13 Best Dark Fantasy Books for Lovers of Sad Magic
Bella Rose Emmorey
book editor, rogue behaviorist, digital marketer, writer, brand builder, plant aunt, and cheese enthusiast.
A genre that has grown significantly in the last fifteen years is one we all have come to know. But finding dark fantasy reading recs can be tricky, particularly because some people have different definitions of what makes for a "dark" fantasy.
What qualities make this genre dark? Is it just death and dying? In that case, nearly all fantasy that’s not "cozy" would fall here.
No, there’s more to it than that. If a book is dark fantasy, then it has the following:
- Somber, brooding, or menacing tone and atmosphere. You won’t find much light-hearted humor and joking in dark fantasy
- Darker, more mature themes like corruption, death, despair
- More ambiguous, morally gray characters
- Scarier creatures more menacing than a unicorn
- Violence and detailed gore
- Psychological horrors, torture, etc.
- Foreboding and grody settings, often dirty and dangerous
If you love the sound of all of that, we have some dark fantasy reading recs you’ll want to add to your TBR.
Dark Fantasy Reading Recs to Scare the Panties Off You
Dark fantasy reading recs are supposed to be a bit scary. That’s the "dark", right? But sometimes, especially when pursuing books through Amazon’s filters, you get recommendations that aren’t true dark fantasy, but mixed with other $ fantasy subgenres$ .
For example, listed in the "most popular" section when the "dark fantasy" filter is selected, you get at least half the recommendations that are also $ romantasy$ .
That’s fine…if that’s what you’re looking for. Some people don’t want their darkness clouded with romance.
Like this person!
No worries, pal. I have the best people to recommend true dark fantasy reading recs: readers!
Here’s what they love and are terrified by.
1. The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman
A thief reluctantly teams up with a knight on a quest, navigating a world filled with magic, danger, and dark humor. As they journey together, they encounter a myriad of fantastical creatures and perilous obstacles, uncovering secrets that could change their world forever.
2. Manifest Delusions by Michael R. Fletcher
In a world where reality is shaped by delusions, a madman seeks to overthrow a god while grappling with his own sanity. The protagonist's struggle with his own fragmented reality mirrors the chaotic and violent world around him, creating a narrative filled with dark twists and psychological depth.
3. The Dark Tower series by Stephen King
Gunslinger Roland Deschain embarks on a perilous quest across a decaying world to reach the mysterious Dark Tower and confront his destiny. Roland's relentless pursuit of the Dark Tower brings him face-to-face with haunting figures from his past and forces him to confront the nature of his own quest.
4. Gunmetal Gods by Zamil Akhtar
In a world inspired by Middle Eastern history and mythology, a war between gods and mortals unfolds with devastating consequences. As the battle intensifies, alliances shift and ancient powers awaken, leading to a climactic confrontation that will determine the fate of their world.
5. The Vagrant by Peter Newman
A mute warrior, carrying a sacred sword in one hand and an infant in the other, navigates the demon-infested, war-torn world to reach a safe haven. The silent hero's journey is marked by encounters with monstrous creatures and corrupted humans, each revealing more about the dystopian landscape and its fallen glory.
6. Altar on the Village Green by Nathan Hall
Villagers in a seemingly idyllic community must confront the dark rituals and secrets that bind them together. The villagers' struggle against the sinister forces lurking within their own community unravels the true nature of their worship and the dark history binding them.
7. Worldbreaker Saga by Kameron Hurley
In a world facing imminent collapse, various characters must grapple with their roles in an impending apocalypse driven by war and magic. The series intricately weaves together the stories of various characters whose lives and destinies are interconnected by the looming catastrophe threatening their world.
8. Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
A ruthless prince seeks vengeance and power in a brutal, unforgiving world while grappling with his own dark past. Jorg Ancrath's path of vengeance is paved with betrayal and bloodshed, as he seeks to reclaim his throne and reshape his destiny through sheer ruthlessness.
9. Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop
In a matriarchal society with dark, magical undercurrents, individuals with immense power navigate treacherous political and personal landscapes. The complex power dynamics and dark sensuality within the society create intrigue and danger, where characters must navigate their desires and ambitions.
10. The Acts of Caine by Matthew Stover
A professional killer from a dystopian future embarks on a brutal journey in a parallel fantasy world, questioning his purpose and existence. Caine's brutal exploits in the parallel world challenge his understanding of reality, morality, and his own identity as both a hero and a villain.
11. The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
A diverse group of flawed characters navigates a brutal world of war, politics, and dark magic, where morality is often ambiguous. The trilogy's interwoven plots and character arcs culminate in a series of shocking twists and revelations that redefine the boundaries of heroism and villainy.
12. The Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
In a world plagued by seismic disasters, an oppressed minority with earth-manipulating powers struggles for survival and justice. The series explores themes of oppression, resilience, and the enduring human spirit, set against the backdrop of a world in constant turmoil and transformation.
13. The Poppy War series by R.F. Kuang
A war orphan rises through the ranks of a military academy, facing the horrors of war and the devastating consequences of her own immense power. As Rin grapples with the devastating cost of her power, she faces difficult choices that blur the lines between savior and destroyer in a war-torn empire.
Some people have different levels of "dark". These dark fantasy reading recs are for those who truly want a frightening, deep, horrific experience. Enjoy!
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