Grimdark fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy fiction that explores dark and brutal themes, often portraying a world that is gritty and unforgiving. With its morally ambiguous characters, political intrigue, and high stakes, grimdark fantasy has become a favorite among readers who crave a more realistic and gritty take on the genre.
While there are plenty of well-known grimdark fantasy books out there, there are also plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best grimdark fantasy books you haven’t read yet.
“The Court of Broken Knives” by Anna Smith Spark
“The Court of Broken Knives” is the first book in the Empires of Dust series by Anna Smith Spark. Set in a world inspired by the Byzantine Empire, this book follows a cast of morally ambiguous characters as they navigate a complex web of politics and power. With stunning prose and intricate world-building, this book is a must-read for any fan of grimdark fantasy.
“The Mirror Empire” by Kameron Hurley
“The Mirror Empire” is the first book in the Worldbreaker Saga by Kameron Hurley. This book takes place in a world where magic is a powerful and dangerous force and follows a diverse cast of characters as they fight for survival in a world torn apart by war and political intrigue. With its complex world-building and strong female characters, “The Mirror Empire” is a standout in the grimdark fantasy genre.
“The Grey Bastards” by Jonathan French
“The Grey Bastards” is the first book in the Lot Lands series by Jonathan French. This book follows a group of half-orcs as they navigate a brutal world filled with violence, betrayal, and political maneuvering. With its fast-paced action and engaging characters, “The Grey Bastards” is a must-read for any fan of grimdark fantasy.
“The Poppy War” by R.F. Kuang
“The Poppy War” is the first book in the Poppy War trilogy by R.F. Kuang. Set in a world inspired by China’s history, this book follows a young woman named Rin as she trains to become a powerful shaman and fights against an invading army. With its vivid descriptions of war and its exploration of themes like colonialism and genocide, “The Poppy War” is a powerful and thought-provoking read.
“The Traitor Baru Cormorant” by Seth Dickinson
“The Traitor Baru Cormorant” is the first book in the Masquerade series by Seth Dickinson. This book follows a young woman named Baru Cormorant as she rises through the ranks of a powerful empire, all while working to undermine it from within. With its complex political intrigue and morally ambiguous characters, “The Traitor Baru Cormorant” is a standout in the grimdark fantasy genre.
“The Library at Mount Char” by Scott Hawkins
“The Library at Mount Char” is a standalone novel by Scott Hawkins. While it may not be a traditional grimdark fantasy novel, it explores many of the same themes, including violence, betrayal, and the struggle for power. Set in a mysterious library where the librarians have god-like powers, this book is a must-read for any fan of dark and complex fantasy.
“Blackwing” by Ed McDonald
“Blackwing” is the first book in the Raven’s Mark series by Ed McDonald. This book follows a bounty hunter named Ryhalt Galharrow as he navigates a world ravaged by war and haunted by dark magic. With its engaging characters and fast-paced action, “Blackwing” is a must-read for any fan of grimdark fantasy.
Gareth Hanrahan
“The Gutter Prayer” is the first book in the Black Iron Legacy series by Gareth Hanrahan. This book is set in a city where the divine and the arcane exist side by side and follows a group of unlikely heroes as they try to save their city from a mysterious and deadly threat. With its intricate world-building and unique magic system, “The Gutter Prayer” is a standout in the grimdark fantasy genre.
“The City Stained Red” by Sam Sykes
“The City Stained Red” is the first book in the Bring Down Heaven trilogy by Sam Sykes. This book follows a band of adventurers as they try to stop a powerful demon from destroying their city. With its fast-paced action and engaging characters, “The City Stained Red” is a must-read for any fan of grimdark fantasy.
“The Last Kingdom” by Bernard Cornwell
While not strictly a grimdark fantasy novel, “The Last Kingdom” by Bernard Cornwell explores many of the same themes. Set in 9th-century England, this book follows a young warrior named Uhtred as he fights to reclaim his birthright and defend his people against invading armies. With its vivid descriptions of battle and its exploration of themes like loyalty, betrayal, and honor, “The Last Kingdom” is a standout historical fiction novel.
In conclusion, the grimdark fantasy genre has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. With its complex characters, intricate world-building, and exploration of dark and brutal themes, it offers a refreshing and gritty take on the fantasy genre. While there are plenty of well-known grimdark fantasy novels out there, there are also plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These ten books are just a small sample of the best grimdark fantasy books you haven’t read yet.
