Disclaimer: This article discusses themes that readers may find disturbing.

Dark fantasy is a term that has suddenly exploded in the common vernacular of any speculative fiction reader. It is especially cropping up within the new romantasy genre—but what does it actually mean? What can you expect from a book labelled ‘dark fantasy’?

Our Method of the Kill and, to an extent, Molten Crown series, both make use of the definition. Both are fantasy series with a seemingly simple premise; a young woman attends a magic academy to learn how to use her fire ability, an eager journalist tracks down and interviews the man who killed Jack the Ripper. At their base, both of these series could just have the fantasy tag, along with a slew of other definitions that fit, and we’d have labelled them appropriately. But they don’t. We made a conscious decision to market and define them both as ‘dark fantasy’. 

It is a descriptor, but also a warning. 

Dark fantasy, in our definition of the term, encompasses a wide range of themes and topics that may be uncomfortable for readers to be exposed to or explore. Both series mentioned above deal with death, violence, drug use, and abuse amongst others, bringing them unflinchingly to the page for closer examination and discernment. We want to allow our readers the choice to be exposed to those topics and discussions while fully knowing what they're in for. We also want to allow our authors free rein to explore the darker themes of their worlds without filtering or muting them. Our use of the 'dark fantasy' tag allows that.

Jonathan Maloney’s Method of the Kill series, in particular, requires the genre tag of ‘dark fantasy’. In Beasts of London, Maloney’s talent for the creepy and macabre is on full display with a classic murder mystery and paranormal beast—though Maloney does not shy away from breaking our hearts in his debut—while its sequel Lady of Brass explores the deeper hurt behind particularly sensitive topics dealing with women’s reproductive health and their tragic circumstances in Victorian England. In fact, we recently had a reader report needing to take a break from Lady of Brass due to this particular topic as it was hitting a little too close to home. 

These topics are important—so is labelling our books appropriately in order to protect our readers and their expectations. It is essential to us, throughout our editing process, that these topics are treated with respect and care. Maloney has received praise in the past for his writing of female characters, telling their stories with reverence and deep understanding. This resonated particularly strongly with our Creative Director, Renee, while signing his first novel. Lady of Brass continues to display Maloney’s empathy and sensitive handling of these topics, while bringing to light the very real trials and tribulations of being a woman in history.

We have also seen the rise of trigger warnings in publication—and this is something we support wholeheartedly. A reader has the right to make an informed choice about the content they consume during their leisure time. While we do not currently have any for our existing works, Maloney has warned us that book three of the Method of the Kill series will require them. This is something we will absolutely heed and include. 

‘Dark fantasy’ is also becoming a common term in dark romantasy books, which might include taboo relationships, consensual non-consensual sex scenes, and other subjects that may be out of place in a book simply labelled ‘fantasy’. Be mindful of picking up the latest Booktok trending title if it uses this genre label, especially if these topics could be difficult for you to read. 

While it may seem restrictive to use this label, it is also a license to explore themes that are just as important as any other. Being able to delve deeper into the psyche of a character who has suffered trauma, or comment on the once-common practices of bygone eras, is critical to our storytelling culture. We can argue with reasonable certainty that we have always explored these topics, as we should; the only difference is that now we are shifting them into their own genre to allow informed choices by the reader. 

Our usage of the dark fantasy genre label may differ from other publishers and authors—if you have any doubts about the content of a book or series, we’d definitely recommend seeking out reviews, or even contacting the author or publisher if you have any questions. You can use our Contact form if you have any questions about any of our series. 

What do you think about the rise of the dark fantasy genre label?