QUESTION What defines dark fantasy? (sffa.community)

submitted 1 year ago by Subtlysubtle@sffa.community to c/fantasy@sffa.community

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What defines dark fantasy?

Is it just elves that wear black or is there more to it? Maybe a mood or setting? Maybe it's an antihero thing? Im curious as to what it means and what some of the defining/seminal works of dark fantasy might be. I mean, it just sounds awesome right? DARK FANTASY!

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[-] fax@sffa.community 2 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] Subtlysubtle@sffa.community 1 points 1 year ago

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?

[-] fax@sffa.community 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

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.

[-] Subtlysubtle@sffa.community 1 points 1 year ago

Love this. Thank you.

[-] Darth_Iskander@sffa.community 1 points 1 year ago

So I come upon the definition that Grim Dark is the opposite of Tolkien-like fantasy.

Any works that subvert the Tolkienesque tropes qualify as Dark Fantasy. For Example Salvatore's Jarlaxle & Entreri Trilogy, A.S Etaski's books (very sexually explicit), Some of the Star Wars Legends books in the Vong series. Etcetera

As far as GrimDark notable books, all those listed are fantastic. However imho y'all forgot about GRRM's ASoFaI (Game of Thrones& Sequels).

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