If you’ve been a part of our reading and writing community for any amount of time, you know that we love a good fantasy book. What is it about these novels that captivate us? Is it the force of the writing? The detail in the world building? Do we identify strongly with certain characters? Do we love these books for the ideas they represent? Or, are these books a much-needed escape from reality?
The truth is, it’s probably a combination of all of these elements. But one rule of thumb for what makes a legendary fantasy novel is this: a good fantasy novel is one that people can’t stop theorizing about.
So what goes into a fantasy novel? What defines this genre? For one, there is usually an element of magic. This can be a world of magic like the Harry Potter series, or just one person who has magic. Or, in some twists of the troupe, everyone else has magic except your protagonist. Magic can be broken down into two categories – magic that has rules and is treated like a science, and magic that is vague and mystical.
Watch the video below for more of what defines this genre and how to make it work in your own writing! Join the discussion in the comments below! What are your favorite fantasy novels, and why?
SKM: below-content placeholderWhizzco for CRH