What are some good free dark fantasy stories to start with?

Fantasy & Science Fiction is also worth considering. While it covers a broader spectrum including science fiction, it has a strong section dedicated to dark fantasy. It publishes stories that explore the darker aspects of the human psyche within a fantastical framework, with a mix of traditional and modern storytelling techniques.

You can start with a lost or found item. Imagine a young girl finding a strange amulet in an attic. The amulet has strange markings and gives off a faint glow. As soon as she touches it, she feels a strange connection to a far - off place. This simple discovery sets the stage for a grand adventure. Another way is to start with a conflict. Two magical kingdoms are on the brink of war over a stolen magical artifact. This creates tension and makes the reader eager to find out how the situation will be resolved.

One great free fantasy story is 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It takes you on an adventure with Bilbo Baggins through Middle - earth, encountering dwarves, wizards, and fearsome dragons. Another is 'A Wizard of Earthsea' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It follows Ged, a young wizard, as he learns to control his powers and faces his inner demons. And 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is also a classic. It's full of strange and wonderful creatures, like the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter.

'The Little Prince' is also a great free fantasy story. It's a philosophical and imaginative tale about a little prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting different characters. It has beautiful illustrations and deep, thought - provoking themes.

Richard Matheson's 'I Am Legend' is another excellent one. It's about a man who seems to be the last human alive in a world overrun by vampires. It has been made into movies multiple times, but the original story is a great piece of free sci - fi horror literature that explores themes of isolation, survival, and what it means to be human.

Yes, they are. Free dark fantasy stories can be a great way to discover new authors and unique takes on the genre. You might find some hidden gems that you wouldn't have otherwise known about.

One good way is to start with a mysterious setting. For example, describe a dark and enchanted forest where strange noises come from the bushes and mist swirls around the ancient trees. It immediately draws the reader into a world full of mystery and magic.

One popular dark fantasy story is 'The Lord of the Rings'. It has elements of dark magic, menacing creatures like orcs and the Nazgul. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' which is full of political intrigue, brutal battles, and dark magic as well. And 'The Witcher' series also belongs to this genre, with Geralt facing all kinds of grotesque monsters in a morally grey world.

One idea could be a world where a powerful dark sorcerer has cursed the land, causing eternal night. The only hope lies in a young outcast with latent magical powers who must journey through a haunted forest filled with demonic creatures to find the sorcerer and break the curse.

One of the best is 'The Sandman' by Neil Gaiman. It weaves a complex tapestry of dreams, nightmares, and the supernatural. Another great one is 'American Gods' also by Gaiman, which explores the idea of old gods living in modern America. And then there's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R. R. Martin. It has a richly detailed world filled with political intrigue, magic, and dark elements.