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Sub-genre Challenge: Fantasy
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❀Tea❀
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Mar 19, 2015 05:33AM
Welcome to the challenge Teri-k ☺
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Fantasy Subgenre ChallengeStart Date: 3/19/15
Genres Read: 01/42
1. Alternate World Fantasy:
2. Arcanepunk Fantasy:
3. Arthurian Fantasy:
4. Bangsian Fantasy:
5. Celtic Fantasy:
6. Christian Fantasy:
7. Comic Fantasy:
8. Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman):
9. Contemporary Fantasy:
10. Court Intrigue Fantasy:
11. Cross Over Fantasy:
12. Dark Fantasy: Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson - 03/25/15
13. Dying Earth Fantasy:
14. Epic Fantasy:
15. Erotic Fantasy:
16. Fairytale & Fable Fantasy:
17. Fantasy of Manners:
18. Gritty Fantasy:
19. High Fantasy:
20. Historical Fantasy:
21. Heroic Fantasy:
22. Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels:
23. Literary Fantasy:
24. Low Fantasy:
25. Magic Realism Fantasy:
26. Medieval Fantasy:
27. Military Fantasy:
28. Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy:
29. New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy:
30. Prehistoric Fantasy:
31. Quest Fantasy:
32. Romantic Fantasy:
33. Science Fantasy:
34. Shenmo:
35. Steampunk Fantasy:
36. Superhero Fantasy:
37. Swashbuckling Fantasy:
38. Sword and Sorcery Fantasy:
39. Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy:
40. Vampire Fantasy:
41. Wuxia Fantasy:
42. Young Adult Fantasy:
Forty-Two sub genres?? I have to try this. Fantasy is my favorite genre so I'm going for the top!Fantasy Challenge
Level: Hero of the Realm
Sub-Genres Completed: 5/30
Duration: 4/12/2015 -
I will pick my 30 sub-genres to double as I go!
✔1. Alternate World Fantasy:
• The Shadow Society-9/7/2015
• The Devious Dr. Jekyll-2/20/2016
2. Arcanepunk Fantasy:
3. Arthurian Fantasy:
4. Bangsian Fantasy:
5. Celtic Fantasy:
6. Christian Fantasy:
7. Comic Fantasy:
8. Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman):
9. Contemporary Fantasy:
10. Court Intrigue Fantasy:
•Kushiel's Dart-1/19/2016
•
11. Cross Over Fantasy:
12. Dark Fantasy:
✔13. Dying Earth Fantasy:
• Not a Drop to Drink-9/30/2015
• In a Handful of Dust-10/17/2015
✔14. Epic Fantasy:
• The Slow Regard of Silent Things - 4/23/2015
• The Blade Itself-12/15/2015
15. Erotic Fantasy:
✔16. Fairytale & Fable Fantasy:
• Just Ella - 6/22/2015
• Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast - 6/24/2015
17. Fantasy of Manners:
18. Gritty Fantasy:
✔19. High Fantasy:
• Elantris - 4/12/2015
• Shadow Study - 4/19/2015
20. Historical Fantasy:
• Outlander - 1/12/2016
•
21. Heroic Fantasy:
22. Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels:
• The Lightning Thief - 3/24/2016
•Alanna: The First Adventure 4/5/2016 ★★★★
23. Literary Fantasy:
24. Low Fantasy:
• Discount Armageddon-12/1/2015
•
✔25. Magic Realism Fantasy:
• The Novice-6/15/2015
• Red Queen-6/21/2015
26. Medieval Fantasy:
• Lion Heart-6/18/2015
27. Military Fantasy:
✔28. Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy:
• Monstrous Beauty5/25/2015
• Cruel Beauty6/30/2015
29. New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy:
30. Prehistoric Fantasy:
31. Quest Fantasy:
32. Romantic Fantasy:
✔33. Science Fantasy:
• Armada-3/13/2016
• The Stand-5/1/2016
34. Shenmo:
✔35. Steampunk Fantasy:
• The Diabolical Miss Hyde - 4/25/2015
• Illusionarium - 7/16/2015
36. Superhero Fantasy:
37. Swashbuckling Fantasy:
38. Sword and Sorcery Fantasy:
✔39. Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy:
• Third Grave Dead Ahead - Finished 4/13/2015
• Darkfever - Finished 4/26/2015
✔40. Vampire Fantasy:
• The Golden Lily - Finished 5/17/2015
• The Indigo Spell - Finished /18/2015
41. Wuxia Fantasy:
✔42. Young Adult Fantasy:
• The Winner's Crime - Finished 5/3/2015
• Angelfall - Finished 5/12/2015
Subgenre challengeI will pick out 30 and post as I read
Level: Hero of the Realm
2/60
1. Alternate World Fantasy:
2. Arcanepunk Fantasy:
3. Arthurian Fantasy:
4. Bangsian Fantasy:
5. Celtic Fantasy:
6. Christian Fantasy:
7. Comic Fantasy:
8. Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman):
9. Contemporary Fantasy:
10. Court Intrigue Fantasy:
11. Cross Over Fantasy:
12. Dark Fantasy:
13. Dying Earth Fantasy:
14. Epic Fantasy:
15. Erotic Fantasy:
16. Fairytale & Fable Fantasy:
17. Fantasy of Manners:
18. Gritty Fantasy:
19. High Fantasy:
20. Historical Fantasy:
21. Heroic Fantasy:
22. Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels:
23. Literary Fantasy:
24. Low Fantasy:
25. Magic Realism Fantasy:
26. Medieval Fantasy:
27. Military Fantasy:
28. Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy:
29. New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy:
30. Prehistoric Fantasy:
31. Quest Fantasy:
32. Romantic Fantasy:
33. Science Fantasy:
34. Shenmo:
35. Steampunk Fantasy:
1. Kiss of Steel 3 may 2015
2. Soulless 4 may
36. Superhero Fantasy:
37. Swashbuckling Fantasy:
38. Sword and Sorcery Fantasy:
39. Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy:
40. Vampire Fantasy:
41. Wuxia Fantasy:
42. Young Adult Fantasy:
Welcome to the challenge Jacki & Delitealex ☺
Doing this!Challenge is posted here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I'm doing all the categories.
Fantasy is one of my most fave genres so I'm definitely in!Let's Go Adventuring!
Sub-genre challenge: FANTASY
Duration: June 21st, 2015 - No Deadline
Level: High Priestess
21/30✔ Coming-of-Age Fantasy
✦ Harry Potter e il Calice di Fuoco, J.K. Rowling (21/09/15) ★★★★
✦ Harry Potter e il Principe Mezzosangue, J.K. Rowling (07/01/16) ★★★★
✔ Contemporary Fantasy
✦ Harry Potter e la camera dei segreti, J.K. Rowling (22/06/15) ★★★★
✦ Harry Potter e l'Ordine della Fenice, J.K. Rowling (11/11/15) ★★★★★
✔ Epic Fantasy
✦ Il Canto del Sangue, Anthony Ryan (24/09/15) ★★★★
✦ Il trono del drago, Tad Williams (05/03/16) ★★★
✔ Fairytale & Fable Fantasy
✦ Le dame di Grace Adieu e altre storie di magia, Susanna Clarke (07/10/15) ★★★★
✦ Le più belle fiabe dei fratelli Grimm, Jacob Grimm (29/09/16) ★★★★
✔ Fantasy of Manners
✦ Jonathan Strange & il signor Norrell, Susanna Clarke (03/09/15) ★★★★★
✦ Tito di Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake (04/02/16) ★★★
Gritty Fantasy
✦ Gli inganni di Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch (02/03/17) ★★★★
✦ Il richiamo delle spade, Joe Abercrombie
High Fantasy
✦ Il ciclo di Shannara: La spada di Shannara - Le pietre magiche di Shannara - La canzone di Shannara, Terry Brooks (12/11/16) ★★
✦ L'ultimo impero, Brandon Sanderson
Heroic Fantasy
✦ Il nome del vento, Patrick Rothfuss
✦
Literary Fantasy
✦ La collina dei conigli, Richard Adams (26/04/16) ★★★★
✦
✔ Low Fantasy
✦ Il mondo del ghiaccio e del fuoco: La storia ufficiale di Westeros e del Trono di Spade, George R.R. Martin (20/10/15) ★★★★
✦ Il cavaliere dei Sette Regni, George R.R. Martin (04/02/17) ★★★★
Military Fantasy
✦ I giardini della Luna, Steven Erikson
✦
Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy
✦ Il canto di Penelope: Il mito del ritorno di Odisseo, Margaret Atwood (06/11/15) ★★★
✦ Il Silmarillion, J.R.R. Tolkien
✔ Quest Fantasy
✦ Il Signore degli Anelli, J.R.R. Tolkien (14/12/15) ★★★★★
✦ Il ciclo di Shannara: La spada di Shannara - Le pietre magiche di Shannara - La canzone di Shannara, Terry Brooks (12/11/16) ★★
Sword and Sorcery Fantasy
✦ L'atlante di smeraldo, John Stephens (15/08/15) ★★
✦ La leggenda dei Drenai, David Gemmell
✔ Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy
✦ Il libro della vita e della morte, Deborah Harkness (08/01/16) ★★
✦ La casa per bambini speciali di Miss Peregrine, Ransom Riggs (17/06/16) ★★★★
Amanda wrote: "Welcome to the challenge Sara. :)"Thank you, Amanda! Can't wait to start it off :)
Subgenre Challenge: Fantasy
Duration: September 20, 2015-??
