10 Best Dark Fantasy Books In 2025

Dark fantasy is a captivating genre that blends the eerie, the gothic, and the supernatural with traditional fantasy elements. It dives into haunting landscapes, morally gray characters, and twisted magic, offering readers a thrilling escape into shadowy worlds. If you love stories that balance beauty with horror, hope with despair, and heroism with corruption, these 10 best dark fantasy books are must-reads.

1. The Bone Season – Samantha Shannon

A dark and immersive dystopian fantasy, The Bone Season introduces a world ruled by an authoritarian regime where clairvoyants are hunted and enslaved. The protagonist, Paige Mahoney, possesses a rare ability to walk in the aether, making her a target for the mysterious otherworldly race known as the Rephaim. When she is captured and taken to the hidden city of Sheol I, she is thrust into a shadowy world of supernatural politics, rebellion, and ancient secrets.

2. The Black Company – Glen Cook

A brutal, grimdark classic, The Black Company introduces readers to a mercenary group embroiled in a world of war, betrayal, and magic. Unlike traditional fantasy tales that focus on noble heroes, this novel presents the gritty realities of soldiers fighting for survival, making it an essential read for fans of military fantasy with a dark edge. The story is told from the perspective of Croaker, the company's medic and historian, giving it a unique and personal touch. Its raw depiction of war, loyalty, and shifting alliances offers a refreshingly realistic and immersive experience.

3. The Poppy War – R.F. Kuang

Inspired by real historical events, The Poppy War blends Chinese history with a gruesome tale of magic, war, and destruction. The protagonist, Rin, discovers her hidden shamanic powers and is thrust into a brutal war that forces her to confront moral dilemmas, god-like entities, and unimaginable horrors. This book does not shy away from depicting the atrocities of war, making it a harrowing but compelling read. Kuang expertly balances mythology with political intrigue, delivering a narrative that is both historically significant and deeply engrossing. It’s a riveting exploration of power, ambition, and the cost of war.

4. The Broken Empire Trilogy – Mark Lawrence

A series defined by its morally ambiguous protagonist, The Broken Empire follows Jorg Ancrath, a prince turned ruthless warlord. With sharp prose and an unapologetic anti-hero, Mark Lawrence’s tale is filled with dark magic, revenge, and philosophical depth. If you enjoy fantasy that explores the darker corners of human nature, this trilogy is for you. Jorg’s journey is filled with haunting memories, internal conflicts, and shocking decisions, making him one of fantasy’s most compelling yet divisive characters. Lawrence’s evocative writing ensures an emotionally gripping and thought-provoking experience.

5. The First Law Trilogy – Joe Abercrombie

Joe Abercrombie is a master of grimdark fantasy, and The First Law Trilogy is his magnum opus. With unpredictable plots, morally gray characters, and violent battles, this series dismantles classic fantasy tropes, offering a brutally realistic take on war, politics, and power. Abercrombie’s sharp wit and deep characterizations make this a must-read. His ability to craft multi-dimensional characters ensures that no one in this trilogy is truly good or evil, and the world is harsh, unforgiving, and fascinatingly complex.

6. The Lies of Locke Lamora – Scott Lynch

A dark fantasy novel with a blend of crime, magic, and deception, The Lies of Locke Lamora follows a group of con artists navigating the treacherous streets of Camorr. With brilliant dialogue, unexpected twists, and a vividly crafted world, this book is perfect for those who love intelligent, high-stakes adventures with a sinister edge. Lynch’s detailed world-building, inspired by Renaissance Venice, makes every street and canal come alive. The book’s intricate heists and masterful storytelling create an experience akin to a fantasy version of Ocean’s Eleven.

7. Malazan Book of the Fallen – Steven Erikson

One of the most complex and ambitious fantasy series ever written, Malazan Book of the Fallen introduces readers to a vast world of gods, mages, and legendary warriors. Erikson’s epic saga is known for its brutality, philosophical depth, and intricate storytelling, making it a challenging yet rewarding read for fans of dark fantasy. The series features multiple intertwining plots, deep historical context, and a richly layered narrative that requires patience but offers immense literary rewards.

8. The Library at Mount Char – Scott Hawkins

This surreal and haunting novel follows a group of orphans trained by a god-like being in mystical and terrifying arts. Carolyn and her fellow "librarians" each specialize in unique, often horrifying disciplines, from necromancy to time manipulation. When their enigmatic father figure vanishes, they must battle each other and unknown cosmic forces to claim his power.

9. A Song of Ice and Fire – George R.R. Martin

The series that inspired Game of Thrones, A Song of Ice and Fire is a brutal tale of power, betrayal, and survival. Martin’s storytelling is filled with unforgettable characters, shocking twists, and a world where no one is safe. If you crave political intrigue, epic battles, and unpredictable plotlines, this is a must-read dark fantasy. With its shifting perspectives and intricate political maneuvers, the series keeps readers on edge, exploring themes of loyalty, power, and moral ambiguity.

10. The Ninth House – Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo’s The Ninth House takes dark fantasy into modern academia, following a young woman who is thrust into the secret, occult world of Yale’s elite societies. With elements of horror, magic, and a gripping mystery, this book is a chilling and immersive read that showcases Bardugo’s masterful storytelling. The novel skillfully combines Gothic aesthetics with urban fantasy, offering a riveting look at privilege, power, and the supernatural.

Final Thoughts

Dark fantasy is a genre that dares to explore the shadows, the moral complexities, and the unsettling realities of fantastical worlds. Whether you prefer epic battles, eerie mysteries, or psychological horror, these 10 best dark fantasy books will captivate and haunt you long after you turn the final page.