Our second part of the various Fantasy literature sub-genres we (dis)cover in this segment takes us from Urban Fantasy through Grimdark, to Flintlock Fantasy. Buckle up!

Urban Fantasy

• Set in a contemporary urban environment
• Magic and supernatural creatures exist in the modern world, often hidden from the public
• Examples:

- The Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher

- Rivers of London, by Ben Aaronovitch

- Kate Daniels series, by Ilona Andrews

- October Daye series, by Seanan McGuire

- The Iron Druid Chronicles, by Kevin Hearne

Portal Fantasy

• Characters travel from the real world to a magical or fantastical world through a portal.
• Often involves a journey of discovery or adventure in a new world with its own rules and logic.
• Examples:

- The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis

- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll

- The Dark is Rising, by Susan Cooper

- The Light Between Worlds, by Laura E. Weymouth

- The Fionavar Tapestry, by Guy Gavriel Kay

Mythic Fantasy

• Incorporates elements of myth and legend into the narrative.
• Often draws on classical mythology, folklore, or ancient legends to craft the story.
• Examples:

- American Gods, by Neil Gaiman

- The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller

- The Dark is Rising, by Susan Cooper

- The Light Between Worlds, by Laura E. Weymouth

- The Fionavar Tapestry, by Guy Gavriel Kay

Science Fantasy

• Blends elements of science fiction and fantasy.
• Incorporates advanced technology alongside magical or supernatural elements.
• Examples:

- Dune, by Frank Herbert

- The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

- The Dark Tower, by Stephen King

- Shadowrun, RPG novels

- The Broken Earth Trilogy, by N.K. Jemisin

- Lord of Light, by Roger Zelazny

- Piranesi, by Susanna Clark

- Scythe, by Neil Shusterman

Grimdark

• A sub-genre of Dark Fantasy that emphasizes bleak, dystopian settings with morally gray characters.
• High levels of violence, despair, and often a pessimistic worldview.
• Examples:

- Warhammer 40,000 series

- Prince of Thorns, by Mark Lawrence

- The Malazan Empire, series by Ian C. Esslemont

- Best Served Cold, by Joe Abercrombie

- The Traitor Baru Cormorant, by Seth Dickinson

- The Poppy War, by RF Kuang

- The Assassin's Apprentice, By Robin Hobb

Gaslamp Fantasy

• Fantasy set in or inspired by the Victorian or Edwardian eras, often featuring steampunk elements.
• Combines the aesthetics and social structures of the 19th century with magical elements.
• Examples:

- Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series

- The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern

- The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters, by Gordon Dahlquist

- The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter, by Theodora Goss

- Soulless, by Gail Carriger

Weird Fantasy

• Incorporates surreal, bizarre, or otherworldly elements.
• Often...