Level: Lord Commander = 41-42 books
Books Completed: 44/42
► Alternate World Fantasy: This subgenre involves different worlds hidden within or parallel to our own. In past times these could be found in a mysterious country, as in Johnathan Swift’s novel Gulliver's Travels. With the Earth explored, some were envisioned inside a mirror, as with Lewis Carroll’s novel Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. Others ‘distill’ whole fictional libraries, as with John Myers Myers’ novel Silverlock. In a scientific era, often these worlds are in a parallel cosmos, as depicted in Roger Zelazny’s Chrolicles of Amber Series.
A Darker Shade of Magic (1/11/16)
The Colour of Magic (2/29/16)
► Arcanepunk Fantasy: The word arcanepunk refers to a fantasy world where both magic and science exist. It applies to a genre or a design.
The magic and science are advanced enough that most people have access. Not everyone is a scientist or wizard, but most people know how to use technological and magic items. Scientific knowledge is comparable to the late 19th century or more advanced. This genre is often old fashioned, either by borrowing in Fantasy or Steampunk.
In most cases, magic and science have evolved in parallel. People use technomagical devices based on magic and science. Coal, oil and electricity are often replaced by crystals, mana or glyphs. Some books include: Too Many Magicians; Discworld Series; Darksword Series; and Metropolitan. [Contrast with Steampunk Fantasy.]
Magic Bites (5/29/16)
► Arthurian Fantasy: These tales are set in the world of King Arthur’s legendary Camelot. Merlin, Lancelot, Ygraine and friends are involved in fresh adventures. These novels have been popular for centuries, and one famous modern example is Thomas Pynchon’s Gravity's Rainbow. Marion Zimmer Bradley’s The Mists of Avalon is another fine example of this sub-genre.
The Mists of Avalon (4/24/16)
► Bangsian Fantasy: Takes its name from a 19th century author named John Bangs. This subgenre deals all or mostly with the afterlife. Early legends speak of Hades, and it’s been going strong ever since. A modern example is Philip José Farmer’s Riverworld Series. Though marketed as literary fiction, with its Heaven-dwelling narrator, Alice Sebold’s novel The Lovely Bones fits this category.
► Celtic Fantasy: These draw upon the rich lore of the Celtic peoples, mostly but not always from Ireland. C.J. Cherryh’s novel The Dreaming Tree and Charles De Lint’s novel The Little Country are fine examples. Also Juliet Marillier’s Sevenwaters Series is a popular Celtic fantasy. Mythago Woods Series, by Robert Holdstock is a urban Celtic Fantasy tale.
► Christian Fantasy: This is a rare subgenre, in part because (for complex reasons) many believers officially shun the whole ‘fantasy’ mileau, while many ‘fantasy’ mavens return the favor. A fine example of this subgenre is C. Dale Brittain’s lighthearted Daimbert - better known as the “Yurt” series, which incorporates Christian elements without naming Jesus directly.
► Comic Fantasy: Comedic fantasy is a humorous and/or satirical subgenre. The many Xanth Series novels by Piers Anthony are a great example. As is Robert Asprin’s Myth Adventure Series. Some comic fantasies were parodies of more serious novels, one well-known example being Bored of the Rings: A Parody of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings by Henry N. Beard and Douglas C. Kenney, who later founded National Lampoon.
Equal Rites (7/1/16)
Mort (7/25/16)
► Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman): Set in the fantasy world, a usual coming-of-age story, which is a literary genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood (coming-of-age), and wherein character change therefore is extremely important. Coming-of-age, in the end, means not only learning about yourself but losing your innocence and confronting the terrible truths about the world.
► Contemporary Fantasy: Posits that magical creatures are hidden amongst us. These tales are set in modern times, and deceptively familiar situations. Neil Gaiman’s novel Neverwhere depicts a vast (yet hidden) magical underground London. Mercedes Lackey’s Diana Tregarde novels bring realistic magic to Dallas and small town Oklahoma. [Contrast with Urban Fantasy.]
Hex Hall (4/3/16)
Halfway to the Grave (5/7/16)
Blue Bloods (6/27/16)
►Court Intrigue Fantasy: A subgenre set in royal castles, whether historical (but with magic), or in some recognizable alternate world. George R.R. Martin’s series A Song of Ice & Fire is a good example.
A Court of Mist and Fury (5/29/16)
Duration: September 20, 2015-??
Level: Lord Commander = 41-42 books
Books Completed: 44/42
► Alternate World Fantasy: This subgenre involves different worlds hidden within or parallel to our own. In past times these could be found in a mysterious country, as in Johnathan Swift’s novel Gulliver's Travels. With the Earth explored, some were envisioned inside a mirror, as with Lewis Carroll’s novel Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. Others ‘distill’ whole fictional libraries, as with John Myers Myers’ novel Silverlock. In a scientific era, often these worlds are in a parallel cosmos, as depicted in Roger Zelazny’s Chrolicles of Amber Series.
A Darker Shade of Magic (1/11/16)
The Colour of Magic (2/29/16)
► Arcanepunk Fantasy: The word arcanepunk refers to a fantasy world where both magic and science exist. It applies to a genre or a design.
The magic and science are advanced enough that most people have access. Not everyone is a scientist or wizard, but most people know how to use technological and magic items. Scientific knowledge is comparable to the late 19th century or more advanced. This genre is often old fashioned, either by borrowing in Fantasy or Steampunk.
In most cases, magic and science have evolved in parallel. People use technomagical devices based on magic and science. Coal, oil and electricity are often replaced by crystals, mana or glyphs. Some books include: Too Many Magicians; Discworld Series; Darksword Series; and Metropolitan. [Contrast with Steampunk Fantasy.]
Magic Bites (5/29/16)
► Arthurian Fantasy: These tales are set in the world of King Arthur’s legendary Camelot. Merlin, Lancelot, Ygraine and friends are involved in fresh adventures. These novels have been popular for centuries, and one famous modern example is Thomas Pynchon’s Gravity's Rainbow. Marion Zimmer Bradley’s The Mists of Avalon is another fine example of this sub-genre.
The Mists of Avalon (4/24/16)
► Bangsian Fantasy: Takes its name from a 19th century author named John Bangs. This subgenre deals all or mostly with the afterlife. Early legends speak of Hades, and it’s been going strong ever since. A modern example is Philip José Farmer’s Riverworld Series. Though marketed as literary fiction, with its Heaven-dwelling narrator, Alice Sebold’s novel The Lovely Bones fits this category.
► Celtic Fantasy: These draw upon the rich lore of the Celtic peoples, mostly but not always from Ireland. C.J. Cherryh’s novel The Dreaming Tree and Charles De Lint’s novel The Little Country are fine examples. Also Juliet Marillier’s Sevenwaters Series is a popular Celtic fantasy. Mythago Woods Series, by Robert Holdstock is a urban Celtic Fantasy tale.
► Christian Fantasy: This is a rare subgenre, in part because (for complex reasons) many believers officially shun the whole ‘fantasy’ mileau, while many ‘fantasy’ mavens return the favor. A fine example of this subgenre is C. Dale Brittain’s lighthearted Daimbert - better known as the “Yurt” series, which incorporates Christian elements without naming Jesus directly.
► Comic Fantasy: Comedic fantasy is a humorous and/or satirical subgenre. The many Xanth Series novels by Piers Anthony are a great example. As is Robert Asprin’s Myth Adventure Series. Some comic fantasies were parodies of more serious novels, one well-known example being Bored of the Rings: A Parody of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings by Henry N. Beard and Douglas C. Kenney, who later founded National Lampoon.
Equal Rites (7/1/16)
Mort (7/25/16)
► Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman): Set in the fantasy world, a usual coming-of-age story, which is a literary genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood (coming-of-age), and wherein character change therefore is extremely important. Coming-of-age, in the end, means not only learning about yourself but losing your innocence and confronting the terrible truths about the world.
