Fantasy Genre Deep Dive 6

genres

Entry posted by Myr in Genre Deep Dives March 25, 2025

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https://gayauthors.org/blogs/entry/24016-fantasy-genre-deep-dive-6/

Top read fantasy stories since Fantasy Deep Dive 5

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Alternate History

Story takes place in alternate version of history, such as what if the Nazi's won "The Man in the High Castle" by Phillip Dick. Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card

Fortitude by Cia Complete
Mine! by Cia Complete
Of Pride and Power by W_L Complete
Dawn of Tears by dkstories Complete
Goon by dkstories Complete
The Flamekeepers of Delta Psi Theta by Kelevra Long-Term Hold
The Spirit of the Plum Blossom Tree (TSPBT) by Kong Wen Hui Long-Term Hold
Raising a Rebel by W_L Long-Term Hold
Res Publica Christiana by W_L Temporary Hold
Well, What Do You Want To Know? by PhillMakracken Long-Term Hold

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Anthropomorphic Fantasy

Animals take on human qualities - The Narnian Chronicles, most animated movies

Storm Wolf: Tranquil waters by RedMoon Complete
Pig-Boy and The Insectorator by Biff Spork Complete
Connor and the Wolves by Yeoldebard Complete
Microwave Dave's Bad Days by Lee Wilson Complete
Glamourhammer by Jack Poignet In Process
Half a broken Wing by Celian Temporary Hold
Primal Park by astone2292 Complete
Raising Evzen by Yeoldebard Long-Term Hold
Incy Wincy Spider by northie Complete
Waif and Stray by AlreadyForgiven Long-Term Hold

Top 1 Most Read Fantasy - Arcanepunk

Magic and Science existing side-by-side - The games Torchlight, League of Legends, and Fables 2 & 3 all have Arcanepunk elements

Tests of Blood by dkstories Complete

Top 1 Most Read Fantasy - Arthurian

stories tied to fantastic elements side of King Arthur, Merlin. Ex: The Crystal Cave, The Once and Future King, Merlin

Ilinot by LemonSoda Complete

Top 0 Most Read Fantasy - Assassin

sub-genre of fantasy tied to assassin's and eliminating political enemies in generally a non-modern world. Ex Assassin's Creed, Assassin's Apprentice

No stories

Top 0 Most Read Fantasy - Cozy Fantasy

Cozy fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy literature that emphasizes comfort, warmth, and a sense of safety, often in contrast to the high-stakes drama or gritty realism found in many traditional fantasy stories. It typically features low-conflict narratives, charming characters, and a focus on everyday life, relationships, or small-scale adventures rather than epic battles or world-ending threats. Think of it as a literary equivalent to curling up with a warm blanket and a cup of tea—it's meant to feel inviting and soothing.

Common themes include friendship, community, personal growth, and finding joy in the simple things.

No stories

Top 7 Most Read Fantasy - Crossworlds/Portals

characters from the real world find their way into another, magical world, through a portal of some kind and often find themselves involved in a struggle to save this world or characters within it. Classic example would be ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. and Alice in Wonderland

Broken Path, Starless Tail by Cia Long-Term Hold
We All Go A Little Mad Sometimes, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
There's A Strange Partridge in My Pear Tree, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
It's Just a Matter of Time, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
Welcome to Redwaters by Hardianarcher Temporary Hold
Corrupting the Innocent by kbois Complete
All Hallows Eve Adventure by Cia Complete

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Dragon Fantasy

Stories centered around dragons - ex: Joust, Dragon Riders of Pern

Gone Away, Gone Ahead by Mawgrim Complete
To the Weyr by Mawgrim Complete
The Kandric Saga by Kyle Aarons Long-Term Hold
Spirit of Fire by Stellar Complete
Threadfall by Mawgrim Complete
Empty, Open, Dusty, Dead by Mawgrim Complete
Clown Wyrm by Adam Andrews Johnson In Process
Broadswords by Disjecta Membra Complete
The Rider's Pride by dkstories Complete
A Hatching in Southern by Mawgrim Complete

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Fairy Tales

Typically short stories of folklore and legends featuring fantasy creatures. Often tales of allegory.

