Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga carved out a distinct place in fantasy literature by blending Eastern European folklore with sardonic humor, brutal politics, and monsters that are both tragic and terrifying. If you’ve finished Geralt’s journey—whether on the page, the screen, or the video game series—you’re likely hunting for that same blend of grit, heartbreak, and moral ambiguity.
Dark fantasy thrives on those shades of gray. For fans eager to continue exploring similar themes, here are 10 dark fantasy books every Witcher fan should read next, each ready to fill the void left by your last adventure with the White Wolf himself.
The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law Trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, Last Argument of Kings) offers a grim and compelling world filled with mercenaries, torturers, and cunning politicians. Like Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga, Abercrombie’s trilogy refuses to provide easy answers. The characters commit atrocities, villains reveal unexpected humanity, and survival often demands moral compromise. This series is a perfect match for Witcher fans who appreciated the political intrigue of Nilfgaard and Geralt’s gallows humor in the Witcher saga.
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Prince of Thorns introduces Jorg Ancrath, a ruthless antihero whose quest for power is as psychological as it is physical. The sharp, poetic prose captures the same unflinching honesty found in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga, especially the refusal to romanticize violence. Fans of the Witcher saga will find Lawrence’s brutal and complex narrative style a compelling next step.
The Black Company by Glen Cook
If the Witcher saga leaned heavily on mercenary life, it might resemble Glen Cook’s Black Company series. Narrated by Croaker, a soldier-turned-chronicler, these books delve into the gritty realities of fighting for coin amidst dark sorcery and oppressive empires. The camaraderie and moral ambiguities present in The Black Company echo many themes found in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga, making it a natural choice for fans seeking similar depth.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Drawing from 20th-century Chinese history, The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang explores shamanic powers, divine wrath, and the devastating costs of power. This dark fantasy novel shares thematic resonance with Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga, especially in its bleak realization that gods and power often come with cruel demands. Witcher fans will appreciate this visceral and thought-provoking narrative.
The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson
Seth Dickinson’s The Traitor Baru Cormorant is a sharp political dark fantasy that explores colonialism, identity, and sacrifice through the eyes of a financial prodigy bent on dismantling an empire from within. Like Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga, it offers incisive commentary on prejudice and nationalism. Fans of the Witcher saga’s complex scheming and moral dilemmas will find much to admire here.
The Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne
For those who loved the epic scope of the Witcher games and saga, John Gwynne’s The Faithful and the Fallen delivers cinematic battles and morally complex characters. With its blend of prophecy, ancient evils, and loyalty versus betrayal, Gwynne’s series shares the visceral combat scenes and layered storytelling that Witcher fans cherish in the Witcher saga.
The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker
R. Scott Bakker’s The Darkness That Comes Before is a denser, more philosophical dark fantasy that wrestles with morality, free will, and manipulation. Its brutal worldbuilding and intellectual tone echo the world-weary conversations and existential musings found in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga, making it a fitting read for fans seeking deeper thematic exploration.
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
Empire of the Vampire follows Gabriel de León, the last holy vampire hunter, in a gothic tale drenched in blood and betrayal. The narrative’s melancholic tone and first-person storytelling recall the compelling voice of Geralt in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga. Witcher fans craving Gothic flair and tragic heroes will find this novel especially satisfying.
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman
Lev Grossman’s The Bright Sword reimagines Arthurian legend in a darker, fractured light, focusing on heroes bound by duty in a broken world. The elegiac tone and themes of legacy and disillusionment align closely with the melancholic undertones of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga, appealing to readers who enjoyed the Witcher saga’s exploration of fallen myths and haunting heroism.
The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
Winner of three consecutive Hugo Awards, N.K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth Trilogy explores systemic oppression, survival, and cycles of violence in a crumbling world. Its bleak undertones and social critique resonate with the themes found in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga. Witcher fans who admired Sapkowski’s nuanced portrayals of society and prejudice will feel at home in this landmark modern fantasy.
Conclusion
What unites these 10 dark fantasy books every Witcher fan should read next isn’t just swords, sorcery, or monsters. It is the refusal to offer easy answers. Much like Geralt wandering through a morally compromised Continent in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga, the protagonists in these stories face impossible choices and enemies that mirror the darkness within. If the Witcher saga taught us anything, it’s that dark fantasy is at its most powerful when it mirrors the complexity and ambiguity of reality. For Witcher fans eager to embark on new journeys filled with grit and moral depth, these books offer a compelling next step.
Ultimately, 10 Dark Fantasy Books Every Witcher Fan Should Read Next invites you to push beyond familiar horizons and discover stories where every choice has a price—and every victory comes with a cost. If you’re ready to dive in, stream, discuss, and explore more with Cobble Hill Blog’s community of fans.
