Fantasy Aficionados discussion

Are you a fan of dark fantasy, which is the hazy boundary between horror and traditional fantasy? Who are some of your favorite authors? Which books do you like that fall into this category?

I find this topic fascinating. Thank you for making this folder, Danielle!

Discussing whether or not dark fantasy is a sub genre of fantasy or horror depends who you talk to. There are some horror authors who would say that horror should not exist as a genre because too many people think poorly of it, and therefore these authors are losing potential readers. They would prefer to call their work as dark fantasy or dark fiction or simply general fiction. I was at the World Horror Convention of 2007 in Toronto, and this topic seemed to be a running theme there. I've not heard too much about it lately, however. And if anything, the horror section at my bookstore has only grown in size.

On the other hand, dark fantasy is nearly a viable sub genre on its own. Caitlin R. Kiernan is a great dark fantasy writer. You could probably even put Neil Gaiman in this. These two are my favorites.

But your right, as a sub genre on its own, there is a hazy boundary.

You're welcome, Jason.

I admit this is also a favorite subgenre of fantasy for me.

Here is the Wikipedia.org article on dark fantasy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_fan...

My favorite dark fantasy writer is Manly Wade Wellman. He writes some fantastic tales full of folklore, with a marvelous sinister tone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manly_Wa...

I've never read Wellman before. He looks like an interesting writer. I must check him out!

Have you ever read Thomas Ligotti? He's another author I want to read. His stuff is hard to find, though, unless you want to order online.

I read a story by Ligotti in an anthology, and I am eager to read more by him. I have The Shadow at The Bottom of The World in my collection.

Lady Danielle,

I loved your last recommendation to me, Those Who Went Remain There Still, so I've requested some Wellman from my library. It's a just released best of collection for Silver John. Did you like this one?

I'm glad to hear that, Laurel. I haven't read that particular volume. But I've loved all the Silver John stories I've read. :)

Jason wrote: "I find this topic fascinating. Thank you for making this folder, Danielle!

Discussing whether or not dark fantasy is a sub genre of fantasy or horror depends who you talk to. There are some horr..."

Damn forgot to mention Caitlin in my list! Love her to death! Clivey falls under dark fantasy too. Neil's kinda sprightly to be called dark, maybe quirky? Dark fantasy is more my type than epic or high fantasy so this is my section.

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "My favorite dark fantasy writer is Manly Wade Wellman. He writes some fantastic tales full of folklore, with a marvelous sinister tone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manly_Wa......"

According to this article Poppy Z Brite and Anne Rice are also a part of this genre so I guess I'll have to remember that. Always listed them as horror.

I'm a fan. But I've never check out the authors mentioned here... so I'll be looking into them.

=)

Love the The Coldfire Trilogy: Black Sun Rising/ When True Night Falls/ Crown of Shadows, and I think C.S. Friedman's new work is great dark fantasy too, (Magister Trilogy - begins with Feast of Souls).

I also read Night's Master recently, and Tanith Lee is known for her dark fantasy works, 1970-1980's... I'm looking forward to reading some more of her works. Her style is very different and unique.

I guess Prince of Thorns fits the genre, because the protagonist is a sociopath and there's violence... but it's not graphic, and I didn't think it was very dark. Just one of those books that tries to disturb the reader... I wasn't a big fan. It's more akin to gritty fantasy (if that's a term), like The Blade Itself and the First Law Trilogy.

Amanda wrote: "According to this article Poppy Z Brite and Anne Rice are also a part of this genre so I guess I'll have to remember that. Always listed them as horror. "

I never thought of Anne Rice as horror... I read her when I was pretty young and before I had heard the term "dark-fantasy", but that makes sense to me.

Amanda wrote: "Jason wrote: "I find this topic fascinating. Thank you for making this folder, Danielle!

Discussing whether or not dark fantasy is a sub genre of fantasy or horror depends who you talk to. There a..."

