Fantasy has taken the world by storm with classic books like Lord of the Rings, shows like House of the Dragon, and real life events such as Books, Gowns, and Crowns. So it’s no secret around here that I love fantasy (heck, I’m even writing a fantasy series myself). High fantasy, epic fantasy, dark fantasy, and fantasy romance are terms that pop up often, but they can be confusing if you’re not familiar with their distinctions. Let’s break them down.
What Is Fantasy as a Genre?
Before diving into the subgenres, it’s important to understand what fantasy is as a genre. According to Wikipedia, fantasy is:
“A genre of speculative fiction which involves themes of the supernatural, magic, and imaginary worlds and creatures.”
The Cambridge Dictionary defines fantasy as:
“A type of story or literature that is set in a magical world, often involving traditional myths and magical creatures, and sometimes ideas or events from the real world, especially from the medieval period of history.”
When people think of fantasy, some of the most iconic works that come to mind are J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, and George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. These classic tales have inspired countless stories and helped define the fantasy genre.
What Is High Fantasy?
High fantasy is often synonymous with intricate world-building and expansive storytelling. The key characteristic of high fantasy is that it’s set in a completely fictional world, often referred to as a “second world.” These worlds are rich with their own histories, cultures, and systems of magic.
Features of High Fantasy:
- Typically set in an entirely new, fictional universe.
- Emphasis on world-building and lore.
- Focus on complex, often “special” characters, such as chosen ones, royalty, or powerful mages.
If you’ve read or watched Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, you’ve already experienced high fantasy.
What Is Epic Fantasy?
Epic fantasy shares many elements with high fantasy but is defined by its scope and stakes. While high fantasy often focuses on personal or localized stories within its fictional world, epic fantasy tackles massive, world-altering conflicts.
Features of Epic Fantasy:
- A sprawling story with high stakes (e.g., saving the world, defeating ancient evils).
- A large cast of characters with intersecting storylines.
- Themes of good vs. evil, destiny, and sacrifice.
Think of Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin or The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. These stories not only feature expansive worlds but also interwoven plots that impact entire kingdoms or realms.
What Is Dark Fantasy?
Dark fantasy leans into the grittier, scarier side of the genre. These stories are often infused with horror elements, moral ambiguity, and flawed characters. The worlds in dark fantasy are typically bleak, with grim atmospheres and themes of psychological or supernatural terror.
Features of Dark Fantasy:
- Focus on darker, more mature themes (e.g., despair, corruption, existential dread).
- Flawed heroes and morally complex villains.
- Horror elements, such as supernatural creatures or chilling atmospheres.
Think of works like The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski. These stories create a sense of unease while exploring the darker sides of human nature and fantasy worlds.
What Is Fantasy Romance?
Fantasy romance differs from the other subgenres in that it places the romance front and center. Here, the fantasy elements act as the backdrop for a story that focuses primarily on romantic relationships.
Features of Fantasy Romance:
- The central plot revolves around a romantic relationship.
- Set in a fantasy world with elements like magic, mythical creatures, or epic settings.
- Themes of love, trust, and sacrifice are often explored.
However, there’s a key distinction between fantasy romance and romantic fantasy.
- Fantasy Romance: A romance story set in a fantasy world where the romantic arc is the primary focus. Examples include A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
- Romantic Fantasy: A fantasy story with a romantic subplot. While romance plays an important role, the main plot centers on other goals, such as saving the world or achieving personal growth.
One of the most exciting things about the fantasy genre is its incredible flexibility. Every story can blend elements from other genres, creating something wholly unique. For example, Kingdom of Ash & Shadow could be described as an epic, dark, romantic fantasy. It has the stakes and layered conflicts of epic fantasy, the gritty mental battles and morally complex characters of dark fantasy, and an enemies to lovers romance at its core.
But let’s be honest—that’s a bit of a mouthful! So, when it comes to connecting with readers, I lean into the romantic aspect for marketing. After all, who doesn’t love a good romance?
This fluidity is part of what makes fantasy so magical. Whether you’re drawn to finding love in unlikely places, battles for the fate of a kingdom, or treacherous journeys through snowy woods, fantasy offers something for everyone.