The Edge of Darkness: 9 Grimdark Fantasy Books for Fans of Gritty Fiction

March 26, 2023 Ben Luxon

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Grimdark fantasy is a subgenre of speculative fiction that has gained increasing popularity in recent years. With its dark and gritty themes, morally ambiguous characters, and often violent and bleak settings, grimdark fantasy provides a unique and immersive reading experience for those who enjoy a challenge.

But what is grimdark fantasy, and where should you start if you're interested in exploring this subgenre? In this post, we delve into the defining characteristics of grimdark fantasy, highlight some of the best Grimdark and Dark Fantasy books for fantasy lovers, and provide some tips on where to begin your Grimdark journey.

What is Grimdark Fantasy?

Though challenging to get a precise description of grimdark fantasy, many common elements are found throughout Grmidark fiction. For example, it’s characterized by its dark and gritty themes, which are often explored through morally ambiguous characters and settings that are bleak and unforgiving. Some even go so far as to describe it as the fantasy equivalent of dystopian sci-fi.

Below we break down some of the key characteristics frequently found in grimdark fantasy:

Dark and Gritty Themes: Grimdark fantasy often explores themes of war, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. It frequently delves into topics that are uncomfortable or taboo.
Anti-Heroes or Morally Ambiguous Characters: Many grimdark fantasy books feature protagonists who are deeply flawed. These characters often have questionable motivations and are not always likeable or heroic - in other settings, they would be considered a villain. (Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire series which we explore later in this article is a good example of a villainous protagonist.)
Violence and Gore: Grimdark fantasy doesn't shy away from getting messy. It often features graphic descriptions of battles, torture, and other violent acts.
Lack of Hope: In many of these fantasy books there is a somewhat pessimistic outlook on the world. The cruelty that the characters experience is unforgiving and realistic, and presents insurmountable obstacles that can’t be overcome without some sacrifice.
A Bleak World: The world-building in grimdark fantasy is typically dark and foreboding, with a focus on realism.

By embracing these defining characteristics, grimdark fantasy provides a unique and often challenging reading experience that can be both rewarding and thought-provoking.

9 of The Best Grimdark Fantasy Books and Series

Here’s our list of grimdark fantasy books and series that you should consider reading if you’re a fan of dark fantasy:

1. The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie (published 2006-2008)

The First Law Trilogy takes place in a world of war and political intrigue, where characters must navigate a brutal and unforgiving landscape. The series focuses on a cast of gritty characters including a barbarian warrior, a crippled torturer, and a self-centred nobleman. Each of them must confront their own flaws and prejudices as they struggle to survive in a world full of violence, betrayal, and treachery.

2. The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson (published 1999-2011)

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is an epic series that explores themes of mortality, power, and the human condition. Set in a world of gods, magic, and warfare, the series follows a vast cast of characters, including soldiers, assassins, and sorcerers. With its richly detailed world-building, intricate plotting, and morally complex characters, The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a monumental work of grimdark fantasy that challenges readers to think deeply about the nature of power and the consequences of war.

3. The Black Company by Glen Cook (published 1984 - 1985)

The Black Company follows a group of mercenaries as they navigate a world of war and politics. Led by their enigmatic and ruthless captain, the company becomes embroiled in a conflict between two powerful sorcerers, forcing them to confront their own loyalties and morality. With stark realism and complex themes, The Black Company is a classic grimdark fantasy book series.

4. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence (published 2011-2013)

The first in the Broken Empire Trilogy (and Mark Lawrence’s debut novel) is A Prince of Thorns. It tells a tale of blood and treachery, magic and brotherhood and paints a compelling and brutal, and sometimes beautiful, picture of the young prince Jorg Ancrath on his journey toward manhood and the throne. With his ruthless tactics and disregard for human life, Jorg is a compelling antihero who must confront the consequences of his own actions as he seeks to conquer the world around him.

5. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin (published 1996 - present)

A Song of Ice and Fire is a sprawling epic that follows a vast cast of characters spread out across the seven kingdoms of Westeros and beyond. It is one of the most ambitious examples of world-building since Tolkien. It explores themes of power, family, and the consequences of human ambition.

The series is famous for shocking violence where the main characters apparently devoid of plot armour are gratuitously murdered, maimed and worse. With such high stakes for even central characters, the Game of Thrones books have an uncommon realism that makes them stand out and will have you on the edge of your seat (despite the length of the novels published to date).

A Game of Thrones (1996)
A Clash of Kings (1998)
A Storm of Swords (2000)
A Feast for Crows (2005)
A Dance with Dragons (2011)
The Winds of Winter (forthcoming)
A Dream of Spring (planned)

Readers looking for more fantasy book recommendations can visit our blog featuring the 31 best fantasy books of all time.

6. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb (published1995 - 1997)

Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy follows the story of FitzChivalry Farseer, the bastard son of a prince who is trained as an assassin for the royal family. Set in a world of political intrigue and courtly scheming, the novel explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the high cost of power.

