8 Low Fantasy Books To Read In 2025

ow fantasy, defined by its grounding in the real world or a world governed by realism rather than overt magic, offers an immersive, gritty reading experience. It trades mythical epics and high magic for politics, dark realism, and moral complexity. For readers who crave a raw, grounded narrative with fantasy elements subtly woven into reality, low fantasy is a perfect genre. Below is a list of 8 must-read low fantasy books that stand out for their craftsmanship, compelling plots, and unforgettable characters.

1. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

Joe Abercrombie's The Blade Itself is the quintessential grimdark low fantasy novel, setting a benchmark in the genre. The story introduces us to Logen Ninefingers, a feared barbarian haunted by his past; Inquisitor Glokta, a crippled torturer battling his inner demons; and Jezal dan Luthar, a vain nobleman aspiring to greatness. What makes this book stand out is its refusal to idealize its characters. Abercrombie masterfully blends razor-sharp dialogue with political intrigue and savage combat, creating a narrative that’s darkly humorous, thrilling, and unapologetically realistic.

2. Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie

Joe Abercrombie returns to the world of The First Law with Best Served Cold, a standalone novel that exemplifies the brutal, blood-soaked elegance of grimdark low fantasy. Monza Murcatto, a betrayed mercenary captain left for dead, claws her way back to vengeance through a land consumed by war and corruption. This tale of revenge is intricately plotted and packed with morally bankrupt characters whose motivations feel painfully real. With its lack of high magic, focus on politics, and cynical humor, the book is a masterclass in delivering low fantasy action with psychological complexity and intense, gritty storytelling.

3. The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell

Told through the eyes of Derfel, a warrior and monk, the novel strips away mythical glamor to reveal a raw, war-torn Britain, grounded in paganism, politics, and flawed leadership. Magic exists, but only in the minds of the characters—it’s ambiguous, symbolic, and often manipulated for power. Cornwell’s vivid battle scenes, character depth, and immersive detail create a gripping low fantasy world rooted in myth and military history, offering a darker, richer take on Arthurian lore.

4. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War is a harrowing tale inspired by the real-world atrocities of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Rin, a war orphan who gains entry to an elite military academy, discovers that she can channel the power of a vengeful god. What begins as a story of triumph and academic challenge spirals into a dark descent into war, addiction, and genocide. Kuang explores the price of power, trauma, and the cost of survival, all within a low fantasy framework where magic is rare, dangerous, and spiritually taxing.

5. Low Town by Daniel Polansky

Daniel Polansky’s Low Town plunges readers into a seedy, noir-infused urban landscape where crime, corruption, and faded magic collide. The protagonist, a disgraced intelligence agent turned drug dealer known only as "the Warden", investigates the deaths of street children while navigating the underworld he once ruled. Gritty and atmospheric, the novel is more crime thriller than traditional fantasy, with its spellwork subdued and its focus placed on survival, cynicism, and street-level politics. Polansky’s writing is sharp and stylish, his world morally murky. Low Town delivers a bold, modern take on low fantasy filled with danger, intrigue, and noir swagger.

6. The Vorrh by Brian Catling

The Vorrh by Brian Catling is an enigmatic, genre-defying work that treads the boundary between literary fiction and low fantasy. Magic is present but elusive, haunting the edges of perception rather than dominating the world. Catling’s prose is lush, poetic, and layered with philosophical questions and mythic symbolism. This book challenges readers with its nonlinear storytelling and deep thematic complexity, making it a standout low fantasy tale rooted in atmosphere, mystery, and introspection.

7. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth is a uniquely modern blend of gothic horror, low fantasy, and sci-fi, set in a decaying empire ruled by necromantic houses. Gideon Nav, a sarcastic swordswoman, must partner with her nemesis Harrowhark to solve ancient magical puzzles in a deadly competition. While it includes necromancy and space travel, the world-building feels intimate and grounded, with a distinct absence of high fantasy tropes. Muir’s sharp wit and genre-defying tone make this novel stand out. The narrative is rich in character tension, emotional complexity, and bone-deep atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.

8. Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

Mark Lawrence’s Prince of Thorns introduces Jorg Ancrath, a young prince whose thirst for vengeance drives him to lead a band of ruthless outlaws. This is grimdark low fantasy at its rawest—visceral, violent, and uncompromising. Jorg is a deeply flawed protagonist, shaped by trauma and bloodlust, whose path of destruction is as compelling as it is horrifying. Set in a post-apocalyptic world with medieval overtones, the story eschews traditional fantasy elements in favor of psychological depth and moral ambiguity. Lawrence’s prose is poetic yet brutal, perfectly matching the tone of this dark journey through the nature of power and corruption.

Conclusion

Low fantasy books offer a unique blend of realism and magic, drawing readers into worlds that feel as tangible as our own. These eight books represent the finest examples of the genre, each offering something distinctive—be it razor-sharp dialogue, rich political intrigue, or unforgettable antiheroes.