Why I Love Fantasy
Is there anything better than cracking open a new fantasy book and stepping into another world? Youโre settled in your cozy chair, a warm cup of tea in hand, and before you know it, youโre winnowing into a war on dragonback, falling in love with morally grey villains, or uncovering ancient secrets that could change the fate of entire kingdoms. Fantasy is the ultimate escape, where the boundaries of possibility are limited only by imagination. This genre has a magic of its ownโitโs why Iโve fallen head over heels for itโand why Iโm so excited to share this ultimate reading guide with you!
Whether youโre new to fantasy or as obsessed as I am, this post will take you through the many subgenres of fantasy, complete with book recommendations for each. Plus, Iโll share tips on how to start your own reading journal so you can track all your literary adventuresโand never forget that one book that stole your heart.
The Many Worlds of Fantasy: Subgenres to Explore
Fantasy is far more than just swords and sorcery; itโs a genre rich with diversity and nuance. From enchanted forests to magical cities and ancient prophecies, thereโs a subgenre for every kind of reader. Hereโs a quick tour of the most popular subgenres, each paired with a book recommendation to get you started on your journey.
Epic Fantasy: Big Worlds, Big Stakes
When most people think of fantasy, epic fantasy is what comes to mind: vast, sprawling landscapes, battles infused with magic, and quests that have the power to shapeโor destroyโentire kingdoms. Itโs the genre of heroes, villains, and chosen ones, where every decision can mean the difference between life and death. Epic fantasy has the power to sweep you away into worlds so immersive, you might never want to leave.
Books to Read:
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien โ The OG and pioneering classic of epic fantasy. Tolkienโs world-building and characters have influenced generations of fantasy writers and readers. If you havenโt read it yet, trust me, itโs a journey you wonโt regret.
- Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson โ
A brilliant twist on the classic epic fantasy formula, with a unique magic system based on metals and some of the most jaw-dropping plot twists youโll ever read. - The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson โ
Ready to dive into a truly monumental series? Sandersonโs world-building is unparalleled in this epic tale of ancient powers and towering stakes.
Romantic Fantasy (Romantasy):
Letโs be honest: the enemies-to-lovers trope hits differently in a fantasy setting. Romantic fantasy blends the enchantment of magic with passionate love stories, giving you the best of both worldsโheart-stopping action and swoon-worthy romance. Whether itโs a forbidden love or an impossible choice, these books will have you falling for both the characters and the magical elements. Because would we even care about Rhysand if he wasnโt a 500 year old Mind Reading Most Powerful Fae High Lord? (Yes we probably would but still)
Books to Read:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas โ when I say nobody does Romantasy like SJM I wholeheartedly mean it. With Fae Warriors, our favourite Shadow Daddy, intense romance, and a hefty sprinkle of spice, this series had me giggling, kicking my feet, crying hysterically and yelling at the characters. Maas is genius in the way she weaves tension, adventure, and love into every page.
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon โ
Dragons, magic, and a rich, immersive world full of complex characters. If youโre looking for romance with a serious dose of epic world-building, this is for you. - Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier โ
Set against a lush, Celtic-inspired backdrop, this slow-burn romance is about sacrifice, family, and the kind of love that endures despite impossible odds.
Dark Fantasy: Gritty, Gloomy, and Absolutely Addictive
Dark fantasy is for those who crave morally grey characters, intricate themes, and a touch of horror. These books venture into the shadows of the human soul, questioning the very nature of good and evil. If youโre ready to explore worlds where not everything is as it seems and the lines between hero and villain blur, dark fantasy will pull you in and never let you go.
Books to Read:
- The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie โ Imagine Game of Thrones, but even grittier, with morally ambiguous characters and a plot that will keep you guessing at every turn.
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang โ
A brutal and beautifully written blend of history, magic, and war, The Poppy War explores the horrors of conflict and the lengths one will go to for power. Prepare for a gut-wrenching, emotional ride. - A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin โ
If somehow youโve avoided the hype, A Game of Thrones and its sequels are a masterclass in political intrigue, betrayal, and dragonsโif youโre into epic stories with complex characters, this oneโs for you.
Urban Fantasy: Magic in the Modern World
Urban fantasy effortlessly merges the ordinary with the extraordinary, weaving magical creatures and supernatural events into the fabric of our modern, everyday lives. If you love the idea of discovering hidden worlds right under your nose, urban fantasy is the perfect subgenre for you.