► Contemporary Fantasy: Posits that magical creatures are hidden amongst us. These tales are set in modern times, and deceptively familiar situations. Neil Gaiman’s novel Neverwhere depicts a vast (yet hidden) magical underground London. Mercedes Lackey’s Diana Tregarde novels bring realistic magic to Dallas and small town Oklahoma. [Contrast with Urban Fantasy.]
Hex Hall (4/3/16)
Halfway to the Grave (5/7/16)
Blue Bloods (6/27/16)
►Court Intrigue Fantasy: A subgenre set in royal castles, whether historical (but with magic), or in some recognizable alternate world. George R.R. Martin’s series A Song of Ice & Fire is a good example.
A Court of Mist and Fury (5/29/16)
► Cross Over Fantasy: A very specific fantasy subgenre where characters “cross over” from one realm to another realm, via some sort of magical portal. Typically, the characters are normal people from earth who cross into a new realm; the realm is usually medieval in nature and magic, in this realm, may exist. The characters crossing into the new realm may gain magical powers or bring with them modern knowledge which is used to challenge some sort of evil which is seeking to dominate that land.
The Child Thief (11/7/15)
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War (7/7/16)
► Dark Fantasy: The Dark subgenre tales overlap with with 'horror,' and/or feature a gothic or brooding atmosphere. Often includes stories about demonic creatures, mummies, vampires, and the like. Michael Moorcock’s Elric stories are often cited as examples.
Bullet (11/3/15)
Hit List (11/4/15)
► Dying Earth Fantasy: Here are stories that take place in just such a dismal setting. Often humanity is beset with ennui, as the world itself fades away. The Martin and Dozois anthology Songs of the Dying Earth: Stories in Honour of Jack Vance pays homage to Jack Vance's namesake tome.
► Epic Fantasy: Epic Fantasy, as opposed to High Fantasy, is more of the scale. The entire world is affected. The fate of good and light hangs in the balance versus a dark force. The Lord of the Rings was a perfect example. All of Middle Earth depended on the success of the fellowship and the forces of good - or else all would be lost in eternal darkness. There is no middle ground here. [Contrast High Fantasy.]
• takes place in medieval times
• often uses good-versus-evil as the central story
• usually involves a large cast of characters
• relies on sub-plots to advance the story
• fate of a large number of people is involved, not just the hero & friends
• Average Length: 120,000-160,000 words
• Epic fantasy can have all of those things that are in High fantasy (elves, magicians, trolls, dragons, the princesses and the knights in shining armor), but in Epic, the events have monumental importance.
• Their plots are often complex and multi-stranded, with a cast of thousands, a host of different narrators, and plot arc that can take years, if not generations.
• The word “epic” suggests a certain weight, a significance to the work that raises the stakes of the drama, that gives the tale it tells distinctive power and gravitas. So, think depth of the story, rather than its breadth.
• Also, reference what fantasy-faction.com says about the influence of epic poetry has on this sub-genre.
SPECIAL NOTE: This from writeworld.tumblr.com: Epic Fantasy and High Fantasy are a little more tricky [to differentiate] because many people believe they can be used interchangeably. The nuances between them are very slight, so people just equate them.
The Way of Kings (6/17/16)
✓ ► Erotic Fantasy: Subgenre tales containing a strong sexual element. Examples abound, since medieval times and before. A popular modern example is Jacqueline Carey’s novel Kushiel's Dart, along with its sequels.
Skin Trade (10/14/15)
Flirt (10/16/15)
► Fairytale & Fable Fantasy: This is distinguished from other subgenres of fantasy by the works’ heavy use of motifs, and often plots, from folklore. Unlike Mythic Exploration Fantasy, Fables tend to focus on imparting some sort of moral wisdom to the protagonist the end of the tale. A Fable is often approached from the perspective of a child or youth. Currently, some writers are modernizing fables for the modern adult reader.
A Court of Thorns and Roses (10/15/15)
Beastly (12/31/15)
Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen (6/21/16)
►Fantasy of Manners: Fantasy of Manners is a kind of hybrid sub-genre of traditional Fantasy and the Comedy of Manners form. A Fantasy of Manners story is not necessarily comedic and differs from traditional Fantasy in that the foes are not magical beasts or armies of knights, but rather neighbors and peers. The stories tend to be set in urban environments with elaborate, hierarchical social structures. The society is often usually post-medieval with low technology (or none) and a high level of sophistication (meaning plenty of formality and multi-layered).
Aside from the setting, Fantasy of Manners stories also share a kind of tone: witty and wry. This tone is influenced by such literary giants as Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. They also tend to fall in to the capital ‘R’ Romance category. Fantasy of Manners, like Comedy of Manners, is self-reflexive through subtext or through irony. An example would be Ellen Kushner’s Swordspoint. For others refer to bestfantasybooks.com or Goodreads Fantasy of Manners.
► Gritty Fantasy: (From bestfantasybooks.com) Also known as “realistic epic fantasy” (or just “realistic fantasy” ). Now, Realistic Epic Fantasy, for whatever reason, has decided to bring it all down to the level of grunt. Instead of a hero, we have an anti-hero. He will rape, murder, pillage and burn if it meets his unique moral code, or if it is necessary to succeed in his “quest”. The world he’s trying to save is pretty nasty, so he doesn’t mind heaping helpings of nastiness in pursuit of the goal, whether it’s goring opponents, plucking out eyes, or eating live animals like a side-show geek.
He will likely have several compatriots who die disturbing deaths (but no more disturbing than those of their victims) along the way, but their terrible teamwork will, in the end, secure their distasteful way of life.
Characteristics of Gritty Fantasy:
Level of Magic
Generally pretty low, and what there is of it is not attractive. The villains who tend to use it most are diminished by their reliance on it.
Level of Characterization
Moral ambiguity is the name of this game. Heroes and villains may be hard to distinguish, apart from the fact that one has a quest and the other is trying to stop its attainment. There can be a lot of characters.
Level of Plot Complexity
Many plot lines, all made complex by their lack of moral straightforwardness. Readers who dislike anti-heroes are advised to seek out Hero Fantasy instead.
Level of Violence
The level of violence, sex, and violent sex are high in this sub-genre, and is mainly what differentiates this sub-genre from other related types.
► High Fantasy: High Fantasy, as opposed to Epic Fantasy, is more of a setting. It’s the time period. It’s the situation. It’s the way the world works, and the way the characters deal with that world. The situations tend to be much more personal, and the heart and change within a character is what matters most. (Taken from absolutewrite.com) [Contrast Epic Fantasy.]
• takes place in medieval or modern times
• involves magic
• focuses on fewer characters and often relies heavily on character growth
• sometimes presents situations in shades of gray, and lets the characters decide what is right
• Average Length: 70,000-100,000 words
Luck in the Shadows (3/10/16)
Mistborn: The Final Empire (4/26/16)
► Historical Fantasy: The genre's answer to historical fiction. A specific period from Earth's history becomes the setting, but with fantastic elements blended in. Gene Wolfe’s dreamlike novel Soldier of the Mist and Guy Gavriel Kay’s novel Tigana are two fine examples.
The Child Thief (11/7/15)
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War (7/7/16)
► Dark Fantasy: The Dark subgenre tales overlap with with 'horror,' and/or feature a gothic or brooding atmosphere. Often includes stories about demonic creatures, mummies, vampires, and the like. Michael Moorcock’s Elric stories are often cited as examples.
Bullet (11/3/15)
Hit List (11/4/15)
► Dying Earth Fantasy: Here are stories that take place in just such a dismal setting. Often humanity is beset with ennui, as the world itself fades away. The Martin and Dozois anthology Songs of the Dying Earth: Stories in Honour of Jack Vance pays homage to Jack Vance's namesake tome.
► Epic Fantasy: Epic Fantasy, as opposed to High Fantasy, is more of the scale. The entire world is affected. The fate of good and light hangs in the balance versus a dark force. The Lord of the Rings was a perfect example. All of Middle Earth depended on the success of the fellowship and the forces of good - or else all would be lost in eternal darkness. There is no middle ground here. [Contrast High Fantasy.]
• takes place in medieval times
• often uses good-versus-evil as the central story
• usually involves a large cast of characters
• relies on sub-plots to advance the story
• fate of a large number of people is involved, not just the hero & friends
• Average Length: 120,000-160,000 words
• Epic fantasy can have all of those things that are in High fantasy (elves, magicians, trolls, dragons, the princesses and the knights in shining armor), but in Epic, the events have monumental importance.
• Their plots are often complex and multi-stranded, with a cast of thousands, a host of different narrators, and plot arc that can take years, if not generations.
• The word “epic” suggests a certain weight, a significance to the work that raises the stakes of the drama, that gives the tale it tells distinctive power and gravitas. So, think depth of the story, rather than its breadth.
