this post was submitted on 24 Jul 2023
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Fantasy General
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For me "dark" fantasy aka "grimdark" is about darker themes, harsher language, and more realistic depictions of awful situations being in the forefront of what is happening (as opposed to just existing in the background). The book should be gritty and grim and feel hopeless and even victories should pyrrhic most of the time.
I love that idea if pyrrhic victories. I've been asking around about what are some favorites in this "genre" and have been suggested: The Witcher, First Law, Goblin slayer, Embers of Illenial/Mageborn. What else should I add to this reading list?
I've definitely heard First Law is both grimdark and good. I have it on my TBR.
if you're not opposed to REALLY dark, Mark Lawrence's Broken Empire trilogy (starts with Prince of Thorns) is very good. You kinda have to push through hating theMC for the first part of the first book but it's totally worth it.
Also the Poppy War trilogy by RF Kuang is excellent.
Also, I will never pass up the chance to recommend Malazan Book of the Fallen.
Love this. Thank you.