\t\t\t\t\tOverview: Fantasy novels<\/p>\n
The big breakout sub-genre of late is \u201cromantasy.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Librarians hear it all the time: \u201cWhere are the mysteries?\u201d \u201cAny good rom-coms?\u201d \u201cDo you have cosmic horror?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
As publishing booms, genres keep splintering into ever more specific (and fun) sub-genres.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Personally, I am a big fan of fantasy novels, which combine all manner of magic powers, imaginary creatures, and battles of good versus evil. If you also enjoy fantasy, here are a few sub-genres that have recently taken off.<\/p>\n
The big breakout sub-genre of late is \u201cromantasy.\u201d As the name suggests, it blends epic fantasy with high-stakes romance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The reigning champion of these books is Rebecca Yarros\u2019s The Empyrean series, starting with The Fourth Wing<\/a>.<\/p>\n A young woman is forced to abandon her chosen path of academics and attend a war college, where she trains to become a magical, dragon-riding warrior. Of course, she forms a rivalry with a brooding older student who pushes her buttons \u2014 but could their relationship turn into something more? (It could!)<\/p>\n \u201cCozy fantasy\u201d novels flip the script on the genre.\u00a0<\/p>\n While most fantasy novels are action-heavy with apocalyptic stakes, cozy fantasies center on the struggles of day-to-day life and the relationships of characters living in these mystical lands. <\/p>\n I recently enjoyed A Witch\u2019s Guide to Magical Innkeeping<\/a> by Sangu Mandanna.\u00a0<\/p>\n Set in a version of modern Britain where magic isn\u2019t uncommon, a young sorcerous prodigy casts a spell too powerful, robbing her of most of her powers and getting her banished from well-heeled magical society. While trying to solve her plight, she lives at her homey family inn, full of eccentric long-time residents who become her found family. It\u2019s warm, character-driven, and lightly romantic.<\/p>\n \u201cDark academia\u201d often overlaps with fantasy, especially when magic schools are involved. Expect secretive campuses, ambitious students, and morally questionable mentors. I\u2019m currently enjoying Katabasis<\/a> by R.F. Kuang. <\/p>\n It begins when the advisor for magical grad student Alice Law abruptly dies and goes to Hell. Since Alice needs his approval to graduate, she decides to open a portal to the underworld and convince the King of Hell to release him.\u00a0<\/p>\n And you thought final exams were hard!<\/p>\n We\u2019ll end with LitRPG.\u00a0<\/p>\n The \u201clit\u201d is \u201cliterary,\u201d and the \u201cRPG\u201d is \u201crole-playing game.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n In a world where millions of people have played fantasy video games or RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, LitRPG tells a story in a way that resembles game action. <\/p>\n