I recently read Silverblood Promise by James Logan—along with starting its sequel—and I simply loved it.
What I specifically loved (aside from the great characters) was that while it takes place in a grim/gritty setting, it never feels “Grimdark.” It has a very moral MC, who doesn’t want to kill, even when doing so would be the much smarter option—he is unfailingly heroic in his moral choices and regrets. Basically, the world is seedy and dark, but the plot and good characters often choose the more hopeful, heroic choices over dark, disturbing, or for the sake of shock value.
Haven't read it but your description reminds me a bit of the Tales of the Ketty Jay by Chris Wooding.
I love this series. It's been described like Firefly but steampunk with a bunch of anti-heroes who like to pretend that they don't actually care about morals or being heroic and yet still end up doing a lot of good.
I have read it - and seconding this recommendation! They're very much of a moral-but-seedy, scampish-but-not-grimdark way.
Lies of Lock Lammora is a good one. Liveship Traders by Robin Hobb. The Blacktongue Thief and Daughters war by Christopher Buehlman. All have a somewhat similar feel or tone to them
I’ll preface with, I didn’t read much of Daughter’s War but it definitely felt more grim/gory in the early going at least. I loved Blacktongue Thief so I was a bit disappointed, but I get why it went that direction.
Following because I am bingeing the books we have out so far and I am obsessed
I dont think the series gets enough love but I would highly recommend The Rook and The Rose trilogy by M.A Carrick. Gritty enough but with leaning good characters
I have seen the Greatcoats described as a high fantasy hero dropped into a grim dark world.
Steven Brust - Vlad Taltos series - may be worth a look.
I loved The Silverblood Promise! it was one of my favorite books in 2024 & the sequel, The Blackfire Blade, was one of my favorite books from 2025. The Last Legacy is a great series so far! I can't wait for book 3. :) Sadly, book 3 will not be out in 2026 because 2025 was rough for the author (illness in the family and other issues), but I hope we'll see book 3 in 2027.
One thing I loved about it (aside from the points OP mentioned) was that the relationship between Lukan & Flea was awesome. I loved their interactions which were frequently & literally laugh out loud funny to me. That loveable banter is even better in book 2.
I'm not sure what would be similar.
Maybe The Blacktongue Thief? It is also set in a dark world, but it never felt that way to me because of the humor (it's very funny). Also, there was a sense of hope at the end. The sequel, The Thrice-Bound Fool, will be out in October 2026, IIRC.
EDIT: corrected release date for TBTT sequel. It's apparently coming out in October, not May.
I haven't read The Silverblood Promise, but the Tide Child trilogy by RJ Barker is like what you are describing. A world that could easily be the setting for a grimdark story, but with main protagonists trying to be good and moral (for the most part), even if they start (or occasionally sink) low.
Agree on the blacktongue thief suggestion! I would add the work of David Gemmell. His protagonists are live in a dark worlds but usually have strong moral codes.
Well, one of the blurbs on the book reads:
"A fast-paced carnival of setbacks and skullduggery that reminds me of... me! Charming from the first twist to the last."― Scott Lynch, author of The Lies of Locke Lamora