13 Darkest Fantasy Books Of All Time

Published Nov 7, 2026, 4:01 PM EST Mary Kassel is a Senior Writer & Critic who joined the Screen Rant team in 2023. After graduating from Emerson College with a degree in Media Arts Production, Kassel started at Screen Rant with a focus on the critical analysis side of movies and television while continuing to work on set in film production. At Screen Rant, Kassel primarily writes for the Classic TV section, mining their encyclopedic knowledge of television history for content. However, they also contribute to the Books team and review both film and television as a critic. It's safe to say that fantasy books aren't just cozy novels to curl up with or snuggly works that touch upon beautiful, safe magic. There's a complex, dark side of fantasy that's just as compelling as the softer version of the genre, and it's these gripping works that have pushed fantastical storytelling to its limits. Even the most fun fantasy books have elements of violence, cruelty, and danger, as this is part of the texture of any great work of speculative fiction. However, these works of fiction raise the bar, digging into devastating plots and shocking battles that push the characters and readers to their limits. Despite their intensity, what makes grimdark fantasy books is their cathartic stories and emotional moments that parallel our reality. 13 Godblind (2017) By Anna Stephens Godblind by Anna Stephens is not for the faint of heart, but for readers looking for a cruel and brutal world to spend some time in, it scratches the itch. The dual protagonists, Dom and Rillirin, must use their combined powers and knowledge of the terrifying Mireces​​​​​​, who worship the bloodthirsty Red Gods, to stop an invasion and save the kingdom of Rilpor​​​​​​. However, things aren't as they seem for Dom and Rillirin, and audiences should buckle in for epic battles and crushing plot twists that make Godblind a true work of grimdark fantasy. Godblind is available for purchase here. 12 The Blade Itself (2006) By Joe Abercrombie The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie begins with The Blade Itself, and the trilogy remains one of the best dark fantasy trilogies for readers looking for their first foray into the grimdark side of speculative fiction. The Blade Itself uses multiple POVs to capture the breadth of the fantastical world where it's set, slowly pushing the characters closer as war brews and individuals must put aside the lives they thought they would have. The first book sets the stage for the final two novels, digging into the texture and character of the world. The Blade Itself is available for purchase here. 11 A Game of Thrones (1996) By George R.R. Martin The book that started it all, A Game of Thrones, successfully launched the A Song of Ice and Fire series and led to the creation of the enormous multimedia franchise that is Game of Thrones​​​​​​. However, in 1996, George R.R. Martin's novel was a stunning work of dark fantasy that told the story of the sprawling Seven Kingdoms and the many houses vying for control. From the first chapters of the book, it's clear that Martin will pull no punches when it comes to death and violence, and this holds true throughout every installment. A Game of Thrones is available for purchase here. 10 Iron Widow (2021) By Xiran Jay Zhao Medieval fantasy meets sci-fi futurism in Xiran Jay Zhao's Iron Widow. Though the book is officially classified as YA, it's still a dark, complex work of speculative fiction that works perfectly as an entry point to the darker, more intense side of the genre. Set in a future society where young women are constantly sacrificed in the battle against an invading alien species, Iron Widow is told through the protagonist, Zetian, who questions the system and wishes to avenge the death of her sister. Socially relevant and brilliantly paced, Iron Widow is a dark and wild ride. Iron Widow is available for purchase here. 9 Gideon The Ninth (2019) By Tamyn Muir Nothing says dark fantasy like necromancy, and Gideon the Ninth has no shortage of the dark art. Though Tamyn Muir's novel isn't afraid to make jokes and infuse some fun topical references into the text, that doesn't mean the novel won't leave you heartbroken. The novel follows Gideon and Harrowhawk, two young women selected to participate in a cruel and vicious series of trials for the mysterious Emperor. As the pair grow closer and secrets about the Empire are revealed, the women face greater challenges and bloody tests. Gideon the Ninth is available for purchase here. 8 Prince Of Thorns (2011) By Mark Lawrence Prince of Thorns takes the structure of a traditional Bildungsroman and turns it on its head throughout the gripping, bloody novel. The titular prince, Jorg, begins his journey in the wake of his family's death and his ascension to the top of a band of thieves, only to eventually return to the very castle and throne where he lost everything. In Prince of Thorns, Jorg infiltrates the kingdom with the intention of taking back what was once his, but his quest for power is full of betrayals and secrets. Prince of Thorns is available for purchase here. 7 The Fifth Season (2015) By N.K. Jemisin It's impossible not to bring up N.K. Jemisin's award-winning fantasy trilogy, The Broken Earth series, when discussing the best of dark fantasy. The collection begins with The Fifth Season, introducing readers to a world where a deadly apocalyptic weather event known as the Fifth Season destroys the world and leaves the gifted members of society persecuted. In The Fifth Season, Essun searches for her daughter while navigating the forbidding environment and the dangers that lurk around every corner in the stratified culture. The Fifth Season is available for purchase here. 6 The Library At Mount Char (2015) By Scott Hawkins It's important that a dark fantasy book retains a sense of humor throughout the pages, or it would be nearly impossible to get through the grim events of the story. The Library at Mount Char strikes a good balance between its biting humor and the epic scale of its fantasy world, with some horror elements and demons thrown in. Following Carolyn, a young woman with mystical powers who grew up in an infinite library, the book features some sadistic characters vying for control of the universe and an epic conclusion that sticks with you. The Library at Mount Char is available for purchase here. 5 Who Fears Death (2010) By Nnedi Okorafor Science fiction, fantasy, and the post-apocalyptic genre come together to form Who Fears Death, an emotionally intense and resonant work by Nnedi Okorafor. Born amid violence and raised knowing that she has a greater destiny than those around her, Onyesonwu develops her magic and connection to her culture while bearing the weight of her people's survival on her shoulders. It's up to Onyesonwu to stop the genocide of her community in Who Fears Death, and that's only the beginning of what she must conquer. Who Fears Death is available for purchase here. 4 The Black Company (1984) By Glen Cook Forcing the reader and characters to confront what it means to take orders and fight back against the status quo, Glen Cook's The Black Company examines the titular band of mercenaries as they abandon their allegiance to the Lady and try to do what's right. The first in a series of 12 mainline novels, The Black Company throws the audience into a high fantasy world of violence and bloodshed. Though it's a lengthy commitment to take on The Black Company collection, the payoff of Cook's work is worth the time spent reading. The Black Company is available for purchase here.