Contemporary Subgenres, Part Two

Welcome back for Part 2 of Fantasy Subgenres. I’m going to mix it up a bit and start with my favorite subgenre. Why save the best for last when you can have it now? 

Dark Fantasy: For When Magic Gets Spooky

Dark fantasy is where magic sheds its sparkly facade and gets a little… sinister. This subgenre delves into the shadowy, dangerous side of the fantastical, blending horror and fantasy to create worlds that are as chilling as they are captivating. Think cursed spells, haunted woods, and creatures that don’t just lurk in the dark—they own it. If you like your magic with a side of mystery and your heroes just a little morally ambiguous, dark fantasy will feel like a (haunted) home.

One standout example is Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman, where dreams and nightmares come to life in a beautifully eerie tale that’s equal parts surreal and spine-tingling. Following Morpheus, the ruler of the Dreaming, the series explores themes of death, destiny, and the fragility of human ambition. With its haunting imagery and unforgettable characters, The Sandman is the perfect embodiment of dark fantasy’s ability to unsettle and enchant in equal measure.

Dark fantasy is like Halloween for your imagination, but the candy bites back. It’s the kind of story that keeps you up at night, not because it’s too scary (though sometimes it is), but because its world is too fascinating to leave behind. If you’re ready to trade the glittering castles of high fantasy for shadowy realms filled with mystery and dread, dark fantasy is calling—and it won’t take “no” for an answer.

Contemporary Fairy Tales: Once Upon a Time, but Make It Modern

Contemporary fairy tales take the stories we all grew up with and give them a modern twist. This subgenre reimagines classic tales in new settings, with fresh perspectives and intriguing characters. Maybe Little Red Riding Hood is now a vigilante hunting wolves in the city, or Rapunzel’s tower is a skyscraper in a futuristic world. These stories keep the heart of the originals—magic, adventure, and a hint of danger—but make them feel fresh, relevant, and utterly captivating.

A great example is The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. This futuristic series reimagines beloved fairy tales like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White with a sci-fi twist. Cinderella is now a cyborg mechanic fighting a lunar queen, a unique and layered take lightyears away from the original French origins. With its blend of classic tropes and cutting-edge futurism, The Lunar Chronicles proves that fairy tales don’t have to stay stuck in the past to capture our imaginations.

Fairy tales don’t have to stay in the past. Re-imagined fairy tales remind us why we loved these stories in the first place while giving us something entirely new to enjoy. They mix nostalgia with creativity, creating worlds where princes and princesses wield cell phones, fairy godmothers are digital apps, and “happily ever after” takes on a whole new meaning. If you’re looking for a fresh take on old favorites, this subgenre is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

Humorous Fantasy: Magic That Makes You Laugh

Not all magic has to be mysterious or dangerous—sometimes, it’s downright hilarious. Humorous fantasy is the subgenre for anyone who loves their spells with a side of sarcasm and their magical creatures with a sense of humor. These stories take the fantastical and give it a comedic twist, poking fun at tropes, characters, and even the genre itself. Whether it’s a bumbling wizard, a sarcastic talking animal, or a prophecy that goes hilariously wrong, humorous fantasy proves that laughter truly is magical.

One of the best examples is Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. This brilliant story follows an angel and a demon who team up to stop the apocalypse—and have to deal with misplaced prophecies, rogue Antichrists, and their own hilariously dysfunctional friendship along the way. With its razor-sharp wit and laugh-out-loud absurdity, Good Omens is a masterclass in how humor and fantasy can collide to create something truly unforgettable.

I truly recommend anything Terry Prachett has written, while we’re at it. The man was a certifiable literary genius.

Humorous fantasy proves that even the end of the world can be funny. It’s the perfect escape when you need a break from the doom and gloom, reminding us that even the most serious magical scenarios have room for a good punchline. If you’re ready to see wizards trip over their own robes, dragons debate existential philosophy, or angels and demons argue over sushi, this subgenre is here to make your day—and your imagination—a little brighter.

