10 Fantasy Books With Morally Gray Characters
In the world of fantasy, things are never as simple as good vs. evil. The most compelling characters aren’t the ones who fall squarely into categories like “hero” or “villain”—they’re the ones who blur the lines, making us question what we thought we knew about morality, power, and redemption. If you crave stories where characters make decisions that keep you on the edge of your seat, balancing between ambition, love, betrayal, and their own desires, then these 10 books will be your next obsession.
These stories are filled with complex characters whose actions often leave us torn between empathy and condemnation. From morally ambiguous antiheroes to rulers whose power comes with a heavy price, here are 10 fantasy books that will have you questioning everything—and keeping you hooked until the very last page.
1. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
For fans of: War, power, vengeance, and a morally complex protagonist
Rin is a poor war orphan who, against all odds, rises to become a student at the prestigious Sinegard Academy. But her dreams of glory quickly turn into a brutal fight for survival as she discovers the devastating power of the Phoenix and the horrors that come with wielding it. As the war escalates, Rin grapples with her need for revenge, the sacrifices she’s willing to make, and the lines she’s willing to cross to win.
💥 Why it’s unforgettable: Rin’s internal struggle is raw and unflinching. She walks the line between hero and villain, showing us the cost of vengeance and power. You’ll find yourself rooting for her even as she makes choices that are, at times, morally horrific.
2. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
For fans of: Heists, cunning antiheroes, and complex friendships
Locke Lamora is a master thief, a con artist extraordinaire, and the leader of the Gentlemen Bastards, a group of thieves who prey on the rich and corrupt of the city of Camorr. But Locke’s heists are more than just a way to make a living—they’re personal, a way for him to defy the cruel aristocracy. As secrets unfold and allegiances shift, Locke is forced to face the truth about his past, his motivations, and the dangerous world he’s built for himself.
⚔️ Why it’s captivating: Locke’s intelligence and charm mask his darker, more ruthless side. He’s a master manipulator, but his vulnerability and the loyalty he shows to his friends make him endlessly fascinating. His moral compass is fluid, and it’s this complexity that keeps us hooked.
3. A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
For fans of: Political intrigue, epic battles, and morally conflicted rulers
If you’ve ever craved a world where no one is truly “good,” A Song of Ice and Fire delivers in spades. From the ruthless Cersei Lannister to the honorable-but-flawed Jon Snow, each character in this vast, intricate world operates in shades of gray. With complex motivations, shifting alliances, and constant betrayals, every move feels like it could be the turning point of a war or a kingdom’s fate.
🔥 Why it’s unforgettable: Martin’s world is brutal, and his characters are never as clear-cut as they seem. You’ll love them, hate them, and sympathize with them all at once. Their actions, no matter how morally dubious, feel justified by the world they live in. There’s no clear winner here, only survivors.
4. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
For fans of: Apocalyptic settings, ancient powers, and characters driven by both love and revenge
Essun is a woman of incredible power in a world on the brink of collapse, and her journey is one of intense personal and societal upheaval. As she struggles to protect her family and understand her own powers, Essun faces choices that challenge her perception of right and wrong. Her journey through a fractured world leads her into alliances with characters who are equally morally complex, including orogeny—a terrifying and destructive force that she must control.
🌍 Why it’s thought-provoking: Jemisin’s characters are shaped by a world that demands survival at any cost. Essun’s actions are fueled by love, loss, and the desire for justice, but they often lead to morally ambiguous choices that are both heartbreaking and compelling.
5. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
For fans of: Epic dragons, feminist heroines, and morally conflicted leaders
This epic fantasy novel weaves together multiple perspectives, including the dragon-riding Queen of the East, a dragon-riding dragon-rider, and a female dragon-rider’s journey to save the world from an ancient threat. Throughout, the characters struggle with their duties to the throne, their loyalty to their families, and their personal desires—all while grappling with the complexities of their own power.
🐉 Why it’s compelling: The characters are faced with choices that blend love, politics, and responsibility. The world-building is exquisite, and the relationships—both romantic and platonic—are complicated by the characters’ internal struggles. The line between good and bad is often blurry, making this a thrilling ride.
6. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
For fans of: Magic systems, political intrigue, and morally conflicted leaders
In the world of The Black Prism, magic is based on the manipulation of light—literally. The Prism, Gavin Guile, is the most powerful person in the world, but his role as a leader comes with immense pressure and moral dilemmas. He has to balance the survival of the world with his own desires, and his actions often raise questions about whether he’s truly the hero—or the villain—in this war-torn world.
🌈 Why it’s addictive: Gavin’s choices are driven by a mix of idealism and pragmatism, often putting him in morally questionable situations. The stakes are high, the magic is unique, and the emotional depth of the characters ensures you’ll stay glued to the pages.
7. Vicious by V.E. Schwab
For fans of: Superpowers, revenge, and dark antiheroes
Victor Vale and Eli Ever are brilliant men who share a secret: they both have extraordinary abilities. But when they push their experiments too far, they create a world of chaos, pain, and betrayal. What starts as a story of revenge soon becomes a battle of wits, where the lines between hero and villain blur.
⚡ Why it’s electric: The tension between Victor and Eli is palpable, as they fight to prove who is the true villain. The book explores ambition, revenge, and the moral price of power, making it impossible to put down.
8. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
For fans of: Norse mythology, brutal battles, and morally gray warriors
In a world inspired by Norse mythology, The Shadow of the Gods tells the story of three unlikely companions—a slave, a warrior, and a berserker—whose fates intertwine as they face ancient gods, treacherous battles, and moral dilemmas. As they make decisions based on survival, loyalty, and vengeance, their actions constantly push the boundaries between right and wrong.
🛡️ Why it’s riveting: Gwynne’s ability to create morally complex characters in a world full of war and gods will keep you on the edge of your seat. These characters are no strangers to violence and betrayal, but their humanity shines through in moments of weakness and strength.
9. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
For fans of: Middle Eastern folklore, political intrigue, and morally questionable leaders
Nahri, a con artist from Cairo, is thrust into a magical world of djinn, politics, and power when she accidentally summons a djinn warrior. As she becomes entangled in the political machinations of the city of brass, she must navigate alliances with morally gray characters, each of whom has their own hidden motives.
✨ Why it’s enchanting: The rich world-building and morally complex characters make this book impossible to forget. Nahri’s journey is one of self-discovery and power, and the lines between good and bad are constantly shifting.
10. The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
For fans of: Epic scope, complex characters, and destiny
The Wheel of Time introduces us to a sprawling cast of characters, each with their own motivations, secrets, and flaws. From Rand al’Thor’s path as the Dragon Reborn to the manipulative Aes Sedai and the many dark figures lurking in the shadows, this series is full of characters who may be on the side of good—but not always in ways we expect.
🔮 Why it’s epic: The sheer complexity of the characters and the world-building is unmatched. While Rand and his companions are heroes, the choices they make often blur the lines between good and evil. It’s a journey of self-discovery that will leave you questioning what it truly means to be a hero.
Which morally gray character do you love the most?
These characters show us that heroism isn’t always pure, and villains aren’t always beyond redemption. Their stories captivate us because we can see pieces of ourselves in their flaws and struggles. If you’ve fallen for any of these complex characters, or if you’ve discovered a morally ambiguous character you think deserves a place on this list, share your favorite in the comments! Let’s dive into the gray areas together!
