Who are the notable authors of contemporary dark fantasy novels?

Casey McQuiston is a notable author of 2019 contemporary romance novels with 'Red, White & Royal Blue'. Beth O'Leary is also notable for 'The Flatshare'.

Well, authors like Stephen King, with his horror and suspense-filled novels, and Haruki Murakami, known for his unique and magical-realism style, are significant in contemporary fiction. Besides, Zadie Smith has made a mark with her contemporary social commentaries in her writings.

Nathaniel Hawthorne is a key Dark Romantic author. His family's history in Puritan New England influenced his writing. For example, in 'The House of the Seven Gables', he weaves a tale of a cursed family and a haunted house, exploring themes of inherited guilt. Edgar Allan Poe, on the other hand, was known for his short stories and poems that were filled with a sense of horror and the uncanny. His use of unreliable narrators added to the mystery. And Herman Melville's works often had a sense of the vast and the menacing, like the ocean in 'Moby - Dick' which was not just a setting but a character in itself, representing the unknown and the dangerous.

Well, Grant Morrison has written some works with dark comedy aspects. His take on superheroes in some of his works has a touch of the dark and comical. Warren Ellis is also important. He's known for works like 'Transmetropolitan' which is full of biting satire and dark humor. And then there's Jeff Lemire who has created some graphic novels with a bit of a dark comedic edge, like 'Essex County' which has some wry humor in its small - town stories.

Well, Brian Jacques was a notable author of 80's fantasy novels. His 'Redwall' series was much loved for its unique world of talking animals. Another is Ursula K. Le Guin, though she was writing across different decades, her works in the 80s, like some of her Earthsea stories, continued to contribute to the richness of the fantasy genre.

One notable author is Elena Ferrante. Her Neapolitan Novels offer a deep exploration of female friendship and the complex social structures in Italy. Jhumpa Lahiri is also significant. Her stories, often centered around the Indian - American experience, such as in 'Interpreter of Maladies', bring to light the cultural clashes and connections. Salman Rushdie is another, with his works being a blend of magical realism and political commentary, like in 'Midnight's Children'.

Guillermo del Toro is quite notable. His works often blend gothic elements with horror and the fantastical. For instance, his movie 'Crimson Peak' has a strong gothic undercurrent with its spooky mansion and family secrets.

Colm Tóibín is a well - known author in contemporary Irish fiction. His works often deal with themes of family, sexuality, and Irish identity.

Well, there's Barbara Kingsolver. She has written books that touch on southern life and environmental and social issues. And don't forget about Pat Conroy. His novels often deal with family, the South's military heritage, and the complex relationships within southern families. There are also many emerging voices in contemporary southern fiction that are starting to gain recognition for their unique takes on southern life and culture.

J.K. Rowling is extremely well - known for her 'Harry Potter' series. Sarah J. Maas is famous for her books like 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' and 'Throne of Glass'. Cassandra Clare is known for 'The Mortal Instruments' series. Another well - known author is Leigh Bardugo, who wrote 'Six of Crows' and other great contemporary fantasy works.