Discover 9 Stunning Dark Fantasy Books of This Decade
Book RaiderOnce upon a time, (precisely about a decade ago), in our very own reality, writers embarked on journeys to the evocative landscapes of their wildest imaginations. They toiled with their quills (well, keyboards), breathed life into characters, and created realms shrouded in mystique. Their goal? To weave tales of trepidation and allure that fall under a genre we fondly know as dark fantasy.
Some books sparkle like Edward Cullen in sunlight, others are darkly entrancing like the mystery that engulfs Hogwarts. Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the treasure trove of dark fantasy books that have marked this decade. Don't worry, the escapade is free of peril, but be warned, it will make your to-read pile grow faster than you can say 'Accio bookmark.' Oh, and no need for a flashlight, we love exploring the dark.
The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
Why The Cruel Prince is on this list: Well, if you're into fairies not being all sugar and spice... Look no further. The Cruel Prince spun the whole 'happy fantasy' genre around and dragged it straight into shadowy territories. Simply put, it exaggerated the DARK in Dark Fantasy.
The Cruel Prince kicks off with a bang when three sisters witness their parents being murdered. Afterwards, they're whisked away to the land of Faerie to 'live' with the killers. It's a place where politics is deadly, and everyone is playing a ruthless game for the throne. Our mortal heroine, Jude, however must pit herself against the vicious prince and the society that shuns her, to claim her place in this dangerous world.
What readers like: People can't put this one down, mostly due to one reason: the flippin' amazing character development. Holly Black has managed to make you feel attached to individuals who are only out for themselves. It's dark, it's vicious, it's gripping. If you're looking for a snuggly, happy-ending kind of book, pass this one. But, if you're up to plunging into the raw ferocity where morals are flexible, you absolutely need to add The Cruel Prince to your 'must read' list.
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The City of Brass
by S. A. Chakraborty
Why The City of Brass is on this list: The City of Brass, woven with dark mystique and eerie magic, nails the essence of dark fantasy. With a tale that effortlessly blends historical truth and imaginative myth, it gives the dark, shadowy undertones a touch of realism that sets a new bar in this genre.
Dive into a Middle Eastern-inspired world full of djinns, demons, and hidden magic. Nahri, our heroine, accidentally calls a djinn warrior while conning people in 18th century Cairo, leading her into a city of brass and secrets - Daevabad. A city of dark wonders, disturbing politics, and generations-long feuds; it has more danger than Nahri has ever known. Here, the line between who's good and whose heart is as black as the night, blurs.
What readers like: Readers are wild about how Chakraborty has given an ancient mythology a dark spin. The sophisticated plotting and multilayered characters leave them hooked, as narrative twists keep them on the edge of their seats. And if you love diving into richly built worlds, this novel, with its vivid descriptions and deeply-rooted cultural references, is a treat for you.
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Ninth House
by Leigh Bardugo
Why Ninth House is on this list: Ninth House is a book filled to the brim with dark and mystical fantasy, making it a perfect candidate for our dark fantasy list. The mix of mystery, sorcery, and a storyline darker than my morning coffee, really encapsulates the essence of dark fantasy.
The story revolves around Alex Stern, a survivor, who is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. She monitors the eight clandestine houses of Yale, known as the 'Ancient Eight', which perform dark and mystical activities behind closed doors. The more she investigates, the deeper she is pulled into the college's unnerving and sinister world of privilege and dark magic.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the gritty, complex protagonist Alex Stern, who grapples with her own past while navigating Yale's mysterious underbelly. The book's gothic atmosphere, combined with Bardugo's signature storytelling and character development, creates a reading experience that's just as captivating as it is chilling.
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Thin Air
by Richard K. Morgan
Why Thin Air is on this list: If there's anything that weaves the perfect dark fantasy story, it's a gripping mix of suspense, mystery, and a dismal universe, and let's not forget some complex characters to top it all off. Thin Air checks all these boxes, easily making it one of the standout dark fantasy books of this decade.
Thin Air is a thrilling ride into the grimy depths of a world that's chilling, macabre, and yet strangely captivating. Set on Mars, we follow the gritty exploits of Hakan Veil, a genetically altered detective (yes, you read it right), packaged with a lot of secrets and a wit just as sharp as his instincts. The compelling plot maneuvers through shadowy politics, dark secrets and sinister conspiracies. This is definitely not a fairy tale land, folks!
What readers like: Readers are falling head over heels for Thin Air's resilient world-building, knee-deep in grime and hard-boiled action. They adore Hakan Veil, our main character, who offers the charm of an old-school noir detective in a cybergenetically enhanced package. Folks are also digging the political angle in the narrative; I guess nothing beats the combo of moody detective work and dirty politics, huh? But above all, its raw intensity and stark realism have truly got the readers hooked.
