Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Fantasy Tuesdays: Trends

 

Today I would like to talk about trends in fantasy.

Years ago, it seemed like the great sweeping epic fantasies had taken over. Think Lord of the Rings.

Lately, it seems the paranormal trends have taken over, but it feels like that might be changing a little. We've seen witches to vampires to mermaids. Dragons were big for a while (I still think dragons are pretty awesome!). Fairies do well. Epic fantasy is slowly growing again due to Game of Thrones.

I couldn't even begin to guess what might be the next big thing when it comes to fantasy, but do you find you read one type of fantasy more than another?

16 comments:

Alessa Hinlo said...

I alternate between fantasy subgenres. Mostly just so I don't get bored. Right now I'm more into the traditional fantasy (secondary worlds) but trying to look for stuff that's off the beaten path. The N.K. Jemisins rather than the GRRM's.

Sarah Tokeley said...

I love it all. Fairies, evil kings, dragons, goblins at the bottom of the garden? Bring it on :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'm not much into paranormal. I tend to read epic or straight fantasy.

Kittie Howard said...

I'm slowly warming to the paranormal -- the light stories.

Larry Kollar said...

Personally, I think urban fantasy was a much-needed kick in the pants for the fantasy genre overall. It got mired in "oh Lord not another half-baked Tolkien rehash" for a long while. And just as UF itself got mired in warmed-over zombies and angsty vampires, classic fantasy found its own voice again.

So I read (and write) both classic and urban fantasy. Both still have something to offer - the best are familiar enough to make you go "huh!" when authors put their own spin on it.

Callie Leuck said...

I love urban fantasy but sometimes it freaks me out, because the premise is often based in the concept "normal person doesn't believe in [insert paranormal] and by the way bwahaha they are REAL!" And that can mess with your mind -- or at least, it messes with mine.

I want more dragons.

Nicole Zoltack said...

I love everything about fantasy - every kind of fantasy.

Aubrie said...

I wish they'd bring unicorns back...

Christine Rains said...

I definitely lean more toward urban fantasy and paranormals. I use to read only epic fantasy, but these days, it's a bit hard for me to read because the pace seems so slow. I think dystopian novels will be popular for a while too.

Shallee said...

I think it depends on my mood. If I want a good epic fantasy, I usually only find those in adult, rather than YA. I like some paranormal/urban fantasies, but I have to be in the right mood and it has to be a really great book. And I'm always in the mood for a good sci fi!

Anonymous said...

I love all genres of fantasy, but I agree with Shallee that epic fantasy is a better adult read.

Carol Kilgore said...

I don't read a lot of fantasy, but what I do read I think would be classed as paranormal.

Marta Szemik said...

Love 99% of fantasy. Epic, urban, paranormal. Really love it all! So long as it's a good story with realistic characters.

Carol Riggs said...

I do like fantasy. Some of the paranormal stuff isn't my thing. Not that into vampires, though TWILIGHT was enjoyable enough. I love dragons too! Always loved mermaids. Haven't read any faery ones...I tend to dislike the fallen angel romance ones. Ugh.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday and huge congrats on your book launch and blog tour:)

Sylvia said...

I love most of the fantasy sub genres, only sick and tired of vampires at the moment ever since the sparkly ones. Have no doubt that will come again :D