Sometimes it can be hard to keep track of all the subgenres of fantasy. (Check out this blog post for a refresher on some of those subgenres.) The one we are going to discuss today is dark fantasy. The definition of dark fantasy isn’t the easiest to pin down—it’s not exactly horror, though there is definite crossover there.
Dark fantasy incorporates fantasy elements and can have disturbing and frightening themes, and possess a gloomy, moody tone. It also often features an antihero at its center—a protagonist you’re not sure you can trust.
Dark fantasy is personally one of my favorite fantasy subgenres. I love fantasy with a bit of horror thrown in, that tackles grim themes and features frightening monsters. I even wrote my own dark fantasy novel.
Here are ten dark fantasy books to keep you up at night.
1) Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
The Shadow Fold is a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters and orphan Alina Starkov knows she may not survive her first trek across it. But when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes dormant magic that even she didn’t know she possessed. Now she enters a lavish world of royalty and intrigue to train with the Grisha, her country’s magical military elite. She falls under the spell of the Darkling, their notorious leader, who believes that if Alina can master her gift, she can use it to destroy the Shadow Fold and reunite their war-ravaged country. As Alina learns the secrets of her past and the threat to the kingdom increases, she will make a dangerous discovery that could threaten everyone she loves and the future of the nation.
Before coming out with Six of Crows (another fantastic dark fantasy that takes place in the Grishaverse), Leigh Bardugo burst onto the literary scene with Shadow and Bone. This novel—the first in the Shadow and Bone trilogy—paints a highly imaginative world populated by compelling characters. You can watch the TV adaptation of the series on Netflix.
2) Claymore by Norihiro Yagi
Monsters called Yoma prey on humans and live among them in disguise. Humanity’s only hope is the Claymores, a new breed of half-human, half-monster warrior. These silver-eyed slayers possess unnatural strength but must fight their savage impulses or lose their humanity completely. When a Yoma kills six people, a village descends into fear and paranoia. The Claymore sent to slay the monster isn’t what the villagers expected. She seems more monster than human.
This beautifully illustrated manga depicts a thrilling sword-and-sorcery fantasy. It may seem like your typical hack-and-slash adventure at first but it unfolds into a character-driven story full of strong women, intrigue, revenge, and freedom. There is also an excellent anime adaptation of the same name.
3) The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
Infamous barbarian Logen Ninefingers is on the verge of becoming a dead barbarian. Selfish Captain Jezal dan Luthar has no greater aims than fleecing his friends at cards and dreaming of glory in the fencing circle. But war is brewing. Cripple-turned-torturer, Inquisitor Glokta, would love nothing more than to see Jezal come home dead. But Glokta hates everyone—his latest trail of corpses may lead him right to the heart of the government if he can stay alive long enough to follow it. The wizard Bayaz could be the First of the Magi or a spectacular fraud, but whatever he is, he’s about to make the lives of Logen, Jezal, and Glokta much more difficult.
This gritty novel—the first in the First Law trilogy—has not just one antihero, but three. These three protagonists are unforgettable characters and the book has a sharp, witty tone that will have you laughing out loud at its wicked humor. This is a fantastic book full of murder conspiracies and gray morality.
4) Coraline by Neil Gaiman
At first, when Coraline steps through a door to find an odd world similar to her own (but better), she thinks it’s wonderful. But she has another mother in this world and another father too who both want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go. Coraline will have to summon all her wit and courage to save herself and make it back to her ordinary life.
I also included this short novel in my roundup of spine-chilling children’s and YA books. It’s a marvelously whimsical, creepy story that can be enjoyed by readers of any age. I first read the book in my twenties and have read it twice more since. Henry Selick, director of The Nightmare Before Christmas, directed a lovely stop-motion-animated film based on the book as well.
5) Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
In a land where three suns almost never set, Mia Corvere barely escapes her father’s failed rebellion with her life. She hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. Her gift for speaking with shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer. Now sixteen, Mia is apprenticed to the Red Church, the deadliest gang of assassins in the entire Republic. If she manages to survive the initiation, she will be inducted among the chosen of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to revenge against those who destroyed her family.
