Best Dark Fantasy Books December 2024

Queen of Shadows

Celaena Sardothien has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight. She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return. The fourth breathtaking installment in the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series.

Heir of Fire

Celaena Sardothien, once Adarlan’s most feared assassin, now faces her greatest challenge yet. Sent on a dangerous mission to a distant kingdom, she must confront her own demons and unlock the secrets of her magical heritage. As dark forces gather and ancient powers awaken, Celaena must decide where her loyalties truly lie. With heart-pounding action and unexpected twists, this gripping tale explores the depths of courage, love, and sacrifice. Maas weaves a spellbinding narrative that will leave readers breathless and craving more.

Crown of Midnight

Celaena Sardothien, the King’s Champion, finds herself caught in a web of secrets and lies. As she struggles to maintain her facade of loyalty, her heart is torn between two men: the roguish captain of the guard and the charming prince. But darker forces are at play, and Celaena must confront her own mysterious past. With each mission, she uncovers more about the kingdom’s sinister underbelly, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew. In this gripping sequel, Maas weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and magic that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Throne of Glass

In a world where magic has been outlawed, Celaena Sardothien, an infamous assassin, is offered a chance at freedom. Compete as the King’s Champion and win her liberty, or face certain death in the salt mines. As she battles fellow criminals and warriors, Celaena uncovers dark secrets and confronts her own haunting past. With each challenge, she questions her loyalties and discovers an unexpected ally. Maas weaves a tale of survival, romance, and political intrigue that kept me turning pages late into the night. A thrilling start to an epic fantasy series.

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places. In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

A Court of Mist and Fury

Feyre’s world shatters as she grapples with the aftermath of her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court. Torn between duty and desire, she discovers hidden strengths within herself and a realm of breathtaking beauty. As dark forces gather, Feyre must confront her own demons and embrace her newfound powers. Maas weaves a spellbinding tale of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery that will leave readers breathless and yearning for more.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Feyre’s world shatters when she kills a wolf in the forest, only to be dragged into the treacherous realm of the Fae. Held captive by the enigmatic Tamlin, she discovers a world of magic and danger beyond her wildest dreams. As Feyre unravels the secrets of the faerie lands, she finds herself drawn to Tamlin in ways she never expected. But a sinister force threatens everything she’s come to love, and Feyre must find the strength within herself to save both worlds. A spellbinding tale of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery that will leave you breathless.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Stevenson’s chilling novella plunges readers into the foggy streets of Victorian London, where respectable Dr. Jekyll harbors a dark secret. As his friend Utterson investigates a series of bizarre incidents, he uncovers the terrifying truth about Jekyll’s experiments with the duality of human nature. This gripping tale of psychological horror explores the battle between good and evil within us all, leaving readers questioning the very nature of identity and morality.

The Witcher: Season of Storms

Geralt of Rivia, the famed monster hunter, finds himself embroiled in a web of political intrigue and magical mayhem in this gripping tale. Set between the short stories and novels, Sapkowski weaves a masterful narrative that delves deeper into the Witcher’s world. As I turned each page, I felt transported to the gritty, fantastical realm where monsters lurk and loyalties shift like quicksand. The author’s wit and dark humor shine through, making this a must-read for fans and newcomers alike.

The Witcher: Lady of the Lake

Sapkowski’s masterful conclusion to The Witcher saga weaves a tapestry of myth, magic, and political intrigue. As Ciri’s destiny unfolds, readers are swept into a world where reality blurs with legend. The author’s sardonic wit and complex characters shine, while the narrative’s twists keep you guessing. I found myself lost in the rich lore, savoring every page. It’s a bittersweet farewell to characters who’ve become like old friends, leaving me both satisfied and wistful for more.