Dark fantasy is an interesting literature genre which is a blend of horror, mystery, and magic, resulting in interesting worlds of threat, intrigue, and otherworldly elements. If reading about haunted environments, complicated morals, or frightening mythologies is your cup of tea, dark fantasy is guaranteed to have it all for all book enthusiasts. Below is a listing of 18 of the best dark fantasy reads for your enjoyment.
1. The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
A dark fantasy epic, The Sandman is a graphic novel epic which follows the path of Dream, a member of The Endless, as he attempts survival in a universe filled with gods, demons, and lost souls.
2. The Black Company, by Glen Cook
This dark, gritty set of books is about a band of mercenaries who operate for a powerful, elusive boss. With dark, war-torn environments and complex, flawed protagonists, it is a must for readers of grimdark fantasy.
3. The Broken Empire trilogy by Mark Lawrence
From its first book, Prince of Thorns, this trilogy follows the path of Jorg Ancrath, a cold-blooded anti-hero in a gruesome world. With exquisite, philosophical language, this trilogy is unforgettable.
4. Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
A blend of dark fantasy-historical fiction, this is an exploration of an English revival of magic in the personas of two sharply different magicians.
5. Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
A retribution saga, Nevernight follows Mia Corvere, an assassin in training, on a path of vengeance for her family’s annihilation. Replete in gore, treason, and dark arts.
6. Neil Gaiman, American Gods
Blending myth and everyday struggle, this book follows Shadow Moon caught in a struggle between gods of a bygone era and new gods of modern existence.
7. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Derived from Chinese historical events, this dark fantasy epic explores war, power, and the tragic consequences of ambition and magic.
8. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Following a group of master burglars, this book weaves together crime, dark humor, and fantasy in a thriller filled with action.
9. The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
The first of The Witcher trilogy, this short story collection introduces us to Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter in a dark, mystical, and politically complex universe.
10. The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
A dark academy thriller, Ninth House is a story about Alex Stern, who is researching occult societies on campus at Yale, digging up frightening secrets in her quest.
11. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Starting in Game of Thrones, this epic saga is filled with bloody power conflicts, mystical forces, and multi-planar figures.
12. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
A dark Norse-themed fantasy, this is a novel of gods, warriors, and retribution in a dark, mythic universe.
13. The Court of Broken Knives by Anna Smith Spark
A dark, hard-hitting book of poetry set amidst action-filled battles and intrigue in a dark, unstable universe.
14. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
A horror-fantasy blend, this experimental novel is a story of a house greater on the inside than on its outward facade, which discloses dark secrets.
15. Dracula by Bram Stoker
A gothic horror in its traditional style, Dracula introduces readers to the well-known vampire, Count Dracula, and his terror for all who come in his path.
16. Perdido Street Station, by China Miéville.
The dark fantasy steampunk novel is based in a creepy and ominous city filled with mutants, crime, and otherworldly entities.
17. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
A dark fairy story for kids, Coraline is a spine-tingling story about a girl who stumbles upon a dark alternative universe beyond a secret doorway.
18. Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Blending dark fairytales and folklore, Uprooted is a story about a young girl who is abducted by a wizard and taken to a magical tower, there to discover a dark and evil power.
Conclusion
Dark fantasy is a storytelling style which combines elegance in darkness, blending horror, magic, and rich storytelling. Be it gothic horror of a traditional kind, or modern grimdark, such novels give a spine-chilling experience of a night. Of these, which have I read? Are there dark fantasy favorites I can place on this list?