The 10 Best Dark Fantasy Novels of All Time

In a world where unicorns and rainbows dominate the shelves, there exists a realm of literature that revels in the shadows, where nightmares come to life, and the macabre dances with the fantastical. If you're tired of corny happily-ever-afters and lovey-dovey walks into the sunset, then buckle up for a journey into the abyss with our list of the 10 Best Dark Fantasy Novels of All Time.

1. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

Let's kick things off with a novel that doesn't mince words or spare feelings. Abercrombie's "The Blade Itself" is a gritty symphony of violence and betrayal, where the characters are as morally ambiguous as a dog pooping on an outdoor carpet. In this world, heroes are hard to find, but flawed morons and troubled geniuses abound.

2. Perdido Street Station by China Miéville

If you thought your nightmares couldn't get any weirder, Miéville is here to prove you wrong. "Perdido Street Station" is a fever dream of grotesque creatures, political intrigue, and a city so vividly shady that even Lovecraft would hesitate to visit. Miéville's world-building is as dark as it gets, and it will leave you with a distinct feeling of unease long after reading.

3. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

Welcome to the city of Camorr, where thievery is not just a profession but an art form. Lynch's debut novel, "The Lies of Locke Lamora," introduces readers to a world of cunning con artists, where every smile hides a dagger, and every heist is a dance with death. It has a Gothamesque vibe with an Ocean’s -11-stakes climax.

4. The Black Company by Glen Cook

In a genre often enamored with knights in shining armor, Cook's "The Black Company" takes a sledgehammer to those tropes. Mercenaries for hire, the Black Company doesn't give a damn about honor; they're just trying to survive in a world where the only certainty is betrayal. It's a dark, gritty ride through a morally murky landscape where even the good guys are a shade away from being the bad guys.

5. Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

Meet Jorg Ancrath, a morally bankrupt protagonist who really makes you wonder who you should be rooting for. Lawrence's "Prince of Thorns" follows Jorg's blood-soaked journey for power in a post-apocalyptic world. It's not for the faint-hearted, as Lawrence fearlessly delves into the darkest corners of human nature, proving that sometimes the line between hero and villain is thinner than a dragon's breath.

6. The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

Books are generally considered a source of knowledge, but in Hawkins' world, the library is a cosmic Pandora's box. "The Library at Mount Char" is a mind-bending tale where gods and mortals play a deadly game, and the rules are written in blood. This isn’t your local public library; it's more like one you’d find in hell.

7. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence

Lawrence makes a second appearance on our list because, well, the man knows how to craft a soul-crushing tale. The Broken Empire Trilogy, starting with Prince of Thorns, is a ruthless exploration of power, revenge, and the darker shades of humanity. If you were looking for a trilogy that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of fantasy, this is it.

8. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

In a world inspired by Chinese history and folklore, Kuang weaves a tale of war, magic, and the cost of power. The Poppy War takes the reader on a harrowing journey alongside Rin, a war orphan who discovers a deadly power within herself. Kuang pulls no punches, delivering a narrative that's as brutal as it is brilliant, and you'll be left questioning the value of victory.

9. Malice by John Gwynne

Second to last on our dark fantasy expedition is Gwynne's "Malice," the first book in The Faithful and the Fallen series. This is a world teetering on the brink of war, where ancient prophecies unfold, and gods play a dangerous game with the lives of mortals. Gwynne doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of conflict, and as the lines blur between heroes and villains, you'll find yourself lost in a morally ambiguous landscape.

10. The Elder Wyrm

And, occupying the honorary place on this list is our latest monumental effort, The Elder Wyrm. It’s a dark, satirical, comedic fantasy that has some fun at the expense of hippies, academics, hillbillies, and magic mushroom enthusiasts. It was inspired by 80s fantasy novels and doom metal bands, and themes from both are interwoven throughout. Check it out!

So there you have it, the "10 Best Dark Fantasy Novels of All Time. Happy reading, and may your nightmares be as epic as the stories that spawned them. For more of the metalest dark fantasy, check out our featured books.