Darkest Days (The Wild Hunt) by Jack Poignet Complete
Glamourhammer by Jack Poignet In Process
Raising a Rebel by W_L Long-Term Hold
The Snake's Lover by Refugium Complete
The Golden Bird by Refugium Complete
The Fear of Fairies by Refugium Complete
The Six Swans by Refugium Complete
The Princess Who Danced with Fairies by Refugium Complete
Bippity-Boppity-Boo by Lugh Complete
Georgie Wants to Make Friends by Graeme Complete

Top 1 Most Read Fantasy - Flintlock

fantasy settings with first gen guns. example - Fable III, Greedfall, Mistborn

Blood Money by Yeoldebard In Process

Top 2 Most Read Fantasy - Gaslamp

Generally speaking, this particular realm of fantasy employs either a Victorian or Edwardian setting. Same timeframe as Steampunk, but with a focus on fantasy elements. Ex: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Van Helsing

Fortitude by Cia Complete
Diamond Eyes by ValentineDavis21 Abandoned

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - General Fantasy

Has fantastic story elements and story has not yet been updated with a more specific sub-genre.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel by kbois Complete
The Case of the Short, Short Prince by Geron Kees Complete
Z is For Zombie by Geron Kees Complete
Touch: A survival story. by Rhythminthemind Long-Term Hold
Gone Away, Gone Ahead by Mawgrim Complete
The Reluctant Consort by lilansui Complete
Widderkin by Palantir Complete
The Brotherhood: Awakening Book II by The Writer X In Process
What brings us together - Part 1 by Paladin Complete
Peter the Meteor(ologist) by Lee Wilson Complete

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Grimdark

Grimdark is a subgenre of speculative fiction with a tone, style, or setting that is particularly dystopian, amoral, or violent. Also referred to as "anti-Tolkein" where might makes right. Ex: A Song of Ice and Fire

Hubris by ValentineDavis21 In Process
The Kandric Saga by Kyle Aarons Long-Term Hold
The Mantis Variant - Book One by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
The Mantis Equilibrium - Book Two by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
The Mantis Synchronicity - Book Five by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
The Mantis Continuum - Book Four by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
The Mantis Corruption - Book Three by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
Diamond Eyes by ValentineDavis21 Abandoned
The Witcher is Kind of Gay by Thorn Wilde Long-Term Hold
The Vile Prize by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - High/Epic Fantasy

takes place in a fictional fantasy world. The future of this world is in the hands of a hero or group of heroes who must undertake quests and battle evil. A classic example of this genre would be 'Lord of the Rings'.

The Brotherhood: Awakening Book II by The Writer X In Process
The Kandric Saga by Kyle Aarons Long-Term Hold
Tests of Blood by dkstories Complete
A Wizard's War by TeamStilinski Temporary Hold
The Blue Moon by Lupus In Process
Widderkin V. O. E. by Palantir Complete
The Shadowy Path by Lupus Complete
The Brotherhood by The Writer X Complete
Beyond the Crags by Kyle Aarons Temporary Hold
Sands of Time by Roland Temporary Hold

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Historical Fantasy

usually set in a historically accurate period of this world, but where magical creatures or supernatural forces exist. Examples: Clash of the Titans, Pirates of the Caribbean series

Of Pride and Power by W_L Complete
A Journey to Egypt by Albert1434 Complete
The House Sitter by Bill W Complete
Unicorn Quests by Cia Complete
The Court of Ghosts by Stephen Wormwood Complete
Raising a Rebel by W_L Long-Term Hold
Unchained by lawfulneutralmage Complete
Res Publica Christiana by W_L Temporary Hold
Zaidu by Aditus Complete
Return to Zenda! (stage play) by Refugium Complete

Top 0 Most Read Fantasy - Lost World

Usually a story where the prehistoric still thrives. Such as King Kong or Journey to the Center of the Earth.

