Collage of my Best dark fantasy book pics

Best Dark Fantasy Books to Read This Year (of Each Subgenre)

Something about the fall weather has me indulging in more dark fantasy books than usual. I’m not much of a Halloween enthusiast, and I am not a fan of horror by any stretch, but the cooler, darker days this time of year have me reaching for books that fit a darker mood.

So I’ve compiled a list of the best dark fantasy books I’ve read and even sorted them by subgenre. Whether you’re looking for a dark epic or gaslamp academia, this list has got you covered!

Grab a coffee, snuggle up in your favorite reading nook, and let the moody reading vibes commence!

Disclosure: There are affiliate links below, which means if you make a purchase after clicking on one, I may earn a commission. Full disclaimer here.

Collage of my Best dark fantasy book pics

What is Dark Fantasy?

A lot of people think of dark fantasy as fantasy with horror elements, but I consider it to be more subtle than that. Dark fantasy is more about the atmosphere and themes it explores.

In dark fantasy books, you’ll often find supernatural creatures, ancient evils, and magic like in any other fantasy book, but often, the heroes are also morally ambiguous, with the lines between good and evil are blurred.

They often explore the darker aspects of human nature. They’re not afraid to dig into heavy to pics like death, corruption, and the struggle against impossible odds.

Some of the key elements I’ve noticed in dark fantasy are:

  • Corrupt worlds with struggling populations

  • Morally grey/ambiguous characters

  • Supernatural/Magical threats

  • Dark magic systems

  • Brooding/gothic atmosphere

Dark fantasy isn’t always about epic wars or world-ending threats. Sometimes it’s about personal struggles or smaller conflicts against a backdrop of darkness and danger.

Some dark fantasies do share elements with horror but it’s not just about scaring the reader. It’s more about creating unease and exploring darker themes within a traditional fantasy context.

But there are also subgenres within dark fantasy. From grimdark to fairy tales, there’s something on this list that you are bound to enjoy!

Best Dark Epic High Fantasy: Mistborn Trilogy

This famous series by Brandon Sanderson takes place on a planet called Scadrial, where ash falls from the sky and freaky mists shroud the night. The majority of the populace, known as skaa, are pretty much treated as slaves to the tyrannical Lord Ruler.

It starts off pretty darn bleak.

But soon, we get introduced to a group of thieves planning to overthrow the immortal Lord Ruler with a strategic heist.

The magic system is very unique and one of my favorite things about the series! Mistings or allomancers are able to tap into special powers when the ingest certain metals. And the more rare “Mistborns” are able to use any power with any metal.

The characters are great too. Vin a street urchin turned Mistborn, and Kelsier, the charismatic rebel leader, were my favorites from the first book.

As the trilogy goes on the stakes get higher and the world gets bigger. The series goes into civil war-like conflicts and power struggles and adds layers to the story. I loved the twists and turns Sanderson throws at us.

Not as grimdark as Game of Thrones or The Poppy War, but it does take on some heavy themes and had the most emotionally impactful ending of any other series I’ve ever read!

If you want to learn more, check out my full Mistborn review.

Best Grimdark: The Poppy War Trilogy

the poppy war

I’m not going to lie, grimdark is not my favorite subgenre. I don’t like things that are too gritty and depressing. However, The Poppy War trilogy by R.F. Kuang is an undeniably great book.

The story follows Rin, a war orphan who discovers she has powers. The first third of the book is a bit misleading, with quirky teachers and Harry Potter vibes – but be forewarned, it gets intense fast.

Kuang puts in elements of Chinese history and mythology and creates a world that feels both familiar and foreign. A nice change from the usual medieval European-inspired settings.

The characters are complex and morally grey like in A Song of Ice and Fire, which is one of the things that makes it so interesting.

But this series is grimdark for a reason and doesn’t sugarcoat the horrors of war. It’s brutal, bloody, and at times disturbing.

Best Gothic: One Dark Window Duology

One Dark Window cover

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is hard not to love, no matter what kind of fantasy reader you are.

The story follows Elspeth Spindle, a young woman with a deadly secret. At a young age, she became plagued by Nightmare, a dark spirit that lives in her mind.

Gillig’s world-building is as creepy as it is lush. The Kingdom of Blunder is a place of eerie forests, and magic. The magic system is based on Providence Cards that grant specific powers to the whoever holds them, and are integral to the plot and characters.

The characters are complex and well done. Elspeth’s (literal) inner demon is particularly great. I was rooting for her the whole way. There is no shortage of romance in this duology either.

If you want a gothic fantasy you won’t be able to put down, this is the book for you. The second book, Two Twisted Crowns, is even better than the first!

Best Dark Academia Fantasy: Babel

Babel by RF Kuang

Babel by R.F. Kuang is a dark, intense academic thriller about colonialism and the power of language. It’s not only one of the best dark fantasy novels I’ve read, it’s one of the best books I’ve read ever.

The story takes place in an alternate universe version of 1830s England and follows Robin Swift, a young Chinese boy taken to England to study languages with the enigmatic Professor Lovell. As Robin gets drawn into Babel, a tower of translation and magic, he discovers the dark underpinnings of the British Empire’s power and starts to question the boundaries of scholarship and what he’s willing to do to make things right.

Kuang’s portrayal of Robin’s conflicts is a deep dive into institutional betrayal and personal morality – the hallmarks of a true dark fantasy with its sense of creeping dread and moral ambiguity.

The magic system in Babel is one of the most complex and interesting ones I’ve read yet; using translated languages to infuse silver bars with magic is a deeply academic take on fantasy and it’s very clever. This magic system tied to language and colonial power is perfect for the dark academic tone of the story – complex, demanding, and often morally tricky.