Books to Read:
- Crescent City by Sarah J Mass –
Follow a fierce FMC investigating a murder in a magical city filled with dangerous secrets and dark powers. - Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman โ
Take a haunting journey through a hidden world beneath the streets of London, where the boundaries between the mundane and the magical blur. - City of Bones by Cassandra Clare โ
Dive into a world of shadowhunters, forbidden love, and intense emotional turmoil in this first installment of The Mortal Instruments series. This is very much a Y/A series and great for teens whoโre interested in fantasy.
Fairy Tale Retellings: Old Stories, New Twists
Fairy tale retellings bring a whole new layer of complexity to beloved childhood stories. With reimagined plots and characters, these books breathe fresh life into classic tales, often infusing them with deeper, darker elements. (I wonโt mention it again in this list but book one of the โA Court of Thorns & Roses series is also a fairy tale retelling, read it and let me know if you can guess which one!)
Books to Read:
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden โ
A stunning blend of Russian folklore, family, and a fierce, unforgettable heroine who must battle ancient forces. - Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik โ
A mesmerizing tale of power, sacrifice, and icy magic, where courage is tested and destinies intertwine. - Heartless by Marissa Meyer โ
A tragic yet romantic origin story of the Queen of Hearts, where love and ambition collide.
Why Fantasy Resonates Across All Ages
Fantasy isnโt just for one type of readerโitโs a genre that evolves with you. As a child, fairy tales spark our imagination and teach us the magic of storytelling. When weโre teenagers, we gravitate toward tales of rebellion and self-discovery, mirroring our own journeys. As adults, fantasy becomes a refuge, a reminder that even in the harshest realities, hope, courage and love prevail. Itโs this versatility that makes fantasy so timeless. Whether youโre new to the genre or a seasoned reader, thereโs always a story waiting to resonate with you on a personal level.
Tips for Finding Your Next Favorite Fantasy Book
Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of fantasy books out there? Youโre definitely not alone! Here are a few tips to help you navigate the world of fantasy and find the next book to dive into:
- Know What Youโre In the Mood For: Are you craving epic quests and battles? Go for epic fantasy. Looking for a love story set against a magical backdrop? Romantic fantasy might be just what you need.
- Follow Your Favorite Authors: Many authors share book recommendations on social media, Goodreads, and their websites. If you love their work, chances are youโll love what they recommend.
- Join Book Communities: Dive into online book communities like subreddits, Bookstagram, or Discord groups. Not only will you find recommendations, but you might also stumble upon hidden gems that arenโt as widely known.
How to Start a Reading Journal
If youโre anything like me, you probably struggle to keep track of all the books you want to read and your thoughts on the ones you have readโboth the ones you absolutely loved and the ones you didnโt (including the dreaded DNFโs). A reading journal can solve this problem but itโs also super fun to do! Not only does it help you stay organized, but it also lets you reflect on your reading experiences, jot down your thoughts on characters, plot twists, and frustrations with endings! (Like what did Lorcan DO?! IYKYK)
Hereโs how to set one up:
1. Pick Your Format
Are you a digital person, or do you love the feel of pen on paper? You can go old-school with a notebook or use apps like Notion, Trello, or even a simple Google Doc.
2. Create Sections
Here are some ideas for what to include:
- Book Info: Title, author, genre, subgenre, and when you read it.
- Highlights: Your favorite quotes, scenes, and characters.
- Ratings: Give each book a score out of 5 (or 10, if youโre feeling fancy).
- Thoughts: Write mini-reviews or notes on how the story made you feel.
- Keep a TBR List:
A โTo Be Readโ list is essential, so you always have something exciting waiting for you on your bookshelf. Although if youโre on tiktok you probably already have a significant one already.
3. Make It Fun
This is your journal, so make it reflect you! Add doodles, washi tape, or print out images of the book covers. You can even make themed pages for your favorite series.
4. Track Your Goals
Want to read 50 books this year? Or explore more subgenres? Use your journal to track your progress and celebrate milestones.
Fantasy is a genre where the impossible becomes possible, and the only limit is your imagination. Whether youโre into sweeping epics, steamy romance, or darker tales of magic and betrayal, thereโs a fantasy book (or ten) out there waiting for you.
So, grab one of the recommendations above, start a reading journal to capture your thoughts, and let yourself get swept away. Who knows? The next book you read might just become your new favorite escape.
Let me know in the commentsโwhatโs your favorite fantasy book, and which subgenre do you want to dive into next?
