We had almost missed another Fantasy Literature genre in our Episode 2 & 3: …Comic Fantasy!

A subgenre of fantasy literature that combines:

• elements of the fantastical with humor,
• often using absurdity, satire, and parody
• to poke fun at traditional fantasy tropes or real-world issues

Some key novels:

• Discworld Series, by Terry Pratchett
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
• Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
• The Princess Bride, by William Goldman
• The Eyre Affair, by Jasper Fforde
• The Myth Adventures Series, by Robert Asprin
• The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle

Marie-Noor: top 5 fantasy books

1. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
2. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
3. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
4. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
5. Silber by Kerstin Gier

Laurent: top 5 fantasy books

1. A Song of Ice and Fire (GOT), by George R. R. Martin
2. The Wheel of Time series (14!), by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
3. Lord of The Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
4. The Priory of the Orange Tree, by Samantha Shannon
5. The Broken Earth trilogy, N.K. Jemisin
6. The Dark Tower series (8), by Stephen King

Many music artists have been heavily inspired by fantasy literature, weaving elements of myth, magic, and epic storytelling into their work. These artists often draw on themes, characters, and settings from fantasy novels and folklore, creating immersive and imaginative soundscapes. Some music genres are particularly conducive to incorporating fantasy elements due to their themes and atmosphere.

Music Genres that excel at incorporating Fantasy elements (historically):

• Folk Rock/Metal
• Power Metal
• Progressive Rock/Metal
• Symphonic Metal
• Glam Rock
• Space Rock

Led Zeppelin

Often incorporated references to fantasy, especially the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. For example, songs like “Ramble On” (mentions Mordor and Gollum) and “The Battle of Evermore” include explicit references to The Lord of the Rings.

Blind Guardian

This German power metal band is renowned for its deep ties to fantasy literature, particularly the works of Tolkien and other epic fantasy authors. Their albums often tell stories inspired by mythological and literary sources.

Nightfall in Middle-Earth (a concept album based on Tolkien’s The Silmarillion)

“The Bard’s Song” (a tribute to storytelling and fantasy)

Rush

The progressive rock band frequently explored themes of mythology, science fiction, and fantasy. Their lyrics, especially those written by drummer Neil Peart, often deal with philosophical and fantastical elements.

“The Necromancer” (a fantasy narrative in three parts)

“Rivendell” (a serene ballad inspired by The Lord of the Rings)

Jethro Tull

While known for their mix of rock and folk, Jethro Tull’s lyrics often touched on mystical, mythical, and fantastical themes. Ian Anderson’s distinctive flute playing adds to the band's ethereal and medieval feel.

“Songs from the Wood” (inspired by folklore and myth)

“The Minstrel in the Gallery” (features storytelling and bard-like imagery)

Rhapsody of Fire (formerly Rhapsody)

This Italian band is a pioneer of “symphonic power metal,” often featuring elaborate fantasy-inspired concept albums. Their work creates a cinematic, epic atmosphere full of dragons, warriors, and mystical lands.

“The Emerald Sword Saga”...

Book review: "Godkiller" by Hannah Kaner

• A dark fantasy novel set in a world where gods exist but are often feared or hunted.
• The main character, Kissen, is a mercenary known as a "Godkiller," who despises deities after they destroyed her family.
• Kissen is drawn into an unexpected alliance with a young girl connected to a powerful god, forcing her to confront her beliefs.
• She is a morally nuanced character whose personal struggles make her journey relatable and emotionally engaging.
• Themes of Faith and Morality: the story explores deep themes like the nature of belief, revenge, and forgiveness, creating a thought-provoking narrative.
• Well-paced action sequences
• Score: 7.5/10 (Laurent)

Book review: "Twelve Jackals" by Moud Adel

• A fantasy novel set in a divided world
• where rival factions wield unique magic, but at a great cost—
• using their powers shortens their lives.
• The protagonist, Rakamai, leads his people in the land of Kala, where they strive for peace despite the looming threat of war from two newly allied enemy factions.
• Rakamai is forced to navigate dangerous alliances and the deadly consequences of magic to protect his people and prevent their annihilation.
• The novel combines elements of political intrigue, magic, and a strong moral dilemma
• The intended target audience is more likely young-adult readers
• Although stated differently, not really a detailed world-building and character-driven stories with a mix of action and ethical challenges
• Score: 6.5/10 (Laurent)

Book review: "Sister, Maiden, Monster" by Lucy A. Snyder

• A dark fantasy and horror novel that follows the transformative journeys of three women after a mysterious virus begins to reshape humanity.
• Each woman undergoes a disturbing and powerful metamorphosis, drawing them into a nightmarish world of ancient horrors, monstrous entities, and cosmic forces.
• The novel weaves themes of body horror, feminist commentary, and apocalyptic dread, making it a gripping read for fans of horror and speculative fiction.
• Score: 7/10 (Marie-Noor)

• A Collectible & Customizable Card Game
• Created by Richard Garfield and first released in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast.
• Initially designed as a quick and portable game for conventions, it revolutionized gaming by combining strategic card play with collectible elements.
• Over the years, MTG has evolved with numerous expansions, adding new mechanics and deepening its rich lore.
• Today, it boasts a massive global community, professional tournaments, and an online platform, making it a cornerstone of both tabletop and digital gaming.
• MTG released over 100 expansion sets since its debut in 1993, with 3-4 sets typically released each year. These expansions introduce new mechanics, cards, and themes, continuously evolving the game.
• As of 2023, MTG features over 25,000 unique cards.
• The player base is estimated to be around 35 million globally. This includes casual players, collectors, and professional competitors in tournaments such as the Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour.

