The list of Fantasy subgenres takes after the average book in its genre: both are very long. This fact can make the various distinctions hard to wrap your head around. Some of the nichest tropes and settings have their own category (like Assassin Fantasy, which unsurprisingly is a subgenre dedicated to contract killers in Fantasy.)

But if you’re new to the genre, you don’t need to know the summary of every category of Fantasy. In fact, a lot of them can be grouped into a handful of the larger subgenres that comprises the umbrella that is mainstream fantasy.  And I just so happened to have listed and summarized them for your reading pleasure.

Crossworld Fantasy

              Crossworld Fantasy involves characters from the real world travelling into a new Fantasy world. It’s often referred to as Portal Fantasy, although the term crossworld is more fitting since not every story uses a portal to get the character where they need to be. It’s a common plot device in childrens’ literature especially, so crossworld Fantasy would be great if you’re looking for a bit of a nostalgia hit.

Dark Fantasy

Dark Fantasy mixes the fantastical with elements of horror. Set either on entirely new worlds or just another version of our own, there is always a thread line of gloom and doom in the setting. This is also where you’ll find many books with strong Lovecraftian influences. Other hallmarks of the subgenre are a surplus of morally grey characters, morbid descriptions and a habit of twisting hallmarks of lighthearted Fantasy into something far grimmer. If you’re already a horror fan, then this is the subgenre for you.

High Fantasy

              When the average person pictures Fantasy novels in their head, this is the subgenre that they’re thinking of. High fantasy takes place in sprawling, fictional worlds, often meticulously worldbuilt and lush with detail. These stories follow large-scale plots – nations clashing or terrifying evil wizards threatening to destroy the entire world. High Fantasy tends to account for some of the longest books in the genre, but if you aren’t afraid of length then you’re in for a tale of epic proportions.

Historical Fantasy

              Historical Fantasy is – you guessed it – Fantasy set in historical time periods. Many novels centre around alternate versions of our history, where the existence of magic or other supernatural creatures changed the outcome of major events. Others simply explore what life would be like if you add fantasy to a certain time period. If you’re a self-proclaimed history buff, then these are the books you should read.

Urban Fantasy

If you’re looking to read about witches and vampires mixing with smartphones and Starbucks, then Urban Fantasy is what you’re looking for. Urban fantasy usually (but not always!) takes place in large cities, and the fantastical elements of the world may be a secret or a normal part of life for characters in this world. Urban Fantasy is a great place to start reading the genre as it provides the familiar setting of our own world to balance out the fantasy.

So, there you have it: five of the biggest Fantasy subgenres! Any of them would be a great place to start for someone just taking their first steps into the genre. So take a look through Goodreads shelves for these categories; I’m certain you’ll find the perfect book to begin your Fantasy journey.

Corrin Lewis

Corrin first picked up a book when she was three years old and hasn’t stopped reading since. She’s a 2nd-year student in Algonquin College’s Professional Writing program and hopes to publish a novel of her own one day. Her favourite way to waste time is by playing video games.