Fantasy books take readers on a journey that could not occur in the real world. Sometimes they are set in a similar world with elements of magic or the supernatural, and sometimes they are set in entirely different worlds.
Fantasy Subgenre Lists
Epic/High
Epic fantasy has long captivated the imagination of readers. From enchanted realms to daring deeds, these sweeping adventures offer unforgettable characters and monumental stories. Epic fantasy faces challenges other genres don’t; while there are plenty of long and complex stories in literature, only epic fantasies must explain magic systems, invent cultures, and keep track of a huge list of characters often across several books.
Fantasy
Fantasy books offer readers the perfect escape into another world. It often uses magical devices as a foil for the real world, speculating on how society would act and react if the rules of reality were different. Some stories establish elaborate universes and characters, spreading them over many volumes, so that fans will keep coming back for more.
Historical
In historical fantasy, authors take the atmosphere of a historical setting and then add a fun twist, incorporating supernatural or magic elements from fantasy. It’s the best of the two worlds.
LGBTQ+
Travel across the universe – both real and imagined – with some of the best LGBTQ+ fantasy books, heading to remote islands with friends and navigating famous cities reimagined. Watch friendships ignite into something more powerful as characters transform and discover who they wish to be.
Magical Realism
Magical realism depicts the real world as having an undercurrent of magic or fantasy. Within a work of magical realism, the world is still grounded in the real world, but fantastical elements are considered normal in this world.
Myths/Legends
Who doesn’t love a good myth? Retellings of ancient legends are wonderful ways to bring stories with long histories to new audiences. Authors can reinterpret classic or familiar heroes, bringing different aspects of their personalities to vivid, sparkling life.
Paranormal/Urban
Paranormal/urban fantasy is a fun sub-genre of fantasy where the real world collides with a magical world. These typically take place in modern urban settings that you can find in contemporary society.
Romantic
Fantasy Romance books are those with a storyline that includes magic, fairies or other magical creatures or some sort of supernatural phenomena all taking place in a magical, fictional world. These fantasy stories include a love story with a happy ending.
Sword/Sorcery
Sword and sorcery typically focus on the action-filled adventures of individual, often morally conflicted heroes in fantastic and often semi-historical settings.