Dark fantasy is a genre that delves into the darker side of human nature, exploring themes of power, revenge, and despair. It is a sub-genre that has gained popularity in recent years, with many readers seeking out books that offer a more gritty and violent take on the fantasy universe.
While there is no precise definition of what constitutes dark fantasy, there are many books and series that fall within this category. In this article, we will explore the top 20 dark fantasy books and series that readers can start with, in no particular order.
From evil wizards to hellish monsters, these books offer a glimpse into the darker corners of the imagination. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or just starting out, these titles are sure to captivate and entertain. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of dark fantasy and discover some of the best books and series that this genre has to offer.
1. The Warded Man (The Demon Cycle Series), by Peter V. Brett
The Demon Cycle Series by Peter V. Brett is an epic tale that is set in a world where demons rise at night to destroy anything that humans build and kill whoever they encounter. The series begins with The Warded Man, which tells the story of how mankind discovered the Wards that magically repelled demons, and how the knowledge of these Wards was lost over time. The series combines elements of high fantasy with a darker style, making the threat of the demons a physical one that is fought with tremendous violence.
The magic system in the series is both arcane and complicated, with Wards that can be used as weapons against the demons. The characters in the series are heroes who rise up to fight back against the demons, even though their knowledge of the Wards is limited. The series is a great example of dark fantasy, where the threat of the demons is not vague but is instead a visceral affair.
2. Prince of Thorns (The Broken Empire Series), by Mark Lawrence
Mark Lawrence’s “Prince of Thorns” is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The remnants of the past are scattered throughout the world, including radioactive areas that are too dangerous to enter.
The protagonist, Honorous Jorg Ancrath, is a prince without a kingdom who seeks to reclaim what was taken from him. Jorg’s character is complex, and his anger both drives and limits him as he navigates this dark and violent world. The series is known for its world-building, which is both original and recognizable. Readers are drawn to Jorg’s evolution as he grapples with his own nature.
3. The Court of Broken Knives (Empires of Dust Series), by Anna Smith Spark
Anna Smith Spark’s debut novel, The Court of Broken Knives, is a remarkable example of dark fantasy. The book follows the story of a group of mercenaries led by Tobias, who are hired to overthrow the emperor and speed up the process of regime change.
The novel is set in the Sekemleth Empire, a world that is slowly falling apart, and as the band of mercenaries makes its way across the desert, the characters and the world are introduced in a slow and steady manner.
The complex and interlocking fates of the characters laid out in the first novel, slowly unravel, leading to a series of betrayals, schemes, and desires that are muddied with blood and darkness. The novel is a slow burn, but the brutal and satisfying way in which Spark unties the knots will leave readers wanting more.
4. The Blade Itself, by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie’s The Blade Itself is a classic dark fantasy novel published in 2006. It is a part of the First Law universe, which has become a reliable brand for the genre. The book presents a world ravaged by perpetual war and features characters who are neither entirely good nor evil but are self-interested. The novel subverts many fantasy tropes and cliches, making it a refreshing read.
The book’s characters are complex and multi-dimensional, which sets it apart from the typical hero-centric fantasy novels. The story is told from different perspectives, allowing readers to understand the motivations and actions of each character. Abercrombie’s writing style is clear and engaging, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story.
5. The Book of the New Sun, by Gene Wolfe
The Book of the New Sun, written by Gene Wolfe, is a science-fantasy series that leans more towards the fantasy genre. The series is known for its dark and bleak atmosphere, which is exemplified by having an apprentice torturer as the main character. The story follows Severian the torturer on his journey across a world that exists on both a superficial and metaphorical level. The sense of decay and rot that permeates the story adds to the violence of Severian’s adventures. The series also falls under the Dying Earth subgenre.
Wolfe’s worldbuilding is complex, leaving the reader to work out what lies beneath the surface. The series is known for its intricate and detailed worldbuilding, which adds to the story’s depth and complexity. Despite the series’ complexity, it remains a compelling read for those who enjoy dark fantasy and intricate worldbuilding.
6. Monstress, by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda
Monstress is a dark fantasy graphic novel series written by Marjorie Liu and illustrated by Sana Takeda. The story follows Maika Halfwolf, an “arcanic” who is a mix of human and animal. Arcanics are hunted and eaten by witches who absorb their power, making Maika’s ability to pass as human a fortunate advantage.
The series explores the war between arcanics and witches, and the complex relationships between the characters. The line between comic book and graphic novel is blurred in this fantastic story, which is known for its stunning artwork and intricate plot. With each new issue, Monstress continues to captivate readers with its dark and compelling narrative.
7. The Rage of Dragons, by Evan Winter
Evan Winter’s debut novel, The Rage of Dragons, is a dark and intense African-influenced story. The Omehi, a warlike people, are led by women who can summon dragons and men with superhuman fighting abilities.
However, the focus of the story is on Tau, a common man with no special powers, who becomes consumed by vengeance after a soul-breaking tragedy. Winter’s deeply-imagined world-building and Lawrence’s unorthodox choice of protagonist make this one of the best dark fantasies of the 2010s. The story is a slow burn of rage and revenge, with Tau as the driving force.
8. Gardens of the Moon (The Malazan Book of the Fallen Series), by Steven Erikson
Gardens of the Moon is the first book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, written by Steven Erikson. The universe of Malazan was originally created as part of a role-playing game by Erikson and Ian Cameron Esslemont.
Erikson’s ten-book series is a masterpiece of dark fantasy, with the first five books focusing on specific events in different parts of the world as different powers – military, magical, and political – struggle against each other.
The characters in the series are imbued with complex moralities that motivate them to surprise the reader, as Erikson rejects standard fantasy plotting and good-versus-evil setups. At first, the story may seem oddly paced, but the slow-boil sprawl of the series starts to take on an epic weight enjoyed by few fantasy worlds as you progress.
9. The Vagrant Trilogy, by Peter Newman
Peter Newman’s Vagrant Trilogy is a complex and dark series set in a post-demonic apocalypse world. The story follows the Vagrant, a character who doesn’t speak, as he travels through a demon-controlled country with a sentient sword called The Malice. The trilogy is a challenging read due to Newman’s choice of writing in a first-person, omniscient style that immerses the reader in the complicated fictional universe without any explanations or exposition.
The world depicted in the Vagrant Trilogy is bleak and filled with demons that must possess physical bodies to interact with the world. Newman’s writing style drops the reader right into this universe, and the question of whether humanity will survive is not the main focus. Instead, the story explores if humanity should even bother trying to survive in the face of such overwhelming darkness.
While the Vagrant Trilogy may be a difficult series to get into, it is one of the best dark fantasy series in recent years.
10. The Gunslinger (Dark Tower Series), by Stephen King
The Dark Tower Series, written by Stephen King, is a unique blend of fantasy, western, sci-fi, and horror. The series follows the journey of a gunslinger, Roland Deschain, who is on a mission to save the universe from destruction. The series incorporates elements of different genres, including King himself as a character in the later volumes. The story is dark and foreboding, with a sense of an ending world slowly disintegrating from the sacrifices the characters have to make to save it.
The Gunslinger is the first book in the series, and it introduces the reader to the world of Roland Deschain. The book sets the tone for the rest of the series, with its mix of genres and the ominous sense of impending doom. The Gunslinger is a must-read for fans of King’s work and for those who enjoy a unique blend of genres in their fantasy novels.
11. Priest of Lies (War for the Rose Throne), by Peter McLean
In “Priest of Lies,” Peter McLean delivers a unique take on dark fantasy. Unlike other epic tales that focus on grand wars and battles, McLean narrows his scope to a gang war within a city. The protagonist, Thomas Piety, returns from his service as an army priest to find his criminal empire in ruins.
He rebuilds his old gang, the Pious Men, and sets out to take back his territory from the invading Gutcutters. However, Piety soon realizes that his opponents have powerful allies, leading him on a desperate struggle for survival.
What sets “Priest of Lies” apart is the exceptional narrative voice of Thomas Piety. He tells his story with a laid-back authority that sells every detail, making the book an engaging and entertaining read. McLean’s focus on the characters and their motivations, rather than the grand scale of the conflict, makes “Priest of Lies” a refreshing addition to the dark fantasy genre.
12. The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth Trilogy), by N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth trilogy is a remarkable work of speculative fiction that won all the Hugo awards and established her as the most important writer in the genre today. The trilogy is a dark and savage story of violent prejudice and the consequences of actions, set in a universe where the world itself seems determined to destroy the people who live on it.
The first book in the series, The Fifth Season, is a gripping and unforgettable read that incorporates elements of science fiction and employs more literary techniques than ultra-violence.
The story is set in a world where natural disasters are common and can wipe out entire civilizations. The people of this world are divided into two groups: the orogenes, who have the ability to control earthquakes, and the stills, who do not.
