Dark fantasy

Dark fantasy worlds are characterized by a lot of negativity. Heroes cannot fight for the victory of evil over good because evil has already won (often in the distant past). And the whole world is built according to cruel rules that will seem repulsive and terrible to the average reader.

The main characters may not be positive characters at all, rather the usual evil and cynical ones for this world, but at least a little better than the rest. Or the hero can enter the world from more familiar and milder conditions. But the author does not give him a chance to change the world for the better - the most that the main character can hope for is to survive in the world and not slide into a completely miserable existence.

Often dark fantasy has elements of horror and mysticism, when inexplicable and frightening manifestations stand in the way of the main characters or are the basis of the world. But these elements are not included in the plot to scare the reader. Rather, they are an integral part of the dark world, which the heroes cannot influence in any way (since it is often simply unclear what this phenomenon is, why it arose and how to deal with it).

The concept of absolute evil is often encountered, which is an integral part of the world and which cannot be defeated or its influence limited in any way. Heroes can adapt to the maximum, find their place in the world (not necessarily good, but at least better than the starting position). Moreover, good deeds, no matter how hard the heroes try, not only do not bring the desired result, but often, on the contrary, harm, including because those around you are extremely cynical, self-centered and you shouldn’t expect any gratitude from them.

The appeal of such books is based on contrast, when the reader, immersed in the suspense of a dark world, is distracted from everyday reality. And even if there is also enough negativity in his life, then comparing yourself with the characters in the book, it becomes clear that your problems are far from the most difficult.

On the other hand, if you are not an ardent fan of this genre, then of course you should not overdo it - after a series of books read in a row, an impressionable reader may experience a breakdown or even become depressed.