A Guide for Readers Who Like Their Genres Like They Like Their Love Interests: Clearly Defined and Slightly Dangerous 😈
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Fantasy is a huge genre. Like, “I just stepped into this bookstore and suddenly lost three hours of my life” huge. But not all fantasy is created equal—and if you’ve ever thought, “Wait, why is this book set in New York but also has demons?” or “What do you MEAN this dragon book is actually a romance?”
Don’t panic. I’m here. I’ve got snacks. Let’s break it down.
🏔️ HIGH FANTASY
A whole new world… literally.
High fantasy is for readers who want to pack a suitcase because the story is set in a completely made-up world.
Think: new countries, new cultures, new magic systems, new political drama, sometimes new species that definitely should not be that attractive (but here we are).
High Fantasy Vibes:
- Maps in the front. Always.
- Magic rules that feel like they need their own textbook.
- Political intrigue (queen vs. council vs. secret rebellion vs. surprise betrayal from the hot prince).
- Epic quests. Big stakes. Possibly a prophecy.
If you like:
“Here’s a 700-page guide to a kingdom that doesn’t exist,”
→ You’re a high fantasy gremlin.
I suggest you try When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker (my review) or check out Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent.
🌆 URBAN FANTASY
Magic… but make it modern.
Urban fantasy asks: “What if magic was secretly happening behind the dumpster of your local coffee shop?”
This subgenre blends our world with supernatural chaos, usually in a city. Think: demons on the subway, witches with day jobs, vampires who run nightclubs, and heroes who drink too much caffeine to function.
Urban Fantasy Vibes:
- Gritty. Fast-paced. Often sarcastic.
- Monster fights but also taxes.
- Hidden magical societies.
- Sleuthing, snark, and supernatural nonsense.
If you like:
“Normal world, but with more werewolves,”
→ You’re into urban fantasy.
Might I suggest Avalon Tower by C.N. Crawford and Alex Rivers or City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards for an urban fantasy fan.
💕✨ FANTASY ROMANCE
Magic + Love = the real power couple.
Fantasy romance puts the relationship front and center—like, spotlight, eyeliner, stage fog, everything.
There’s magic, there’s worldbuilding, there’s adventure… BUT the romance is the heart of the story.
If you remove the romance plot?
Boom. The book collapses like a badly stacked Jenga tower.
Fantasy Romance Vibes:
- Magic, but make it emotional.
- Longing looks across battlefields.
- “We can’t be together” but they absolutely can and will.
- Slow burn. Fast burn. Forced proximity. All the tropes.
- If the couple isn’t endgame, we riot.
If you like:
“I want a quest, but I ALSO want two idiots falling in love while doing it,”
→ Welcome to fantasy romance. We have cookies.
Check out The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley (my review) or Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber.
⚔️ SO, QUICK RECAP FOR MY VISUAL LEARNERS:
High Fantasy
✨ New world
✨ Big magic
✨ Epic journey
✨ Romance optional
Urban Fantasy
✨ Our world
✨ Secret magic chaos
✨ Usually modern
✨ Romance optional
Fantasy Romance
✨ Magic + worldbuilding
✨ Romance is the main plot
✨ Emotional damage (hot)
✨ If they don’t kiss, what are we even doing here?
🔥 Which One Should YOU Read?
I’m just going to say it: all of them. Fantasy isn’t just an escape—it’s a whole buffet. Try a little of everything. Mix genres. Break rules. And honestly? If it’s magical, it’s probably on this blog already… or it will be the second I get my hands on it.
So if you’re ready to dive deeper into the genre that breaks the most hearts (in the best way), check out my Fantasy Romance 101 Starter List—your gateway to swoony magic, enchanted chaos, and couples who make terrible decisions.
Go. Click. Fall in love.
📌Building your TBR? Pin this post and come back anytime you need bookish inspiration. ✨
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