• Players as powerful wizards called...

RIF - Episode E04

• Young Adult (YA)Fantasy
• Smut: sexual material: Related to 16th century verb “smudge” or “blacken” referring to something indecent or obscene
• 'Twisted' series by Anna Huang
• 'Haunted Adeline' by H.D. Carlton
• 'Icebreaker' by Hannah Grace
• 'A court of silver flames' (5th book) by Sarah J Maas

• (Advanced) HeroQuest
• MTG
• DnD

D&D is a tabletop role-playing game where players create characters and embark on adventures guided by a Dungeon Master (DM), who narrates the story and controls the world. Players use dice to determine the outcomes of their actions, balancing strategy, creativity, and teamwork. The game emphasizes storytelling, character development, and collaboration.

• D&D was co-created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson and first published in 1974.
• Gygax, inspired by his love for wargames, imagined a game that combined storytelling with tactical combat.
• Arneson introduced the concept of role-playing individual characters rather than controlling entire armies.
• Together, they developed the first version of D&D, which allowed players to explore fantasy worlds, battle monsters, and create their own stories.

The game gained popularity through word of mouth, conventions, and its unique appeal to the imagination, eventually becoming a cornerstone of modern gaming culture. D&D's legacy is its profound influence on video games, fantasy literature, and pop culture at large.

Strong points of D&D:

• Creativity & Imagination: Players can create unique characters and stories, leading to limitless possibilities.
• Social Interaction: Encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and social bonding with friends.
• Flexibility: D&D can be adapted to different styles, from combat-heavy sessions to deep role-playing experiences.
• Legacy & Influence: As a pioneering RPG, it has a rich history and a large, supportive community with countless resources.

Drawbacks:

• Complexity: The rules and mechanics can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Time Commitment: Sessions can be lengthy, and campaigns may last months or even years.
• Dependence on Group Dynamics: The experience heavily relies on the group’s chemistry and commitment.

Overall, D&D is a rewarding but demanding hobby that offers deep, creative gameplay and a strong community.

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, D&D's legacy includes shaping modern RPGs, influencing popular culture, and fostering a global community of players and creators who value imagination and shared experiences.

• The Making of Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1977 (June 18th, 2024)
• Quests from the Infinite Staircase (July 16th, 2024)
• D&D Direct to explore the future of D&D airs on 27/08/24
• New Player’s Handbook (September 17th, 2024)
• Prime new series 'Secret Level' based on games incl. D&D. (10/24)
• Worlds & Realms: Adventures from Greyhawk to Faerûn (October 29th, 2024)
• New Dungeon Master’s Guide (November 12th, 2024)
• New Monster Manual (February 18th, 2025)

Upcoming book reviews:

• Laurent: “

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...

We delve into a myriad of Fantasy literature sub-genres and get lost in their descriptions, grey zones and publications. Here the Fantasy literature sub-genres we cover in our segment 'Tales of the Tome' of this Rolling Into Fantasy episode:

High Fantasy:

• Set in a secondary, often magical world with epic stakes.
• Grand, sweeping stories with a clear battle between good and evil, featuring complex world-building, often with maps, languages, and detailed histories.
• Examples:

-The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien

- The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan

- The Chronicles of Prydain, by Lloyd Alexander

- The Inheritance Cycle, by Christopher Paolini

- The Belgariad, by David Eddings

- Throne of Glass, by Maas

- The Hobbit, by J.R.R; Tolkien

Low Fantasy:

• Set in the real world or a world similar to ours but with magical elements that are less pervasive.
• Magic and fantastical elements exist but are more subtle or rare; stories are often more grounded.
• Examples:

- Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling

- Percy Jackson, by Rick Riordan

- The starless sea, Erin Morgenstern

- The Raven Cycle, by Maggie Stiefvater

- The Magicians, by Lev Grossman

- Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman

- The Bartimaeus Trilogy, by Jonathan Stroud

Sword and Sorcery:

• Focuses on fast-paced, action-driven stories involving heroes, magic, and combat.
• Emphasis on personal conflicts, battles, and adventures, often with a lone or small group of protagonists.
• Examples:

- Conan the Barbarian, by Robert E. Howard

- Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, by Fritz Leiber

- Elric of Melniboné, by Michael Moorcock

- The Witcher series, by Andrzej Sapkowski

- Thieves’ World anthology, edited by Robert Asprin

Epic Fantasy:

• A sub-genre of High Fantasy characterized by large-scale stories, often involving world-spanning quests and battles.
• Multi-volume series with numerous characters, intricate plots, and detailed world-building.
• Examples:

- A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R.R. Martin

- The Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson

- Malazan Book of the Fallen, by Steven Erikson

- The Broken Empire, by Mark Lawrence

- The Faithful and the Fallen, by John Gwynne

Dark Fantasy:

• Blends fantasy with horror, focusing on dark, often violent themes.
• Morally ambiguous characters, grim settings, and an atmosphere of dread or despair.
• Examples:

- The Black Company, by Glen Cook

- The First Law, by Joe Abercrombie

- Atlas Six, by Olivie Blake

- Wicked Saints, Emily A. Duncan

Historical Fantasy:

• Combines historical settings with fantasy elements.
• Real historical events, places, or figures are integrated with magic, mythical creatures, or alternative histories.
• Examples:

- Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, by Susanna Clarke

- The Golem and the Jinni, by Helene Wecker

- Babel, by Kuang R. F.

- Circe, by Madeline Miller

Fairy Tale Retellings:

• Reinterpretations of traditional fairy tales.
• Familiar stories reimagined, often with a darker tone or more complex characters.
• Examples:

- Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine

- Uprooted, by Naomi Novik

- Cinderella is dead, by Kalynn Bayron

- Heartless, by Marissa...

1. Who are we?
2. What is Rolling Into Fantasy?
3. What do we plan?
4. Introducing Segments: 'Tales from the Tome' & 'Through the Palantir'

Laurent:

• Earliest memory: Star Wars, which premiered Oct. 27, 1977; later ESB & ROJ
• Other movies: Excalibur (1981); The Dark Crystal (1982 Jim Henson & Frank Oz); Conan the Barbarian (1982); The Never Ending Story (1984); Labyrinth (1986 - Jim Henson); Willow (1988)
• Literature: Fighting Fantasy books & Lone Wolf gamebooks (discovered the French versions first: Loup Solitaire, Défis Fantastique) + Stephen King (Mist)

Marie-Noor:

• Literature: Harry Potter >> Throne of glass: political intrigue, medieval fantasy, etc.
• Roleplay: “made up things” >> roleplay >> D&D >> larp
• Series/movies: Star Wars >> Game of Thrones, Arcane, She-Ra, very wide

• A bi-weekly podcast where we, Marie-Noor & Laurent, a father-daughter duo delve into the enchanting world of Fantasy.
• With an inter-generational approach spanning over more than 30 years of love for Fantasy, we explore Fantasy literature, games, pop culture, music, series & movies. Each episode connects different aspects of Fantasy, rolling seamlessly from one topic to another.
• Join us every fortnight on Thursdays as we discuss the origins of Fantasy, current news, and exciting things to come in the realm of Fantasy. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the genre, "Rolling into Fantasy" has something magical for everyone.
• You'll us on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast player or through our website www.rollingintofantasy.org

• Exploring Fantasy literature, games, pop culture, music, series & movies. Each episode connects different aspects of Fantasy, rolling seamlessly from one topic to another.
• Sharing the passion for Fantasy & discovering new connections & guests
• Episodes air every fortnight on Thursdays

Laurent:

• Gaming books: Fighting Fantasy (Sir Ian Livingstone)
• Gaming books: Lone Wolf (Joe Dever, 1984)

Marie-Noor:

• The Poppy War, by R.F. Kuang
• DIE, by Kieron Gillen & Stephanie Hans

• What are the current Fantasy literature (sub-) genres?
• Book: Age of the God Eater: Herald
• Book: Twelve Jackals: Illicitum Book One: 1 (Moud Adel, 2024)
• Book: The Faithful and the Fallen: Malice (John Gwynne, 2012)
• Book: Voyage of the Damned (Frances White, 2024)

• The Poppy War (The Poppy War, #1) by R.F. Kuang - Goodreads
• Dark Horse Comics & Wizards of the Coast team up
• The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, #1) by Robert Jordan - Goodreads

Discover "Rolling into Fantasy", a brand new bi-weekly podcast where a father-daughter duo both avid Fantasy enthusiasts, delve into the enchanting world of Fantasy.

With an inter-generational approach spanning over more than 30 years of love for Fantasy, we explore Fantasy literature, games, pop culture, music, series & movies. Each episode connects different aspects of Fantasy, rolling seamlessly from one topic to another.

Join us every fortnight on Thursdays as we discuss the origins of Fantasy, current news, and exciting things to come in the realm of Fantasy. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the genre, "Rolling into Fantasy" has something magical for everyone.

Find us on Spotify, Apple, or any other podcast player or through our website www.rollingintofantasy.org

"Where Fantasy Finds Its Voice"