Magical realism is akin to a primary world fantasy, except the fantasy elements are fully accepted by the inhabitants and interwoven into the otherwise realistic setting.Ī popular example is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, which has a dreamy atmosphere and fantasy elements that the characters do not challenge. Norrell by Susanna Clarke, which takes place during the Napoleonic Wars as magic is rediscovered by rival magicians. Steampunk is often included in this category.Īn example of a fantasy with an alternate history is Jonathan Strange & Mr. Historical facts are sometimes changed to fit the magic. One example of a paranormal world is the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, which features an array of supernatural creatures and magic.Īn alternate history fantasy is set in a distinct historical time period or culture with an additional magical element either introduced or interwoven into society. Urban fantasy usually falls under this category. Paranormal and supernatural settings take place in the primary world and mainly focus on mythical figures, such as vampires, werewolves, ghosts, witches, and so on. One example of arcane fantasy is Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews, where cars and guns combine with rogue mages and monsters. One example of a science fantasy book is the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, which follows the Cinderella story from the perspective of a cyborg main character.Īrcane fantasy is similar to science fantasy, but the setting is distinguished by focusing on magic and science coexisting or combining to form new mechanics or alchemy. It differentiates itself from science fiction itself by having magical elements or alternate science that is impossible in our world. Mythological fantasy is similar to fairy tale fantasy, except the setting draws from classic mythology ranging from Greek to Egyptian to Mayan.Ī popular example of mythological fantasy is the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan that navigates a modern world where the Greek gods are real.Ī science fantasy (hybrid of science fiction and fantasy) is set in space or heavily includes futuristic technology. The worlds can also be more logical or modern but still influenced by fairy tale themes and narratives.Īn example of a fairy tale fantasy is The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, which draws off of Russian folklore. Jemisin is an example of a setting where the main challenges for the heroes stem from society coming apart both physically and politically.Ī fairy tale setting draws from classic folklore to create a world that works on fairy tale logic and rules. The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan is an example of a secondary world with an extensive culture and magic system independent from our own familiar world.Ī portal fantasy is a setting where characters move from the primary world to a secondary world through a portal that is either discovered or fallen into.Īn example of a portal fantasy is the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa where the heroine is transported from her average high school life to another world: the fey realm.Ī fallen kingdom is a fantasy setting where society is falling apart, ranging from apocalyptic to corrupt political systems. It can be a unique world by itself or one that is connected to a primary nonmagical or magical fantasy world. A primary world in the fantasy genre could be a modern setting with some magical element hidden away or a secondary world connected to ours but otherwise unknown.Īn example of a primary world fantasy would be the book Legendborn by Tracy Deonn in which there is a secret society where Arthurian myth and magic are real.Ī secondary world is a separate realm where society is built around magic or where magical creatures are present. There's never been a better time to get swept away in the magic and adventure of a really great fantasy book.A primary world is anywhere set in our modern day. Some releases take inspiration from folklore worldwide, with exciting and creative twists on all the creatures, stories, and tropes you love in your favorite fantasy fiction. No matter what fantasy style you enjoy most, there's sure to be something you'll love among this year's best new fantasy reads. There are also new stories from beloved authors like Rebecca Yarros, Claire Legrand, Andrea Stewart, Alexandra Bracken, Tahereh Mafi, Shannon Chakraborty, Caroline Peckham, and Susanne Valenti, plus fresh voices introducing us to their creative, fantastical new worlds full of mystery and romance. Long-running stories are finally coming to epic conclusions, with authors like Cassandra Clare wrapping up series this year. This year's fantasy books offer plenty to choose from. Fortunately, there are plenty of choices for escapism in 2023, with a slew of phenomenal new fantasy books to transport you to worlds of myth and magic. Sometimes, it can feel like the real world is too much to handle.
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