Ever wished your daily commute included dodging dragons or grabbing coffee next to a wizard? Welcome to the enchanting world of contemporary fantasy, where the mundane and magical collide in the most delightful ways. From gritty cityscapes with hidden magical societies to swoon-worthy romances with a touch of the supernatural, contemporary fantasy takes the world we know and infuses it with a generous dose of wonder.
At its core, contemporary fantasy is all about blending the fantastical with the familiar. It asks, “What if magic were real, and it existed right here, right now?” This genre invites us to imagine parallel worlds hidden in plain sight, ancient gods adapting to modern tech, and ordinary people stumbling into extraordinary adventures. Whether it’s set in bustling urban jungles or small towns with big secrets, contemporary fantasy proves that magic can exist anywhere—even in your backyard.
Fantasy is my favorite genre, and I write in quite a few of the subgenres. No matter if it’s mixing elves and skyscrapers or wandering the rolling hills of a second world, I can’t help but be fascinated by all things magical and extraordinary. Today, I’ll go over the many subgenres that make up this magical literary landscape, and some of what makes a Fantasy fantastic.
Urban Fantasy: Magic in the Big City
The scene: neon-lit streets, shadowy alleys, and the faint hum of magic crackling beneath the surface of everyday life. Welcome to urban fantasy, where sprawling cities serve as the perfectly chaotic backdrop for magical mayhem. It’s a world where vampires might own the nightclub down the street, witches could be running your local apothecary, and your quiet neighbor might just be a werewolf hiding in plain sight. Urban fantasy thrives on the idea that our modern world has a secret layer, one filled with creatures, magic, and danger waiting to be discovered.
A classic example of a well-executed urban fantasy is The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Meet Harry Dresden, a snarky wizard who moonlights as a private investigator in Chicago. His job? Solving supernatural crimes that the regular police can’t touch. With its mix of noir-style detective work and epic magical battles, this series explores what happens when wands meet trench coats. It’s fast-paced, witty, and full of unforgettable characters who bring the magical underbelly of the city to life.
Urban fantasy uncovers an exclusive club you were previously never invited to, revealing a society within a society that you (and often the main character) get to discover page by page. It takes the ordinary streets you walk every day and fills them with extraordinary secrets. One moment you’re grabbing a late-night coffee; the next, you’re dodging rogue spells and tracking down a missing faerie artifact. Whether it’s gritty and dark or quirky and fun, urban fantasy makes the mundane magical and proves there’s more to the city than meets the eye.
Contemporary Epic Fantasy: Big Magic, Big Stakes
Contemporary epic fantasy takes the sweeping grandeur of traditional fantasy—epic battles, grand quests, and larger-than-life characters—and sets it against the backdrop of the modern world. It’s a subgenre where the stakes are sky-high, the magic is breathtaking, and the action is relentless. Imagine battling ancient evils in the middle of a bustling city or uncovering long-forgotten prophecies while juggling everyday life. It’s the perfect combination of the fantastical and the familiar, delivering stories that are as thrilling as they are immersive.
One standout example is Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series. In this modern-day epic, demon hunters known as Shadowhunters protect New York City from supernatural threats. With its intricate world-building, memorable characters, and nonstop action, the series combines the best elements of epic fantasy with a sleek, urban edge. Add in forbidden love, family secrets, and a hefty dose of magical intrigue, and you’ve got a saga that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
Contemporary epic fantasy is like a blockbuster movie as a book—and with way better character development. These stories are made for readers who want magic on a grand scale, complete with heart-pounding drama and unforgettable heroics. If you’re ready for a modern-day quest that feels larger than life, this subgenre is your ticket to a world of big magic and even bigger stakes. Don’t forget your sword—or smartphone!
Magical Realism: Subtle Magic, Big Feels
Magical realism is where magic whispers instead of shouts. It’s the kind of storytelling where the fantastical blends so seamlessly with the ordinary that you might not even notice it at first—until it tugs at your heartstrings. Unlike other subgenres, magical realism doesn’t demand explanations for its wonders. Instead, it invites you to accept that life itself is a little magical, with moments of extraordinary beauty, heartbreak, and transformation woven into the everyday.
A classic example of magical realism is Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, where cooking becomes a literal expression of love, grief, and desire. Each recipe in the story holds an emotional power, so much so that a single bite can spark tears or ignite passion. The magic in this tale isn’t flashy—it’s subtle, deeply personal, and profoundly moving, making it an unforgettable exploration of how emotions shape our lives.
Magical realism is like life, but with just a sprinkle of fairy dust to make it extra special. It’s perfect for those who want their magic to feel natural, like an extension of human experience rather than a separate world. Whether it’s an old man sprouting wings or a rainstorm of flowers, this subgenre will leave you marveling at how extraordinary the ordinary can be, viewing life through a slightly enchanted lens.
