Best Dark Fantasy Books May 2025

The Gathering Storm

As a lifelong Wheel of Time fan, I was both excited and apprehensive about “The Gathering Storm.” Could Sanderson do justice to Jordan’s legacy? I needn’t have worried. This book reignited my passion for the series, seamlessly blending Jordan’s intricate world-building with Sanderson’s knack for pacing. The character arcs, especially Rand’s descent into darkness, are masterfully handled. It’s a bittersweet read, knowing it’s partly Jordan’s final work, but also a triumphant continuation of his epic vision.

Knife of Dreams

In this gripping installment of the Wheel of Time saga, Robert Jordan weaves a tapestry of intrigue and magic that will leave readers breathless. As the Last Battle looms, our heroes face their greatest challenges yet. Rand grapples with madness and power, while Mat’s roguish charm is tested in ways he never imagined. I found myself completely lost in the rich world-building, cheering for characters who’ve become like old friends. Jordan’s masterful storytelling had me staying up way too late, promising myself “just one more chapter.”

Crossroads of Twilight

In this gripping installment of the Wheel of Time saga, Robert Jordan weaves a tapestry of intrigue and magic. As the world teeters on the brink of chaos, our heroes face their greatest challenges yet. Rand grapples with his destiny, while Egwene’s struggle for control intensifies. With each turn of the page, I found myself drawn deeper into this rich, complex world. Jordan’s masterful storytelling left me breathless, eagerly anticipating what comes next in this epic journey.

Winter’s Heart

Immerse yourself in the epic world of “The Wheel of Time” as Robert Jordan weaves a tale of magic, destiny, and political intrigue. Follow Rand al’Thor’s perilous journey as he grapples with his role as the Dragon Reborn. Witness alliances shift, secrets unravel, and the very fabric of reality tremble. Jordan’s masterful storytelling will keep you spellbound, yearning for more with each turn of the page. A must-read for fantasy lovers and newcomers alike.

The Path of Daggers

In “The Path of Daggers,” Robert Jordan weaves a tapestry of intrigue and magic that left me breathless. Rand al’Thor’s struggle with power and madness intensifies, while the women of the White Tower face their own battles. Jordan’s vivid world-building and complex characters drew me in, though I admit I sometimes got lost in the sprawling cast. Still, the tension builds masterfully, and I found myself staying up late, unable to put it down. A must-read for fantasy lovers.

A Crown of Swords

Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn, struggles to unite a fractured world against the Dark One’s growing power. As he grapples with madness and the weight of prophecy, his allies face their own challenges. Egwene leads the rebel Aes Sedai, while Mat and Perrin navigate treacherous political waters. Amidst betrayal and hidden agendas, the search for a powerful artifact intensifies. Jordan’s rich world-building and intricate plot threads weave a tapestry of magic, intrigue, and destiny that kept me turning pages late into the night.

Lord of Chaos

Immerse yourself in the epic world of “The Wheel of Time” with Robert Jordan’s “Lord of Chaos.” As the Dragon Reborn grapples with his destiny, alliances shift and enemies lurk in the shadows. Jordan’s masterful storytelling weaves a tapestry of magic, politics, and prophecy that kept me up late into the night. The rich character development and intricate plot twists left me breathless, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next revelation.

The Fires of Heaven

In “The Fires of Heaven,” Robert Jordan weaves a tapestry of magic and intrigue that will leave readers spellbound. As Rand al’Thor grapples with his destiny as the Dragon Reborn, old alliances crumble and new ones form in unexpected ways. I found myself completely lost in the rich world-building, my heart racing during the intense battle scenes. Jordan’s masterful storytelling had me staying up late, unable to put the book down. A must-read for any fantasy lover.

The Slow Regard of Silent Things

Delve into the enigmatic world of Auri, a mysterious character from Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicle. This haunting novella follows her solitary life in the sprawling tunnels beneath the University. With lyrical prose and intimate detail, Rothfuss paints a portrait of a fragile mind navigating a world of forgotten things. It’s a quiet, introspective journey that left me pondering the beauty in small moments and the power of finding order in chaos. Not your typical fantasy, but utterly captivating.

The Shadow Rising

In this gripping installment of The Wheel of Time series, Jordan weaves a tapestry of intrigue and adventure. Rand al’Thor grapples with his destiny as the Dragon Reborn, while his companions face their own challenges. The world teeters on the brink of chaos as ancient prophecies unfold. With vivid prose and complex characters, Jordan’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats. I found myself completely lost in this rich fantasy world, unable to put the book down.