Genre Spotlight: Fantasy!
Today, we take a fantastical adventure through the fantasy genre. It's a place where dragons take flight, magic sizzles in the air, and heroines/heroes set off on epic quests to save the world. So, grab your (metaphorical) swords and let's dive into the enchanting subgenres that make up this wondrous world of books!
High Fantasy: Ah, the granddaddy of them all! High Fantasy takes us on epic adventures through meticulously crafted worlds where the stakes are as high as a wizard's tower. Full of knights in shining armor, ancient prophecies, and epic quests. Just be sure to bring along a map and a healthy dose of suspension of disbelief. Book recs: George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.
Urban Fantasy: Ever wondered what would happen if magic collided with the real world? I used to daydream about what it would be like to have magical powers or meet a vampire. Since neither of those things has happened, I read and write about them instead! Urban Fantasy brings the mystical into our everyday lives. Picture a cityscape with supernatural creatures, where werewolves roam the streets and vampires own nightclubs. Sounds like somewhere I’d want to be! Book recs: Kim Harrison’s Hollows series.
Paranormal Romance: There are those who feel this doesn’t fall into the fantasy realm, but it has fantastical elements and shifters… so… Paranormal Romance is kind of like urban fantasy, full of swoon-worthy vampires, alluring shifters, and irresistible fae but mixed with love and spice! Book recs: Christine Feehan’s Leopard series (and my Season Shifters series!)
Steampunk: Steampunk whisks us away to a world filled with clockwork contraptions, steam-powered technology, and an abundance of waistcoats. It's like an alternate universe’s version of the Industrial Revolution! Book recs: The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher
Epic Fantasy: Do you have the ability to juggle numerous characters, intricate plotlines, and a vast expanse of pages? Then Epic Fantasy is for you! It’s usually full of sprawling narratives that span generations and continents. Battle scenes, political intrigue, and richly developed cultures fill the pages with intrigue. These usually require a commitment, so do start one and expect to get through the series quickly. The authors can take years, decades to finish one book! Book recs: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Mythology-Based Fantasy: Fancy a jaunt through the realms of gods and goddesses? Mythology-Based Fantasy draws inspiration from ancient legends and folklore. Whether it's Greek, Norse, or any other mythos, prepare to be whisked away to lands where heroes clash with mythical creatures and deities meddle in mortal affairs. Book Recs: Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series
There you have it, a quick jaunt through the many realms of fantasy! The books I mentioned represent some of the most beloved works within their respective genres. Some are classics and others may be new to you, and if you haven’t read them, I hope you’ll add them to your TBR! Enjoy exploring these captivating worlds filled with adventure, magic, and imagination!
Happy reading my friends. 😊