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What the Woods Keep
by Katya de Becerra
Why What the Woods Keep is on this list: In the realm of dark fantasy, this book pops out as a truly captivating jewel. With a spooky enchanted forest as the backdrop, it perfectly fits our list of stunning dark fantasy books of the decade.
The book follows the story of Hayden, a physics prodigy looking for answers that lurk in a creepy forest she inherits from her mother. She goes on a journey intertwining myth, science, and her own memory gaps. Dark matter becomes even darker and the line between science and fantasy blurs, making this book a dark fantasy delight.
What readers like: Readers rave about the book's unique blend of science and magic, its intricate plot, and the hauntingly beautiful but chilling setting. Katya de Becerra's gripping storytelling and well-rounded characters are elements that fans can't stop appreciating.
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City of Stairs
by Robert Jackson Bennett
Why City of Stairs is on this list: If you've been hunting for a book that effortlessly weaves together the elements of dark, look no further. City of Stairs packs in a mythical wonderland trysting with grim and obscure realities, totally making it legit for our list of dark fantasies.
Bennett gives us a world where the 'Divine' and 'Mortal' collided, and the divine lost. It's a city laden with dark secrets and past atrocities. Heroes are here to unravel mysteries that might be better left alone. Expect to lose yourself in deadly political games, winding staircases leading to oddities and a mural of cosmic powers undreamt of.
What readers like: Readers love Bennett's layered storytelling and meticulous attention to world-building. They appreciate the bool's hearty ensemble of characters who are flawed yet relatable. Plus, the rich mystery at its core keeps readers hooked until the curtains close. Perfect if you want to lose yourself in a saga that’s more than just monsters-under-the-bed kind of dark.
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Iron and Magic
by Ilona Andrews
Why Iron and Magic is on this list: This book takes you through an amazing dark and magical fantasy world, perfect for the taste of this decade. It's a blend of powerful magic, up-in-your-face-actions, and a dash of forbidden romance, giving you chills down the spine - in a way, of course.
Our hero, Hugh d’Ambray, once the right-hand man of a villain, goes from being an exile to a warlord. He is forced to rise up to the situation when his people are endangered. As if that was not enough, there's this stubbornly resistant woman, Elara Harper, who's got some dangerously mysterious magical power. Together they must form an unlikely alliance to survive the menacing evil. It's rough, it's tough, and it's bloody. Now, that’s some dark fantasy at its finest, isn't it?
What readers like: Readers who have enjoyed this book were drawn to its complex characters with grey shades, not just your usual cookie-cutter heroes, you know? They savored the high-octane action sequences, clever world-building and the spicy exchanges between the main characters. These guys also adored how Andrews intertwined romance seamlessly and tastefully into the harsh, yet intriguing, plot.
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The Poppy War
by R. F. Kuang
Why The Poppy War is on this list:
Our protagonist, Rin, is an underdog who aces a nationwide exam and lands in an elite military school where she learns about the existence of gods and their potential to wreak havoc should they be unleashed. Soon, she finds herself caught in a gruesome war, having to rely on her wits, strength, and some lethal divine fire power she didn’t even know she had. Throughout her journey, Rin is forced to grapple with the lengths she's willing to go to win, and the prices she's willing to pay.
What readers like: Readers are smitten by Rin’s vivid character which embodies strength and resilience throughout the tribulations she encounters. The book’s ability to engage with nuanced themes like power, race, and war while maintaining a storyline that is gripping and visceral is hugely admired. Fans of brutal battlefield narratives, intense political maneuvering and complex character development, here's your new favorite read!
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The Priory of the Orange Tree
by Samantha Shannon
Why The Priory of the Orange Tree is on this list: It's not just a dark fantasy, it's a radiant exploration of a world beautifully painted with dragons and magic, where the darkness seeps in between the lines. It's wrapped in rules and customs, traditions and prejudices that cloud the horizon—perfect for those who like their fantasiesrouded in shadows.
Ead Duryan is an outsider in the kingdom of Inys, and she has a secret she will do anything to keep. Meanwhile, inside the borders of the empire, Tané has trained to be a dragon rider since she was a child, but her path is about to alter in ways she couldn't foresee. Underneath it all, an ancient enemy awakens, a force that has lain dormant for a millennium starts to stir. Samantha Shannon weaves it all together with vivid storytelling, settling you in a mystical world you'll hardly want to leave.
What readers like: Fans of this book appreciate the satisfying blend of epic world-building, complex relationships, and the stirring struggle for survival against all odds. The characters are well-developed, each with their own intriguing backstory, serving as threads in the overall tapestry of conflict, friendship, and hard-won unity. And dragon lovers? Well, let's just say they wouldn't be complaining.
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