There’s something irresistible about a storm in a gothic fantasy. The ominous thunder, the rattle of wind-worn shutters, the fleeting flash of lightning casting shadows on crumbling mansion walls. But storms create more than atmosphere. In gothic fantasy, they are often mirrors reflecting inner turmoil. They can even act as divine judgement. In stories where buried secrets and forbidden love reign, storms become characters in their own right. 

So let’s explore how storms in gothic fantasy can be powerful symbolic tools for tension, transformation, and terror. 

Storms as Atmosphere:

Probably the most obvious, easiest way to utilize a storm is by having lightning and thunder increase as the characters’ emotions heighten, especially if it’s during a secret reveal of some kind. Why is this? Well, storms create a liminal space where normal rules seem suspended. The power is out. The shadows are moving in ways the characters aren’t used to. And characters are reminded of their vulnerability to nature. All they truly have in this scene is each other. 

Think, two characters who’ve been holding back are forced to stay inside because of a storm (we love forced proximity–but more on that later) and then, that proximity leads to a confrontation. We hear the thunder in the distance as the first inkling of this conversation is brought up, and the thunder gets closer and closer as the conversation approaches a shocking confession. Lightning strikes right outside! (Maybe they kiss?) You see what I mean.

Storms as Internal Weather:

Storms often reflect grief, rage, or repression. While thunder can be used to build tension, rain is typically used as a release (sorrow, acceptance, etc.). That doesn’t mean you have to stick with thunder and lightning. In fact, I encourage writers to think outside the usual thunderstorm, and explore other types of weather, like fog, sleet, or snow. Personally, I think the anime/manga Vampire Knight used snow in a striking way. Snow falls during pivotal flashbacks. It reflects Yuki’s frozen memory and death trauma. The violent red splatters on untouched white snow gives us a real sense of purity being tainted/human becoming vampire. It’s hauntingly symbolic, isolating, and visually arresting. I believe you can use any type of weather in a gothic fantasy, if done right. But it’s okay to stick with storms, too. The most important aspect is that it’s reflecting something deeper.   

Storms as Magical Powers:

Storm magic is inherently volatile. It must remind us (the reader) of how real-world weather makes us feel (at its mercy). Protagonists with powers linked to the weather often wrestle with control. It’s perfect for characters who are reluctant heroes or cursed in some way. The weather reflects their mental state but also affects the world. Most importantly, make sure that you’re consistent with how storm magic manifests in your character. If rage equals lightning, don’t use lightning for sadness later. Though not a gothic fantasy, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros not only has a lightning-wielding protagonist but many other characters have weather-themed abilities as well. It might be worth checking out! 

Final tip? Be careful not to cause sensory overload. Balance weather symbolism and scenes with emotional interiority and intention (and work with beta readers). 

Here are some gothic fantasy books that utilize storms:

These Wicked Histories by Amy Goldsmith: A storm traps everyone inside! One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig: creeping, evasive, mysterious fog atmosphere House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig: a torrential storm scene early on that sets the tone

In my dystopian fantasy—Bad Bloods: July Thunder & Lightning—not only is a hurricane approaching but my female main character struggles with her powers of shadows and, ultimately, how her darkness links her to light (and lightning). Her powers cause her to have a unique, albeit terrifying, relationship with the sea as well.

In conclusion, storms aren’t just a background element in gothic fantasy. They’re the heartbeat of the story’s darkest moments. They remind us that chaos brews both inside and out, that some truths only emerge under pressure. 

So, the next time thunder rumbles in your favorite fantasy novel, ask yourself: is this just rain or are the characters about to break open? (And take notes! Seeing how other writers use storms is the best way to learn how to write it yourself.)

Can you think of a storm in a fantasy book? Have you ever used a storm in your writing?

Tell me about it in the comments!

~SAT

This July, read day-by-day as the storm rolls in…
A hurricane is about to hit Eastern Vendona—but the real danger brews beneath. In a city where bad bloods are denied shelter, survival becomes rebellion. Follow a found family of magical outcasts as they fight for their rights, their lives, and the people they love in this seaside, action-packed tale of borders, betrayal, and hope.

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“OMG, What can I say about this book… Just, just, just… absolutely AWESOME!! Thompson spared us no secrets in this book. The story‑line was magical.” Black Words, White Pages

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