7 Books About Alliances Between Former Enemies

In the grand tapestry of storytelling, few themes are as powerful and transformative as the alliance between former enemies. When individuals or factions, once locked in bitter conflict, are forced to set aside their differences for the sake of survival, the tension crackles with emotional complexity. These stories are not just about the struggle to defeat a common enemy—they are about redemption, forgiveness, and the possibility of growth through unexpected bonds. From the battlegrounds of war to the intricate chess games of politics, these 7 books explore the beauty and pain of forging alliances in the most unlikely of places.

1. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence

⚔️ When Darkness and Light Clash to Forge a New Path

In a brutal, post-apocalyptic world, Jorg Ancrath is a prince turned antihero, driven by a thirst for vengeance and power. Haunted by his past and the ghosts of those he’s wronged, Jorg’s journey is one of ruthless ambition and unrelenting violence. However, throughout the trilogy, he begins to realize that the key to survival—and perhaps salvation—lies in forging alliances with those he once considered enemies. Through complex relationships and the uneasy joining of forces with former foes, Jorg learns that the darkest corners of humanity can give rise to the brightest lights.

📖 Why Read It?
✔ A gripping, dark fantasy with themes of redemption, revenge, and the power of unlikely alliances
✔ Complex characters whose relationships evolve in fascinating, unpredictable ways
✔ An intense, action-packed narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats

2. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

🔥 War, Magic, and the Fragility of Alliances

Rin starts as a poor, orphaned girl from a backwater village, but her journey leads her into a world torn apart by war. As she rises through the military ranks, she finds herself entangled in a brutal conflict with a powerful empire. But amidst the chaos, Rin is forced to join forces with former enemies—each of whom has their own motivations and grudges. The alliances forged in the heat of war are fragile, and as Rin and her allies confront ancient forces and brutal powers, the question remains: can they trust each other, or is betrayal always lurking in the shadows?

📖 Why Read It?
✔ A dark, immersive fantasy about war, magic, and the complexity of human relationships
✔ Themes of loyalty, trust, and the sacrifices made to win against overwhelming odds
✔ An emotionally charged narrative that challenges readers to rethink concepts of morality and power

3. The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

📜 Power, Strategy, and the Art of Turning Enemies Into Allies

In a world dominated by a colonial empire, Baru Cormorant is a brilliant strategist who rises through the ranks of the empire in an effort to dismantle it from within. But her journey is complicated by the alliances she must form with former enemies—rivals who once sought her destruction. Through a series of political machinations and personal sacrifices, Baru navigates a web of deceit, proving that in the game of power, even the most treacherous relationships can be reshaped into something useful. The tension between her ambition and her moral code is palpable, and her journey raises questions about loyalty, betrayal, and survival.

📖 Why Read It?
✔ A political fantasy filled with intrigue, betrayal, and the complexities of governance
✔ A strong, calculating protagonist navigating a world of shifting alliances
✔ Richly layered world-building that explores the fine line between loyalty and self-preservation

4. The War of the Roses by Conn Iggulden

🛡 Shifting Alliances Amidst a Bloody Struggle for Power

Set during the brutal English civil war, The War of the Roses chronicles the complex and bloody battle for the throne of England. Throughout this historical epic, former enemies—from rival nobles to kings and queens—are forced to make tenuous alliances in the hopes of gaining an upper hand in the struggle for power. The characters’ shifting allegiances and the constant back-and-forth of betrayal and trust create a narrative filled with tension, drama, and political maneuvering.

📖 Why Read It?
✔ A deeply engaging historical fiction that explores the intricacies of war and political alliances
✔ Richly drawn characters whose motivations are shaped by their personal battles for power
✔ A vivid, bloody backdrop that pulls readers into the intensity of the War of the Roses

5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

🌙 Magic, Rivalries, and the Beauty of Unexpected Alliances

In The Night Circus, two powerful magicians, Celia and Marco, are locked in a fierce, high-stakes competition. Their rivalry shapes the fate of their lives and the lives of everyone around them. But as the story unfolds, alliances shift, and what was once a bitter conflict becomes a complex web of friendships, love, and fragile partnerships. The magicians, once enemies, must eventually work together to escape the constraints of their competition and protect the circus that has become their world. Through magic and heartache, they discover that the greatest power lies in unity.

📖 Why Read It?
✔ A beautifully written, magical tale that weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and rivalry
✔ An evocative world full of enchantment, wonder, and unforgettable imagery
✔ Themes of cooperation, trust, and the unexpected power of forming alliances

6. The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist

🌍 Enemies United by a Common Enemy

When two worlds collide, the people of Midkemia must join forces with the Tsurani, their bitter enemies from another dimension, in order to survive an all-out war with dark, otherworldly forces. Pug, a magician of immense power, and his allies must navigate the tumult of war while dealing with the strained and uneasy relationship between the two sides. What begins as a fight for survival soon turns into a deeper exploration of loyalty, honor, and the complex nature of friendship in the face of chaos.

📖 Why Read It?
✔ A sprawling, epic fantasy that delves into the complexities of war and the alliances forged during times of crisis
✔ Immersive world-building that spans two different realms and explores the intricacies of cultures in conflict
✔ Powerful characters who grow and evolve through their bonds with former enemies

7. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

⚔️ Grim, Gritty, and Unlikely Alliances

In a world ruled by violence, betrayal, and intrigue, Logen Ninefingers, a battle-hardened warrior, is forced to make an alliance with the very people he once fought against. This gritty tale explores the lives of several complex characters—each flawed, each struggling with their own personal demons. As enemies are forced to work together in the face of greater threats, the lines between right and wrong, friend and foe, become increasingly blurred. Through violence, betrayal, and shifting loyalties, the characters realize that survival often depends on the most unexpected of alliances.

📖 Why Read It?
✔ A dark, gritty fantasy that dives deep into the psychology of its characters
✔ Themes of morality, revenge, and the evolution of enemies into allies
✔ Brilliantly written with action-packed scenes and philosophical depth

Forging Alliances and Healing Old Wounds

In these 7 books, alliances between former enemies are not just about shared goals—they’re about the evolution of characters, the resolution of old grudges, and the possibility of redemption. Whether in the midst of war, political intrigue, or magical duels, the unlikely bonds that form between these characters remind us that in the end, our differences can often be the very thing that leads to our greatest strength.