While some readers may not consider Assassin's Apprentice to be strictly Grimdark, it certainly contains many of the hallmarks of the subgenre, such as its focus on morally ambiguous characters, its depiction of violence and brutality, and its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. Hobb's portrayal of the character of FitzChivalry, in particular, has been praised for its nuance and complexity, as he struggles to reconcile his duty as an assassin with his own sense of morality and loyalty to his friends.

For more information on Robin Hobb’s books read The Farseer Trilogy, Dragons and Beyond: Robin Hobb's Books

7. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang (published 2018 - 2020)

The Poppy War series is one of the best examples of grimdark fantasy of recent years. The book explores themes of corruption and power, lust and vengeance, and delves into the darkest depths of humanity and savagery.

The story follows Rin. She comes from a poor background but gets into an elite military academy, and develops a gift for shamanism that lets her call upon the fire powers of a vengeful Phoenix god. She has to navigate through war and revolution but there seems no end to it with more bloodshed always on the horizon.

8. War for the Rose Throne by Peter McLean (published 2018 -2022)

Peter McLean's book "Priest of Bones" is the first in the War for the Rose Throne series and is a dark and gritty tale set in a world of gangsters and magic.

The story follows Tomas Piety, a former soldier and now a crime lord, as he returns to his hometown to reclaim his territory and seek revenge against those who betrayed him. With his loyal crew of soldiers and his cunning mind, Tomas must navigate through the dangerous world of crime and politics while also dealing with the supernatural forces that threaten his rule. Along the way, he grapples with his own morality and struggles to reconcile his violent past with his newfound position as a man of power and influence.

9. Empires of Dust by Anna Smith Spark (2017 - 2019)

The first book in the Empire of Dust series by Anna Smith Spark is the novel "The Court of Broken Knives". It is a dark and atmospheric fantasy tale set in a world of political intrigue, violence, and magic. The story follows a cast of morally ambiguous characters, including a ruthless assassin, a disgraced prince, and a powerful sorceress, as they navigate through the treacherous Court of the Emperor, where alliances shift constantly and betrayal is the norm.

As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the characters are forced to confront their own desires and motivations, ultimately leading to a climactic and brutal confrontation that will change the course of the empire forever. With beautiful prose and intricate world-building, "The Court of Broken Knives" is a haunting and unforgettable read.

These nine grimdark book series represent the best of grimdark fantasy, with each one exploring the dark and gritty themes that define the subgenre. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to grimdark fantasy, these books are sure to provide a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience.

Readers who like the books listed above may also like John Gwynne and his Bloodsworn Saga.

Dark Fantasy Books vs Grimdark Fantasy Books: What’s the Difference?

While there is some overlap between Dark Fantasy and Grimdark, the key difference between the two is in their tone and focus. Dark Fantasy and Grimdark are both subgenres of fantasy that deal with darker and more mature themes, but there are some key differences between the two.

Dark Fantasy typically refers to works of fantasy that incorporate elements of horror or the supernatural, and often involve morally ambiguous characters and settings that are darker and more atmospheric than traditional fantasy. Examples of Dark Fantasy books include Neil Gaiman's "Sandman" series, Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles," and H.P. Lovecraft's stories. Dark Fantasy books often explore themes of mortality, identity, and the nature of good and evil.

Grimdark, on the other hand, is a subgenre of fantasy that is characterized by its harsh realism, moral ambiguity, bleak world-building, and often are feature gritty violence. Because of this I actually find the characters in grimdark fantasy books tend to be more relatable and multi-dimensional than in other fantasy subgenres. They have complex character motivations that are never wholly good but are realistically selfish. The villains as well are often more understandable and so the line between good and evil becomes blurred or disappears entirely.

Ultimately, both the Grimdark Fantasy and Dark Fantasy subgenres offer readers a chance to explore mature and complex themes in the context of a rich and imaginative fantasy world.

Like dark fiction? Try these 5 Bone-Chilling Horror Short Story Collections By Stephen King

Final Words: Where to Start Reading Grimdark Fantasy

If you're new to grimdark fantasy, starting can be intimidating. However, there are a few things you can do to find your footing and get started:

Consider your reading preferences: Grimdark fantasy is a complex subgenre with many different themes and styles. Before you dive in, take some time to think about what you enjoy in a book. Do you prefer action and adventure, political intrigue, or philosophical musings? This will help you choose a series that you're more likely to enjoy.

Read reviews and recommendations: Reading reviews and recommendations from others who have already read the books can give you a good sense of what to expect. You'll get an idea of the writing style, the characters, and the overall tone of the series. This can help you decide if a particular series is right for you.

My personal favourites on this list are Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law Trilogy and Robin Hobb’s Farseer trilogy and so if you’re really stuck these are definitely great places to begin. Other fantasy authors you might enjoy but didn’t make it onto this list include John Gwynne (his Bloodsworn Saga is phenomenal), and my personal favourite David Gemmel who you can learn more about here.

Cabbage Tree Books