I love fantasy stories (especially high fantasy) and want to find some good, darker ones (bonus points for sad endings), but the problem is that it appears what I consider dark fantasy isn't what a lot of authors mean by dark fantasy. 90% of the recommendations I've seen for dark fantasy are usually either A. Romance book marketed as fantasy, or B. The "dark" is just assault, and/or glorified abuse. Usually both. Which is why I want a book with neither.
What I am looking for by 'dark' is a story where it comes less from shock value but more from the world building, setting, and overall tone. A book that, as it goes on, things either start to feel more hopeless, or the characters go mad, kinda stuff.
sorry if i am not being clear lol. I just really want a book that feels like a gut punch to listen to while i draw.
by OrphanConnoisseur