I'm looking for a Top-Shelf Fantasy novel and could use some help?

Question

Here's what I'm after:

- For a mature reader

- High quality prose - strong command of language - immersive

- Doesn't rely on hackneyed fantasy stereotypes

- A little dark

- Anything involving the supernatural, demons, spirits, the theme of 'crossing over' and making connection with spiritual entities

- Violent at times

- Anything involving themes like espionage, covert activities, assassination.

- Someone who can write excellent battles on large or small scale

Answer 1

Have you read American Gods, by Neil Gaiman... it has a bit of everything you're looking for. It's not campy, enough graphic violence... an original.

The setting is in the Modern era, and Classical Myth and Legend take precedence over any kind of 'faerie' beings... but i may be misplacing it on the Top-Shelf?