The Bleak Realities of Worlds Without Hope: Grimdark Books to Get You Inspired

Hey there, fellow tabletop miniature enthusiast! If you’re a fan of the dark and gritty sci-fi universe of Warhammer 40,000 and Necromunda, then you already know how crucial it is to immerse yourself in these games’ worlds. Lucky for us, there are plenty of fantastic books out there that can inspire us as we paint and build our miniatures. From dystopian wastelands to futuristic cities, these books offer a glimpse into brutal and unforgiving worlds like those found in Warhammer 40K and Necromunda. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next campaign or terrain scenery project, here are five grimdark sci-fi books (series) that will expand your imagination.

“The Expanse” series by James S.A. Corey

This series of books (and subsequent television show) is set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system but is still plagued by poverty, inequality, and political unrest. The books are known for their gritty, realistic depiction of space travel and interplanetary conflict.

“Blindsight” by Peter Watts

This hard sci-fi novel follows a crew of astronauts on a mission to investigate an alien presence near the edge of the solar system. The book explores themes of consciousness, identity, and the limitations of human perception.

“The First Law” trilogy by Joe Abercrombie

This dark fantasy series is known for its morally ambiguous characters and brutal violence. The setting is a grim, war-torn world with echoes of medieval Europe, but with the addition of magic and supernatural creatures.

“Altered Carbon” by Richard K. Morgan

This cyberpunk novel is set in a future where human consciousness can be stored and transferred between bodies, allowing people to essentially live forever. The book follows a former soldier who is brought back to life to solve a murder mystery and explores themes of identity, mortality, and the ethics of immortality.

“The Grim Company” by Luke Scull

This epic fantasy novel is set in a world where magic has been outlawed and a tyrant rules with an iron fist. The book follows a group of rebels as they try to overthrow the tyrant and restore magic to the world. The book is known for its gritty, violent tone and complex, morally ambiguous characters.