Contemporary Mythology: Gods in the 21st Century
What happens when ancient gods trade their thrones for smartphones? You get contemporary mythology—a subgenre that brings age-old myths, legends, and folklore crashing into the modern world. Imagine Norse gods dealing with suburban life or Greek deities showing up in high schools. These stories breathe new life into ancient tales, reimagining gods and mythical figures as flawed, relatable characters trying to navigate today’s world (often with a fair amount of chaos).
A perfect example of this is Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan. In this series, Greek gods are still around, but they definitely don’t seem like the untouchable divinities of legend. Poseidon is rocking Hawaiian shirts and Zeus has questionable parenting skills, making for an exciting—and hilarious—world where demigod teenagers have to clean up their parents’ messes. With its blend of humor, adventure, and mythology, Percy Jackson turns the idea of ancient gods into something fresh, fun, and totally relatable. For a more adult take on modern gods, check out Kaos on Netflix, starring cinematic treasure Jeff Goldblum as Father Zeus.
Contemporary mythology is proof that even gods have midlife crises—and we’re here for the drama. These stories aren’t just about epic battles and heroic quests; they explore the messy, human side of divinity. Whether it’s a deity trying to hold down a day job or dealing with their godly baggage in therapy, contemporary mythology shows us that the more things change, the more they stay the same—even for immortals. If you’ve ever wanted to see your favorite myths with a modern twist, this subgenre is your perfect fit.
Superhero Fantasy: Capes, Powers, and a Touch of Magic
What happens when superhuman abilities collide with the supernatural? Superhero fantasy, of course! This subgenre takes the best parts of comic book heroics and infuses them with a fantastical twist. Whether it’s a spell-wielding vigilante or a villain dabbling in dark magic, superhero fantasy ups the stakes with a perfect blend of action, moral dilemmas, and larger-than-life characters. It’s where the extraordinary meets the otherworldly, and the results are nothing short of epic.
For a standout example, look no further than Vicious by V.E. Schwab. This gripping tale follows two college students, Victor and Eli, who discover the secret to superpowers—and the steep moral cost that comes with them. As their friendship dissolves into a rivalry between hero and villain (or perhaps villain and worse villain), the story explores power, ambition, and what it truly means to be extraordinary. With its sharp twists and morally complex characters, Vicious proves that not all superheroes wear capes—or follow the rules.
Who doesn’t love a good origin story… with extra magic? Superhero fantasy isn’t just about flashy powers and dramatic battles; it’s also about the messy, human side of being super. What drives someone to use their gifts for good—or evil? How do you balance magic and morality? These stories don’t just pack a punch; they leave you thinking about what it really means to be a hero. If you’re ready for fantastical powers and action-packed drama, superhero fantasy is ready to save the day.
Low Fantasy: A Little Magic Goes a Long Way
In low fantasy, the magic is subtle, but it packs a punch. Instead of overtly magical realms or high-stakes battles between wizards, this subgenre blends the fantastical into the real world with a light touch. The focus often falls on how everyday people react to and interact with the unexpected presence of magic. It’s a subgenre that keeps one foot firmly planted in reality, making its magical elements feel even more impactful when they appear.
Take Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch as an example. This series follows Peter Grant, a rookie police officer who stumbles upon a ghost while investigating a murder—and quickly learns that magic is very real. As he’s recruited into a special branch of the police force that deals with supernatural crimes, Peter navigates a world where the magical and mundane overlap in fascinating (and often hilarious) ways. The story is a showcase of how low fantasy can use just the right amount of magic to create something truly captivating.
Low fantasy is like finding out your boring office job is really a front for a magical masquerade. It thrives on the contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary, reminding us that even the most mundane settings can hold unexpected wonders. If you’re drawn to magic that feels grounded and approachable, low fantasy is the perfect way to add a touch of enchantment to your day-to-day life.
Contemporary fantasy is a playground of endless possibilities, blending the familiar with the extraordinary to create stories that feel both magical and real. From the subtle whispers of magic in low fantasy to the grand battles of contemporary epic fantasy, each subgenre has its own unique charm and promises an unforgettable adventure. Now that you’ve explored a few of these worlds, does one spark the most interest? Are you a fan of subtle enchantments, thrilling quests, or laugh-out-loud magical mishaps?
If you’re feeling inspired, here’s a writing prompt to get your creativity flowing: Imagine an ancient mythological figure secretly living in your town. They’ve swapped their godly duties for a quiet life, but something in the modern world is forcing them to step back into their old role. What challenges would they face, and how would they blend their ancient powers with modern technology?
Next week, I'll go over 6 more subgenres to stretch the fantastical imagination. Share your thoughts or even your story ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’d bring magic to life in your own way!
Until next time,
Stay Magical!
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