The fantasy genre of books is a vast and daunting place. With a sprawling collection of magic, tropes, magical creatures, romance, and series of massive books. There’s a lot that goes into fantasy and a lot to consider when choosing a book to read, whether getting a taste of fantasy or searching for another book to continue enjoying the genre, what makes a fantasy book worth reading?
“I think world building has a really big effect on how good the story is but the character development does have a lot to do with it as well… I don’t think magic is that important. You can have a good book with very little magic.” sophomore, Geneva Clark, a reader of solely fantasy, said.
Finding good books can be difficult, in a genre as numerous and vast as fantasy.
“I look for pretty covers and then read the blurb or the first few pages to see if I would like the book.” sophomore, Sophia Savelyeva said, also a relentless consumer of the fantasy genre.
Narrowing down specific interests can often help.
“I’m a bit of a fan favorite of the enemies to lovers arc, also friends to lovers,” Clark said.
Many things go into a fantasy book that contribute to the magic of the story.
“World building definitely matters a lot because it grounds and structures the setting of the story and guides the morals and rules the characters follow.” Savelyeva said.
Fantasy books are known for their world building.
“The world building in the Fourth wing series by Rebecca Yarro is really good. The author has all types of maps and there’s like a history behind it so I have to say that’s my favorite,” Clark said.
And magic is also an overarching part of the fantasy genre.
“The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco has a magic system that is so interesting with the concept of heart glasses capturing my attention. I loved the building around drawing magic and runes using blood and how each Asha had unique powers.” Savelyeva said.
Characters also can play a role in your enjoyment of the fantasy story.
“I think character development is the most important because for most of the book, you are reading about the person and their experiences.” sophomore Jacqueline Staton, a reader of gothic fiction and fantasy says.
Booktok, a corner of social media revolving around books, TBR(to be read)’s and reading on Tiktok, is also a place people turn to for book recommendations.
“I hate booktok books most of the time, they are usually just raunchy books with little to no plot.” Staton said.
But booktok has varying results.
“It depends on where you look, whether or not the books are good… I enjoy the books that are recommended. A lot of my favorites have been from booktok.” Clark said.
If fantasy sounds like an exciting thing to try or continue, here are some recommendations to see if fantasy really is worth reading.
“[I liked] Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. I like the world building in A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas.” Savelyeva said. “My favorite fantasy includes romance, hardships, hard won victories in a good story, with characters I’ve learned enough about to adore or dislike.”