• Also, reference what fantasy-faction.com says about the influence of epic poetry has on this sub-genre.
SPECIAL NOTE: This from writeworld.tumblr.com: Epic Fantasy and High Fantasy are a little more tricky [to differentiate] because many people believe they can be used interchangeably. The nuances between them are very slight, so people just equate them.
The Way of Kings (6/17/16)
✓ ► Erotic Fantasy: Subgenre tales containing a strong sexual element. Examples abound, since medieval times and before. A popular modern example is Jacqueline Carey’s novel Kushiel's Dart, along with its sequels.
Skin Trade (10/14/15)
Flirt (10/16/15)
► Fairytale & Fable Fantasy: This is distinguished from other subgenres of fantasy by the works’ heavy use of motifs, and often plots, from folklore. Unlike Mythic Exploration Fantasy, Fables tend to focus on imparting some sort of moral wisdom to the protagonist the end of the tale. A Fable is often approached from the perspective of a child or youth. Currently, some writers are modernizing fables for the modern adult reader.
A Court of Thorns and Roses (10/15/15)
Beastly (12/31/15)
Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen (6/21/16)
►Fantasy of Manners: Fantasy of Manners is a kind of hybrid sub-genre of traditional Fantasy and the Comedy of Manners form. A Fantasy of Manners story is not necessarily comedic and differs from traditional Fantasy in that the foes are not magical beasts or armies of knights, but rather neighbors and peers. The stories tend to be set in urban environments with elaborate, hierarchical social structures. The society is often usually post-medieval with low technology (or none) and a high level of sophistication (meaning plenty of formality and multi-layered).
Aside from the setting, Fantasy of Manners stories also share a kind of tone: witty and wry. This tone is influenced by such literary giants as Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. They also tend to fall in to the capital ‘R’ Romance category. Fantasy of Manners, like Comedy of Manners, is self-reflexive through subtext or through irony. An example would be Ellen Kushner’s Swordspoint. For others refer to bestfantasybooks.com or Goodreads Fantasy of Manners.
► Gritty Fantasy: (From bestfantasybooks.com) Also known as “realistic epic fantasy” (or just “realistic fantasy” ). Now, Realistic Epic Fantasy, for whatever reason, has decided to bring it all down to the level of grunt. Instead of a hero, we have an anti-hero. He will rape, murder, pillage and burn if it meets his unique moral code, or if it is necessary to succeed in his “quest”. The world he’s trying to save is pretty nasty, so he doesn’t mind heaping helpings of nastiness in pursuit of the goal, whether it’s goring opponents, plucking out eyes, or eating live animals like a side-show geek.
He will likely have several compatriots who die disturbing deaths (but no more disturbing than those of their victims) along the way, but their terrible teamwork will, in the end, secure their distasteful way of life.
Characteristics of Gritty Fantasy:
Level of Magic
Generally pretty low, and what there is of it is not attractive. The villains who tend to use it most are diminished by their reliance on it.
Level of Characterization
Moral ambiguity is the name of this game. Heroes and villains may be hard to distinguish, apart from the fact that one has a quest and the other is trying to stop its attainment. There can be a lot of characters.
Level of Plot Complexity
Many plot lines, all made complex by their lack of moral straightforwardness. Readers who dislike anti-heroes are advised to seek out Hero Fantasy instead.
Level of Violence
The level of violence, sex, and violent sex are high in this sub-genre, and is mainly what differentiates this sub-genre from other related types.
► High Fantasy: High Fantasy, as opposed to Epic Fantasy, is more of a setting. It’s the time period. It’s the situation. It’s the way the world works, and the way the characters deal with that world. The situations tend to be much more personal, and the heart and change within a character is what matters most. (Taken from absolutewrite.com) [Contrast Epic Fantasy.]
• takes place in medieval or modern times
• involves magic
• focuses on fewer characters and often relies heavily on character growth
• sometimes presents situations in shades of gray, and lets the characters decide what is right
• Average Length: 70,000-100,000 words
Luck in the Shadows (3/10/16)
Mistborn: The Final Empire (4/26/16)
► Historical Fantasy: The genre's answer to historical fiction. A specific period from Earth's history becomes the setting, but with fantastic elements blended in. Gene Wolfe’s dreamlike novel Soldier of the Mist and Guy Gavriel Kay’s novel Tigana are two fine examples.
► Heroic Fantasy: (writeworld.tumblr.com) This one has very specific guidelines for the protagonist, and the best examples are Harry Potter and Thor. The protagonist must have a birthright (being the Chosen One or the king of Asgard), but they must be humble about their abilities in the beginning of the story. The protagonist goes on the hero’s journey from humble beginnings to savior, so there needs to be a learning experience. For Harry Potter, he had to go to school and learn how to use magic to defeat his enemy and Thor had to go to Earth and learn how to become worthy to wield Mjolnir. The character understands that he/she is working for the greater good rather than himself/herself, so he/she has to make personal sacrifices.
► Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels: Fantasy is a vast descriptive category, overlapping with the “children’s” and “young adult” genres, which has stories written for a younger audience. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a stellar example, as are L. Frank Baum's Oz books. Joy Chant’s novel Red Moon and Black Mountain is another.
The BFG (7/27/16)
► Literary Fantasy: These are works that will stick with you long past the first time you read them. A lot of that has to do with the characters, who are unique, interesting, convincing. They are complex, and this allows the plot to develop in a more complex, yet intuitive way. The themes of the books and their development are compelling, and could be called uplifting, seeming to carry meaning beyond the story itself. Good literature does that, and that's why we value it. One good test of whether something can be classified as Literary Fantasy is if a person who does not like “fantasy” in general enjoys the book, it's probably safe to say it's literary.
Good examples are The Once and Future King or The Chronicles of Narnia--nobody would dispute that these stories remain with us for a lifetime, yet they are considered Epic High/Quest category. Literary fantasy is more prone to mute the magical elements, treating them as a normal part of life.
► Low Fantasy: A descriptive category, its tales are written, if not in conscious opposition to, then with a serious lack of, the sweeping vistas and serious heroism of the ‘high fantasy’ subgenre. Some observer link it to the ‘sword & sorcery’ subgenre. Few if any authors will claim the mantle for themselves, though video games such as Shadowrun have been placed in this category. By another definition, ‘low fantasy’ has less magic, and a more ordinary setting. An example of this would be P.L. Travers’ novel Mary Poppins, the basis of the well-known Disney movie.
► Magic Realism Fantasy: Stories where magic is an accepted part of the system and of the culture. There must always be consequences to the use of magic, or involve some form of ‘prop’ to get the magic working, like an amulet, potion, talisman or incantation. Australian author, Ian Irvine, manages to combine several fantasy sub-genres into his massive four book series The View from the Mirror Series. Most notably, though, his use of ‘magic realism’ and the nasty consequences that come from its use give his characters an extra dimension that makes the series truly worth reading.
► Medieval Fantasy: Medieval Fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that encompasses medieval era high fantasy and sometimes simply represents fictitious versions of historic events. Good examples can be found at bestfantasybooks.com or GRs’ listopia Medieval Fantasy Books.
► Military Fantasy: A subgenre that focuses on the soldier’s life. There is a difference between fantasy books with military elements (many fantasy books feature this, especially epic and heroic fantasy) and military fantasy in that military fantasy is ABOUT the military life and people in the military. Examples of military fantasy are Glen Cook’s The Black Company and Steven Erikson’s The Malazan Books of the Fallen.
► Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy: This subgenre is a broad category. (Tolkein used the term 'mythopoeia' to describ his own work, in that it's evocative of humanity's deepest myths.) In general, these stories are set on our familiar Earth, and incorporate existing myths. Robert Holdstock’s Mythago Wood and Neil Gaiman’s Anansi Boys do a wonderful job of bringing ancient myths into our modern world. Also, Gaiman’s American Gods.
Hounded (5/31/16)
► New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy: It is completely different from what one considers normal Fantasy. Landscapes and peoples present in the novel often bizarre; language is often highly stylized or poetic. Good examples are Steven King’s The Dark Tower Series and China Miéville’s New Crobuzon Series.
► Prehistoric Fantasy: Set before recorded time. Such as The Return of Tharn, by Howard Browne. Or some of Edgar Rice Burroughs' books.
► Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels: Fantasy is a vast descriptive category, overlapping with the “children’s” and “young adult” genres, which has stories written for a younger audience. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a stellar example, as are L. Frank Baum's Oz books. Joy Chant’s novel Red Moon and Black Mountain is another.
The BFG (7/27/16)
► Literary Fantasy: These are works that will stick with you long past the first time you read them. A lot of that has to do with the characters, who are unique, interesting, convincing. They are complex, and this allows the plot to develop in a more complex, yet intuitive way. The themes of the books and their development are compelling, and could be called uplifting, seeming to carry meaning beyond the story itself. Good literature does that, and that's why we value it. One good test of whether something can be classified as Literary Fantasy is if a person who does not like “fantasy” in general enjoys the book, it's probably safe to say it's literary.
Good examples are The Once and Future King or The Chronicles of Narnia--nobody would dispute that these stories remain with us for a lifetime, yet they are considered Epic High/Quest category. Literary fantasy is more prone to mute the magical elements, treating them as a normal part of life.
► Low Fantasy: A descriptive category, its tales are written, if not in conscious opposition to, then with a serious lack of, the sweeping vistas and serious heroism of the ‘high fantasy’ subgenre. Some observer link it to the ‘sword & sorcery’ subgenre. Few if any authors will claim the mantle for themselves, though video games such as Shadowrun have been placed in this category. By another definition, ‘low fantasy’ has less magic, and a more ordinary setting. An example of this would be P.L. Travers’ novel Mary Poppins, the basis of the well-known Disney movie.
► Magic Realism Fantasy: Stories where magic is an accepted part of the system and of the culture. There must always be consequences to the use of magic, or involve some form of ‘prop’ to get the magic working, like an amulet, potion, talisman or incantation. Australian author, Ian Irvine, manages to combine several fantasy sub-genres into his massive four book series The View from the Mirror Series. Most notably, though, his use of ‘magic realism’ and the nasty consequences that come from its use give his characters an extra dimension that makes the series truly worth reading.
► Medieval Fantasy: Medieval Fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that encompasses medieval era high fantasy and sometimes simply represents fictitious versions of historic events. Good examples can be found at bestfantasybooks.com or GRs’ listopia Medieval Fantasy Books.
► Military Fantasy: A subgenre that focuses on the soldier’s life. There is a difference between fantasy books with military elements (many fantasy books feature this, especially epic and heroic fantasy) and military fantasy in that military fantasy is ABOUT the military life and people in the military. Examples of military fantasy are Glen Cook’s The Black Company and Steven Erikson’s The Malazan Books of the Fallen.
► Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy: This subgenre is a broad category. (Tolkein used the term 'mythopoeia' to describ his own work, in that it's evocative of humanity's deepest myths.) In general, these stories are set on our familiar Earth, and incorporate existing myths. Robert Holdstock’s Mythago Wood and Neil Gaiman’s Anansi Boys do a wonderful job of bringing ancient myths into our modern world. Also, Gaiman’s American Gods.
Hounded (5/31/16)
► New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy: It is completely different from what one considers normal Fantasy. Landscapes and peoples present in the novel often bizarre; language is often highly stylized or poetic. Good examples are Steven King’s The Dark Tower Series and China Miéville’s New Crobuzon Series.
► Prehistoric Fantasy: Set before recorded time. Such as The Return of Tharn, by Howard Browne. Or some of Edgar Rice Burroughs' books.
► Quest Fantasy: Fantasies that involve just that. It’s a descriptive category, in which the protagonist is involved in some perilous all-consuming quest. In Peter Beagle’s novelette Two Hearts, nine-year-old Sooz sets off alone to free her village from a murderous gryphon. Terry Goodkind’s novel Wizard's First Rule is another example.
Sabriel (1/14/16)
The Thief (4/6/16)
► Romantic Fantasy: Tales that incorporate ‘fantasy’ and ‘romance’ genre themes. There are plenty of examples, though often marketed as ‘paranormal romance’ (which pays better). Catch the Lightning by Catherine Asaro is a fine example. (As a physicist, Asaro blends elements of rigorous science into many of her stories.) Elizabeth Haydon Symphony of Ages, AKA “Rhapsody” series qualifies, too.
Deeply, Desperately (12/2/15)
Unearthly (1/18/16)
The Warlord Wants Forever (7/26/16)
► Science Fantasy: Science fantasy is a mixed genre within the umbrella of speculative fiction which draws upon tropes and elements from both science fiction and fantasy, and sometimes also incorporates elements of horror. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction points out that as a genre, science fantasy “has never been clearly defined,” and was most commonly used in the period 1950-1966.
Distinguishing between science fiction and fantasy, Rod Serling claimed that the former was “the improbable made possible” while the latter was “the impossible made probable”. As a combination of the two, science fantasy gives a scientific veneer of realism to things that simply could not happen in the real world under any circumstances - where science fiction does not permit the existence of fantasy or supernatural elements; science fantasy explicitly relies upon them (from Wiki).
Foundation (11/22/15)
Foundation and Empire (5/15/16)
► Shenmo: Gods and demons fiction (simplified Chinese: 神魔小说; traditional Chinese: 神魔小說; pinyin: Shénmó Xiǎoshuō) is a sub-genre of fantasy fiction that revolves around the deities, immortals, and monsters of Chinese mythology. The term shenmo xiaoshuo, which was coined in the early twentieth century by the writer and literary historian Lu Xun, literally means “fiction of gods and demons.” Works of shenmo fiction include the Journey to the West Series novels and The Investiture Of The God (from Wiki).
► Steampunk Fantasy: Fantasy that incorporates both fantasy elements and technology. Technology is often steam-powered and may be capable of fantastic feats (almost magic like). The setting present in Steampunk Fantasy tends to be industrial. [Contrast with Arcanepunk Fantasy.]
► Superhero Fantasy: Whether in films or comic books or novels, characters such as Superman and Thor are familiar indeed. Some authors will create their own new superheroes, incorporating familiar tropes. (These protagonists may gain their special abilities from magic or technology or something else, and usually those will far exceed anything deemed plausible by science.)
Firefight (7/24/16)
► Swashbuckling Fantasy: Ah! The romance of men swinging from chandeliers brandishing a sword and cracking wise. Lots of energy and adventure make these stories entertaining—you will smile and laugh as the hero buckles and swashes his way across the page. Swashbuckling Fantasy is an adventure story that often involves a fight of good and evil. The world contains dangers that must be fought back by brave heroes. Those who are downtrodden are defended. Women are loved. Loyalty is rewarded.
The stories of this sub-genre have brave and capable heroes, but they are also not alone. There is usually a group of heroes who adventure together. The mantra of the Three Musketeers: “all for one and one for all” is especially meaningful in this sense. Some stories will feature a band of unlikely heroes and others will feature a group of friends, but all band together on their adventure. For examples, refer to bestfantasybooks.com.
► Sword and Sorcery Fantasy: Good old-fashioned ‘Sword & Sworcery.’ Rollicking tales of high adventure in almost medieval settings. Designed to follow the exploits of the ‘hero’ as he battles to overcome all the bad guys by use of his trusty sword and some really huge muscles. Robert E. Howard brought about the rise in popularity of this sub-genre with his creation of Conan the Barbarian Series. In summation, these tales resemble High Fantasy, except in theme. Instead of the struggle between good and evil, a defining feature of High Fantasy, the conflict lies between the main character and his/her own personal battles, involving plenty of swashbuckling adventure.
The Magic of Recluce (7/10/16)
► Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy: Urban Fantasy is often called Contemporary Fantasy. The setting is contemporary, often taking place in urban settings. Often the magical world hides behind the normal world -- i.e. there is a hidden fantasy world that most people don't know about. May include creatures like vampires, fairies, witches, and werewolves.
UF is a sub-genre of Fantasy defined by place; the fantastic narrative has an urban setting. Urban fantasy exists on one side of a spectrum, opposite High Fantasy, which is set in an entirely fictitious world. Werewolves live in abandoned subway stations, or pixies hide in the small spaces of a campus dormitory. Many Urban Fantasies are set in contemporary times and contain supernatural elements. However, the stories can take place in historical, modern, or futuristic periods, and the settings may include fictional elements. The prerequisite is that they must be primarily set in a city.
Ditto with Paranormal Fantasy, which often includes elements of the occult, vampires, werewolves, and other mythical beasties from modern folklore. Usually (but not always) takes place in an urban setting. May also include Fantastical Romance elements or incorporate the detective genre. [Contrast with Contemporary Fantasy.]
Jason (11/30/15)
Dead Ice (12/3/15)
Witchling (6/18/16)
Clean Sweep (7/25/16)
Reckoning (7/28/16)
► Vampire Fantasy: Known for its strong supernatural elements and undertones of blood, sex, and death. However, as the sub-genre has developed even these characteristics have changed. Beginning in the 20th century, depictions of vampires began to change—they became poetic heroes of tragedy. The genre has become fluid and can utilize techniques and elements of many other genres and sub-genres: Gothic Horror, Romance, Teen Romance, Crime Drama, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, and even the Comedy genre. See bestfantasybooks.com for other features of this sub-genre.
