If you’re a fantasy fan looking to explore something a little darker, or just want a moody read that doesn’t quite step into thriller or horror, dark fantasy is the perfect subgenre to explore! The definition of this type of fantasy read is a little tricky to pin down, but whether they feature humans wrestling with supernatural forces, an anti-hero as the main character, or a heaping dose of moral ambiguity in your characters, there’s something for everyone on this list.
![](https://simonteen.b-cdn.net/app/uploads/2023/11/pexels-troy-squillaci-4085418-1320x360.jpg)
![Winterwood cover image](https://simonteen.b-cdn.net/app/uploads/2019/02/winterwood-9781534439412_xlg.jpg)
Winterwood is the perfect read for you if you want dark, witchy vibes! Some say the woods surrounding the town of Fir Haven are magical. Rumored to be a witch, only Nora Walker knows the truth. One night, her special connection to the woods leads her to Oliver Huntsman, who disappeared over a month ago. But Oliver is hiding secrets of his own…
![The Ones We Burn cover image](https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781534493513/the-ones-we-burn-9781534493513_xlg.jpg)
Does anything scream dark fantasy more than a blood-witch? Ranka's dark powers put her at the center of a brewing war that she wants no part of, right in between the only family she’s ever known and the enemy who makes her question everything.
![A Door in the Dark cover image](https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781665918688/a-door-in-the-dark-9781665918688_xlg.jpg)
Pulse pounding action and a deadly magical world collide in A Door in the Dark as Ren fights to survive in the punishing wilderness after a portal spell malfunctions and lands her and her classmates in the dark woods. This thrilling fantasy thriller is a must-read (especially before the sequel hits shelves in 2024)!
![A Dark and Hollow Star cover image](https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781534453678/a-dark-and-hollow-star-9781534453678_xlg.jpg)
The Hollow Star Saga (which kicks off with A Dark and Hollow Star) is chock full with dark magic, an amazing queer cast of characters, and... a serial killer? This fantasy series combines moody vibes with an urban setting and is a must-read for any fan of the genre!
![Where the Dark Stands Still cover image](https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781665936477/where-the-dark-stands-still-9781665936477_xlg.jpg)
SO... this upcoming release isn't out until February, but it 100% deserves a spot on your 2024 TBR so we couldn't leave it off this list! When Liska makes a risky bargain with a demon called The Leszy to be free of her monstrous power, the consequences take her on a journey beyond her wildest imaginings.
![The Voice Upstairs cover image](https://simonteen.b-cdn.net/app/uploads/2023/02/TheVoiceUpstairs_cvr-scaled.jpg)
This eerie historical mystery is absolutely perfect for cozying up with and chilly evening! If you're a fan of creepy, atmospheric ghost stories you'll want to meet Wilhelmina Price, a working-class girl in 1920s England who must work with a lord's son to solve mysterious deaths in a local manor.
![Vespertine cover image](https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781534477124/vespertine-9781534477124_xlg.jpg)
Warrior nuns + evil spirits + Margaret Rogerson goodness = the PERFECT entry point into the world of dark fantasy! Vespertine will fully immerse you in a world of sinister magic, secrets, and ancient spirits and will leave you wanting more.
![Curious Tides cover image](https://simonteen.b-cdn.net/app/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-28-at-9.51.34-AM.png)
This moody, atmospheric read deserves a top spot on your TBR this season! A magical school, dangerous ocean caves, and a little romance make this dark fantasy debut a must read!
![Bonesmith cover image](https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781665910590/bonesmith-9781665910590_xlg.jpg)
This new release is PERFECT for dark fantasy fans! After all, what could be more perfect than a book about a disgraced ghost-fighting warrior who must journey into a haunted wasteland to rescue a kidnapped prince? (The answer: nothing.)