Let's Explore the World of Fantasy: A Guide to 12 Magical Sub-Genres

Today, I want to talk about my favourite book genre: fantasy.

When most people hear the word fantasy, they picture dragons, magic, and faraway lands—and they’re not wrong. But the genre is much broader than that. Fantasy is an expansive, imaginative landscape filled with sub-genres that can cater to nearly every kind of reader.

It actually took me a while to figure out what I enjoy most within the boundless realms of fantasy. Exploring its many forms has been part of the fun!

So, What Exactly is Fantasy?

Fantasy is a genre built on magic, myth, and the extraordinary - elements that don't exist in our real world. It’s a form of speculative fiction that asks, “What if?” and then takes that question far beyond the limits of reality.

Fantasy isn’t tied to the laws of science, but it can borrow from them. It’s not concerned with what's possible—it’s about what could be imagined.

Types of Fantasy

Here are some popular fantasy sub-genres you might have heard of (or maybe even read yourself):

High or Epic Fantasy

Think The Lord of the Rings. These stories are set in fully imagined worlds with their own rules, species, languages, and magical systems. The plots are often expansive and complex, and the world-building is epic in scale. You can’t get more creative than high fantasy.

Low Fantasy

Low fantasy is set in the real world. It takes ordinary life and injects it with magical or supernatural elements. These events often come as a surprise to the characters and disrupt their everyday lives.

Urban Fantasy

Urban fantasy is incredibly popular right now. It usually features supernatural beings coexisting with the modern world—often hidden from ordinary people. There might be secret societies, magical artifacts, and portals tucked away in city corners. Think Harry Potter or The Mortal Instruments.

Dark Fantasy

Dark fantasy blends elements of horror with the fantastical. It focuses on creating a moody, unsettling atmosphere, often with disturbing creatures, ominous magic, or morally grey characters. The goal is to thrill—and sometimes scare—the reader.

Grimdark Fantasy

Grimdark can be high or low fantasy, but it leans into the darker, more cynical side of storytelling. Hope is scarce, heroes are deeply flawed, and the world is often cruel or bleak. Think Game of Thrones or The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie.

Historical Fantasy

This is a personal favourite of mine. Historical fantasy blends real-world history with magical or mythical elements. You get to learn about a specific era or culture while enjoying a twist of the fantastical.

Magical Realism

This genre is often set in a modern or realistic world but with magical elements that are treated as ordinary. The stories tend to be more character-driven and philosophical. It’s subtle, often poetic, and thought-provoking - leaning more into literary styles.

Paranormal Romance

Paranormal romance usually takes place in our world but features romantic relationships involving vampires, werewolves, ghosts, shapeshifters, and other supernatural beings. The central focus is the romance, with the fantasy elements adding tension or intrigue.

Romantasy

This genre has exploded in popularity recently. As the name suggests, it blends romance with fantasy—typically set in elaborate, high fantasy worlds. The romance drives the plot, and these stories can range from sweet and swoony to spicy and seductive. A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing are great examples.

Science Fantasy

Science fantasy combines the tech-driven concepts of science fiction with fantastical elements that break the rules of real-world physics. Think lightsabers, space wizards, and advanced civilizations alongside magic. Expect a good dose of “technobabble.”

Steampunk

Steampunk mixes fantasy or sci-fi elements with the technology and aesthetic of the industrial era. These stories often take place in alternate histories or Victorian-inspired settings, where steam power, gears, and goggles are the norm—and magic is more than welcome.

So… What Do I Write?

Right now, I’m focused on low fantasy. But as the year unfolds, I’ll be expanding into urban fantasy with an extended version of my Read-Easy book, Red Eyes.

I did toy with the idea of turning it into a romantasy, but after experimenting a little, I found myself cringing and skipping the spicy romance scenes. So… it's not for me! A touch of romance? Absolutely. But I prefer it as a subplot, not the driving force of the story.

What About You?

Do you read fantasy? If so, which sub-genres do you gravitate toward? I’d love to hear what worlds you love escaping into—and maybe pick up some new recommendations too!