Defining most popular fantasy sub-genres by tone and setting

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Understanding Fantasy Subgenres: The Most Popular Types Based on Tone and Setting

Fantasy books span a wide spectrum of worlds and storytelling styles, making it one of the most versatile genres in fiction. But terms like high fantasy, epic fantasy, and urban fantasy can get confusing. So, let’s break it down! In this guide, you’ll learn about the most popular fantasy subgenres, categorized by tone and setting, to help you find your next perfect read. Check out the video below where I explain some of the differences, and keep reading for even more details with examples you’ll want to add to your TBR.

Subgenres Covered in This Post:

  • Epic Fantasy
  • High Fantasy
  • Historical Fantasy
  • Low Fantasy
  • Paranormal Fantasy
  • Portal Fantasy
  • Romantasy
  • Urban Fantasy

You can find even more details on our fantasy genre guide.

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What is High Fantasy?

High fantasy transports readers into fully fictional worlds created entirely from the author’s imagination. These settings often include complex societies, unique magic systems, and extensive mythology.

Key Elements:

  • Fully fictional world
  • Deep worldbuilding with maps, languages, and unique cultures
  • Often involves mythical creatures and epic quests

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is the quintessential high fantasy. Tolkien created Middle-earth with its own languages, maps, and a rich backstory detailed in The Silmarillion.

What is Epic Fantasy?

Epic fantasy refers to the scope of the story rather than the world itself. It involves grand conflicts that affect entire worlds or civilizations, often with multiple character arcs.

Key Elements:

  • Large-scale conflict
  • Multiple character arcs
  • Far-reaching consequences

The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan involves an expansive world with massive stakes and a sprawling ensemble cast.

High Fantasy vs. Epic Fantasy

Here’s how to distinguish between the two. While epic fantasy often occurs in high fantasy settings, the difference lies in story scope vs. worldbuilding depth. Epic fantasy emphasizes a large-scale narrative, while high fantasy focuses on immersive fictional worlds.

What is Low Fantasy?

Low fantasy keeps the world mostly grounded in reality but introduces magical or supernatural elements. The magical aspects tend to be more subtle compared to high fantasy.

Key Elements:

  • Real-world setting with magical twists
  • Subtle integration of fantasy elements

In The Magicians by Lev Grossman, the story is set in a version of our modern world, where magic exists but remains hidden from ordinary people. The protagonist, Quentin, discovers the secret magical university Brakebills, blending a real-world setting with fantastical elements while keeping much of the story grounded in reality.

What is Urban Fantasy?

Urban fantasy brings magic into a modern cityscape. Often, magical creatures or societies exist hidden within the real world, creating a blend of fantasy and contemporary life.

Key Elements:

  • Modern city setting
  • Hidden magical societies
  • Often features supernatural conflicts

The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews is set in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta with magic weaving into everyday life.

What is Portal Fantasy?

Portal fantasy involves characters traveling from the real world to a magical or alternate universe through a portal or magical gateway.

Key Elements:

  • Real-world characters entering magical realms
  • Often involves quests or personal growth

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, where children enter the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe.

What is Historical Fantasy?

Historical fantasy blends real historical settings with fantasy elements, such as magic or mythical creatures.

Key Elements:

  • Real historical periods mixed with fantasy
  • Blends fact with fictional elements

A great example of historical fantasy is The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow, set in the early 1900s with magical portals woven into a richly historical setting.

What is Paranormal Fantasy?

Paranormal fantasy heavily features supernatural beings like vampires, werewolves, and ghosts, often blending romance with magical elements.

Key Elements:

  • Supernatural creatures as central elements
  • Often romance-focused

The Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs includes werewolves, vampires, and witches interacting with modern society.

What is Romantasy?

Romantasy blends fantasy elements with strong romantic storylines. While romance plays a key role, magical worlds and fantasy conflicts remain central to the plot.

Key Elements:

  • Strong romantic arcs intertwined with fantasy themes
  • Focus on character relationships alongside worldbuilding

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is a romantasy favorite, blending fae mythology with passionate romance.

Related: Check out my full guide to Fantasy Romance here and more about Romantasy.

Key Differences Between Fantasy Subgenres

To simplify the distinctions, here’s a quick comparison chart:

SubgenreSettingMagic PresenceKey ElementsExample Title
High FantasyFully fictional worldProminentEpic quests, mythical creaturesThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Epic FantasyOften fictional worldsProminentLarge-scale conflicts, multiple POVsThe Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet
Low FantasyReal world w/ magic elementsModerateSubtle magic, real-world settingThe Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Urban FantasyModern urban settingHidden or visibleMagic meets city lifeKate Daniels by Ilona Andrews
Portal FantasyReal to magical world shiftModerate to highMagical realm accessed via portalThe Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Historical FantasyHistorical setting w/ magicVariesReal historical events w/ fantasyThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Paranormal FantasyReal world w/ supernaturalModerate to highSupernatural creatures, mystery, actionMercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs
RomantasyVaried (often fictional worlds)HighRomance-driven fantasyA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Fantasy subgenres create a helpful framework for readers and authors alike. Whether you’re seeking epic quests, dark political intrigue, or romance-driven magical stories, there’s a subgenre for you.

What’s your favorite type of fantasy? Drop a comment below and let me know! Don’t forget to subscribe for even more book recommendations and genre deep dives.

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Understanding Fantasy Subgenres guide

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