9 Books With Antiheroes As Protagonists

In the world of fantasy, romance, and thrillers, there’s something deeply irresistible about a character who refuses to play by the rules. Antiheroes—those captivating figures who blur the line between hero and villain—draw us in with their complexity, charm, and unapologetic flaws. These are the characters who make their own moral code, whether it’s for love, vengeance, or sheer self-interest, and we can’t help but root for them as they navigate a world full of temptation, danger, and forbidden passions.

If you love a story full of high-stakes drama, morally grey decisions, and romance that feels as intense as it is conflicted, these nine books will take you on a thrilling ride where the antihero is at the center, claiming their place in the spotlight.

1. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

For fans of: Dark fae, forbidden love, and manipulative power plays

Jude, a mortal girl raised in the treacherous world of the Fae, is far from innocent. She’s ambitious, cunning, and willing to do anything to win the favor of the dangerous faerie prince, Cardan. As she navigates the intricate, backstabbing politics of the Fae Court, Jude’s inner moral compass grows murkier. Is she becoming a ruthless villain in her own right, or is she simply surviving in a world that demands cruelty to thrive?

💋 Why it’s addictive: The forbidden romance between Jude and Cardan crackles with tension, and their dynamic is electric with that unique blend of hate and desire. Jude’s ruthless drive and complexity as a character makes her an antihero you can’t help but love—even as she teeters on the edge of darkness.

2. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

For fans of: Heists, morally complex characters, and found families

Kaz Brekker is the ultimate antihero—gritty, vengeful, and clever to the point of ruthlessness. As the leader of a band of thieves, Kaz orchestrates a dangerous heist that could make him a fortune—or get him killed. But what really draws you in is the slow burn of the romance between Kaz and Inej, a fellow criminal with a haunting past. Both are broken, both are morally ambiguous, and together, they navigate a world full of danger, power struggles, and tantalizing attraction.

🔥 Why it’s unforgettable: Kaz’s antihero status doesn’t just come from his morally questionable actions—it’s in his cold, calculating mind and the way he manipulates those around him. Inej’s fierce loyalty adds an irresistible layer to their dynamic, and the tension between them makes this one of the most intense relationships in fantasy.

3. Vicious by V.E. Schwab

For fans of: Superpowers, betrayal, and dark, twisted love

Victor Vale and Eli Ever have an intense, deeply twisted friendship—until their rivalry turns deadly. Both men are driven by personal vendettas and the thirst for power, and their complicated relationship leads them down a path where morality becomes a distant memory. The heart of this novel, however, isn’t just about their superpowers—it’s about their need to be the hero of their own story, even when that means they’ll burn everything down to do it.

⚡ Why it’s electrifying: The tension between Victor and Eli is as thrilling as it is dangerous. Their complex, adversarial relationship is intertwined with dark desires and a shared hunger for vengeance. The love in Vicious is raw, unrefined, and utterly compelling.

4. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

For fans of: War, revenge, and a protagonist who’ll stop at nothing

Rin is an orphan who’s willing to sacrifice everything for power, even if it means walking a path of destruction. When she rises from the slums to attend a prestigious military academy, she uncovers deadly secrets that will force her to embrace her inner darkness. As Rin’s power grows, so does her ability to manipulate and destroy, even as she grapples with her own humanity. She’s no heroine; she’s an antihero in the truest sense, and her journey toward revenge and redemption is as powerful as it is heart-wrenching.

💔 Why it’s unforgettable: Rin’s story is one of brutality, ambition, and sacrifice. Her character arc isn’t just compelling—it’s a mirror to the horrors of war, the price of power, and the cost of losing yourself in the pursuit of vengeance. As much as you may want to shake her, you can’t help but root for her.

