So, you’re ready to embrace the bleak, the brutal, and the morally grey? Welcome to Grimdark Fantasy – where the heroes are complicated, the victories are costly, and the world is rarely kind.
But with so many gritty books out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide will help you build the ultimate Grimdark TBR based on your reading style, genre preferences, and mood.
Step 1: Know What You’re Signing Up For
Grimdark isn’t just about violence or gloomy worlds, it’s about stories that:
- Challenge traditional hero-villain dynamics
- Feature morally grey or outright terrible protagonists
- Explore the cost of power, survival, and betrayal
- Rarely guarantee a happy ending
If that sounds like your cup of poisoned tea, read on.
Step 2: Pick Your Entry Point
There’s no one-size-fits-all starting point, but here are a few solid choices depending on what you enjoy:
For Character-Driven Grit:
- The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
- Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
For Political Intrigue:
- A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
- The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker
For Brutal Coming-of-Age:
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- Red Sister by Mark Lawrence
For Grit + Magic:
- Beyond Redemption by Michael R. Fletcher
- Blackwing by Ed McDonald
More recs in my Top 10 Grimdark Fantasy Books post.
Step 3: Layer Your TBR Like a Dungeon Crawl
Mix up your reading list with:
- Trilogies (for immersive arcs): The Broken Empire, The First Law, The Book of the Ancestor
- Standalone novels (for bite-sized brutality): Best Served Cold, The Heroes
- Female-led stories: The Poppy War, Red Sister, Empires of Dust
- Philosophical picks: The Prince of Nothing, Manifest Delusions
- Genre crossovers: Try The Witcher (sword & sorcery), Berserk (manga), or The Malazan Book of the Fallen (military fantasy)
Step 4: Organise by Theme or Mood
Want to mood-read your way through Grimdark? Build mini-TBRs based on:
Revenge & Betrayal
- Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie
- We Ride the Storm by Devin Madson
War & Madness
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- Beyond Redemption by Michael R. Fletcher
Anti-Heroes & Morally Grey Leads
- Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
- The Court of Broken Knives by Anna Smith Spark
Slow-Burn Strategy & Philosophy
- The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker
- A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Step 5: Know Your Limits
Grimdark can be emotionally intense. If you’re feeling overwhelmed:
- Take breaks with lighter fantasy or sci-fi
- Alternate between brutal and whimsical reads
- Keep track of content warnings
Fantasy burnout is real, don’t be afraid to mix and match genres to keep things fresh.
Track & Share Your Progress
- Use apps like StoryGraph, Goodreads, or Fable to log your reads
- Join fantasy forums or subreddits for discussions
- Share your TBR or reviews on Bookstagram or BookTok
- Use tags like #GrimdarkFantasy #MorallyGreyReads #FantasyTBR
Ready to Dive In?
Your Grimdark reading journey can be as structured or chaotic as you like. Whether you’re planning a year-long reading challenge or mood-picking your next read, the key is to enjoy the ride (and expect a few betrayals along the way).
Leave a Reply