Best Dark Fantasy Books May 2025

The Hod King

Senlin’s journey through the Tower of Babel takes a perilous turn as he infiltrates the ringdom of Pelphia. Disguised as a noble, he must navigate treacherous politics and uncover the whereabouts of his lost wife. Meanwhile, Voleta and Iren face their own challenges in the ringdom’s deadly arena. Bancroft’s vivid prose brings this steampunk world to life, weaving intrigue and adventure with moments of unexpected humor. As the stakes rise, loyalties are tested, and secrets threaten to unravel everything Senlin holds dear.

Arm of the Sphinx

Senlin’s quest to find his missing wife takes a thrilling turn in this captivating sequel. Aboard the airship “Stone Cloud,” he and his eccentric crew navigate the treacherous Tower of Babel, facing new dangers and uncovering shocking secrets. Bancroft’s vivid prose brings this steampunk world to life, while his complex characters grapple with loyalty, identity, and the price of ambition. I found myself completely immersed, unable to put it down as the mysteries deepened and the stakes grew ever higher.

Senlin Ascends

Thomas Senlin, a small-town schoolteacher, embarks on a honeymoon adventure to the Tower of Babel, only to lose his wife in the teeming crowds. Determined to find her, he begins a perilous ascent through the Tower’s bizarre and treacherous ringdoms. As he climbs, Senlin unravels the Tower’s mysteries, confronting danger, deceit, and his own naivety. This steampunk-infused journey blends whimsy and darkness, challenging Senlin to evolve from a timid academic into a cunning survivor in a world where nothing is as it seems.

Shadows of Self

Shadows of Self plunges readers back into the gritty, mist-shrouded world of Scadrial. Waxium Ladrian, lawman turned reluctant nobleman, grapples with his dual identity as he investigates a series of mysterious murders. Sanderson’s masterful blend of fantasy and detective noir keeps you guessing until the very end. I found myself completely absorbed, staying up way too late just to unravel one more clue. The witty banter between Wax and Wayne provides welcome moments of levity amidst the mounting tension. A thrilling ride that left me eager for more.

The Alloy of Law

Wax Ladrian, a lawman from the untamed Roughs, returns to the bustling city of Elendel after twenty years away. Haunted by his past, he reluctantly takes up his uncle’s noble title and finds himself thrust into a world of political intrigue and technological marvels. As he grapples with his new responsibilities, a string of mysterious robberies threatens the city’s stability. Wax must dust off his guns and team up with his eccentric friend Wayne to uncover a conspiracy that could shake the very foundations of their society. Sanderson’s blend of Wild West grit and steampunk ingenuity creates a thrilling adventure that kept me up way too late.

Calamity

Calamity gripped me from the first page, plunging me into a world where superheroes are the villains. Sanderson’s masterful storytelling had me rooting for David, a regular guy with an extraordinary mission. The twists kept me guessing, and I found myself staying up way too late, unable to put it down. It’s a thrilling ride that blends sci-fi and action seamlessly, leaving me eager for more. A must-read for anyone who loves a fresh take on the superhero genre.

Firefight

David’s world turned upside down when he discovered his power to create illusions. Now, as a Reckoner fighting against the tyrannical Epics, he’s thrust into a dangerous mission in Babylon Restored. Amidst the neon-lit, flooded ruins of Manhattan, David grapples with his growing feelings for Megan and the true nature of his abilities. As he uncovers shocking secrets about the Epics, he questions everything he thought he knew. Sanderson’s electrifying sequel keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending superhuman action with heart-wrenching dilemmas.

Steelheart

In a world where superhumans reign supreme, David Charleston harbors a secret vendetta. Ten years ago, he witnessed Steelheart, the most powerful Epic, murder his father. Now, David joins the Reckoners, a group of ordinary humans fighting back. Armed with meticulous research on Epic weaknesses and fueled by a thirst for revenge, David is determined to uncover Steelheart’s fatal flaw. But in a city of steel and secrets, the line between hero and villain blurs, and David must confront the true cost of his quest for justice.

Warbreaker

Vivenna never wanted to be a goddess. Thrust into a world of divine politics and colorful magic, she must navigate treacherous alliances and uncover ancient secrets. Her sister Siri, betrothed to the fearsome God King, grapples with unexpected power. As war looms, a mysterious warrior with a sentient sword joins their cause. Sanderson weaves a tale of deception, faith, and the price of power in this standalone fantasy that will leave you breathless and questioning everything you thought you knew about magic.

Elantris

Elantris, once a city of wonder and magic, now lies in ruins. Its inhabitants, once revered as gods, are now cursed, trapped in a living death. When Prince Raoden is struck by the dreaded transformation, he’s exiled to the city’s decaying streets. Meanwhile, his fiancée, Princess Sarene, arrives to find him dead. As political intrigue swirls and a mysterious priest plots destruction, Raoden and Sarene must uncover the secrets of Elantris to save their people. Sanderson weaves a tale of hope, love, and redemption in a world where magic has failed.