Fantasy Guide 3: New and Strange Directions in Fantasy

Modern fantasy subgenres are constantly evolving, bringing fresh and unconventional gems that fascinate readers worldwide. In today's article, we'll look at four of them that are true delicacies in the field. Each of these subgenres offers a different perspective on the world of fantasy and appeals to readers looking for original stories that break away from traditional templates and well-trodden paths. Sometimes funny, sometimes strange, but also warmly comforting. Whether you want to laugh or curl up under a blanket with your favorite tea in hand, you'll find your own piece of the fantasy world here.

Humorous and Comedic Fantasy

A genre that combines fantasy elements with humor, absurdity, and exaggeration. In these stories, we often encounter unusual heroes who find themselves in bizarre or even comical situations. It can be a parody of traditional fantasy or a completely new take on classic themes, where good and evil are expressed in a humorous way. You'll find characters here who don't take anything too seriously, and the plot tends to slide into amusing situations.

Discworld - Terry Pratchett

Many of us know Discworld; it is one of the most successful phenomena in humorous fantasy. This extensive book cycle takes place on a flat planet carried by four huge elephants standing on a giant turtle. Terry Pratchett brilliantly mixes the fantasy genre with a parody of various aspects of human society, from politics to religion, science, or historical events. Each book in the series is a standalone story, yet they are connected by a shared world and characters. If you still need advice, read How to read Discworld books?

[link type="Category" id="4310" label="To the e-shop"]

Aforkalypsa - Jakub Bouda

This Czech fantasy series makes fun of heroic epics and dark prophecies. The wizard Rumblitz gets dragged into a chaotic and absurd war against his will. The world in the book is full of strange creatures and barbarian heroes who have a tendency to make stupid decisions. Don't expect serious fantasy; prepare for a parody!

To the e-shop

If you're looking for sharper humor, your reading funny bone might be craving Bizarro Fiction. You can read about this literary movement in our article Bizarro fiction & the king Carlton Mellick III.

New Weird

New Weird = a modern mutation of the strange after 2000. A genre that moves on the border of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, inspired by the original Weird Fiction genre of the early 20th century, though its younger literary descendant often reacts to it with irony or deconstruction.

New Weird is characterized by a dark atmosphere, bizarre worlds, and distorted rules of reality. This subgenre isn't afraid to explore the unknown, the intangible, and the fantastic aspects of human existence, which are often ambiguous and frequently unsettling. It is full of strange creatures, worlds, and stories that don't always provide a satisfying or clear explanation. The stories focus on what is strange and unusual, and instead of focusing on the traditional hero's journey, they often present characters facing incomprehensible, chaotic forces. New Weird is for readers who aren't afraid of unorthodox approaches to storytelling.

This genre is traditionally associated with authors like China Miéville and Jeff VanderMeer. However, their works appear in our selection only sporadically and usually disappear quickly, perhaps into a parallel reality. :) Therefore, we'd rather recommend newer titles that are closest to New Weird.

Grim Warrior - Alistair Rennie

The Ancients and beings called Metawarriors wage an endless war against each other. The protagonist, however, begins to question the meaning of existence and embarks on a journey full of violence, philosophical reflections, uninhibited sex, and bizarre encounters. The non-linear structure, poetic language, and strongly metaphysical themes make this novel an exceptional experience.

To the e-shop

The Great When: Long London I. - Alan Moore

The first part of a pentalogy by Alan Moore. Dennis Knuckleyard, an eighteen-year-old desperate soul working in an antiquarian bookshop, discovers a book that doesn't exist and is drawn into a parallel London where historical eras overlap and abstract concepts come to life as beings. Metaphysical fantasy with a touch of new weird.

To the e-shop

Into the Odd Remastered - Chris McDowall

A role-playing game manual full of industrial horror and cosmic oddities. As an Explorer, you explore Bastion and its surroundings, search for artifacts with supernatural abilities, and face strange creatures. Minimalist rules and a strong atmosphere make this book a unique experience.

To the e-shop

LitRPG

LitRPG is a relatively new genre that has been booming on the Czech market in recent years. It combines traditional fantasy with elements of video games.

In these stories, characters find themselves in virtual worlds that follow rules from computer and sometimes even tabletop RPGs – from gaining experience points to completing quests and leveling up characters. LitRPG isn't just about action scenes, but also about philosophical questions regarding virtual reality, identity, and reality itself. This genre has become popular especially among video game lovers who are looking for a new way to experience adventure.

Ready Player (known in fan circles as the Readyverse) - Ernest Cline

A legendary story consisting of two books so far, Ready Player One and Ready Player Two, set in a virtual world where characters compete for a huge reward that could change their lives forever. Retro pop culture, VR reality, and one big quest for the future of the world.

To the e-shop

Code Clearing: Back in the Game - Vojtěch Hlavenka

A debut by a Czech author and one of the first Czech LitRPGs. Michael returns to the virtual game Clearing to defeat a unique boss and win a wish that could save what went wrong.

To the e-shop

Solo Leveling - Chugong

An iconic LitRPG manga where portals to dungeons open all over the world, and the main character, once a relatively weak hunter, gets a second chance to become the strongest.

To the e-shop

Cozy Fantasy

A genre that, instead of swords and dragons, offers you warm tea, picturesque villages, and heroes who would rather bake treats than fight evil. Stories in this subgenre don't focus on epic battles, but on the small joys of everyday life in a magical world. The heroes are often ordinary people – adventurers in retirement or owners of magical shops.

Cozy fantasy focuses on the reader's peace and emotional well-being, making it ideal for those looking for a read that soothes the soul.

Legends & Lattes - Travis Baldree

A charming story that combines fantasy elements with a relaxed atmosphere and kind humor. One of the first cozy fantasy titles in Czech. Viv, a former orc, hangs up her sword and opens a coffee shop in a city where no one has heard of coffee. She tries to build a new and peaceful life, but soon finds out that this path won't be easy.

To the e-shop

A Shop of Magic - Sarah Beth Durst

Kiela the librarian isn't exactly a social butterfly, but she never needed anything – she had her job at the library and her loyal, intelligent plant, Kaze. When a revolution breaks out, she packs as many books as she can carry and flees to her home island. There, she opens a somewhat illegal shop of magic. A kind story that soothes the soul.

To the e-shop

Let's sum it up

Whether you're looking for humorous fantasy that will entertain you and make you think, new weird that will take you into strange and unsettling worlds, cozy fantasy that will offer you comfort and magic at a leisurely pace, or LitRPG that will allow you to experience epic adventures in digital worlds, modern fantasy offers an endless number of genres that move away from traditional ideas and bring something new. Each of these subgenres gives readers the opportunity to explore fresh, original stories that are ideal for those looking for something different and unusual.

If any of these genres caught your interest, don't forget to check out our imago blog, where we regularly bring news, book tips, and recommendations for every fantasy fan. There is a place for everyone in the world of fantasy – whether with a sword or a cup of coffee in hand.

Want to continue exploring fantasy subgenres? Read our other guides:


<ul>

Author "Bunny" Dominika Mátyásiová