Dark fantasy blends the mystical allure of fantasy with the eerie, unsettling elements of horror. These books dive into worlds where magic comes at a price, creatures lurk in the shadows, and the line between hero and villain is razor-thin.
Whether you crave atmospheric gothic tales, morally gray protagonists, or stories drenched in the supernatural, this list has something for you. Prepare to step into realms where darkness reigns and danger is never far away.
1. The Shadow of the Gods – John Gwynne
Set in a Norse-inspired world where the gods are long dead, this book follows warriors seeking power, revenge, and survival in a brutal, unforgiving land. Monsters roam the wilds, and echoes of the past shape the fate of the present. With its epic battles, fierce characters, and a world dripping with mythology, this is a must-read for fans of grim, action-packed fantasy.
2. The Poppy War – R.F. Kuang
Inspired by Chinese history and mythology, this story follows Rin, a war orphan who earns a place at an elite military academy—only to discover she possesses an ancient and terrifying power. As war breaks out, Rin’s abilities grow, but so does the darkness within her. This is a gripping, brutal tale of war, destiny, and the cost of power.
3. The Ninth House – Leigh Bardugo
Alex Stern, a survivor of a gruesome crime, is given a chance to attend Yale—but only if she agrees to investigate the university’s secret societies, which dabble in arcane magic. As she peels back the layers of this elite world, she uncovers dark rituals, sinister conspiracies, and ghosts that refuse to stay buried. This atmospheric novel mixes Ivy League prestige with bone-chilling supernatural horrors.
4. The Blacktongue Thief – Christopher Buehlman
A thief with a silver tongue, a deadly warrior on a mission, and a cataclysmic past collide in this darkly humorous fantasy adventure. Set in a world ravaged by war and crawling with monsters, the book follows their treacherous journey filled with deception, ancient magic, and danger at every turn. It’s a perfect mix of brutal action, grim storytelling, and clever wit.
5. The Priory of the Orange Tree – Samantha Shannon
In a world divided between those who worship dragons and those who fear them, a hidden protector must guard a queen whose death could bring disaster. The story weaves together political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and breathtaking worldbuilding. This standalone epic fantasy delivers a rich, immersive experience packed with dark magic and fierce heroines.
6. The Lies of Locke Lamora – Scott Lynch
Locke Lamora is a master thief and con artist, navigating the underworld of a city inspired by Renaissance Venice. But when a deadly rival threatens everything he holds dear, his game of deception turns into a fight for survival. Filled with intricate schemes, dangerous enemies, and a touch of the supernatural, this book is a thrilling mix of dark fantasy and high-stakes heists.
7. The Book of Night – Holly Black
Charlie Hall is a con artist in a world where shadows can be manipulated, stolen, and weaponized. But playing with dark magic has a cost, and soon, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of power, secrets, and murder. This gritty urban fantasy is full of mystery, morally gray characters, and eerie shadow magic.
8. The Broken Empire Trilogy – Mark Lawrence
Jorg Ancrath is no hero—he’s a ruthless prince determined to carve out his own path to power, no matter the bloodshed. As he leads a band of outlaws across a war-torn land, dark forces stir in the background. This series is a brutal, unflinching look at ambition, revenge, and the consequences of wielding power.
9. The Bone Season – Samantha Shannon
In a dystopian London ruled by a powerful, otherworldly order, clairvoyants are hunted and enslaved. Paige Mahoney, a rare dreamwalker, is captured and taken to a secret city where she discovers a terrifying truth about her captors. This series mixes fantasy, science fiction, and dystopian elements into a dark, gripping tale of rebellion and survival.
10. The Gutter Prayer – Gareth Hanrahan
In a city built on layers of ancient, decayed magic, three thieves uncover a conspiracy that could shatter everything. Gods, alchemy, and grotesque horrors stalk the streets, making survival nearly impossible. This book delivers dark, atmospheric storytelling with a unique setting and monstrous mysteries.
11. Empire of the Vampire – Jay Kristoff
Gabriel de León is the last of the vampire hunters, imprisoned and recounting his bloody, tragic tale. This novel mixes gothic horror with epic fantasy, bringing a world where the sun has vanished and vampires reign. Brutal, poetic, and filled with unforgettable imagery, it’s perfect for those who love their fantasy soaked in blood and sorrow.
12. The Malazan Book of the Fallen – Steven Erikson
A sprawling epic of gods, magic, and war, this series is one of the most ambitious in dark fantasy. With dozens of characters and intertwined plotlines, it throws readers into a world where no one is safe, and power always comes at a cost. It’s dense, challenging, but deeply rewarding for those who crave intricate storytelling.
13. The Shadow Histories – H.G. Parry
This alternative history fantasy asks: What if magic shaped the course of human events? Secret societies, dark rituals, and historical figures caught in a supernatural battle make for a gripping, atmospheric read. It’s a unique blend of historical fiction, dark magic, and political intrigue.
14. Nevernight – Jay Kristoff
Mia Corvere, a girl with the ability to manipulate shadows, trains at a brutal assassin school to avenge her family’s murder. Filled with blood-soaked trials, deadly rivals, and a sarcastic talking cat, this book combines grimdark fantasy with sharp humor. It’s a fast-paced, violent, and beautifully written tale of revenge.
15. House of Leaves – Mark Z. Danielewski
While not traditional fantasy, this experimental novel plays with reality, horror, and the supernatural in a mind-bending way. It follows a family discovering that their house is impossibly bigger on the inside than the outside, leading to an eerie and unsettling descent into madness. If you enjoy books that break the rules of storytelling, this one is unforgettable.