Dark fantasy uses the magical and mystical to tell disturbing stories that delve into human and non—human nature’s worst aspects. Whether exploring horror elements or incorporating Gothic narratives, these books are alluring in their conceptual heaviness.
While listing the best dark fantasy books of all time is near impossible, the following novels enjoy immense popularity with readers. Encompassing multiple genres and narratives, they are clear examples of the genre’s eclectic nature.
However, be warned—by its very nature, dark fantasy can discuss dark topics that may be triggering for readers. As such, please read carefully and check each book for its respective content warnings.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Oraya is the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. Disadvantaged as a prey surrounded by hunters, she seeks to gain strength by entering the Kejari, a legendary tournament against the deadliest vampire warriors. To survive, she allies with Raihn, her biggest competition—and the most alluring one.
House of Vampires and Flame
The daughter of the God of Ruin is on the run from him and his prison. But fate leads her to another type of danger—a school ruled by five heirs, cruel princes as ruthless as they are charming. Barbie’s only hope of survival is to fly under their radar disguised as a boy, but one of the heirs, Killian, will not let that happen.
The Book of Azrael
Dianna signed her life away to Kaden a thousand years ago to save her sister. Now, she is instructed to look for an invaluable artifact. Liam shuts himself away from the world but must return to protect what he must. Enemies shall work together now to ensure The Book of Azrael does not fall into the wrong hands.
Gild
After a lifetime of endless struggles and abuses, Auren’s suffering finally ended upon being rescued by King Midas, the ruler of the Sixth Kingdom. Ten years later, she glimmers in gold as his beloved favorite—the golden-touched. But a gilded cage is still a cage, and monsters can be shrouded in gold, too.
Phantasma
After her mother’s horrific murder, Ophelia only inherits her death magic and a huge debt. Desperate to pay it off, her sister enters Phantasma, a deadly competition offering the winner a single wish. To protect her sister, Ophelia decides to compete—and her success may depend on a charming yet mysterious stranger.
Fairy Tale
Charlie Reade is a high school kid with far too many responsibilities for his age—a mother killed in a hit-and-run, a depressed and alcoholic dad, and the task gifted by his dying neighbor of becoming the guardian of the gate to another world submerged in terrible peril.
You may be interested in reading more books by Stephen King.
Daughter of No Worlds
Tisaanah was ripped from her hometown and forced to become a slave. After almost paying for her freedom with her life, she seeks to join The Orders, an organization of magic wielders who may give her the strength she seeks. But training with the reclusive Maxantarious Farlione is not easy—even less so when he despises the Orders.
The book is also considered as one of the best adult fantasy books.
One Dark Window
Elspeth and the Nightmare have always been together; he lives inside her head, protecting and keeping her safe. Ravyn is the King’s nephew, on the run for high treason. Together, they must gather twelve Providence Cards to cure the kingdom from the dark magic infecting it. The catch? Doing so before Nightmare finally takes over Elspeth’s mind.
Lady of Darkness
Scarlett Monroe, also known as Death’s Maiden, is an assassin trained since childhood to become the perfect killing machine. One day, she receives a job offer with a payment she can’t refuse: the chance for revenge against the Fae Fire Prince who made her an orphan. However, when children go missing, she must join forces with a mix of new and old friends and enemies to delve into the darkness.
Rain of Shadows and Endings
The Legacy, descendants of the gods, control the Six Kingdoms. In contrast, the Fae are forced to live in servitude, providing for the Legacy in every possible way. Tessalyn, a Fae, has been chosen as a Source by Theon, the heir of Arius Kingdom. Set to be bound to him forever, Tessalyn does the only thing she knows: resist.
Spark of the Everflame: The Kindred’s Curse Saga
When her mother goes missing, Diem Bellator’s search for answers leads to more questions and the discovery of deeply hidden secrets. Soon, she abandons her small town and finds herself caught in a web of intrigue, politics, and forbidden romance with Descended royalty—cruel descendants of the gods. The prince is at the heart of it all, watching her every move.
A Cage of Crimson
A twisted Little Red Riding Hood retelling, A Cage of Crimson features Aurelia, one of the key players in an illicit drug empire, and Weston, an alpha wolf tasked with capturing her to face justice—until he learns she is his destined mate. As Aurelia and Weston clash, so do duty and desire. One of them must yield.
The Ever King: A Dark Fantasy Romance
Erik may be the Pirate King of the Ever Kingdom, but his mind is set on more than ruling: he seeks vengeance against the man who killed his father and trapped him. The perfect chance to do so is his daughter—an innocent pawn he can play for revenge. Too bad he fell for her.
The Sandman
The Sandman is a series of comic books starring Dream—also known as Morpheus—the embodiment of dreams and one of the Endless, who represent other concepts and cosmic powers. After decades of being captured by a group of occultists, Dream frees himself and seeks to regain control of his realm while dealing with the consequences of his return.
The Vampire Chronicles Collection
The first volume of this collection combines the first three books of the series: Interview with the Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, and The Queen of the Damned. While all books feature multiple vampires, the stories all center around Lestat de Lioncourt, a French nobleman turned vampire, and his attempts to understand the origins and ethics of vampirism.
Feel free to check more books by Anne Rice.
A Monster Calls
Ever since his mother fell ill, 13-year-old Conor has had the same nightmare haunting him. One such night, he wakes up to a monster calling him by the window. The monster says he will tell Conor three stories, upon which Conor must do what he fears most: tell the truth.
Lost Gods: A Novel
Upon his release from jail, Chet seeks to start anew with his pregnant wife. However, ancient horrors lurk and end Chet’s life before he can fulfill his dreams. Now, in Purgatory, he has a clear mission: descend to the bowels of the underworld and face unfathomable terrors to protect his loved ones from following the same fate.
Dark Fantasy Books: Explore The Cruel Side of Fantastic Lands
Dark fantasy is a genre that allows you to explore the negative, haunting, or visceral aspects of human nature through fantastic elements. Perhaps that is the secret to its versatility—it is rich with endless possibilities and concepts intertwining to create universes full of dark magic worth exploring.
If you’d like magicless dark stories, consider looking at The Haunting Adeline Series, The Mindf*ck Series, the Best Horror & Spooky Books, and the Best Dark Romance Books lists. If you prefer fantasy stories with a more mythological edge, check Madeline Miller’s books for a captivating take on old classics.
