Fantasy Subgenres: What Do They Mean?

If you are exploring the wonderful world of fantasy literature, you’ll hear terms used to describe books within it. If you’re like me, these terms can get confusing, especially when they overlap. High, low, epic, dark: what do these subgenres mean exactly? Here's a crash course that might boost your understanding.

Art by Noes Cucho

High fantasy

I always think of high fantasy as taking place “high” in the clouds, a.k.a., in its entirely own sphere, with the author’s invented setting full of imaginative detail. This setting is complete with its own rules, customs, and magic, completely distinct from our world. Oftentimes, but not always, there is a classic battle between good and evil—a conflict that is overarching and grand. Think Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien or The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan.

Low fantasy

In contrast to high fantasy’s fully invented setting, low fantasy occurs in a world similar to our own, imbued with subtle magic or phenomena. The plots aren’t as extensive, usually focused on the journeys of ordinary people. The earlier Harry Potter books could be considered low fantasy, with magic carefully hidden from Muggles. Other examples include Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. 

Epic fantasy

While high fantasies are defined primarily by their settings and worldbuilding, epic fantasies are characterized by their complex, intricate plots, many times sprawling over a series like The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. (If we talk movies, Shrek is a great example!) Heroes and destiny are major factors in this subgenre, as well as a vast array of additional characters. 

Dark fantasy

Dark fantasy is what it may sound like: fantasy on the sinister or grim side. These fantasies incorporate creatures of evil or cunning, and characters often find themselves in mortal danger. Corruption is rife and there is no obvious distinction between good and evil, like there usually is in high fantasy. Coraline by Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite dark fantasies, as well as Stephen King’s The Dark Tower.

Overlap

These subgenres often overlap, especially high and epic fantasies—large-scale settings come hand-in-hand with complex fantastical elements, overarching plots, and a wide scope of characters. Sometimes it's not easy to pin down a subgenre for a book, but in the end, they are simply terms that can help guide a reader toward a story of interest.

Does anyone have a recommendation for me? Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, a high romantasy (will write on this soon!), has been on my tbr for too long . . . might be time to give into it.