Babel doesn’t pull any punches on the dark themes; it tackles colonialism, race, and the moral dilemmas that come with power. Kuang’s (alternate) historical detail is meticulous and the dark magic is seamless, it’s a richly immersive and emotionally charged read.

I could rave about this book forever, so be sure to check out my full Babel review for more details.

Best Gaslamp Fantasy: Blood Over Bright Haven

Cover of Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

I’m cheating a little bit here because Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang is just as much of a dark academia fantasy as Babel is, but we can also call it a gaslamp fantasy.

With an academic setting full of secrets, it hits all the marks: an ancient magical institution, a brilliant but flawed protagonist, and an ominous scholarly setting.

The story follows Sciona, the first woman to be inducted into the highmage circle of Tiran—a city brought to life with a vaguely steampunk aesthetic, Victorian-esque machinery, and dark mysticism. Wang does a fantastic job of capturing the sense of exclusivity and systemic challenges, using Sciona’s journey to explore sexism, colonialism, and the sometimes stark difference between good intentions and the outcome of those intentions.

Sciona is a great morally grey character whose ambition and flaws make her journey interesting. Her partnership with Thomil, a janitor from beyond the magical barrier, is a great dynamic and as they uncover secrets in Tiran their relationship evolves. Their interactions and evolving, complicated relationship are one of my favorite things about it.

It’s an atmospheric and thought-provoking dark fantasy for those who love morally complex characters and a dark academia setting.

(Read my full review of Blood Over Bright Haven for more about this book!)

Best Dark Historical Fantasy: The Warm Hands of Ghosts

the warm hands of ghosts

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden is a haunting blend of historical fiction with dark low fantasy elements, set against the chilling backdrop of World War I.

The narrative follows two protagonists, Laura and Freddie, whose stories unfold in parallel. Laura, a combat nurse determined to uncover her brother’s mysterious fate, and Freddie, trapped beneath a pillbox with a German soldier, embody the resilience and despair of those caught in the crossfire of war.

Arden explores the fragile connections forged during wartime, contrasting these moments of tenderness with the brutality surrounding the characters. The relationships—whether romantic or between comrades—shine brightly against the grim backdrop, offering glimmers of hope even when faced with terrifying spirits and ghostly apparitions. The supernatural elements highlight the emotional cost of survival, with benevolent and malevolent spirits alike reflecting the inner battles of the characters.

Arden’s writing style captures both the beauty and brutality of the period. Her descriptions of the haunted, war-torn landscapes are vivid, and her portrayal of the ghosts are as haunting as they are poetic.

Faland, the enigmatic violinist, adds a Gothic flair to the story, deepening the dark, mysterious atmosphere. For those who enjoy a mix of historical depth with eerie, supernatural twists, The Warm Hands of Ghosts offers a powerful, dark fantasy that lingers long after the final page.

Full review of The Warm Hands of Ghosts.

Best Dark Fairytale: Nettle & Bone

nettle and bone

Nettle & Bone follows Marra, a princess who’s not your typical damsel in distress. She’s on a quest to save her sister from an abusive husband and let me tell you it’s a wild ride.

T. Kingfisher combines familiar fairy tale elements with some seriously creepy vibes. Get ready for demon-possessed chickens and a dog made of bones.

It’s like the Grimm brothers met Tim Burton and I’m here for it.

What I loved was how the author subverts fairy tale tropes. The characters are complex and flawed not the perfect heroes and heroines we’re used to.

I loved the horror and humor in this book. One minute I’m creeped out the next I’m laughing at the dialogue. There’s something cozy and wholesome about it, which seems a strange way to describe a dark fantasy book, but if you read it you will know what I mean!

It’s a quick standalone novel under 300 pages, and my top rec for anyone who likes their happily-ever-afters with a side of darkness.

Best Dark Romantasy: The Serpent and the Wings of Night Duology

the serpent and the wings of night

If you like your dark vibes with a side of romance, you should check out The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent.

The story follows Oraya, a human raised by vampires, as she competes in a deadly tournament. I was hooked from the get-go with great worldbuilding and political intrigue.

What I love most about this duology is the morally grey characters. No one is purely good or evil, that adds depth to the story. The vampires are particularly complex. Broadbent is the master slow-burn romance, and you really end up rooting for the main characters.

If you’re a romantasy reader first and enjoy authors like Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout, I think you’ll love these books. They check all the boxes with lots of romance, action, and a beautifully written, strong story.

I’d recommend these to anyone looking for a new take on vampire fiction or dark romantic fantasy. The Serpent and the Wings of Night duology is one the best in the genre.

Final Thoughts

Dark fantasy books are a thrilling escape into dark worlds with complex characters and moral grey areas. I’ve found myself obsessed with the genre’s ability to blend dark themes with epic fantasy.

The best dark fantasy books break the rules and challenge the reader. They leave me thinking long after I’ve finished.

If you’re new to dark fantasy I’d recommend starting with a shorter one-off like Nettle & Bone or Blood Over Bright Haven before diving into the trilogies, and that way you can get a taste for if the genre is for you or not.

Remember personal taste plays a big role in dark fantasy. What I like might not be your thing. I encourage you to try out different authors and styles to find your perfect dark fantasy book!

FAQ

What are some other dark fantasy books that aren’t on this list?

Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence, the First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie, and Fifth Season by NK Jemison are very popular dark fantasy recs. They aren’t on this list because I haven’t read them yet, but they are on my TBR!

Is Grimdark the same as dark fantasy?

Grimdark and dark fantasy are related but not the same. Dark fantasy involves a blend of fantasy elements with dark, often horror-like atmospheres, usually exploring morally complex themes. Grimdark, on the other hand, emphasizes a much bleaker tone, where characters often lack heroism, moral ambiguity is extreme, and the world is typically brutal and unforgiving.

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