunning often belies his size, his childlike simplicity and unwavering loyalty to the Gray Mouser make him an iconic figure in the fantasy genre. His love for combat and misadventures fits the archetype perfectly.

Conclusion

Whether you love Grog’s larger-than-life energy or his heart of gold, these books bring you characters who will feel like old friends—or perhaps rowdy drinking buddies.