Grimdark Fantasy: Stories of the Dark, the Hopeless, and the Violent

Grimdark fantasy is a fantasy subgenre whose tone and style is characterized by moral ambiguity, grittiness, and an overall grim outlook on life. They’re not happy stories; they’re cynical, violent, nihilistic, and downright dirty. In a grimdark setting, you’re not winning; you’re just losing slower than the others.

The term was inspired and popularized by Warhammer 40,000, a miniature war game with the tagline: “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.”

Writers of grimdark fantasy rarely romanticize or idealize their stories. Rather, they take inspiration from the darker side of humanity, and don’t shy away from portraying broken worlds and equally broken characters.

Common Features of Grimdark Fantasy

Grimdark fantasy is still a developing subgenre, so it’s still evolving and taking on its form, which gives way to many questions. Is anything with darkish vibes considered grimdark? Is it the same as dark fantasy?

There’s a lot of debate surrounding what this genre really is, and many differing opinions and definitions have further muddied the waters. Some authors don’t even care for the term, considering it dismissive of their attempt to deconstruct and subvert tropes.

But there are a few things you can look out for to accurately determine whether what you’re reading falls in grimdark territory. Here are a few of them.

1. Magic

Unlike other fantasy subgenres, grimdark fantasy does not put much importance on magic. Rather than being in your face, magic is more subtly woven into the narrative.

You’ll rarely find any flashy sorcerers in grimdark stories. It also operates on a more realistic level, and often with horrifying costs and consequences. It’s almost exclusively used to manipulate, kill, or at the very least, hurt.

2. Complex Plots

Plots within plots, made more complex by complicated characters, is the usual way of grimdark fantasy. There are twists and repercussions you’ll never see coming (hello Ned Stark’s beheading!); no clear indication on who’s good or bad; and no evidence of which side is winning. Anything can happen and will probably happen in grimdark plots.

If you’re planning to check out this genre, you’d best get ready for a roller coaster of sacrifice, amorality, a bleak sense of humor, and horrible decision-making.

3. Complicated Characters

You’ll rarely find stories with such complicated characters, each of whom have their own solid and extensive backstory.

There’s no way to tell who’s good or evil, with most characters makimg decisions that often conflict with their ideals. Characters regularly compromise on their principles and do unsavory things for the “greater good.”

Other fantasy genres focus on world-building and magic systems, but grimdark almost solely focuses on its characters. These characters mimic our own messy reality, and how we would probably act when faced with the situations portrayed in their stories. There’s a tight narrative that lets the reader get a sense of what a character is experiencing.

4. Violence and Other Heavy Topics

Grimdark does not shy away from topics that a lot of people consider risky or too heavy to enjoy reading. You’ll read about characters doing all sorts of immoral and “evil” actions. Violence also plays a huge part in most grimdark stories, almost to the point of excess.

This excess is further emphasized by grimdark’s rejection of romantic or idealized elements. Grimdark writers portray their stories without rose-colored lenses, so death and destruction are written without any attempt at softening their impacts.

Is Grimdark Fantasy for You?

You might be reading this article thinking that these are all reasons not to read grimdark fantasy. Who would want to read something that sounds so dark and depressing? But really, it’s more than that.

Sure, grimdark’s excessive use of violence and other heavy topics can be shocking and hard to accept—but that’s only a byproduct of its attempt to mimic our reality, although some writers can get a little carried away. The harsh realities of our world—of life and death—and the struggles we encounter are all things you’ll read about in grimdark plots.

If you’re the type who likes well-developed characters, then give this genre a chance. The honesty and realism it attempts to convey directly affect the character development. You’ll read about highly relatable characters that act and feel much like normal people. There is no moral high ground; good and evil are diluted into grey areas.

This creates highly engaging narratives and character growth that ignores the restrictions other fantasy subgenres may have. There’s no plot armor; a main character can die as easily as a minor one. You’ll be constantly guessing about what will happen, all the way to the last chapter.

If these are things you’re looking for in a book, or if you’re bored with your usual fantasy reads, then grimdark is definitely for you.

Best Grimdark Books

We’re done talking about what grimdark fantasy is and whether it’s for you. If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably looking for a grimdark book to jump into.

Below are a few personal favorites that will give you a solid feel for grimdark fantasy, and hopefully you’ll enjoy them too. If you’ve burned through A Song of Ice and Fire, then these books may just be perfect for your next read.

1. Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

After the murder of his mother and brother, Jorg Ancrath runs away and transforms himself from a prince to an outlaw leader. He learns how to steal, bully, and most importantly, kill. Toughened to the point of apathy, he returns home not only to take what’s rightfully his, but to also destroy the system the only way he knows how: through bloodshed.

2. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

The most feared warrior in the North is on the run, a once-celebrated swordsman is now a crippled torturer, and a vain but talented fencer suddenly finds himself King of the Union. All three are brought together by an enigmatic wizard who may or may not have their best interests in mind. War is brewing, old scores are being settled, and dark powers move behind the scenes.

3. The Black Company by Glen Cook

The Black Company lives up to its name as a fearsome mercenary company. They’re capable of murder, treachery, and a whole lot of badassery. Trapped in a slowly-devolving city, they kill their current employer and take up the offer of a mysterious, masked individual. They soon find themselves in the employ of the Lady, who plans to resurrect the Domination, an empire unrivaled in its evil ways.

4. Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson

There is an intense power struggle going on inside and outside the Malazan Empire. Constant expansion, warfare, and infighting has bled the powerful empire dry. Now, different factions move for their own reasons as one of the strongest powers in the world slowly shatters itself. Even the gods are preparing for their turn to play.

5. Legend by David Gemmell

The Drenai Empire is under threat. The Nadir tribe has managed to unite themselves under a powerful warlord bent on conquest. Druss the Legend, Captain of the Ax, emerges from retirement to once again lead men to glory in a battle that they seem destined to lose.

6. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

Rin’s life of use and abuse is suddenly overturned by new hope when she aces a test for talented youths. But being a peasant girl studying in the most prestigious academy has its own challenges. Targeted as an outsider, and studying under seemingly deranged instructors, she’s forced to get in touch with the darker side she never knew she had.

7. The Court of Broken Knives by Anna Smith Spark

The richest empire in the world is doomed but only one person seems to know it. The only solution? Kill the emperor and everyone else. Only from the ashes can the empire be truly rebuilt. A company of good, ordinary soldiers is hired to do the deed, but one of them seems to be struggling with an inconceivable darkness that may jeopardize the mission.

8. The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French

Jackal and the Grey Bastards are hard-talking and hog-riding sworn brothers fighting in a land where softness means death. When a miscalculation results in Jackal’s exile, he journeys through decaying dungeons and the deadly frontlines where he learns the ugly truth about the Lotlands, and why half-orcs must spill their own blood to keep civilized folk safe.

Take a Walk on the Darker Side

The popularity of Game of Thrones, Warhammer 40,000, and other grimdark stories is proof that grimdark fantasy is gathering more of a following.

It might be a niche genre, but since it’s currently developing state means, we may see a foundation set and improvements made. Once it’s more solidified as a genre, it may just become one of the main subgenres of fantasy, alongside Epic Fantasy and High Fantasy.

If you’ve been hesitant to read grimdark stories, hopefully this article has given you more insights about the genre and a few books to start with.

Do you have a favorite grimdark fantasy book? Share it on the comments below!

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