If you’re new to the fantasy book world, it can be intimidating to know where to start. There’s a wide variety of fantasy stories, and knowing which ones sound the most appealing can help you know what to pick up first.
There are apparently over 50 fantasy subgenres, but here are seven I see the most:
1. Fantasy Romance
This is the big one in the world of Bookstagram (bookish Instagram). A Fantasy Romance book has a romance-centered plot, and often a steamy scene or two, but takes place in a magical world. They also will usually have a solid external plot in addition to the romance. A few good examples would be Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros or A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
2. High Fantasy or Epic Fantasy
This type of fantasy takes place in a completely unique (and grand) world with its own rules. It’s heavy on the worldbuilding and usually has a complete history, its own scientific principles, and centers on a main hero or group of heroes. A good example is Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, or the well-known Lord of the Ring series. Game of Thrones is also a high fantasy.
3. Low Fantasy
This is the opposite of the high fantasy. These stories take place in our own world, but there is usually a surprising magical element (which will also surprise the main character). Think toys coming to life, as in Pinocchio or The Indian in the Cupboard. Or the Tuck family’s immortality in Tuck Everlasting.
4. Magical Realism
While magical realism also takes place in our own world, the characters accept the magical elements as a normal part of their everyday lives. It’s not unexpected or surprising. I would argue that The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia falls in this category – even though the story takes place in a unique world that is not our own, it feels very much like a Jane Austen novel but with telekinetic characters. The characters and plot matter more than the magic.
5. Urban Fantasy
These stories take place in an urban setting (often from our actual world), usually in the modern day. They can sometimes have a gritty or thriller aspect to them and frequently incorporate fantasy creatures and other supernatural elements. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas is an example, though it takes place in a fantasy city rather than a real-world one.
6. Dark Fantasy
Dark fantasy pulls in elements of horror, violence, and sometimes gore. It will usually have content that is disturbing or frightening. A popular example is Neil Gaiman’s Coraline, which has particularly creepy elements. The Poppy War by RF Kuang is also a dark fantasy, but may tip a little further. If a book is particularly dark or dystopian, it may stumble into the “grimdark” subgenre.
7. Portal Fantasy
This one is exactly what it sounds like. These books have main characters who are transported to another world. Alice in Wonderland, Chronicles of Narnia, and Bridge to Terebithia are all great examples. Outlander is also a portal fantasy – Claire is transported in time via magic rock.
Whichever fantasy subgenre you choose to try, I hope this list helps narrow it down!
You might also like:
