With "creative creature designs" I mean something besides standard mythological/fairy tale creatures like unicorns, dragons, goblins, vampires or big spiders.
With "dark fantasy" I mean the book should have a serious tone, maybe outright sinister, and play in a world that is different from modern day Earth.
Humans or humanoid beings can be present and serve as the narrative vehicle, but I want the story's focus to be on the creatures.
by Sephyrias