Dark fantasy is the perfect blend of mystery, magic, and just the right amount of moral messiness to keep you hooked. Whether it’s spellbinding twists or shadowy worlds full of danger, this genre gives you all the drama and intrigue you need for a summer of unforgettable stories. These six books are guaranteed to get your friends talking (and maybe fighting over who gets to borrow them next).

1. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo’s first adult fantasy novel is a masterclass in dark storytelling. Ninth House throws you into the mysterious underworld of Yale’s secret societies, where necromancy and dark rituals are more than rumors. The story follows Alex Stern, an unlikely hero with a troubled past, as she uncovers sinister secrets tied to the elite. The mix of magic, mystery, and downright chilling moments will keep you on edge, and the unexpected twists are perfect for post-read group debates about what’s real and what’s right.

2. Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

Vampires and a sunless world set the tone for this gritty and blood-soaked epic. Empire of the Vampire follows Gabriel, a vampire hunter turned reluctant hero, as he navigates a land full of danger and betrayal. The action-packed story is only made better by its deeply flawed characters and jaw-dropping intensity. With a lush fantasy setting and questions of love, faith, and vengeance woven in, it’s the kind of book that’s almost impossible to put down. Perfect for starting conversations about who’s the darkest antihero of them all.

3. The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

This book casts a spell with its feminist reimagining of witchcraft in the 1890s. The Once and Future Witches follows three estranged sisters as they rediscover magic and fight to bring it back into a world ruled by fear and oppression. Alix E. Harrow’s lush and lyrical writing pulls you into this story of rebellion, sisterhood, and power. The gothic atmosphere paired with the book’s emotional depth makes it an unforgettable read. It’s the ultimate pick for discussing how far you’d go to create change when the odds are stacked against you.

4. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This eerie and haunting novel is set in 1950s Mexico and tells the story of Noemí Taboada, a glamorous and resourceful young woman drawn into a decaying countryside manor. Strange happenings, creepy family secrets, and a house that seems to breathe doom keep readers captivated from start to finish. Silvia Moreno-Garcia nails the gothic vibes, adding a fresh twist to the genre with cultural layers and unforgettable imagery. It’s equal parts unsettling and mesmerizing, the kind of book your friends will devour and want to unpack every eerie detail afterward.

5. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Samantha Shannon’s massive standalone fantasy creates a world divided by its reverence for dragons. The story focuses on powerful women, forbidden alliances, and the age-old battle between good and evil. Richly detailed and dripping with tension, The Priory of the Orange Tree shifts effortlessly between court intrigue, epic battles, and deeply personal struggles. The big themes and dramatic stakes make it irresistible for group chats filled with hypothetical “what would you do?” scenarios.

6. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

Inspired by real historical events, this dark and brutal tale follows Rin, a war orphan who claws her way into an elite military academy. What begins as a story of perseverance and determination quickly twists into something much darker as Rin discovers her terrifying connection to the gods. The Poppy War doesn’t shy away from exploring the horrors of war or the complexities of power. It’s intense, thought-provoking, and bound to spark some deep post-read reflections.