Kiss the Dead (11/19/15)
Affliction (11/28/15)
Dracula (6/22/16)
All Together Dead (7/2/16)
► Wuxia Fantasy: Wuxia stories originated in China. They are often set during Imperial times, and feature a hero advanced in the martial arts, who battles human (and sometimes supernatural) foes. A famous example is Wang Dulu’s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon novels, the first of which was filmed by Ang Lee.
► Young Adult Fantasy: Fantasy that targets young adults /teenagers. The characters present in the story are often pre-teen or younger teenagers. YA Fantasy incorporates Coming-of-Age Fantasy elements.
Six of Crows (11/26/15)
Scarlet (12/1/15)
Nightshade (7/17/16)
Snow Like Ashes (7/20/16)
Sabriel (1/14/16)
The Thief (4/6/16)
► Romantic Fantasy: Tales that incorporate ‘fantasy’ and ‘romance’ genre themes. There are plenty of examples, though often marketed as ‘paranormal romance’ (which pays better). Catch the Lightning by Catherine Asaro is a fine example. (As a physicist, Asaro blends elements of rigorous science into many of her stories.) Elizabeth Haydon Symphony of Ages, AKA “Rhapsody” series qualifies, too.
Deeply, Desperately (12/2/15)
Unearthly (1/18/16)
The Warlord Wants Forever (7/26/16)
► Science Fantasy: Science fantasy is a mixed genre within the umbrella of speculative fiction which draws upon tropes and elements from both science fiction and fantasy, and sometimes also incorporates elements of horror. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction points out that as a genre, science fantasy “has never been clearly defined,” and was most commonly used in the period 1950-1966.
Distinguishing between science fiction and fantasy, Rod Serling claimed that the former was “the improbable made possible” while the latter was “the impossible made probable”. As a combination of the two, science fantasy gives a scientific veneer of realism to things that simply could not happen in the real world under any circumstances - where science fiction does not permit the existence of fantasy or supernatural elements; science fantasy explicitly relies upon them (from Wiki).
Foundation (11/22/15)
Foundation and Empire (5/15/16)
► Shenmo: Gods and demons fiction (simplified Chinese: 神魔小说; traditional Chinese: 神魔小說; pinyin: Shénmó Xiǎoshuō) is a sub-genre of fantasy fiction that revolves around the deities, immortals, and monsters of Chinese mythology. The term shenmo xiaoshuo, which was coined in the early twentieth century by the writer and literary historian Lu Xun, literally means “fiction of gods and demons.” Works of shenmo fiction include the Journey to the West Series novels and The Investiture Of The God (from Wiki).
► Steampunk Fantasy: Fantasy that incorporates both fantasy elements and technology. Technology is often steam-powered and may be capable of fantastic feats (almost magic like). The setting present in Steampunk Fantasy tends to be industrial. [Contrast with Arcanepunk Fantasy.]
► Superhero Fantasy: Whether in films or comic books or novels, characters such as Superman and Thor are familiar indeed. Some authors will create their own new superheroes, incorporating familiar tropes. (These protagonists may gain their special abilities from magic or technology or something else, and usually those will far exceed anything deemed plausible by science.)
Firefight (7/24/16)
► Swashbuckling Fantasy: Ah! The romance of men swinging from chandeliers brandishing a sword and cracking wise. Lots of energy and adventure make these stories entertaining—you will smile and laugh as the hero buckles and swashes his way across the page. Swashbuckling Fantasy is an adventure story that often involves a fight of good and evil. The world contains dangers that must be fought back by brave heroes. Those who are downtrodden are defended. Women are loved. Loyalty is rewarded.
The stories of this sub-genre have brave and capable heroes, but they are also not alone. There is usually a group of heroes who adventure together. The mantra of the Three Musketeers: “all for one and one for all” is especially meaningful in this sense. Some stories will feature a band of unlikely heroes and others will feature a group of friends, but all band together on their adventure. For examples, refer to bestfantasybooks.com.
► Sword and Sorcery Fantasy: Good old-fashioned ‘Sword & Sworcery.’ Rollicking tales of high adventure in almost medieval settings. Designed to follow the exploits of the ‘hero’ as he battles to overcome all the bad guys by use of his trusty sword and some really huge muscles. Robert E. Howard brought about the rise in popularity of this sub-genre with his creation of Conan the Barbarian Series. In summation, these tales resemble High Fantasy, except in theme. Instead of the struggle between good and evil, a defining feature of High Fantasy, the conflict lies between the main character and his/her own personal battles, involving plenty of swashbuckling adventure.
The Magic of Recluce (7/10/16)
► Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy: Urban Fantasy is often called Contemporary Fantasy. The setting is contemporary, often taking place in urban settings. Often the magical world hides behind the normal world -- i.e. there is a hidden fantasy world that most people don't know about. May include creatures like vampires, fairies, witches, and werewolves.
UF is a sub-genre of Fantasy defined by place; the fantastic narrative has an urban setting. Urban fantasy exists on one side of a spectrum, opposite High Fantasy, which is set in an entirely fictitious world. Werewolves live in abandoned subway stations, or pixies hide in the small spaces of a campus dormitory. Many Urban Fantasies are set in contemporary times and contain supernatural elements. However, the stories can take place in historical, modern, or futuristic periods, and the settings may include fictional elements. The prerequisite is that they must be primarily set in a city.
Ditto with Paranormal Fantasy, which often includes elements of the occult, vampires, werewolves, and other mythical beasties from modern folklore. Usually (but not always) takes place in an urban setting. May also include Fantastical Romance elements or incorporate the detective genre. [Contrast with Contemporary Fantasy.]
Jason (11/30/15)
Dead Ice (12/3/15)
Witchling (6/18/16)
Clean Sweep (7/25/16)
Reckoning (7/28/16)
► Vampire Fantasy: Known for its strong supernatural elements and undertones of blood, sex, and death. However, as the sub-genre has developed even these characteristics have changed. Beginning in the 20th century, depictions of vampires began to change—they became poetic heroes of tragedy. The genre has become fluid and can utilize techniques and elements of many other genres and sub-genres: Gothic Horror, Romance, Teen Romance, Crime Drama, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, and even the Comedy genre. See bestfantasybooks.com for other features of this sub-genre.
Kiss the Dead (11/19/15)
Affliction (11/28/15)
Dracula (6/22/16)
All Together Dead (7/2/16)
► Wuxia Fantasy: Wuxia stories originated in China. They are often set during Imperial times, and feature a hero advanced in the martial arts, who battles human (and sometimes supernatural) foes. A famous example is Wang Dulu’s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon novels, the first of which was filmed by Ang Lee.
► Young Adult Fantasy: Fantasy that targets young adults /teenagers. The characters present in the story are often pre-teen or younger teenagers. YA Fantasy incorporates Coming-of-Age Fantasy elements.
Six of Crows (11/26/15)
Scarlet (12/1/15)
Nightshade (7/17/16)
Snow Like Ashes (7/20/16)
.
Welcome to the challenge Erin ☺There is no time frame so no hurry. :)
Sub-genre: FantasyDuration: Open Ended/No Set Duration
Level: Adventure = 6-10 books
6/6 books
Alternate World Fantasy
Arcanepunk Fantasy
Arthurian Fantasy
Bangsian Fantasy
Celtic Fantasy
Christian Fantasy
Comic Fantasy
Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman)
Contemporary Fantasy
Court Intrigue Fantasy
Cross Over Fantasy
Dark Fantasy
Dying Earth Fantasy
Epic Fantasy - The Lord of the Rings
Erotic Fantasy
Fairytale & Fable Fantasy - The Great Hunt
Fantasy of Manners - Newt's Emerald
Gritty Fantasy
Heroic Fantasy
High Fantasy
Historical Fantasy
Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels
Literary Fantasy
Low Fantasy
Magic Realism Fantasy - The Night Circus
Medieval Fantasy
Military Fantasy
Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy
New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy - Palimpsest
Prehistoric Fantasy
Quest Fantasy
Romantic Fantasy
Science Fantasy
Shenmo
Steampunk Fantasy
Superhero Fantasy
Swashbuckling Fantasy
Sword and Sorcery Fantasy
Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy
Vampire Fantasy
Wuxia Fantasy
Young Adult Fantasy - The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol. 1: At the Edge of Empire
Mod
Mod
Congrats!
Mod
One hell of a challenge, if you ask me, gave me really some trouble this one. But finally I've found enough books to finish it off :PHere comes the link:
https://trello.com/b/zwT19DHF
I'm in!Sub-genre Challenge > Fantasy
Level: Hero of the Realm
Start Date: January 1, 2017
End Date: ???
