The Many Faces of Fantasy

[image error]

© akarb – Stock.Adobe.Com

I moderated a panel last year on “The Many Faces of Fantasy”at Denver Comic Con. Getting the crowd involved, I asked them to shout out the many sub-genres contained within the Fantasylabel. I quickly ran out of fingers and toes.

My point: Fantasy has a little something for every reader. Into the Victorian era and steam powered contraptions? Try Steampunk. Do you lean toward tales of Horror? Dark Fantasyis for you. Maybe you have a fuzzy spot in your heart for Romance. Yep. Fantasy Romanceis a thing.

This genre could be a month-long blog series on its own, so I’ve decided to share my favorite sub-genres with you:

Urban Fantasy aka Grumpy Magical Character in a Modern City

The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Something from The Nightside by Simon R. Green
Dead Things by Stephen Blackmoore
Alex Verus series by Benedict Jacka
The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne (Great Author and Awesome Person)
Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch
A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin
Pariah by C.R. Richards (Shameless Plug)

High and/ or Epic Fantasy Adventures

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings by J.R. R. Tolkien
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Dragonbone Chair and its series by Tad Williams
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
The Sword of Shannara series by Terry Brooks
Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan (YA)

Dark Fantasy

The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett
The Last Apprentice series by Joseph Delaney (YA)
Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman (Sub-genre is my opinion)
Heart of the Warrior series by C.R. Richards (Shameless plug!)
Phantom Harvest by C.R. Richards (2014 Best Fantasy Award Winner)

Have I missed one of your favorite books? Please share in the comments. I’m always looking for good books to read.

Fantastical Links

Goodreads Fantasy Books Lists

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.