Fantasy Fiction

Fantasy fiction is a form of storytelling that features elements we don’t see in everyday life, such as magic, imaginary worlds, and mythical creatures. These stories use imagination and the supernatural to explore human hopes, fears, and questions about right and wrong, but in a magical rather than a realistic way.

Fantasy fiction is the genre for week 7 of the reading challenge.

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Key Characteristics

Most fantasy stories share some common features. Not every story has all of them, but you’ll usually see several at once.

• Magic or supernatural forces, such as spells, curses, prophecies, or enchanted objects
• Imagined worlds or changed realities, like completely invented lands or magical versions of our own world
• Mythical beings, such as dragons, elves, witches, gods, or spirits
• Epic or symbolic stakes, like battles between good and evil, destiny, sacrifice, or transformation
• Internal logic, meaning that even the magic follows rules, the story sticks to

Fantasy isn’t just random or chaotic. Even magical worlds have their own rules and order, guided byimagination.

Common types of fantasy

• High fantasy: These stories take place in completely invented worlds with rich histories and big adventures. For example, The Lord of the Rings.
• Low fantasy: These stories bring magical elements into the real world.
• Urban fantasy: These stories hide magic within modern cities. They are often darker and move faster.
• Dark fantasy: These stories blend fantasy and horror, exploring moral gray areas.
• Mythic or folkloric fantasy: These stories are inspired by legends, fairy tales, and oral traditions.

Suggested Works

• A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
• A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
• Storm Front by Jim Butler
• Stardust by Neil Gaiman
• Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
• Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
• Eleven Blood by Mark Stanley

She Reads Everything 2026 Reading Challenge

If you’re not familiar with the reading challenge, you can find the guidelines here. Join the reading challenge Facebook group to track your progress.