The orogenes are feared and hated, and are often treated as slaves. The story follows three women: Essun, Damaya, and Syenite, who are all orogenes and must navigate a world that is hostile to their existence.
The book is a masterful exploration of power, prejudice, and survival. It is a must-read for anyone who loves speculative fiction, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
13. Elric of Melniboné, by Michael Moorcock
Elric of Melniboné, created by Michael Moorcock, is a popular character in the dark fantasy genre. As an albino sorcerer, Elric sits on the throne of a collapsing empire, relying on drugs and magic to maintain his vitality.
Despite being a melnibonéan, Elric despises his culture and himself, even as he works to save his people from the rising human kingdoms around him. Moorcock has integrated Elric into his vast Eternal Champion mythology, but it is the character’s self-loathing that makes this series stand out.
Elric’s physical frailty and moral ambiguity set him apart from the traditional high fantasy heroes of the time, making him a unique and complex character in the genre.
14. The Forgetting Moon (The Five Warrior Angels Series), by Brian Lee Durfee
The Forgetting Moon is the first book in the Five Warrior Angels series by Brian Lee Durfee. It is a dark fantasy novel that delves into the concept of inhumanity being justified in the service of supposedly laudable goals. The story kicks off when a sovereign who believes he is the second coming of God’s son begins conquering the known world.
Prince Aeros Raijael of Sor Sevier relies on his grimly competent and incredibly cruel Knights Archaic to prosecute his war and decimate his enemies. However, the cruelty and violence on display aren’t the point of the book. Rather, it is an exploration of how characters believe wholeheartedly in the holiness of their mission. The book is big and bloody, with a volume turned up to eleven.
15. The Darkness That Comes Before (Prince of Nothing Series), by R. Scott Bakker
The Prince of Nothing series by R. Scott Bakker is an epic fantasy that spans two series and seven novels. The story is set in a world that is torn apart by religious war and an ancient prophecy that predicts the end of the world. Bakker’s writing style subverts typical fantasy tropes and writing techniques.
One example is the way he introduces the main character, Anasûrimbor Kellhus, in the first book. Kellhus is a monk warrior who is remarkably logical and isolated, and Bakker holds back his introduction for a significant portion of the book.
The story of how Kellhus takes control of his fate is told with unrelenting violence, and there are several scenes in the series that may require trigger warnings. The series explores the philosophical aspects of fantasy tropes more deeply than most, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
16. Black Leopard, Red Wolf, by Marlon James
Marlon James, a renowned literary writer, made waves with the publication of his new Dark Star fantasy trilogy. The first book of the series has been dubbed as an “African Game of Thrones,” but it is more mythological in tone and has a darker, bloodier world than George R.R. Martin’s Westeros.
The protagonist, Tracker, possesses extraordinary tracking and hunting abilities and is assigned to find a missing boy. His journey takes him through a politically divided Africa steeped in ominous, dangerous magic. This book is a refreshing change from the Western European cultural tropes that dominate most dark fantasy novels.
Key points:
- Dark Star fantasy trilogy by Marlon James is a departure from Western European cultural tropes.
- The first book of the series is more mythological in tone and has a darker, bloodier world than George R.R. Martin’s Westeros.
- The protagonist, Tracker, has extraordinary tracking and hunting abilities and is assigned to find a missing boy.
- Tracker’s journey takes him through a politically divided Africa steeped in ominous, dangerous magic.
17. Alabaster: Pale Horse, by Caitlin R. Kiernan
Caitlin R. Kiernan’s novels, including Pale Horse, Threshold, and Low Red Moon, follow the story of Chance Matthews. After experiencing great loss as a young woman, Chance encounters an ancient and intelligent evil that has been present on Earth for eternity, manipulating everyone to achieve its own goals.
Pale Horse is a dark version of urban fantasy that takes the familiar tropes of young heroes facing ancient evils and takes them in unexpected directions while maintaining the terrifying nature of all that is hidden in this world. Kiernan’s writing is deliberate and thoughtful, and her ability to create an atmosphere of dread is unmatched in the genre.
Summary
Dark fantasy is a genre that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This genre combines elements of horror and fantasy to create a unique reading experience. Some of the best dark fantasy books include “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss, “The Black Company” by Glen Cook, and “The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch.
These books are known for their intricate world-building, well-developed characters, and gripping storylines. Whether you’re a fan of horror, fantasy, or both, these books are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.