Description

Used by Johnson County Library in it's genre study. The list is based on RUSA's 2009 list. One of the triad of sub-genres that comprise speculative fiction, fantasy invokes magic without descending into the macabre. There is a lot of bleed between science fiction, fantasy, and horror, but pure fantasy questions the effects of magic on the environment, individuals, and society. It can also serve as an allegory for real life issues. Encompassing all ranges of setting, pacing, and characterization, the only unifying principle of fantasy is the inclusiion of elements that do not or could not exist in the real world.