Hi! I'm writing this post for a friend, but I hope you can help anyway. He's searching for a novel (no manga) similar to Berserk in the atmosphere and character building, but more on the historical fiction than the fantasy side. Something with a tormented protagonist, great battles and a dark side, but set in the real world and not in a fantasy land. It could have some fantasy elements, but within a real historical setting.
I hope someone can help!
Thank you!
by fulminifragili