Bookle reading guide: Fantasy
⏱️ 5 min read
Think fantasy is just dragons, wizards and impossible quests? Think again.
Fantasy is one of the most diverse genres you’ll find. Some stories transport you to sprawling magical kingdoms, while others weave magic into our everyday world. Whether you enjoy epic adventures, dark magic, whimsical tales or magical mysteries, there’s a fantasy subgenre waiting to capture your imagination.
In this guide you'll discover:
- The most popular fantasy subgenres
- What makes each one unique
- Which style best matches your reading taste
- Popular authors and books to start with
Whether you’re new to fantasy or looking for your next magical adventure, this guide will help you find the perfect place to begin.
1. Epic fantasy
Epic fantasy is where grand adventures begin. Vast kingdoms, ancient prophecies, unforgettable heroes and world-changing battles are all part of the journey. These stories often span several books and reward readers who love becoming completely immersed in another world.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Rich world-building
- Large casts of characters
- Long series
- Epic battles
Main feature: Expansive fictional worlds where the fate of kingdoms — or entire worlds — is at stake.
Tone: Grand, adventurous and immersive.
Examples:
- J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings)
- Robert Jordan (The Wheel of Time)
- Brandon Sanderson (The Stormlight Archive, Mistborn)
- George R.R. Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire)
2. High fantasy
High fantasy takes place entirely within an imagined world, complete with its own history, cultures, languages and magical systems.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Escaping into another world
- Complex magic systems
- Rich lore
- Classic fantasy adventures
Main feature: A fully imagined world separate from our own.
Tone: Immersive, adventurous and imaginative.
Examples:
- Ursula K. Le Guin (Earthsea)
- Terry Brooks (Shannara)
- Patrick Rothfuss (The Kingkiller Chronicle)
3. Urban fantasy
Magic hides in plain sight. Urban fantasy brings supernatural creatures, secret societies and magical conflicts into modern cities and familiar settings.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Modern settings
- Magic mixed with everyday life
- Fast-paced adventures
- Supernatural mysteries
Main feature: Fantasy elements within the modern world.
Tone: Fast-paced, witty and action-packed.
Examples:
- Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files)
- Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London)
- Neil Gaiman (Neverwhere)
4. Dark fantasy
Not all fantasy worlds are magical wonderlands. Dark fantasy blends fantasy with horror, creating stories filled with danger, moral ambiguity and unsettling creatures.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Gothic atmospheres
- Monsters
- Horror
- Morally complex characters
Main feature: Fantasy infused with horror or psychological darkness.
Tone: Dark, eerie and suspenseful.
Examples:
- Joe Abercrombie (The First Law)
- Christopher Buehlman (The Blacktongue Thief)
- Clive Barker (Weaveworld)
5. Sword and sorcery
Fast-moving adventures featuring daring heroes, dangerous magic and thrilling action. These stories focus less on saving the world and more on personal quests and survival.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Action
- Adventurers
- Monsters
- Treasure hunts
Main feature: Heroic adventures driven by action rather than politics.
Tone: Exciting, adventurous and energetic.
Examples:
- Robert E. Howard (Conan the Barbarian)
- Fritz Leiber (Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser)
6. Historical fantasy
History meets magic. These stories take real historical settings and weave fantastical elements into them.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Historical fiction
- Mythology
- Alternate history
- Rich settings
Main feature: Fantasy woven into historical periods.
Tone: Atmospheric, imaginative and immersive.
Examples:
- Susanna Clarke (Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell)
- Naomi Novik (Temeraire)
- Katherine Arden (The Winternight Trilogy)
7. Fairy tale fantasy
Inspired by classic folklore and fairy tales, these stories reinvent familiar legends with fresh perspectives.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Fairy tales
- Folklore
- Magical forests
- Enchanted worlds
Main feature: Reimagined myths and fairy tales.
Tone: Whimsical, enchanting and often darker than expected.
Examples:
- Naomi Novik (Uprooted, Spinning Silver)
- Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles)
8. Romantasy
Magic and romance share equal importance in these immersive fantasy adventures. Relationships, destiny and emotional journeys are just as central as the magical world itself.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Epic romance
- Fantasy worlds
- Powerful emotions
- Adventure
Main feature: Fantasy and romance woven together.
Tone: Emotional, adventurous and immersive.
Examples:
- Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses, Crescent City)
- Jennifer L. Armentrout (From Blood and Ash)
📚 Where to find it on Bookle: You’ll find romantasy in our Fantasy & science fiction category.
9. Paranormal fantasy
These stories explore vampires, witches, ghosts, shapeshifters and other supernatural beings. While romance sometimes plays a role, the supernatural world remains the driving force.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Supernatural creatures
- Magic
- Mystery
- Dark adventures
Main feature: Supernatural beings and magical powers.
Tone: Mysterious, exciting and atmospheric.
Examples:
- Deborah Harkness (A Discovery of Witches)
- Charlaine Harris (The Southern Vampire Mysteries)
- Anne Rice (The Vampire Chronicles)
📚 Where to find it on Bookle: You’ll find paranormal fantasy in our Fantasy & science fiction category.
What kind of fantasy reader are you?
Fantasy offers far more than magical battles and mythical creatures. Whether you dream of exploring ancient kingdoms, uncovering hidden magic in modern cities or escaping into richly imagined worlds, there’s a fantasy subgenre that matches your imagination.
The best part? Once you discover your favourite style of fantasy, you’ll never run out of incredible worlds to explore.
Continue exploring
📚 Browse fantasy books on Bookle
Discover preloved fantasy books, from beloved classics to modern bestsellers.
📖 Read another reading guide
Looking for your next great love story? Explore our Bookle reading guide: Romance to discover romance subgenres.
💬 Join the conversation
Which fantasy subgenre is your favourite? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the Bookle – Let’s Talk Books Facebook group.