How different is reading Fantasy to general fiction?

[Nabiha ❦]

Hey, I’ve not yet delved into the fantasy genre myself cause I’m fairly new to reading as is but I’d like to know from people who love and read fantasy about why you like it or why most people tend to kinda stay away from it, cheers, thanks

[kse.reads]

Nabiha wrote: "Hey, I’ve not yet delved into the fantasy genre myself cause I’m fairly new to reading as is but I’d like to know from people who love and read fantasy about why you like it or why most people tend..." Well, fantasy has a really strong world building. You dive in a completely new dimension, you learn about new creatures and people. It really depends of what kind of fantasy are you reading. There are sometimes completely new realities, no connections to our world. But sometimes you can come across mix of these worlds. I enjoy reading fantasy because it's something totally new for me.

Every book it's unique for itself. And the most fun part is sharing your opinions with book friends. With fantasy books that are series, it's amazing sharing your own theories, what will come next etc. I love how not everyone can understand what these kind of books make you feel like, how you connect with them in your own way. I think it's pretty amazing when you start loving fantasy, you can't stop reading it. Of course, not every fantasy book is good, and you are not obligated to love every fantasy book you read. Your opinion is valid and that's totally fine.

Books that made me fall in love with fantasy are: ACOTAR book series (with Crescent City 1&2; I still need to read Throne of Glass), The Folk of the Air book series (Cruel Prince) which was easiest for me to read so I highly recommend it to you. Some people don't like these books, but I really love them. But it's your choice at the end.

Please let us know if you decide to read any fantasy book, we would love to hear about your experience! Lots of love! <3

[Nabiha ❦]

Hey Kse, thanks for your insights and fantasy recs, I’ll let ya know if I end up reading any of em, thanks again :)

[Mei ☽︎]

Whoops, posted in the other thread w/o realizing this one had a response already so will move my post to here. 🤣

I agree with what Kse said w/ the worldbuilding! I really do think the best thing about fantasy to me is just the possibilities of where a story could go! Mostly in non-fantasy books, you get a lot of character building and relationship building. Your understanding and empathy of characters can be drawn from their age, background, occupation, relationships/friendships (or lack of), personality, likes, dislikes, etc. The events happen in a city you know of or may not know of but is based off reality.

But in fantasy, you get all of that AND the excitement of exploring a new world with limitless possibilities, whether that be related to magical powers or having unique creatures/monsters. It could still take place on Earth or it could be in a new made up world. Essentially, I just love the feeling of being transported to an alternate reality, where there's some similarities to our own society but with some bonuses of magic or out-of-this-world individuals/creatures.

The variety in fantasy is super appealing to me too from urban fantasy to paranormal to magic realism to just pure fantasy. Some authors get super into the weeds on the details of the world's rules and creatures and dynamics while others are just as simple as witches and vampires are real and here's how they live in New York. All in all, I think fantasy is just so broad that there really is something for everyone!!