Are you a lover of all things dark and twisted? Are you in search of new dark fantasy books to read? Fear not! We’ve got you covered. The best dark fantasy books blend elements of Gothic fiction and Horror with magic and swordplay creating something bloody unique. Buckle your sword belts and march with us into the murky depths of these must-read dark fantasy.
Epic Dark Fantasy Book #1 – The Black Company by Glen Cook
The Black Company transgresses the conventional boundaries of fantasy with its realistic, grimdark style, approach to the genre. The novel tells the story of a group of mercenaries, known as the Black Company, who serve the dark lords. The story uncovers the ugly realities of war, the bonds between soldiers, and their unrelenting moralities, making it one of the best dark fantasy books ever. Read it here.
Best Dark Fantasy Book #2 – The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
This one has an anti-hero for the ages! The Name of the Wind is a superbly crafted novel, filled with magic, and an impeccable display of character building. The protagonist of the novel, a grizzled warrior named Kvothe, narrates his life story and the extraordinary events that shaped him. The novel is an absolute page-turner and a must-read for anyone deeply interested in the dark fantasy genre. Read this NYT bestseller here.
#3 – The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
The First Law Trilogy is a gritty, violent series that features anti-heroes who challenge the norms and break the conventions. The books are set in a fictional world, where magic and technology coexist. That mix enables Abercrombie to explore the moralities of war, politics, and power. The trilogy is undoubtedly the best dark fantasy trilogy ever, with its groundbreaking ending and a plot that finds a way to be simultaneously complex and straightforward. It was so good, it has been followed by a second trilogy and a short story collection. Everything kicks off, with The Blade Itself.
#4 – The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
The Broken Empire Trilogy tells the story of an anti-hero named Jorg Ancrath and his journey to become the Emperor. The novels are brutally honest and raw, shedding light on themes such as power, revenge, and redemption. The trilogy is full of twists and turns, with a protagonist that’s hard to love but harder to forget. We highly recommend the audiobooks of this series, starting with Prince of Thorns!
#5 – Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson (an epic dark fantasy series)
A brilliantly crafted dark fantasy series, Malazan Book of the Fallen, comprises ten books and takes the reader on a journey through a complex and layered world. The book is gritty, bloody, and full of magic, with well-developed characters, unique creatures, and plotlines that intertwine flawlessly. If you’re looking for a series that’s both rewarding and challenging, Malazan Book of the Fallen is the perfect way to go. You can even package the entire collection in this Kindle Bundle.
Dark fantasy is a place where magic meets horror and nightmares come alive. The list of the top dark fantasy reads ever offers readers a diverse and varied selection of novels to choose from. With authors such as Patrick Rothfuss, Mark Lawrence, Joe Abercrombie, and Steven Erikson, these must-read dark books will take you on an adventure of love, loss, revenge, and redemption. Grab a copy and lose yourself in a world of the supernatural. And, if you’re wanting a cult dark fantasy book not too many people have heard of, check out this hellish Gem. Enjoy.
