Often fantasy genres are associated with young adult sagas like Twilight or Harry Potter, but thanks to the broad elements of the genre, authors have also kept more adult plot lines in mind within Fantasy – especially dark fantasy.
There is nothing childish about dark fantasy when it comes to the fear of imminent death, terrifying magic, and often steamy romantic plots. Check out these 10 dark fantasy books for the adult reader who is looking for a mature plot while still providing a mental escape into the world of fantasy fiction.
10. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie has made a name for himself as an acclaimed author within the dark fantasy realm, and The Blade Itself is the perfect example from his collection of work.
This book is the first installment of the First Law Trilogy which follows the protagonist, an injured ex-warrior named Inquisitor Glota as he faces the pressure of his craft during the early Renaissance era in Europe. The three books follow the Inquisitor as he struggles with his purpose, due to his injury he can no longer be a warrior but he takes out his need to fight on torturing others. The gore level in this trilogy definitely makes it appropriate for mature audiences.
9. The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King
Stephen King may be the king of horror, but he has been known to dabble in dark fantasy, such as The Dark Tower series. In eight epic books, readers can follow the cat-and-mouse game between good and evil, good being Roland Deschain and evil being the evil magic causing mid-world apocalyptic state.
One of the most acclaimed series of all time, let alone within the dark fantasy genre, Stephen King never fails to put his readers on an adventure.
8. A Game Of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Even readers who aren’t fans of dark fantasy have been obsessed with Game of Thrones ever since its 7-season run on HBO. It also is prominently known for its dark adult content, from forced alliances through marriage that turn into power wars, love battles, and of course, dragons.
This dark fantasy series pretty much sums up the genre and has just enough plot twists to keep any reader’s page-turning.
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7. The Way Of Shadows by Brent Weeks
Take a trip into the world of dragons, where our protagonist Azoth is just an orphaned child and victim to the system that forces him to pay dues to a guild – controlled by a terrorizing due collector.
In the trilogy series, Azoth sets out to become an assassin to seek justice for his community and work his way to the top. Little does he know that journey takes him much further than he could have ever imagined. While the series features a young protagonist, the book is by no means for young readers.
6. The Child Thief by Gerald Brom
The Child Thief by Gerald Brom is a dark retelling of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. In the prologue, a young girl is surviving in an abusive home when one night Peter comes to her – a boy with magical powers and unexplainable knowledge. He tells her of a place where there are no grownups and they have control of their own story. Together they go off to Avalon.
This is where the story begins with the protagonist Nick fleeing a dangerous situation when Peter comes to his rescue. The two fly off to Avalon, only for the plot to morph into a world of stolen children.
5. Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop
For those who enjoy short stories, pick up the Dark Jewels series which contains a number of historical and mythological-based characters and their adventures in lust, power, and drama.
From forbidden lust, power wars between Satan and the high priestess, and witchcraft above all else, there is a short story for everyone within this dark fantasy series.
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4. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Elspeth Spindle experienced a mysterious illness as a child which left her with magical powers. In fear of persecution, she goes to live with her aunt and uncle but she struggles to hide for long – within the community and with herself. Enjoy this first book, because a second one is coming out very soon. An added plus is the foe to lover sub-plot that combines a steamy tension-based romance with dark fantasy and witchcraft.
3. Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
If you love a good hero who gets their revenge story, check out the dark fantasy novel Prince of Thorns. The story begins with a young prince who is traumatized by the murder of his mother and brother. The story begins as he heads down the long road to personal revenge but vengeance for his family and throne.
The protagonist goes from a privileged life to starting from ground zero and joining a band of misfits on the street which makes for a humbling plot twist, and a slow reclaim to power.
2. The Barrow by Mark Smylie
In The Barrow, dark fantasy meets Indiana Jones adventure vibes. Stjepan Black-Heart is the leader of a group of adventurers, who have embarked on a quest to find the missing magical sword that once belonged to the most powerful wizard of all time.
They embark on a journey down to The Barrows but face a much more complicated journey than they could have imagined – facing dark magic.
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1. The Painted Man by Peter V. Brett
In a world that is plagued by darkness and demons, Peter V. Brett writes from the perspectives of three characters as they must battle through the world as they know it.
In a race against time, each of the three protagonists is on their individual hero journey to save humanity, as the demons grow stronger and the human race continues to decline, the three individual journeys work to bring back balance.