Completed: 2/60
(view spoiler)
Mod
Welcome to the challenge Fajriy ☺
1/42Duration: You set the pace! (start Jan 1, 2017)
Rules: Pick a level! Then read books that fall under these forty-two (42) Fantasy Sub-genres listed below.
Level:
Lord Commander = 41-42 books
1. Alternate World Fantasy:
2. Arcanepunk Fantasy:
3. Arthurian Fantasy:
4. Bangsian Fantasy:
5. Celtic Fantasy:
6. Christian Fantasy:
7. Comic Fantasy:
8. Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman):
9. Contemporary Fantasy:
10. Court Intrigue Fantasy:
11. Cross Over Fantasy:
12. Dark Fantasy:
13. Dying Earth Fantasy:
14. Epic Fantasy:
15. Erotic Fantasy:
16. Fairytale & Fable Fantasy:
17. Fantasy of Manners:
18. Gritty Fantasy:
19. High Fantasy:
20. Historical Fantasy:
21. Heroic Fantasy:
22. Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels:
23. Literary Fantasy:
24. Low Fantasy:
25. Magic Realism Fantasy:
26. Medieval Fantasy:
27. Military Fantasy:
28. Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy:
29. New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy:
30. Prehistoric Fantasy:
31. Quest Fantasy:
32. Romantic Fantasy:
33. Science Fantasy:
34. Shenmo:
35. Steampunk Fantasy:
36. Superhero Fantasy:
37. Swashbuckling Fantasy:
38. Sword and Sorcery Fantasy:
39. Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy:
40. Vampire Fantasy:
41. Wuxia Fantasy:
42. Young Adult Fantasy: A Court of Mist and Fury
Mod
I would like to joinSub-genre Challenge > Fantasy
Level: Traveler of many realms 11-15 books
Start Date: January 4, 2017
End Date: February 6, 2017
Dragon
Jarek Dragons of Preor 1 Completed **** January 5, 2017
Abducting Abby Completed ****** 1/27/2017
Magic
Prose and Cons Completed **** 2/3/2017
Maggie For Hire Completed ****1/20/2017
Getting Wilde Completed *******1/22/2017
Witches
Clean Sweep Completed **** 1/6/2017
Sweep in Peace Completed **** 1/12/2017
One Fell Sweep Completed***** 1/19/2017
Ladies Playing With Fire Completed ****** 1/28/2017
Paranormal
Power Game Completed ******1/26/2017
Moon Called Completed ******2/3/2017
Completed 11 books as of 2/6/2017 of 11
Sub-Genre Challenge: FantasyDuration: 1/5/2017 - 1/5/2018
Level: Wizard Extraordinaire (21-25 books)
Progress: 5/25
1. Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman)
Assassin's Apprentice
2. Contemporary Fantasy
Neverwhere: Author's Preferred Text
3. Cross Over Fantasy
A Gathering of Shadows
4. Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy
Fool Moon
5. Young Adult Fantasy
Six of Crows
Amanda wrote: "Welcome to the challenge, Helen."Thank you, Amanda. Look forward to reading fantasy.
Mod
27/41 Genres24/30 Doubled
Level:
Lord Commander = 41-42 Books
and Hero of the Realm - Double 30 of the genres
1. Alternate World Fantasy:
The Burning Sky - 8/3/17****
The Perilous Sea - 8/5/17****
2. Arcanepunk Fantasy:
Burn for Me - 8/8/18****
White Hot - 8/10/18****
3. Arthurian Fantasy:
4. Bangsian Fantasy:
The Sword of Summer - 9/30/18****
5. Celtic Fantasy:
6. Christian Fantasy:
7. Comic Fantasy:
8. Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman):
The Throne of Fire - 2/10/17****
Windwitch - 11/5/17****
9. Contemporary Fantasy:
Light My Fire - 3/27/17***
A Demon in Waiting - 4/19/17***
10. Court Intrigue Fantasy:
My Lady Jane - 2/22/17*****
A Gathering of Shadows - 11/8/17*****
11. Cross Over Fantasy:
The Star-Touched Queen - 12/29/17****
12. Dark Fantasy:
The Gunslinger - 6/28/17**
13. Dying Earth Fantasy:
14. Epic Fantasy:
Lord of the Fading Lands - 4/6/17****
A Court of Thorns and Roses - 5/21/17*****
16. Fairytale & Fable Fantasy:
Winter's Child: A Retelling of The Snow Queen - 3/7/17***
Belle: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast - 3/25/17***
17. Fantasy of Manners:
Etiquette & Espionage - 5/10/18****
Curtsies & Conspiracies - 6/30/18****
18. Gritty Fantasy:
19. High Fantasy:
The Sin Eater’s Daughter - 2/28/17****
Lioness Rampant - 3/9/17****
20. Historical Fantasy:
The Bear and the Nightingale - 1/2/18****
Hannah - 1/23/18****
21. Heroic Fantasy:
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - 6/23/17*****
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - 7/7/17*****
22. Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels:
Wild Magic - 4/24/17***
Wolf-Speaker - 5/21/17***
23. Literary Fantasy:
24. Low Fantasy:
25. Magic Realism Fantasy:
The Underground Railroad - 4/30/17***
The Keeper of Lost Things - 1/16/18****
26. Medieval Fantasy:
Bitter Greens - 1/28/18***
27. Military Fantasy:
28. Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy:
A Promise of Fire - 5/16/17****
Strange the Dreamer - 5/31/17*****
29. New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy:
30. Prehistoric Fantasy:
31. Quest Fantasy:
Ink and Bone - 7/25/17****
Paper and Fire - 7/29/17****
32. Romantic Fantasy:
The Vampire's Mail Order Bride - 4/28/17***
A Demon in Love - 4/30/17***
33. Science Fantasy:
Dragonflight - 2/21/18****
The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. - 6/21/18****
34. Shenmo:
35. Steampunk Fantasy:
Waistcoats & Weaponry - 7/17/18****
Manners & Mutiny - 9/1/18****
36. Superhero Fantasy:
Batman: Nightwalker - 1/30/18****
Wonder Woman: Warbringer - 5/20/18****
37. Swashbuckling Fantasy:
Traitor's Blade - 7/14/17****
Knight's Shadow - 10/30/17****
38. Sword and Sorcery Fantasy:
39. Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy:
Kitty and the Midnight Hour - 2/13/17***
Holy Smokes - 4/26/17***
40. Vampire Fantasy:
Halfway to the Grave - 1/31/17***
One Foot in the Grave - 4/27/17***
41. Wuxia Fantasy:
42. Young Adult Fantasy:
Avalon High - 1/19/17***
The Serpent's Shadow - 5/12/17***
Sub-genre Challenge: FantasyDuration: Open
Level: Archmage = 26-30 books
Progress: 0/26
► Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy:
1- Revelation
2- The Seventh Sons Of Sycamore
3- The Ghost Files
4- Fade to Black
5- The Knowing
6- Seven Sisters
► Young Adult Fantasy:
1- The Golden Compass
2- The Subtle Knife
3- The Amber Spyglass
4- Reckless
5- Fearless
6- The Golden Yarn
8- Flamecaster
9- Seven Black Diamonds
10- Heartless
11- The Ugly Princess: The Legend of the Winnowwood
12- I Am Number Four
13- The Power of Six
14- The Rise of Nine
15- The Fall of Five
16- Throne of Glass
17- Crown of Midnight
18- Heir of Fire
19- Queen of Shadows
20- Empire of Storms
Mod
Can audiobooks be used for this challenge? That is how I read most of my fantasy.
Mod
Yes, audiobooks are fine :)
Mod
Duration: Aiming for a year, fine if it takes longerLevel: Lord Commander
1. Alternate World Fantasy:
2. Arcanepunk Fantasy:
3. Arthurian Fantasy:
4. Bangsian Fantasy:
5. Celtic Fantasy:
6. Christian Fantasy:
7. Comic Fantasy:
8. Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman):
9. Contemporary Fantasy:
10. Court Intrigue Fantasy:
11. Cross Over Fantasy:
12. Dark Fantasy:
13. Dying Earth Fantasy:
14. Epic Fantasy:
15. Erotic Fantasy:
16. Fairytale & Fable Fantasy:
17. Fantasy of Manners:
18. Gritty Fantasy:
19. High Fantasy:
20. Historical Fantasy:
21. Heroic Fantasy:
22. Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels:
23. Literary Fantasy:
24. Low Fantasy:
25. Magic Realism Fantasy:
26. Medieval Fantasy:
27. Military Fantasy:
28. Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy:
29. New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy:
30. Prehistoric Fantasy:
31. Quest Fantasy:
32. Romantic Fantasy:
33. Science Fantasy:
34. Shenmo:
35. Steampunk Fantasy:
36. Superhero Fantasy:
37. Swashbuckling Fantasy:
38. Sword and Sorcery Fantasy:
39. Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy:
40. Vampire Fantasy:
41. Wuxia Fantasy:
42. Young Adult Fantasy:
Challenge CompleteThis looks like fun. I love fantasy!
