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Fantasy Deep Dive 10


Top Read Fantasy Stories Since Deep Dive 9

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

  1. The Merge: Through a System of Control by astroguy In Process
  2. Mine! by Cia Complete
  3. Of Pride and Power by W_L Complete
  4. Dawn of Tears by dkstories Complete
  5. Goon by dkstories Complete
  6. Confessions of a Gay Supervillain by Jason D. Karl Complete
  7. Fortitude by Cia Complete
  8. The Flamekeepers of Delta Psi Theta by Kelevra Long-Term Hold
  9. The Spirit of the Plum Blossom Tree (TSPBT) by Kong Wen Hui Long-Term Hold
  10. Raising a Rebel by W_L Long-Term Hold

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Anthropomorphic Fantasy

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

  1. Storm Wolf: Tranquil waters by RedMoon Complete
  2. The Storm Wolf: Gathering Clouds by RedMoon Temporary Hold
  3. Pig-Boy and The Insectorator by Biff Spork Complete
  4. Connor and the Wolves by Yeoldebard Complete
  5. Microwave Dave's Bad Days by Lee Wilson Complete
  6. If Furniture Could Talk by Lee Wilson Complete
  7. Crown of Fangs by Yeoldebard In Process
  8. Half a broken Wing by Celian Temporary Hold
  9. Hotel Room 606 by Lee Wilson Complete
  10. Primal Park by astone2292 Complete

Top 3 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

  1. Tests of Blood by dkstories Complete
  2. The Christmas Elf & I by P. E. Knapp Complete
  3. Be careful what you wish for by Gary L Complete

Top 2 Most Read Fantasy - Arthurian

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

  1. The Lost Key to Avalon by Jeff Burton Temporary Hold
  2. Ilinot by LemonSoda Complete

Top 1 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

  1. Heckle Me Not (Lest Ye Die - Laughing) by Lee Wilson Complete

Top 5 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.

  1. It's Always Something by Ticklishboy30 Temporary Hold
  2. The Flower Thief and Other Tales of Yalda by Page Scrawler In Process
  3. Lovesquatch: A Culinary Cryptid Romcom by Rafy Complete
  4. The Amulet Of Darkness by Ticklishboy30 Complete
  5. Legends by Ticklishboy30 Complete

Top 10 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. Often exploring themes of identity, escape, and discovery.

  1. We All Go A Little Mad Sometimes, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
  2. Broken Path, Starless Tail by Cia Long-Term Hold
  3. Arhavana: Welcome to Redwaters by Hardianarcher Temporary Hold
  4. There's A Strange Partridge in My Pear Tree, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
  5. It's Just a Matter of Time, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
  6. Widderkin Interlude by Palantir Complete
  7. Hazardous by CassieQ In Process
  8. Corrupting the Innocent by kbois Complete
  9. Green Lightning by Aditus Complete
  10. All Hallows Eve Adventure by Cia Complete

Top 7 Most Read Fantasy - Demon Urban Fantasy

is a modern-world supernatural sub-genre where demons operate—often secretly—within contemporary cities, influencing crime, politics, magic, or everyday life. These stories blend fast-paced action and gritty urban atmosphere with occult intrigue, demonic bargains, and characters who navigate both human and infernal threats.

  1. Rich Boy: Awakening by dkstories Complete
  2. Rich Boy: Growing Pains by dkstories Complete
  3. Arhavana: Welcome to Redwaters by Hardianarcher Temporary Hold
  4. The Theocracy - The Blackened Cross by ValentineDavis21 Abandoned
  5. The Demon's Realm. by E K Stokes Complete
  6. Rich Boy: Inheritance by dkstories Abandoned
  7. Two Worlds Collide by Forgottenrealms Long-Term Hold

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Dragon Fantasy

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

  1. Gone Away, Gone Ahead by Mawgrim Complete
  2. The Kandric Saga by Kyle Aarons Long-Term Hold
  3. To the Weyr by Mawgrim Complete
  4. Threadfall by Mawgrim Complete
  5. Spirit of Fire by Stellar Complete
  6. The Rider's Pride by dkstories Complete
  7. Empty, Open, Dusty, Dead by Mawgrim Complete
  8. Clown Wyrm by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
  9. Starfall by dragonthusiast Complete
  10. Broadswords by Disjecta Membra Complete

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Fairy Tales

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

  1. The Golosina, the Forgotten Land and the Skurkene by J92 Complete
  2. Suspicious Seaweed by Thirdly Complete
  3. Raising a Rebel by W_L Long-Term Hold
  4. Darkest Days (The Wild Hunt) by Jack Poignet Complete
  5. The Snake's Lover by Refugium Complete
  6. Glamourhammer by Jack Poignet Long-Term Hold
  7. The Six Swans by Refugium Complete
  8. The Golden Bird by Refugium Complete
  9. A Miracle At Christmastime by Lee Wilson Complete
  10. The Fear of Fairies by Refugium Complete

Top 0 Most Read Fantasy - Fairycore

Aesthetic-driven fantasy focusing on magical forests, fae courts, and forbidden romance.