I think Gaiman can be considered dark fantasy with certain works. Like American Gods, which is pretty dark.

On the other hand, I think that's his darkest piece of work. It will be interesting to see how he continues it.

I definitely agree that Neil Gaiman strays into dark fantasy (sometimes even within a story). Neverwhere does have a bit of darker fantasy elements, and so does The Graveyard Book.

Kara, I am a Tanith Lee fan. I've been reading her short stories since I was a pre-teen.

I was not sure if I had read any books that would fit into this genre but i hadnt thought about C.S. Friedman. The coldfire trilogy is definitely dark and definitely great! I am going to have to check out some of the other authors.

I think that Brian Lumley is absolutely amazing. His Necroscope series completely drew me in, I could not stop reading. Vampire World II: The Last Aerie was a brilliant book. The entire Vampire World series, absoluteley brilliant!

I definitely have to check out Friedman, Wellman, and the others. Thank you for the suggestions!

Lady Danielle - excellent thread!

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "I definitely agree that Neil Gaiman strays into dark fantasy (sometimes even within a story). Neverwhere does have a bit of darker fantasy elements, and so does The Graveyard Book."

I am listening to The Graveyard Book now and it is great! Its very unique and humorous at least to me. Who would have thought to write about someone in Bod's position? That is the only writing of Neil Gaiman that I have encountered.

There is a new author that came out with his first novel last year and now has another one out now. His name is Andrew Kaufman and he is a GR author. His book is While the Savage Sleeps and you can only get it on an ereader but it inly cost 2.99 and it is amazing!

Glad to see you participating, David!

Tracy, I loved The Graveyard Book. I listened to it on audio, and Gaiman's voice is just wonderful.

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Glad to see you participating, David!

Tracy, I loved The Graveyard Book. I listened to it on audio, and Gaiman's voice is just wonderful."

I just got that. Haven't listened to it yet. Audible had it on sale.

I think it's great on audio, Sandra. Hope you enjoy it.

I would consider The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Stephen R. Donaldson in the dark fantasy realm.

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Glad to see you participating, David!

Tracy, I loved The Graveyard Book. I listened to it on audio, and Gaiman's voice is just wonderful."

I keep meaning to listen to this one... one day the timing will be right. I KNOW I will enjoy it...

I usually did audiobooks when I was driving to work. I had an hour plus commute. I don't have audiobook time otherwise. I hope you get a chance to listen to it one day, Kara.

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Kara, I am a Tanith Lee fan. I've been reading her short stories since I was a pre-teen."

Good to know! =)

I came across her on goodreads, and had to go buy a book - so glad I did. She's an interesting cat, and unique.

Her works are harder to find these days, but I love the re-print editions that have been coming out recently.



I need to buy the next in the series...

I would say that Anne Bishop's books fall under dark fantasy. The The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness is one of my favorites.

I have to agree with the Coldfire Trilogy as well. I love that one. I've never read Tanith Lee. I'll have to remember to look for some of her books.

Ooo nice thread. I've been trying to get into some more dark fantasy but never really knew where to start. Going to add some of these to my tbr list (not like it needs to get any longer)

Same here, Pauline!

Dana wrote: "I would say that Anne Bishop's books fall under dark fantasy. The The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness is one of ..."

Good to know! One of those I've never actually picked up, but I have the first book in the series waiting in the wings on my bookshelf at work.

Also, my used book store seems to have a lot of random Tanith Lee around, (late 70's/early 80s) so check there first... but none of the Flat Earth series ever seems to pop up.

I got involved in Lovecraft some years ago (like in the 1970s) and have since seen his influence in countless writers work (including my own). I moved away from short stories after that but now and then still like some dark fantasies. F. Paul Wilson has in some of his stories written so good dark fantasy. Robert R. McCammon is another who has some good dark fantasies among his work.

Newer writers might be Barb and J.C. Hendee. It's not a sun-genre I think of as a prime interest of mine, but now and again...