Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Best Grim-dark fantasy books

Purple Star emoji 17 items
If you are like me and love fantasy stories that are dark and gritty, with alot of character development, some politics and brutal fight scenes, these books are perfect for you, enjoy!
Sections
4
 
 
 
 

The first law by Joe Abercrombie

My favorite Fantasy serie/world that i have read. These books have some of the most fleshed out characters in all of fantasy paired with a great world and story. If you like Game of Thrones and want something similar or possibly better, these books i...

 
Anton Jansson profile picture
If you like game of thrones this is it. The characters in this book is probably the best written characters that I know. If you like a character driven plot with lots of politics and violence where no character can be deemed to be the good one, this ...
The Blade Itself (First Law Trilogy #1) by Joe Abercrombie, Paperback
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
The second book in the first law trilogy. This one is more of an adventure book with the main cast going on a quest. But still, the characterwork is outstanding and when you are done with this you are gonna be thirsting for the third and final book!
Before They Are Hanged (First Law Trilogy #2) by Joe Abercrombie ...
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
The final book and epic conclusion of the first law trilogy. Every aspect that has made the two previous book amazing is turned to the max in this one. Satisfying character conclusions, epic battles and a amazing story, this one could be the best one...
Last Argument of Kings (First Law Trilogy #3) by Joe Abercrombie, Paperback
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
Epic revenge tale! Set in the same world as the first law trilogy (also on this list) this books follow a woman and her companions on a dark and bloody revenge tale that is as good as it gets. If you have read the first law trilogy and want more, thi...
Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
This book is war. Bloody, gritty, dark and f-ing awesome! Action packed to the brim, Characters that you will not forget and lots and lots of blood.
The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie, Paperback
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
The final book of the three standalone novels that take place after the first law trilogy. This one is a western story where one of the best characters from the first law trilogy gets his own conclusion. If you liked the previous books you´ll like th...
Red Country by Joe Abercrombie, Paperback
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
If you are craving more Joe Abercrombie you are in luck! A little hatred is the first book in the Age of madness trilogy that takes place almost 30 years after the first trilogy concluded. With some of the cast returning and many new great characters...
A Little Hatred (Age of Madness Series #1) by Joe Abercrombie, Paperback

The Gentleman Bastard Series by Scott Lynch

If you like anything concerning heists, these books are for you. I can not recommend the first book “the lies of Locke Lamora” more. Do yourself a favor and read it.

 
Anton Jansson profile picture
Oceans eleven in fantasy Venice?! This books is one of my all time favourites. Great characters, AMAZING world(or city) and heists! If you like heist movies or books, you can not miss this one! Enjoy!
The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard Series #1)
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
Casino heist gone wrong and pirates in the same book! This is the continuation of the gentleman bastard series and it expands on what the first book did in all ways. New characters, bigger world and bigger stake!
Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentleman Bastard Series #2)
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
The latest published book in the gentlemen bastards series! This book gives alot of backstory to the main cast of characters at the same time as it is telling an enticing story that centers around rigging an election to save a life. If you liked the ...
The Republic of Thieves (Gentleman Bastard Series #3)

The Poppy War trilogy by R.F. Kuang

An epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic.

 
Anton Jansson profile picture
A ruthless orphan claws her way into an elite military academy—only to uncover a terrifying godlike power inside herself. Dark magic, war, and ambition collide. If you love Avatar: The Last Airbender but wish it were darker—this is your book.
The Poppy War (Poppy War Series #1) by R. F. Kuang
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
Fresh off a war she barely survived, Rin is ready to burn the world down—and someone hands her the match. Epic battles, political scheming, divine vengeance. The stakes are higher, the betrayals cut deeper, and the gods are no longer silent.
The Dragon Republic (Poppy War Series #2) by R. F. Kuang
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
Rin has lost everything—except her fire. Now she’s ready to unleash it on an empire. Brutal, heartbreaking, and unforgettable, this finale delivers a war story like no other. No heroes. No mercy. No turning back.
The Burning God (Poppy War Series #3) by R. F. Kuang
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
Bundle containing the whole trilogy from start to end, really great buy if you wanna commit to the series.
The Complete Poppy War Trilogy Boxed Set

Broken Empire series by Mark Lawrence

In a world of ruin and dark magic, one boy decides he’d rather rule it than survive it. Follow Jorg Ancrath—from scarred prince to unstoppable tyrant—as he claws his way to power using charm, genius, and utter ruthlessness. A brutal, brilliant, bruta...

 
Anton Jansson profile picture
A ruthless prince leads a band of killers across a shattered empire, determined to take the throne by any means necessary. Vicious, brilliant, and impossible to forget—this is the villain’s story told from inside his head.
Prince of Thorns (Broken Empire Series #1) by Mark Lawrence
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
Now a king with enemies everywhere, Jorg faces a rival who outnumbers him—and a dark past that won’t stay buried. Smart, brutal, unpredictable. Every move is a gamble. Every victory is stained in blood.
King of Thorns (Broken Empire Series #2) by Mark Lawrence,
 
Anton Jansson profile picture
The empire burns, the dead walk, and Jorg’s final chance at power lies beyond the edge of humanity. A ruthless journey ends with a shocking, perfect conclusion. Villain or hero—it’s time to choose.
Emperor of Thorns (Broken Empire Series #3)