What Dark Fantasy Books Should I Read After Game Of Thrones?

Dark fantasy is an amalgam of supernatural fears and the grotesque, it gives its audience a taste for the mystical and macabre with occasional touches of horror. Think Berserk, the dramatic world of which awash in hues as somber as one would see the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Or Dark Souls, a video game that is famous not only for its fights, but also its melancholic plot line. It's not a hit for everyone, of course, yet I find the fascination with the characters that survive in this haunted world. Their fight against ghastly enemies adds an additional depth, making us wonder about our own human values.

I've been obsessed with dark fantasy for years, and when it comes to popularity, nothing beats 'The Witcher' series by Andrzej Sapkowski. The way he blends Slavic folklore with gritty, morally complex storytelling is just unmatched. Geralt of Rivia is such an iconic character, and the books dive deep into themes of destiny, prejudice, and the gray areas between good and evil. The games and Netflix show brought even more fans into the fold, but the original books are where it all started. Sapkowski's dry humor and knack for subverting fantasy tropes make his work stand out in a crowded genre.

I've been counting down the days for Brandon Sanderson's next dark fantasy masterpiece. Based on his usual writing speed and updates from his website, it’s likely we’ll see another dark fantasy release in late 2024 or early 2025. Sanderson is famously transparent about his progress, often sharing drafts and timelines with fans. His dark fantasy works like 'The Stormlight Archive' and standalone novels such as 'Elantris' show his knack for blending intricate world-building with gritty themes. I’m especially excited because his recent livestreams hinted at something new in the Cosmere universe, possibly tying into darker narratives. The wait is tough, but knowing Sanderson, it’ll be worth every second.

'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman stands out in the dark fantasy genre for its unique blend of eerie charm and psychological depth. Unlike many dark fantasies that rely heavily on gore or shock value, 'Coraline' creates a haunting atmosphere through subtle, unsettling details. The story revolves around a young girl who discovers a parallel world that seems perfect but hides sinister secrets. This narrative approach is reminiscent of 'Pan's Labyrinth,' where a child navigates a dark, fantastical world, but 'Coraline' maintains a more intimate, personal tone. What sets 'Coraline' apart is its focus on the protagonist's courage and resourcefulness. While other dark fantasies like 'The Graveyard Book' or 'The Night Circus' explore similar themes of alternate realities, 'Coraline' delves deeper into the psychological impact of these experiences on a child. The Other Mother, with her button eyes, is a chilling antagonist that embodies the dangers of seemingly perfect facades. This character is as iconic as the White Witch from 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' but her menace is more insidious and personal. In terms of visual storytelling, the 2009 stop-motion adaptation of 'Coraline' enhances the story's eerie aesthetic, making it a standout in the genre. The film's meticulous attention to detail and its use of color and shadow create a visually stunning experience that complements the book's dark tone. While 'Coraline' shares thematic elements with other dark fantasies, its combination of psychological depth, unique antagonist, and visual artistry makes it a timeless classic in the genre.

I've binge-read 'My Disciples Are All Villains' twice, and it's this perfect blend of dark fantasy with wicked humor. The premise screams darkness—a master raising morally gray disciples who wreak havoc—but the execution is hilariously ironic. The disciples' attempts to be evil often backfire spectacularly, like when they try to poison a village and accidentally cure a plague instead. The master's deadpan reactions to their failures add a layer of dry comedy. It's not slapstick; it's the kind of humor that creeps up on you while you're knee-deep in political intrigue and blood magic. The world-building is grim (think cursed forests and sacrificial rituals), but the characters' chaotic energy keeps it from feeling oppressive. If you enjoy stories where the villains are too incompetent to be terrifying, this hits the sweet spot.

I've been deep into dark fantasy ever since I stumbled upon 'Berserk', and nothing quite hits the same way, but a few come close. 'The Black Company' by Glen Cook has that gritty, mercenary vibe with a dark, oppressive world. It’s like if the Band of the Hawk were a group of hardened soldiers instead. Kentaro Miura actually cited Cook as an influence, so you know it’s legit. Another one is 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. The characters are morally gray, the battles are brutal, and the world feels like it’s constantly on the brink of collapse. If you love the despair and hopelessness in 'Berserk', you’ll feel right at home here. Also, 'The Vagrant' by Peter Newman is worth checking out. It’s got that same sense of a lone warrior fighting against overwhelming darkness, with a mute protagonist that gives off serious Guts vibes. The art in 'Berserk' is legendary, but these books make up for it with their sheer brutality and depth.

As someone who thrives in the shadowy corners of literature, dark fantasy holds a special place in my heart, especially when it blurs the line between horror and fantasy. 'The Library at Mount Char' by Scott Hawkins is a masterpiece of cosmic dread and brutal power struggles, wrapped in a narrative that feels like a fever dream. Then there's 'Between Two Fires' by Christopher Buehlman, which marries medieval horror with apocalyptic stakes in a way that leaves you breathless. For those who crave visceral, poetic prose, 'The Book of the New Sun' by Gene Wolfe is a labyrinthine tale of a torturer’s journey in a dying world, rich with allegory. 'Perdido Street Station' by China Miéville offers a grotesquely beautiful cityscape teeming with nightmares and rebellion. And if you want something utterly bleak yet mesmerizing, 'The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart' by Jesse Bullington delivers a grimdark adventure soaked in blood and superstition. These novels don’t just tell stories—they haunt you.

I've been diving deep into dark fantasy lately, and the books that keep popping up as top-rated on Amazon are absolute gems. 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang is a brutal, visceral journey that blends historical inspiration with dark magic—it’s unforgettable. Then there’s 'The Blade Itself' by Joe Abercrombie, which redefines grimdark with its morally grey characters and razor-sharp wit. 'The Fifth Season' by N.K. Jemisin is another masterpiece, weaving apocalyptic stakes with deeply personal tragedy. For something more Gothic, 'Between Two Fires' by Christopher Buehlman is a hauntingly beautiful nightmare. These books aren’t just dark; they’re layered, thought-provoking, and impossible to put down.