No stories

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Low Fantasy

takes place in a real world setting with magical elements. Though elements such as werewolves, vampires, and ghosts have their own sub-genres in Paranormal. Examples: Harry Potter

Love in the Shadows by astone2292 Complete
Rising in the Shadows by astone2292 Complete
Shadow‘s Reach (Halloween Noir) by Jack Poignet In Process
Spirit of Fire by Stellar Complete
Gillygate by Invnarcel Long-Term Hold
Harry Potter and the Parliament of Dreams by Myr Long-Term Hold
Harry Potter and the Sword of Gryffindor by dkstories Complete
Connor and the Wolves by Yeoldebard Complete
Harry Potter and the Destiny of Prophecies by dkstories Complete
Dracken Awakening by wolfwriter Long-Term Hold

Top 9 Most Read Fantasy - Magical Realism

Blends magical elements with realistic settings and situations, creating a sense of wonder within the ordinary.

Someone Is Stealing Christmas Wishes, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
Ink and Flowers by Celian In Process
The Last Laugh by Celian Complete
Dust in the Basement by Celian In Process
Gone to Hell by northie Complete
Sparkling Water by Thirdly Complete
The Choice of the Chosen by Celian Temporary Hold
Celtic Knot by Midnightamoon In Process
The Covenant of Shadows by Alan2 Temporary Hold

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Medieval Fantasy

set in a medieval society on Earth with knights, Kings and Queens, epic quests and legendary characters such as King Arthur. May also include wizards and magic.

Arcum Nights by mastershakeme In Process
Of Pride and Power by W_L Complete
The Roaming Sea by mcarss Complete
Strength of Fate by mcarss Complete
Deeds of Their Past by mcarss Complete
Broadswords by Disjecta Membra Complete
Res Publica Christiana by W_L Temporary Hold
The Sport of Kings by Geron Kees Complete
The Lesser Evil by ObicanDecko Complete
Life of a Pet by astone2292 Complete

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Mythic Fantasy

New spins on old stories - Think Percy Jackson and the Olympians or American Gods

A Wizard's War by TeamStilinski Temporary Hold
Hercules enslaved by Catgenie Complete
Darkest Days (The Wild Hunt) by Jack Poignet Complete
Blades of Ashes by lilansui Temporary Hold
The Spirit of the Plum Blossom Tree (TSPBT) by Kong Wen Hui Long-Term Hold
Dragon's Roar by Xfighter1984 Temporary Hold
Winter Haven's Dyrpath by Cia Complete
The Sons of Memory by Stefan Complete
Warrior Children: Legendary Three by Vaughn Edward Long-Term Hold
Sword of the Missed (SOTM) by Kong Wen Hui Long-Term Hold

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Science Fantasy

set after the decline and fall of a technological society, either on Earth or other planets. Often dystopian. May include aliens or remnants of technology the characters perceive as magical.

The Case of the Short, Short Prince by Geron Kees Complete
Traded Goods by Yeoldebard In Process
Doctor Noonan-Martin, Miracle Worker? by Lee Wilson Complete
Someone Is Stealing Christmas Wishes, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
Ark II by R. Eric Complete
The Black Aura by Lee Wilson Complete
We All Go A Little Mad Sometimes, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
The Mantis Equilibrium - Book Two by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
Avery Junior, Mentalist Extraordinaire by Lee Wilson Complete
The Mantis Corruption - Book Three by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete

Top 3 Most Read Fantasy - Sword and Planet

Fantasy-like swashbuckling set in Sci-fi worlds. ex Treasure Planet

The Case of the Short, Short Prince by Geron Kees Complete
Re-Emergence by Kyle Aarons Long-Term Hold
Dragon's Desire by Wicked Witch Long-Term Hold

Top 5 Most Read Fantasy - Sword and Sandal

Bronze Age Fantasy worlds that typically have Greek or Roman empire themes. Examples: 300, Clash of the Titans, Gladiator (if it had fantasy creatures or magic)

Hercules vs Antaeus by Catgenie In Process
Hercules enslaved by Catgenie Complete
Adventures of Hercules by Catgenie Complete
Brett's Hercules by Catgenie Complete
The Sons of Memory by Stefan Complete

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Urban Fantasy

real world and fantasy world collide. Typically full range of magical, vs specific creatures like Werewolves, Vampires, and Ghosts, which are part of the Paranormal genres - Examples of Urban Fantasy: Artemis Fowl, Percy Jackson, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them