No stories

Top 1 Most Read Fantasy - Flintlock

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

  1. Blood Money by Yeoldebard Complete

Top 3 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,  often featuring manners, intrigue, and old-world charm. Ex: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Van Helsing

  1. Fortitude by Cia Complete
  2. Diamond Eyes by ValentineDavis21 Abandoned
  3. A Grave So Haunting by solemnity Temporary Hold

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - General Fantasy

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

  1. The Light at the End of the Tunnel by kbois Complete
  2. The Case of the Short, Short Prince by Geron Kees Complete
  3. The Brotherhood: Awakening Book II by The Writer X In Process
  4. Widderkin by Palantir Complete
  5. Gone Away, Gone Ahead by Mawgrim Complete
  6. The Reluctant Consort by lilansui Complete
  7. Touch: A survival story. by Rhythminthemind Long-Term Hold
  8. The Strange Life of Jonas Marks by comicfan Complete
  9. First Notch Right by lustful_orcs Complete
  10. Z is For Zombie by Geron Kees 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

  1. The Kandric Saga by Kyle Aarons Long-Term Hold
  2. The Mantis Variant - Book One by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
  3. The Mantis Synchronicity - Book Five by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
  4. The Mantis Continuum - Book Four by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
  5. The Mantis Equilibrium - Book Two by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
  6. The Mantis Corruption - Book Three by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
  7. Diamond Eyes by ValentineDavis21 Abandoned
  8. Fledgling by lawfulneutralmage Complete
  9. The Witcher is Kind of Gay by Thorn Wilde Long-Term Hold
  10. Pandemonium by frozenphenix 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'.

  1. The Brotherhood: Awakening Book II by The Writer X In Process
  2. Tests of Blood by dkstories Complete
  3. The Kandric Saga by Kyle Aarons Long-Term Hold
  4. The Nextworld Invasion and the Death of Magic by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
  5. Widderkin Valley Of The Eagles. by Palantir Complete
  6. The Brotherhood by The Writer X Complete
  7. A Wizard's War by TeamStilinski Temporary Hold
  8. Surrounded by the Darkness by Lupus Complete
  9. The Blue Moon by Lupus Complete
  10. The Shadowy Path by Lupus Complete

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

  1. A Knight in the Darkness by Topher Lydon Complete
  2. Of Pride and Power by W_L Complete
  3. Light Bringer: Fireborn by Jack Poignet Complete
  4. The Holy Lance of Antioch by Topher Lydon In Process
  5. A Journey to Egypt by Albert1434 Complete
  6. Unicorn Quests by Cia Complete
  7. Unchained by lawfulneutralmage Complete
  8. The Court of Ghosts by Stephen Wormwood Complete
  9. Raising a Rebel by W_L Long-Term Hold
  10. Promises to Keep by W_L Complete

Top 2 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.

  1. Snow? Never heard of it! by Kileoli Complete
  2. The Demon's Realm. by E K Stokes Complete

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

  1. Love in the Shadows by astone2292 Complete
  2. Rising in the Shadows by astone2292 Complete
  3. Shadow‘s Reach (Halloween Noir) by Jack Poignet Complete
  4. Dust in the Basement by Celian Complete
  5. Spirit of Fire by Stellar Complete
  6. Light Bringer: Fireborn by Jack Poignet Complete
  7. Harry Potter and the Parliament of Dreams by Myr Long-Term Hold
  8. Connor and the Wolves by Yeoldebard Complete
  9. Bell(e)s in the Woods by Celian Complete
  10. Dracken Awakening by wolfwriter Long-Term Hold

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Magical Realism

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

  1. Noah's Adventure by AquariusGuy In Process
  2. Box Shaped Heart by Laura S. Fox Complete
  3. A Knight in the Darkness by Topher Lydon Complete
  4. Ink and Flowers by Celian Temporary Hold
  5. Dust in the Basement by Celian Complete
  6. Somewhere to Go by astroguy Temporary Hold
  7. Someone Is Stealing Christmas Wishes, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
  8. Bell(e)s in the Woods by Celian Complete
  9. The Obsidian Order: Prince of Shadows by vanalas Complete
  10. Never Alone by Josh Aterovis Complete

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. 

