Fantasy Subgenres
Fantasy has always been my most-read genre of book. Magic, creatures, exotic locations – these things have always appealed to me.
But there’s different ways of delivering on these things, and fantasy is itself a broad genre. But that’s okay – that’s what subgenres are for! A subgenre can help you find a more specific type of fantasy story than just “fantasy”. After all, Game of Thrones, His Majesty's Dragon, and Dragonsdawn are all fantasy books with dragons in them, but they all have radically different tones and settings.
Of course, as with many systems of classification, the lines between fantasy subgenres aren’t always distinct. I recently saw a post on Facebook about subgenres, and it was interesting to see how different people consider different elements the cornerstones of different subgenres. Some people don’t even agree. And if you search online, you will find as many different answers on this topic as there are people. So this is simply my take – don’t consider it the end-all-be-all on the topic. This isn’t even a comprehensive list; Reedsy, for example, lists fifty different subgenres of fantasy. Here’s the eleven I see most often, though, in no particular order!
High Fantasy
Magic abounds in these stories, usually taking place in a world not our own. Detailed world building and rules of magic are hallmarks of high fantasy. Sometimes conflated with epic fantasy. Try: The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Epic Fantasy
These are, well, epic. Lots of characters and world-ending stakes, these stories tend to be plot-driven rather than character-driven. Try: Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan.
Urban Fantasy
Set in the real world (or a world really similar to the real world), usually using cities as a backdrop, urban fantasy is a low-magic genre (meaning magic is either uncommon or difficult to come by) often including the supernatural, such as vampires and werewolves. Cities are the most common setting, and they often have a noir feel to them. Try: American Gods by Neil Gaiman.
Portal Fantasy
This involves the protagonist leaving their home world – often one similar to or the same as ours – via portal to be brought to a fantastical world (usually by accident). They end up returning home changed by their experiences in the magical realm. Try: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
Heroic Fantasy
This is a hero going on a journey of some sort! Tends to focus on that hero specifically, and the physical and/or emotional journey they go on. Try: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
Dark Fantasy
Do you like fantasy, but also horror? Dark fantasy combines these elements. Try: The Dark Tower by Stephen King.
Sword and Sorcery
Usually follows a sword-wielding protagonist and their exciting quests to save the day. Often kind of pulpy, these stories are character-driven, just like heroic fantasy. Try: Conan the Barbarian by Robert E. Howard.
Historical Fantasy
Fantasy set in a historical period of the real world, creating an alternate history. Usually have some emphasis on being as historically accurate as possible when there are also supernatural creatures and/or magic. Try: His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik.
Grimdark Fantasy
Rather than having good vs. evil, grimdark fantasy revels in its morally gray characters. These can be rather bleak and violent. Try: Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin.
Fable / Fairytale Fantasy
These take a fairytale or fable and reimagine them in some way. Try: The Stolen Kingdom by Bethany Atazadeh.
Science Fantasy
A combination of science fiction and fantasy, utilizing both technology and magic or supernatural elements. Sometimes steampunk can fall into this category. Try: Dragonsdawn by Anne McCaffrey.
As mentioned above, there are many, many other subgenres of fantasy, and many books can fit into multiple categories. My own books are a blend of high fantasy, urban fantasy, and also science fiction!
What is your favorite subgenre of fantasy, or is there one on this list you would like to try? Let me know in the comments down below!
