In the realm of fantasy, villains often steal the show. We love to hate them, but sometimes, they're so well-crafted that our hatred turns into something else entirely—sympathy, understanding, even admiration. These are the characters who commit terrible acts, yet we can't help but see a bit of ourselves in them, or at least understand why they've become the way they are. Here are five fantasy books featuring villains and antiheroes you'll find yourself rooting for, even when you probably shouldn't.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang's debut novel follows Fang Runin, known as Rin, a war orphan who escapes an arranged marriage by acing the Keju exam and gaining entry to the elite military academy Sinegard. What starts as a typical fantasy tale quickly darkens as Rin discovers her shamanic powers tied to the gods. When war erupts, her training becomes brutally practical, and she's forced to confront the horrors of conflict.
Rin is a character who defies simple labels. Her actions become increasingly reckless and extreme, culminating in a horrifying crime. Yet Kuang masterfully shows us why Rin became this way. She's endured violence, discrimination, and manipulation by those in power. None of this excuses her choices, but it makes them understandable. Her rage becomes her strength, and Kuang makes it nearly impossible to separate Rin's violence from the world that taught her violence was the only language that mattered. For more on unforgettable villains, check out our list of terrifying book villains.
Vicious by V.E. Schwab
In V.E. Schwab's Vicious, college roommates Victor Vale and Eli Cardale become obsessed with creating superhuman abilities. Their experiments reveal that near-death experiences can turn ordinary people into ExtraOrdinaries, and they test the theory on themselves. It works, but it destroys their friendship. Ten years later, Victor escapes prison while Eli has become a celebrated hero with a mission to eliminate other ExtraOrdinaries. Victor's quest for revenge turns into a deeply personal story.
Victor is ruthless, calculating, and unapologetically willing to hurt others if he deems it necessary. Eli, meanwhile, justifies his killings as heroic, offering a twisted take on the superhero genre. Victor's desire for revenge isn't noble, but Schwab makes his perspective increasingly persuasive because Eli's supposed heroism is built on hypocrisy. Victor also forms genuine bonds, especially with Sydney, complicating the notion that he's simply a cold-blooded monster.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Locke Lamora is a thief, con artist, and liar of exceptional talent. He leads the Gentleman Bastards, a gang that pulls off elaborate schemes to swindle wealthy nobles in the Venice-inspired city of Camorr. They maintain a facade of petty crime while secretly executing massive cons. That arrangement works until a mysterious criminal known as the Gray King starts dismantling the city's criminal hierarchy.
Locke isn't exactly a villain, but he's far from a hero. He lies, steals, manipulates, and breaks rules without hesitation. Yet Lynch gives him qualities that make him irresistible. When the Gray King destroys Locke's world and murders his crew, Locke's quest for revenge becomes deeply personal. He's the kind of character who can walk into a disaster, make it worse, and still have you desperately hoping he gets out alive.
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
In Marie Lu's The Young Elites, a blood fever has ravaged the kingdom, leaving survivors marked as malfettos, treated as outcasts. Some develop powers and become known as the Young Elites, hunted by the Inquisition Axis. Adelina Amouteru is a malfetto who, after years of abuse, accidentally kills her father when her powers awaken. She's saved by the Dagger Society, a group of Young Elites opposing the kingdom, but joining them doesn't make her a hero.
Adelina's story becomes fascinating because she grows less likable while remaining compelling. Her powers are tied to fear and pain, and she struggles with darkness within her. Lu crafts a villain who is a product of her suffering, making readers empathize with her even as she descends into villainy. It's a powerful exploration of how trauma can shape a person's path.
These novels remind us that the best villains are those we can understand, even if we can't condone their actions. They challenge our notions of good and evil, making us question who we'd root for if we were in their shoes. For more on fantasy's finest, check out top fantasy TV series since 2020 or fantasy TV binge guide.