5. The Wicked King by Holly Black

For fans of: Faeries, power struggles, and irresistible dark romance

Cardan, the dark and brooding faerie prince from The Cruel Prince, steps into the spotlight in The Wicked King, where his role as both villain and antihero is magnified. While Jude manipulates her way into power, Cardan is caught between his own desires for freedom and the crushing responsibilities of the throne. Their romance simmers with that dangerous, tangled chemistry—each moment between them is fraught with tension, deceit, and passion.

🔥 Why it’s magnetic: Cardan’s complexity as an antihero makes him a compelling figure—he’s cruel, self-serving, yet deeply vulnerable. His love for Jude and the twisted dynamic between them creates a firestorm of emotions. There’s no clear-cut good or bad here—only passion, power, and betrayal.

6. Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

For fans of: Assassin schools, bloodthirsty protagonists, and dark humor

Mia Corvere is a trained assassin with a fierce thirst for revenge. Her journey is one of blood and fire, as she enters the deadly Red Church to hone her deadly skills. As an antihero, Mia is unapologetically brutal, cunning, and willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. Her dark sense of humor and refusal to play nice make her one of the most engaging—and complicated—characters in fantasy.

💀 Why it’s unputdownable: Mia’s journey is full of pain, betrayal, and the stark reality of her choices. As she navigates a treacherous world, you’ll find yourself rooting for her, even as she commits deeds that will make your heart race and your moral compass waver.

7. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

For fans of: Cataclysmic powers, complex politics, and strong female antiheroes

Essun is a mother, a survivor, and a force of nature in a world ravaged by earthquakes and power struggles. Her world is one of constant disaster, and when her family is torn apart, she embarks on a journey full of pain, vengeance, and unexpected alliances. Essun’s antihero status isn’t born from malice—it’s the result of a lifetime of trauma, survival, and heartbreak. Her quest for justice is one of the most compelling aspects of this story.

🌍 Why it’s powerful: Essun is a character whose morality shifts as the world around her collapses. Her refusal to play the hero makes her journey all the more authentic. Jemisin’s world-building and character depth are unparalleled, and Essun’s struggle for power and peace is deeply moving.

8. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

For fans of: Parallel worlds, magic, and morally dubious antiheroes

Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who can move between parallel Londons. However, instead of serving his kingdom, Kell smuggles dangerous artifacts across worlds, a life that’s not without its own moral cost. When a dangerous artifact ends up in the wrong hands, Kell is forced to partner with Delilah Bard, a cutthroat thief who has her own complex sense of right and wrong. Together, they’ll navigate treacherous worlds and power plays, but both Kell and Delilah are far from traditional heroes.

✨ Why it’s thrilling: Kell’s reluctance to embrace his role in the greater scheme of things, paired with Delilah’s selfishness and sharp wit, creates an unmissable dynamic. Their growing partnership and romance are filled with sharp tension, and the line between good and evil becomes beautifully blurred.

9. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks

For fans of: Political intrigue, magical systems, and antiheroes who defy their destiny

Gavin Guile is the most powerful person in the world, a man capable of controlling light itself. But he’s not the noble figure everyone believes him to be. Plagued by guilt, guilt over the choices he’s made, and the darkness within him, Gavin is an antihero who struggles with the weight of his own power. He never wanted to be the man to save the world—but circumstances force him to make impossible decisions.

💥 Why it’s compelling: Gavin is a man at war with himself, and his emotional complexity makes him unforgettable. His willingness to sacrifice, even when it means breaking his own soul, creates a stirring and heartbreaking narrative. This is a world where no one is purely good or bad—and that’s what makes Gavin’s story so impactful.

Ready to Dive Into the Dark Side?

Antiheroes might break the rules, but they know how to captivate our hearts. Whether it’s love, power, or revenge driving them forward, these characters remind us that even the darkest paths can lead to extraordinary adventures.

Which antihero would you follow to the ends of the earth? Do you have a favorite tale of morally grey protagonists who make you question everything you thought you knew about heroes and villains? Share your favorites with us, and let’s dive into more dark and thrilling worlds! ✨