Best Dark Fantasy Books December 2024

Half a King

Yarvi never wanted to be king. Born with a crippled hand, he was destined for the Ministry. But fate had other plans. When his father and brother are murdered, Yarvi is thrust onto the Black Chair of Gettland. Betrayed and left for dead, he must navigate a world of treachery and deceit to reclaim his throne. With unlikely allies and newfound strength, Yarvi discovers that a cunning mind can be the sharpest weapon of all. Abercrombie’s gritty tale of revenge and self-discovery will keep you turning pages late into the night.

Red Country

Gritty and unforgiving, “Red Country” plunges readers into a world of dust, blood, and vengeance. Abercrombie’s masterful prose paints a vivid landscape where hope is scarce and survival is everything. I found myself captivated by the complex characters, each wrestling with their own demons. The tension builds like a slow-burning fuse, erupting into moments of brutal violence that left me breathless. A must-read for anyone who craves raw, unflinching fantasy with a dash of dark humor.

The Heroes

Gritty and uncompromising, Abercrombie’s “The Heroes” plunges readers into the heart of a brutal three-day battle. With his trademark dark humor and unflinching portrayal of violence, he weaves a tale of flawed characters caught in the chaos of war. I found myself captivated by the shifting perspectives and morally ambiguous choices. It’s a stark reminder that in conflict, heroism is often just a matter of perspective. A must-read for fans of realistic fantasy.

Best Served Cold

Revenge is a dish best served cold, and Monza Murcatto’s vengeance is glacial. Once the most feared mercenary in Duke Orso’s employ, she’s now left for dead, her brother murdered beside her. Surviving against all odds, Monza vows to kill the seven men responsible for her downfall. As she assembles a motley crew of misfits and cutthroats, each with their own agenda, the line between justice and madness blurs. Abercrombie’s gritty tale of betrayal and retribution pulls no punches, delivering a visceral journey through a world where honor is scarce and loyalty comes at a steep price.

Last Argument of Kings

Brutal, gripping, and darkly humorous, “Last Argument of Kings” delivers a stunning conclusion to Joe Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to see how it all unfolded. The characters are flawed and complex, making you question who to root for. Abercrombie’s gritty prose and unexpected twists kept me on edge, and the ending… well, let’s just say it’s not your typical fantasy fare. A must-read for fans of morally gray tales and subverted tropes.

Before They Are Hanged

Gritty and unrelenting, Abercrombie’s second installment in The First Law trilogy plunges readers deeper into a world of betrayal and brutal warfare. As armies clash and alliances crumble, unlikely heroes emerge from the chaos. The author’s razor-sharp wit and unflinching portrayal of flawed characters kept me riveted. I found myself both horrified and oddly charmed by the morally ambiguous cast, their raw humanity shining through even in the darkest moments. A masterclass in subverting fantasy tropes.

The Blade Itself

Logen Ninefingers, a notorious barbarian, finds himself on a collision course with destiny. Fleeing his blood-soaked past, he’s drawn into a web of intrigue and violence in the crumbling Union. Meanwhile, a vain nobleman grapples with his own demons, and a young apprentice discovers her magical potential. Abercrombie weaves a gritty, darkly humorous tale that subverts fantasy tropes, leaving readers questioning who the real heroes are. With its morally ambiguous characters and brutal world, “The Blade Itself” cuts deep, leaving you hungry for more.

The Deep

Haunting and atmospheric, “The Deep” plunges readers into the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic and its sister ship, the Britannic. Alma Katsu weaves a chilling tale of supernatural suspense, blending historical fact with eerie fiction. As passengers and crew face inexplicable events, long-buried secrets surface, threatening to consume them all. With richly drawn characters and a sense of impending doom, this gripping novel will leave you questioning the line between reality and the paranormal.

The Hunger

Donner Party meets supernatural horror in this gripping tale of survival and desperation. As the ill-fated wagon train journeys west, an unseen evil stalks their every move. Hunger gnaws at their bodies, but something far more sinister preys on their minds. Katsu’s masterful blend of historical fact and chilling fiction will leave you questioning what’s real and what lurks in the shadows. A haunting exploration of human nature pushed to its limits.

The Sandman: The Wake

Gaiman’s haunting conclusion to The Sandman saga weaves a tapestry of dreams and reality. As the Endless gather to mourn their fallen brother, we’re drawn into a world where boundaries blur and stories come alive. With lyrical prose and evocative artwork, Gaiman explores themes of change, responsibility, and the power of stories. It’s a bittersweet farewell that lingers in the mind like a half-remembered dream, leaving readers both satisfied and yearning for more.