Fantasy recommendations for each sub-genre
So you love fantasy books, but you are having a hard time finding your fantasy niche? Or maybe you just want some recommendations beyond Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. Either way this is the list for you.
1. High Fantasy: Epic Realms and Grand Quests
Description: High fantasy transports readers to entirely fictional worlds with rich lore, intricate maps, and complex societies. These stories often involve epic quests, battles between forces of good and evil, and the fate of entire realms hanging in the balance. Think magic, mythical creatures, and a grand scale that captivates the imagination.
Classic example: "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Recommendation: "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss: Follow the legendary figure Kvothe as he recounts his life story, from a gifted child in a troupe of traveling performers to a magical prodigy at the University.
2. Low Fantasy: Magic Meets the Mundane
Description: Unlike high fantasy, low fantasy grounds magical elements in the real world. It introduces enchantment into everyday settings, revealing magical realms hidden beneath the surface of our mundane existence. This sub-genre often explores the intersection between the fantastical and the ordinary, offering a unique blend of escapism and relatability.
Classic example: "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
Recommendation: "The Magicians" by Lev Grossman: Quentin Coldwater discovers that the magical land he read about in childhood books is real, but the reality of magic is far more complex and dangerous than he ever imagined.
3. Urban Fantasy: Mystical Intrigues in Modern Cities
Description: Urban fantasy brings the magical into bustling cityscapes. These stories unfold in contemporary urban settings, where magical creatures and supernatural elements coexist with the everyday hustle and bustle. The juxtaposition of modernity and magic creates a thrilling atmosphere of mystery and wonder.
Classic example: "The Dresden Files" series by Jim Butcher
Recommendation: "Rivers of London" (Midnight Riot) by Ben Aaronovitch: Delve into the world of Peter Grant, a police officer in London who becomes an apprentice to the last wizard in England while investigating magical crimes.
4. Dark Fantasy: Shadows and Morally Complex Worlds
Description: Dark fantasy delves into the grittier, more ominous aspects of fantastical realms. Themes of horror, morally ambiguous characters, and the ever-present shadow of evil characterize this sub-genre. Dark fantasy often challenges traditional notions of heroism and explores the complexity of good and evil in a world steeped in darkness.
Classic example: "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones)
Recommendation: "The Lies of Locke Lamora" (Gentleman Bastard) by Scott Lynch: Follow the exploits of the skilled and cunning thief, Locke Lamora, as he navigates the criminal underworld in a city full of danger and political intrigue.
5. Historical Fantasy: Time-Traveling Through Enchanted Eras
Description: Historical fantasy blends fantastical elements with real historical settings. These stories take place in specific periods of history but introduce magical or supernatural elements, offering a unique perspective on familiar timelines. The result is a captivating fusion of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling.
Classic example: "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" by Susanna Clarke
Recommendation: "The Golem and the Jinni" by Helene Wecker: Taking place in New York City at the turn of the 20th century, this story intertwines the lives of a golem and a jinni as they navigate the challenges of the human world.
6. Steampunk: Victorian Innovation with a Twist
Description: Steampunk combines the aesthetics of the Victorian era with alternate histories and advanced steam-powered technology. The genre often explores a world where steam-powered machinery, airships, and clockwork contraptions coexist with magic and adventure. It's a delightful mix of historical nostalgia and speculative fiction.
Classic example: "His Dark Materials" trilogy by Philip Pullman
Recommendation: "Clockwork Angel" (The Infernal Devices) by Cassandra Clare: Set in Victorian London, this trilogy follows Tessa Gray as she discovers her unique abilities and becomes entangled in a world of Shadowhunters, demons, and clockwork creatures.
7. Science Fantasy: Bridging the Gap Between Magic and Technology
Description: Science fantasy blurs the lines between science fiction and fantasy, seamlessly integrating advanced technology with magical or supernatural elements. These stories often take place in futuristic settings but feature magical systems or creatures, creating a captivating fusion of two seemingly opposing genres.
Classic example: "Star Wars" series by George Lucas
Recommendation: "Hyperion" (Hyperion Cantos) by Dan Simmons: A space opera that weaves together multiple narratives, each revealing a unique perspective on the far-future universe, combining elements of advanced technology and mysterious forces.
8. Portal Fantasy: Doorways to Otherworldly Realms
Description: Portal fantasy involves characters traveling from the real world to fantastical realms through magical portals or gateways. Readers accompany protagonists on transformative journeys as they navigate through enchanted lands, discovering new cultures, and facing epic challenges. It's a genre that opens doorways to limitless imagination.
Classic example: "The Chronicles of Narnia" series by C.S. Lewis
Recommendation: "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman: Tristan ventures into the magical realm of Faerie to retrieve a fallen star, discovering a world of enchantment and danger.
9. Sword and Sorcery: Action-Packed Adventures
Description: Sword and sorcery stories are characterized by fast-paced action, daring feats of heroism, and a focus on individual characters wielding weapons and magic. These tales often revolve around adventurers facing off against dark forces, with a strong emphasis on combat and personal quests.
Classic example: "Conan the Barbarian" series by Robert E. Howard
Recommendation: "The Riyria Revelations" series by Michael J. Sullivan: Featuring the skilled duo Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, this series follows their exploits in a world of political intrigue, ancient magic, and epic battles.
10. Epic Fantasy: Sweeping Narratives and Vast World-Building
Description: Epic fantasy weaves grand, sweeping narratives with vast world-building. These stories often feature large casts of characters, intricate political landscapes, and complex histories. The stakes are high, and the destinies of kingdoms or entire worlds are frequently at the forefront of the narrative.
Classic example: "A Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan
Recommendation: "The Stormlight Archive" series by Brandon Sanderson: Set in the world of Roshar, this series explores magical systems, political intrigue, and epic battles as characters strive to prevent the return of the Desolation.
11. Mythic Fantasy: Modern Myths and Folklore
Description: Mythic fantasy draws inspiration from mythology and folklore, crafting modern tales with mythical elements. These stories often explore timeless themes and archetypal characters, creating a narrative tapestry that resonates with the cultural and mythical heritage of humanity.
Classic example: "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman
Recommendation: "Circe" by Madeline Miller: This book is a captivating journey through Greek mythology, offering a fresh perspective on the life of the sorceress Circe. With lush prose and a feminist reinterpretation, Miller explores themes of power, identity, and self-discovery in a mythical world where gods and mortals collide.
Each fantasy sub-genre offers a unique flavor of escapism, catering to diverse tastes within the broader fantasy landscape. Whether you crave epic quests, urban mysteries, or historical enchantment, there's a sub-genre waiting to transport you to realms beyond imagination. Happy exploring!