  1. Arcum Nights by mastershakeme Complete
  2. The Prisoner of Carronne by Mark Ponyboy Peters Complete
  3. Deeds of Their Past by Mike Carss Complete
  4. Of Pride and Power by W_L Complete
  5. The Roaming Sea by Mike Carss Complete
  6. Somewhere to Go by astroguy Temporary Hold
  7. Arcum Dawns by mastershakeme Complete
  8. Strength of Fate by Mike Carss Complete
  9. Shadows of Consequence by Mike Carss Complete
  10. Raze the Night by dragonthusiast Complete

Top 10 Most Read Fantasy - Mythic Fantasy

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

  1. The Nextworld Invasion and the Death of Magic by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
  2. Exile to Érenn by Mark Paren In Process
  3. A Wizard's War by TeamStilinski Temporary Hold
  4. Light Bringer: Fireborn by Jack Poignet Complete
  5. Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process
  6. Unicorn Quests by Cia Complete
  7. The Spirit of the Plum Blossom Tree (TSPBT) by Kong Wen Hui Long-Term Hold
  8. Darkest Days (The Wild Hunt) by Jack Poignet Complete
  9. The Sons of Memory by Stefan Complete
  10. The Dark and Mystical Twins by BendtedWreath Complete

Top 2 Most Read Fantasy - Progression Fantasy

Fantasy stories where protagonists grow stronger over time, often influenced by RPGs, cultivation novels, or game mechanics.

  1. The Adventures of Wishbone by Yeoldebard Complete
  2. Crown of Fangs by Yeoldebard In Process

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.

  1. The Case of the Short, Short Prince by Geron Kees Complete
  2. Life is Like a New Suit of Clothes, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
  3. The Merge: Through a System of Control by astroguy In Process
  4. Ark II by R. Eric Complete
  5. Traded Goods by Yeoldebard Complete
  6. Reverent: Six by Tony S. Complete
  7. We All Go A Little Mad Sometimes, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
  8. The Black Aura by Lee Wilson Complete
  9. The Christmas Elf & I by P. E. Knapp Complete
  10. Someone Is Stealing Christmas Wishes, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete

Top 3 Most Read Fantasy - Sword and Planet

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

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

Top 1 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)

  1. 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

  1. Into the fields of Summer by gabz2000 Long-Term Hold
  2. Morningstar: The Malaise by Headstall Complete
  3. Running with the Pack by WolfM Complete
  4. Oregon in the Fall by drown Long-Term Hold
  5. Wolf in the City by Laura S. Fox Complete
  6. Timber Pack Chronicles by Rob Colton Complete
  7. Enforcer by Rob Colton Complete
  8. Higher Education by WolfM Complete
  9. Rich Boy: Awakening by dkstories Complete
  10. GFD 12: Blood Ties by Comicality Author Passed Away

Top 1 Most Read Fantasy - Wuxia

Martial arts focused fantasy, often taking place in alternate history China.

  1. Raising a Rebel by W_L Long-Term Hold
  • Love 11

6 Comments


Recommended Comments

chris191070

Posted

Some amazing stories on this dive.

Thanks @Myr for this deep dive.

  • Love 4
ReaderPaul

Posted

Amazing stories and author in these lists.  Thanks, @Myr and other authors.

  • Love 5
drsawzall

Posted

Just another example demonstrating why this is such a great site for stories!!!

  • Love 5
Topher Lydon

Posted

As ever, thanks to the readers.
A knight in the Darkness was my very first attempt at this genre and thank you for enjoying, reading, and engaging with it.

  • Love 4
Daddydavek

Posted

This list is a bit overwhelming, but contains many of my favorite stories. I was especially pleased to see ( The Strange Life of Jonas Marks by comicfan Complete) is being read.  Comicfan was such a great contributor to the site.

 

  • Like 1
  • Love 4
BendtedWreath

Posted

11 hours ago, chris191070 said:

Some amazing stories on this dive.

Thanks @Myr for this deep dive.

We've even snuck onto one of the lists! 

image.png.cce0cbb047450682bed1e6b037938f43.png

Nba Draft Sport GIF by ESPN

  • Love 1

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