Like many of the other titles on this list, Nevernight is the first book in a series. Kristoff creates a dark world of corruption and violence that echoes ancient Italian civilization. The book is utterly thrilling and very satisfying. Mia is a deeply compelling protagonist living in a shades-of-moral-gray world.
6) Black Butler by Yana Toboso
Just outside of London is the manor house of the illustrious Phantomhive earldom, home to Ciel Phantomhive. He is a giant in the world of commerce and Queen Victoria’s loyal servant at just twelve years old. Sebastian, his loyal butler, is always at his side and ready to save a dinner party gone awry or probe the dark secrets of London’s underbelly. He almost seems too good to be true—or at least, to be human.
Like Claymore, this is a well-drawn manga. Also like Claymore, it has been adapted into a fantastic anime—though the books are even better. This is a story with well-developed characters, and the relationship between Ciel and Sebastian is especially fascinating. The world is wonderfully creepy as well. If you like the first volume, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are currently a whopping thirty-two volumes altogether.
7) Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
For a thousand years, the Lord Ruler, the “Sliver of Infinity”, has ruled with absolute power and ultimate terror over a kingdom where ash fell and no flowers bloomed while the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. Then a scarred, heartbroken half-Skaa finds hope in the Lord Ruler’s most hellish prison. Kelsier “snaps” and finds in himself the powers of a Mistborn. He turns his talents to the ultimate caper with the Lord Ruler as his mark. Kelsier recruits the underworld’s elite, all of whom share one of his many powers and relishes a high-stakes challenge. Then Kelsier reveals his dream—not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of their divine dictator.
This is the first book in Sanderson’s Mistborn series, which I included in my blog post about books and series with inventive magic systems. In addition to an extremely well-thought-out magic system, this novel features compelling characters and an exciting plot.
8) The Gunslinger by Stephen King
Roland of Gilead is the last gunslinger and he is on a mission to track down The Man in Black. He travels through a desolate world on his way to the ultimate Dark Tower of his dreams and nightmares. On his journey, he encounters Alice, an enticing woman, and becomes friends with a boy from New York named Jake.
This is the first book in King’s extremely popular Dark Tower series. It’s full of horror, bloody battles, and moments of true terror. It’s perfect for fans of fantasy who also enjoy high strangeness and horror. If you’re thirsty for more after finishing this one, there are six other books in the series for you to enjoy.
9) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
There’s no warning when the circus arrives. It just suddenly appears with its black-and-white tents and breathtaking amazements. It’s the Le Cirque des Rêves, and it’s only open at night. Behind the scenes, two young magicians trained by mercurial instructors engage in a fierce competition. They don’t know that their game can only end with one left standing. Despite the high stakes, the two magicians fall in love, endangering the lives of everyone from the performers to the patrons.
You guys are probably sick of me singing this book's praises by now—most recently in my blog post about impressive debut novels. But the fact that it fits into so many categories shows what a complex, multi-faceted novel it is. The book has a beautiful fantasy world, but one with a creeping sense of unease underneath.
10) Empire of Man - Book 1: The First Empress by KR Dalley
Lyla is about to escape her small village and vicious rumors about her that have marked her as unsuitable to be anyone’s wife for the endless opportunities of Balast, a large port city. She will finish her training as a magic healer, join an adventuring team, and explore the world like she’s always dreamed. Then a tragedy strikes. Lyle knows nothing about the secret that the soldier who saved her life is keeping from her, or that he accidentally bound himself to her when he saved her life, and that without her he will slowly lose his mind. Everyone around Lyla seems determined to push her into marrying this near stranger. Can she escape this unexpected marriage and get back to her plans, or does she even want to?
This dark fantasy has a strong female protagonist in Lyla and many other well-drawn characters. Lyla’s small village comes to life and the writing is excellent. If this blog post has left you with a hankering to read some dark fantasy, you’re in luck! You can read the first three chapters of Empire of Man - Book 1: The First Empress for free right here on Fictionate, and purchase access to the whole book for just $0.99.
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