So you want to read fantasy… but then you’re hit with terms like epic, grimdark, romantasy, cozy, gaslamp, progression, sword & sorcery, and suddenly it feels like you need a degree just to pick a book.
Relax. I’ve got you.
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This is your no‑nonsense, reader‑first breakdown of the most common fantasy subgenres, what they actually mean, and who they’re perfect for. No gatekeeping. No lectures. And no standardized test at the end. Just vibes, tropes, and expectations.
Let’s get into it. ✨
Epic Fantasy
Big world. Big cast. Serious problems.
Epic fantasy is often confused with high fantasy, and in many ways they are the same. This subgenre is what most people picture when they hear the word fantasy: sprawling worlds, ancient magic, political intrigue, and a looming threat that could end everything. However, epic fantasy takes high fantasy and makes it, well, more epic.
Expect:
- Massive worldbuilding
- Multiple POVs
- In-depth politics
- Long books (and usually long series)
Read this if: you love sinking into a world and living there for a while.
Author recommendations: Brandon Sanderson, George R.R. Martin and Tolkien
Low Fantasy
Magic exists… but it’s rare, subtle, or dangerous.
Low fantasy often takes place in worlds similar to our own but where magic isn’t flashy or common.
Expect:
- Simple world building
- Less magic, more consequences
- Focus on politics, survival, or character drama
Read this if: you like fantasy grounded in realism and moral gray areas.
Book recommendations: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Twilight, The Cruel Prince
Grimdark Fantasy
Everyone is tired. Everyone is morally questionable.
Grimdark is fantasy at its bleakest. The world is brutal, heroes are flawed (or nonexistent), and happy endings are… optional.
Expect:
- Dark themes
- Violence and cruelty
- Anti‑heroes
- Very few safety rails
Read this if: you enjoy pain. (I say that lovingly.)
Book recommendations: Alchemised, The Poppy War, Red Rising
Romantasy
The romance is just as important as the magic.
This subgenre is my personal fave. Romantasy blends fantasy and romance, with the love story driving the plot instead of sitting quietly in the background.
Expect:
- Strong romantic arcs
- Emotional stakes
- Fantasy plots tied closely to relationships
Read this if: you want magic and feelings.
Here’s a starter list of book recommendations.
Cozy Fantasy
Low stakes. High comfort.
Cozy fantasy is the antidote to grimdark. The focus is on character, atmosphere, and warmth—not saving the world.
Expect:
- Gentle conflict
- Found family
- Small settings (shops, villages, inns)
- Vibes over violence
Read this if: you want a fantasy hug.
Book recommendations: A Witch’s Guide to Magical Inn Keeping, Assistant to the Villain
Sword & Sorcery
Fast, punchy, and character‑driven.
Sword & sorcery focuses on individual heroes, personal stakes, and action‑forward storytelling rather than world‑ending plots.
Expect:
- Shorter adventures
- Strong central characters
- Magic as a tool or threat
Read this if: you want action without the 900‑page commitment.
Book recommendations: The Knight and the Moth, Spark of the Everflame
Progression Fantasy
Power growth is the plot.
Progression fantasy is all about watching a character level up—magically, physically, or strategically.
Expect:
- Training arcs
- Clear power systems
- Measurable growth
Read this if: you love watching underdogs become unstoppable.
Book recommendations: Magician: Apprentice, Furies of Calderon
Gaslamp / Gaslight Fantasy
Fantasy meets history.
These subgenres blend fantasy with specific historical tech eras—think muskets, early industry, or Victorian aesthetics.
Expect:
- Guns alongside magic
- Political revolutions
- Industrial‑era vibes
Read this if: you like fantasy with a historical twist.
Book recommendations: Babel, The Paper Magician
So… Which Fantasy Is “Best”?
Trick question. 💅
The best fantasy subgenre is the one that matches your mood, your tolerance for chaos, and how emotionally wrecked you’re willing to be.
Fantasy isn’t a hierarchy. It’s a buffet.
Try everything. DNF freely. Ignore anyone who tells you a subgenre is “lesser.”
And if you want more fantasy recs—sorted, rated, and vibe‑checked—you know where to find me. 📚✨
You Might Also Like
- What is Dark Fantasy
- YA, NA, Adult Fantasy: What’s the Difference
- High Fantasy vs. Urban Fantasy vs. Fantasy Romance: What’s the Difference
📌Building your TBR and ready to try all the fantasy subgenres? Pin this post and come back anytime you need bookish inspiration. ✨
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