Fantasy books have a dedicated fan base that rivals that of romance readers; in fact, people really enjoy reading them. One thing that makes fantasy readers unique, however, is their love for long series, often filled with thick books. Moreover, this genre are rich in detailed world-building, complex family trees, and character lists that could compete with those at a wedding.
What is the Fantasy Genre?
Basically, this is a genre of fiction that features magical, imaginative, and fantastical elements in the story. Often this means monsters, creatures, impossible technology, mystical settings, and more. This is the foundation of the plot, characters, and setting.
Subgenres of Fantasy
There are several popular subgenres of fantasy you may encounter.
- High/Epic Fantasy – these have complex societies, world-building, political and magical structures
- Low Fantasy- these are stories that burst into life as magical elements weave their way into the fabric of the real world.
- Cozy Fantasy – these stories have low stakes narratives and often feel comforting
- Dark Fantasy – often combined with horror these stories have lots of violence and unsettling themes
- Magical Realism – these are stories where people accept magical elements as normal in a regular, everyday setting
- Romantasy – fantasy stories that include a main romantic element and relationships.
You will also see blends of other genres like historical fiction, mysteries, and more in your fantasy books.
Why People Read This Genre
- For Escapism – fantasy can allow people to get away from the everyday stresses of life.
- To Explore Themes of Good and Evil – people enjoy relating to the moral complexities of stories. They like to ask themselves, “What would I do in this situation?”
- For the Character Development – Fantasy stories can really build out complex characters. As many stories are series, you get to spend a lot of time with them.
- Grand World Building – People revel in the immersive experience of the uniquely crafted world, as it transports them to a reality unlike anything they’ve ever known.
Fantasy Books To Add to Your TBR
Most people know the two main heavy hitters in the fantasy genre, so I won’t be sharing them here.
Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu
Elara has been cursed since birth with a prophecy: she will fall in love with a Star, leading to their doom. Kidnapped by the King of Helios, who seeks to use her power to conquer the Stars, Elara is trapped. But Prince Lorenzo, the king’s son, sees beyond her curse and vows to save her, risking everything to defy his father’s plans.
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
Alix has lost everything—her job, her apartment, and her last $35. Her only solace is the Boston Public Library. One day, she discovers a hidden door to the Astral Library and meets an ageless Librarian who offers her a chance to live in a book of her choice. However, their refuge faces a grave threat from an unknown enemy. Alix and the Librarian must escape into the worlds of Sherlock Holmes, Jane Austen, and The Great Gatsby to survive and protect their sanctuary.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Born to a captivating mother and a mighty sun god father, Circe should be powerful. But it seems that witchcraft is all she possesses. When she commits a horrible act against another, she is banished to live a solitary, immortal life on a remote island away from her family, physically but always watched by those in power. As she hones her skills, she continues to draw the wrath of famous mythological creatures and the greed of mortal men.
The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wasteland by Sarah Brooks
The Trans-Siberian Express is the only way for travellers to cross the wastelands, where they hope to witness the mysterious creatures that inhabit the area. The crew ensures passengers remain safe from Wasteland sickness and outside threats. However, during this final journey, something goes horribly wrong, and fear arises from both inside and outside the train.
Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots
In a world of superheroes and supervillains, Anna is just an ordinary worker injured by a superhero battle. During her recovery, she reflects on the innocent victims of these events. Struggling to make ends meet, she compiles data to reveal the true costs of heroism, attracting the attention of a powerful villain. Together, they team up to take down the so-called heroes.
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
When a high-ranking imperial officer is found dead in a gruesome fashion, Ana Dolabra and her assistant Dinios Kol must use their unique talents to solve the murder. As more bodies are discovered, they start to see a larger conspiracy at play. One that will threaten the empire, possibly more than the giant leviathans themself.
Lastly, want to learn more about genres? Check out this post that breaks it all down.