Portal Fantasy: Stepping Into the Unknown

Portal fantasy is all about crossing thresholds—literally and figuratively. In this subgenre, ordinary people stumble into extraordinary worlds, leaving behind the mundane and embarking on adventures they never imagined. Whether it’s stepping through a wardrobe, falling down a rabbit hole, or discovering a hidden door, portal fantasy invites readers to explore magical realms alongside its characters. It’s the ultimate escape, offering a glimpse into fantastical places that feel just a step away from reality.

One standout example is Seanan McGuire’s Every Heart a Doorway. This beautifully poignant story takes place at a boarding school for kids who have returned from magical worlds and can’t quite adjust to life in the “real” one. Each child’s experience is unique, tied to the world they visited, and the story dives deep into the longing and loss that come with leaving such places behind. It’s a fresh and moving take on portal fantasy that explores what happens after the adventure is over.

Portal fantasy is the ultimate "what if?" genre, making you wonder if that dusty attic or abandoned key could open the door to something extraordinary. If you’re ready to leave reality behind and dive headfirst into magical lands, portal fantasy is your ticket to the unknown. Pack your curiosity and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!

Paranormal Fantasy: Vampires, Werewolves, and Romance Galore!

If swoon-worthy vampires, brooding werewolves, and witches with an extra dash of attitude sound like your cup of tea, then paranormal fantasy is where you belong. This subgenre brings supernatural creatures into the spotlight, often weaving them into thrilling, heartfelt, or downright dramatic romances. Whether it’s a mysterious stranger with a dark secret or a love triangle with teeth and claws, paranormal fantasy knows how to keep you hooked with its mix of magic, mystery, and passion.

No conversation about paranormal fantasy is complete without mentioning Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Love it or hate it, this saga gave us the ultimate sparkly vampire moment and made an entire generation wonder if they were Team Edward or Team Jacob. With its high-stakes romance and supernatural drama, Twilight became a cultural phenomenon and opened the door for countless other stories where the paranormal world crashes into our own, for good or ill.

Paranormal fantasy is basically a rom-com with monsters. It’s the kind of story where “boy meets girl” unveils as “girl discovers boy is a 300-year-old vampire,” and it's been a crowd pleaser since the early 1990’s (I should know, I was there). These tales blend the supernatural with the emotional, making for stories that are as magical as they are irresistible. So go ahead—sink your teeth into this genre and let the drama unfold!

Romantic Fantasy: Love in the Time of Magic

Romantic fantasy is where love stories and magical adventures intertwine in the most enchanting ways. In this subgenre, love spells aren’t just a figure of speech—they’re often very real, and they come with magical complications. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers defying divinely difficult odds or a forbidden romance between opposing magical factions, these stories deliver the perfect blend of heart-pounding emotion and heart-stopping danger.

Take A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness as an example. This tale begins when Diana, a reluctant witch, stumbles across a mysterious alchemical manuscript in a library. Enter Matthew, a centuries-old vampire with a brooding charm that’s hard to resist. As their love blossoms, so do the challenges—facing ancient rivalries, secret societies, and a destiny neither of them could have foreseen. It’s a romance that’s as sweeping as it is steeped in magic, making it a quintessential romantic fantasy read.

The difference between Romantic Fantasy and Paranormal Fantasy is subtle but significant. Romantic Fantasy leans more on the magic side and less on the monstrous. These stories bring all the butterflies and drama of a great romance but crank it up with magical twists and high-stakes conflicts. If want a little extra enchantment with your happily-ever-after (or not-so-happily-ever-after), this subgenre is ready to sweep you off your feet.

Contemporary fantasy offers a treasure trove of magical adventures, from subtle enchantments to epic quests, all set against the backdrop of the modern world we know and love. Whether you’re drawn to the neon-lit streets of urban fantasy, the heartfelt whimsy of magical realism, or the laugh-out-loud absurdity of humorous fantasy, there’s a subgenre waiting to whisk you away. And the best part? These stories remind us that magic isn’t just in other worlds—it’s all around us, hidden in the ordinary and waiting to be discovered. So why not dive in? Pick up a new book, revisit an old favorite, or even start crafting your own fantastical tale. After all, the only limit to contemporary fantasy is your imagination—so let it soar!

Until next time, Stay Magical!