10 Reviews: Best Grimdark Fantasy Books (Apr 2024)

Winter is coming! Hurry up. Let’s begin today’s grimdark with the one and only the most phenomenal masterpiece written by George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1). This book has been produced in TV series since 2019. Also, this book is well-potted and has excellent writing and fascinating characters.

Yup, this book starts with the conflicts between the several kingdoms. Then followed by several families fighting for power and the throne. And, this book is available in 720 pages, fully written in English. If you truly love dark sci-fi books, this is highly recommended.

"Great book excellently plot and action very true to the possibility of real life. Enjoy the rich flowing textures of a primitive harsh realm."

by Zman

In the second book, we suggest you read The Poppy War by R. F Kuang. With an epic historical military fantasy filled with treachery and magic, it’s no surprise that this book became the best 30 fiction books by Bustle version, the 5 best science fiction and fantasy novel picked by Washington post, a library journal’s best choice, and so on.

Moreover, this book was published by Harper Voyager and reprinted on April 23, 2019. You’ll love how the author tries to describe the character, plot, and dramatic tense to become the most fascinating book ever. Just be aware of the sensitive scenes before reading.

".....Well then. Here is an example of a protagonist that drops to the depths. The depths were tough, detailed, and visceral....."

by Kathy Randall Bryant

The Blade Itself written by Joe Abercrombie, is the best fantasy novel from New York Times best seller. This reprinted edition was published by Orbit on September 8, 2015. This book has a strong plot, relatable, compelling characters, and fascinating dialogue. Such a hilariously book ever.

In addition, this book brings the concept of grimdark by lifting the story of a dead barbarian. Of course, you’ll find it full of surprise scenes mind-blowing. It can be the dead fights, drawing blood, and dark themes. With a very well written, we think you can finish all pages in just a few days.

"....This is why TBI works so well as a work of fiction. It's just damn well written."

by Nick

In 2014, Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan won the winner of the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Newcomer Fantasy. In short, this book tells about the bloody business of overthrowing a king with flawlessly writing. The author creates meaningful connections with a full range of emotions.

Moreover, all the characters are described as completely fun yet dark. So sure, you won’t feel bored or disappointed reading this book. What’s more, this book was originally published on April 8, 2014, by Orbit, with a total print length, are 608 pages.

"Really enjoyed just jumping in and getting caught up in this fast moving story....."

by JJH

Next, we’ll move to Prince of Thorns written by Mark Lawrence. This book is an Award nominee by Goddreads Choice. And, this book was published by Ace on July 31, 2012 with 336 pages. What’s more, this book becomes Goodreads Choice This is an enjoyable dark trilogy series with an interesting plot.

In short, this book tells about the kingdom, throne, honor, life & death. Can you imagine that? For sure, the whole well-written story combines with interesting characters makes this book much more realistic and worth the read.

"One of the few books I've read more than once or twice. Really great blend of sci-fi and fantasy, and the writing is just so immersive."

by Ninurtu

If you want to read the darkness war, go with Chronicles of the Black Company. This book is the first 3 novels in Glen Cook’s bestselling fantasy series. Published on November 13, 2007 by Tor Books. And, all the story is well-written in full English in 704 pages.

What’s more, this is one of the big fantasy series with the whole characters and plot are blend together nicely. The author also puts all his imagination into epic written fantasies and adds a little bit of a sense of humor. Overall, you’ll be hooked on reading it

"I loved everything about this book. The plot, characters all meld together. A lot of work went into writing this book."

by Kindle Customer

The Editor’s pick in the best science fiction & fantasy by Amazon, Skullsworn: A Novel in the World of The Emperor’s Blades brings you into an amazing fantasy full of imagination. This book tells the story of the complex detailed world of elite soldier-assassins, serpentine politics, and mystic warrior monks.

Brian Staveley, as an author, depicts all the characters flawlessly written. The storylines are also worth reading. Plus, this book was originally published by ‎Tor Books on April 25, 2017 with 449 pages. Go get now on Amazon and enjoy your reading.

"A beautiful novel set in a rich world with surprising characters. One of my favorite fantasy novels of all time."

by Amazon Customer

This Night Watch: Book One is a great novel that tells about magic. You’ll find the ancient race of magicians, vampires, shape-shifters, and another supernatural character followed by the darkness in this book. If you really love sci-fi books that consist of magic, this is the right recommendation for you.

Moreover, there are 480 pages in English with 5.31 x 0.77 x 8 inches. And it was published by Harper Paperbacks on December 31, 2013. The author, Sergei Lukyanenko is a good writer with creates very realistic realms. You won’t be disappoint at all.

"Great new-wave, non anglocentric fantasy. The first 2 books (Night + Day watch) are great, after that they go downhill. Full of fun scheming."

by Dan Ofer

The Vagrant (The Vagrant Trilogy) was written by Peter Newman, and published on May 10, 2016 by Harper Voyager. The total length is 416 pages. Alright, this book is a joy to read, with brilliantly imaginative plot twists and unpredictable scenes.

What’s more, this book tells the story of a mysterious mute man in the future. All the characters are described with a detailed explanation, so it makes the reader want to read more and more. Thus, if you fan of classic sci-fi literature, The Vagrant is a must-read.

"Read the whole series, loved each book. So much imagination is woven into this world."

by J. Ledford

Last but not least, let’s end today’s recommendation of grimdark books with The Forgetting Moon written by Brian Lee Durfee. This book was officially published by Saga Press on Reprint Edition, August 29, 2017. Also, this book is full of high fantasy with an epic storyline.

Afterward, if we talk about grimdark, this book comes full of surprising dark scenes. Then, if you’re a beginner in fantasy stories, this might be a great choice for you. So, let’s start your reading now.

"This was such an awesome, epic, thrilling novel. It is book 1 in a large 3 book series. This was the most fun I have read in awhile and will be going straight into book 2......."

by andrew r.