Duration: 11/4/2017-??
Level: Lord Commander
Books Completed (42/42)
1. Alternate World Fantasy:
2. Arcanepunk Fantasy:
3. Arthurian Fantasy:
4. Bangsian Fantasy:
5. Celtic Fantasy:
6. Christian Fantasy:
7. Comic Fantasy:
Wicked Appetite by Evanovich8. Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman):
The Last Olympian by Riordan (11/5)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by Rowling (11/20)
The Red Pyramid by Riordan (12/31)
The Ship of the Dead by Riordan (1/12)
Alexandrite and the Book of View by Lovell (1/18)
The Throne of Fire by Riordan (1/20)
The Alchemyst by Scott (1/24)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by Rowling (1/26)
Hunt for Jade Dragon by Evans (1/28)9. Contemporary Fantasy:
Any Witch Way You Can by Lee
Southern Spirits by Fox (11/14)
Amulet Keepers by Northrop10. Court Intrigue Fantasy:
11. Cross Over Fantasy:
12. Dark Fantasy:
13. Dying Earth Fantasy:
14. Epic Fantasy:
15. Erotic Fantasy:
Alpha Initiation by Flynn (11/29)
Alpha Conspiracy by Flynn (12/1)
Alpha Resolution by Flynn (12/2)
Thrill of the Chase by Nash (1/12)
Nights Embrace by Rivers (1/13)16. Fairytale & Fable Fantasy:
17. Fantasy of Manners:
18. Gritty Fantasy:
19. High Fantasy:
20. Historical Fantasy:
21. Heroic Fantasy:
22. Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels:
23. Literary Fantasy:
24. Low Fantasy:
25. Magic Realism Fantasy:
26. Medieval Fantasy:
27. Military Fantasy:
28. Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy:
29. New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy:
30. Prehistoric Fantasy:
31. Quest Fantasy:
32. Romantic Fantasy:
A Shift in the Water by Eddy (11/12)
Lord of the Bears by White (1/14)
Tempting the Tiger by Tate (1/14)
Second Grave on the Left by Jones (1/24)33. Science Fantasy:
34. Shenmo:
35. Steampunk Fantasy:
36. Superhero Fantasy:
37. Swashbuckling Fantasy:
38. Sword and Sorcery Fantasy:
39. Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy:
Trail of Dead by Olson (11/8)
Hunter's Trail by Olson (11/10)
Demon Bound by Dunbar (12/15)
Tales of the Otherworld by Armstrong (12/19)
Cry Wolf by Briggs (1/6)
Once Bitten by Lee (1/8)
Ready to Were by Peterman (1/9)
First Grave on the Right by Jones (1/10)
Shifting Shadows by Briggs (1/11)
Trapped by Hearne (1/17)
The Wicked Kiss by Lee (1/17)40. Vampire Fantasy:
Carpe Noctem by Salidas (11/12)
Aurora Sky by Jefford
Kade's Dark Embrace by Grosso (12/26)
A Vampire's Saving Embrace by Kuncytes (12/27)
Samson's Lovely Mortal by Folsom (12/28)
Dead Until Dark by Harris (1/21)
The Killing Dance by Hamilton (1/28)
Murder on Olympus by Warren41. Wuxia Fantasy:
42. Young Adult Fantasy:
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by McBride (12/3)
💎💜💜💜💎 Sub-genre Challenge: Fantasy 💎💜💜💜💎 Level: Dragon Knight.► Alternate World Fantasy:
30/5/18 ★★★★► Arcanepunk Fantasy: A world with both magic and science exist.
24/5/18 ★★★★★► Arthurian Fantasy: set in the world of King Arthur’s Camelot.
7/6/18 ★★★★► Bangsian Fantasy: deals with mostly with the afterlife.
27/5/18 ★★★★★► Celtic Fantasy:
26/11/17► Christian Fantasy:
4/6/18 ★★★★★► Comic Fantasy:
13/6/18 ★★★★► Coming-of-Age Fantasy:
23/5/18 ★★★★ ► Contemporary Fantasy:
21/6/18 ★★★★► Court Intrigue Fantasy:
10/12/17► Cross Over Fantasy: where characters “cross over” from one realm to another realm.
16/6/18 ★★★► Dark Fantasy:
24/5/18 ★★★★★► Dying Earth Fantasy: Here are stories that take place in just such a dismal setting.
18/6/18 ★★★★► Epic Fantasy:
26/6/18 ★★★★★► Erotic Fantasy:
19/6/18 ★★★★★► Fairytale & Fable Fantasy:
11/6/18 ★★★►Fantasy of Manners: is a hybrid of Fantasy and the Comedy of Manners form.
29/5/18 ★★★★► High Fantasy:
3/6/18 ★★★★► Historical Fantasy:
27/6/18 ★★★★► Heroic Fantasy:
2/6/18 ★★★★★► Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels:
1/6/18 ★★★► Literary Fantasy:
7/6/18 ★★★★► Low Fantasy:
2/6/18 ★★★★★► Magic Realism Fantasy:
9/6/18 ★★★★► Medieval Fantasy:
8/6/18 ★★★★► Mythic Fantasy:
19/6/18 ★★★★► New Weird/Slipstream Fantasy:
30/6/18 ★★★★★► Quest Fantasy:
2/9/18 ★★★★★► Romantic Fantasy:
7/12/17► Science Fantasy:
2/9/18 ★★★★► Shenmo: Gods and demons fiction.
10/8/18 ★★★★► Steampunk Fantasy:
2/9/18 ★★★► Superhero Fantasy:
19/8/18 ★★★★★► Sword and Sorcery Fantasy:
25/8/18 ★★★★★► Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy:
26/8/18 ★★★★► Vampire Fantasy:
7/9/18 ★★★★★ ► Young Adult Fantasy:
30/9/18 ★★★
Sub-Genre Challenge: FantasyStart Date: 11/11/17
Level: Lord Commander = 41-42 books
-----------
1. Alternate World Fantasy:
2. Arcanepunk Fantasy:
3. Arthurian Fantasy:
4. Bangsian Fantasy:
5. Celtic Fantasy:
6. Christian Fantasy:
7. Comic Fantasy:
8. Coming-of-Age Fantasy (Bildungsroman):
9. Contemporary Fantasy:
10. Court Intrigue Fantasy:
11. Cross Over Fantasy:
12. Dark Fantasy:
13. Dying Earth Fantasy:
14. Epic Fantasy:
15. Erotic Fantasy:
16. Fairy Tale & Fable Fantasy:
17. Fantasy of Manners:
18. Gritty Fantasy:
19. High Fantasy:
20. Historical Fantasy:
21. Heroic Fantasy:
22. Juvenile or Children's Fantasy Novels:
23. Literary Fantasy:
24. Low Fantasy:
25. Magic Realism Fantasy:
26. Medieval Fantasy:
27. Military Fantasy:
✔28. Mythic (Mythopoeia, Mythpunk) Fantasy:
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden 11/17/17
29. New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy:
30. Prehistoric Fantasy:
31. Quest Fantasy:
32. Romantic Fantasy:
33. Science Fantasy:
34. Shenmo:
35. Steampunk Fantasy:
✔36. Superhero Fantasy:
Renegades by Marissa Meyer 11/25/17
37. Swashbuckling Fantasy:
38. Sword and Sorcery Fantasy:
39. Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy:
40. Vampire Fantasy:
41. Wuxia Fantasy:
✔42. Young Adult Fantasy:
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black 1/20/18
Start Date: 11/21/17Finish Date: ???
Level: Dragon Slayer [8/20]
Celtic Fantasy
1.
2.
Contemporary Fantasy
3. Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman.
4. Anansi Boys, by Neil Gaiman.
Cross Over Fantasy
5. Gateway to Fourline, by Pam Brondos.
6. On the Meldon Plain, by Pam Brondos.
Epic Fantasy
7.
8.
High Fantasy
9. Arrow's Flight, by Mercedes Lackey
10.
Magic Realism Fantasy
11.
12.
Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy
13. Daughter of Smoke & Bone, by Laini Taylor.
14.
Young Adult Fantasy
15. Three Dark Crowns, by Kendare Blake.
16. Graceling, by Kristin Cashore.
Dark Fantasy
17.
18.
Historical Fantasy
19.
20.
Mod
Sub Genre Challenge - Fantasy - 2018Level: Archmage
Round 1:
Round 2:
Round 3:
Round 4:
Round 5:
Mod
Nothing But Reading Challenges
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