Hello, fellow YA Fantasy Fanatics! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been on an epic quest to unearth the hidden gems of this ever-expanding universe. Fear not, brave literary explorer! I’ve ventured into the wilds of YA fantasy to bring you five subgenres you absolutely must check out. Prepare to embark on a literary journey like no other.

  1. Fairy Tale Retellings

Once upon a time, in a land filled with tropes and familiar tales, authors began to sprinkle some magic dust on old favorites. Fairy tale retellings are an enchanting subgenre that takes well-known stories and gives them a fresh spin. Ever wanted to see Cinderella become a cyborg? Check out Cinder by Marissa Meyer. How about a dark and twisted Little Red Riding Hood? Feast your eyes on Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge. No matter which fairy tale has captured your heart, there’s a retelling out there waiting to bewitch you.

  1. Magical Realism

For those who like their fantasy with a touch of reality, magical realism is the subgenre for you. It’s like taking a stroll through our everyday world, only to find that unicorns have graffitied the walls and goblins are running the local coffee shop. These stories blend the supernatural with the mundane in subtle and intriguing ways. One of my personal favorites is Bone Gap by Laura Ruby, a tale of love, loss, and bees with the power to change lives. Get ready to see the world in a whole new light.

  1. Urban Fantasy

Can’t get enough of the bustling city life, but still craving a bit of the fantastical? Urban fantasy has got your back! This subgenre is all about mixing the contemporary with the magical, placing supernatural beings and powers right in the heart of modern cities. Imagine a world where shifters prowl the streets of New York, like in The Last Wolf by yours truly, M.S. Kaminsky, or where angels and demons play an eternal game of cat and mouse, like in Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones. Urban fantasy will take you on a wild ride through familiar landscapes with an otherworldly twist.

  1. Mythology-Inspired Fantasy

Do you find yourself entranced by the tales of ancient gods and mythical creatures? Then mythology-inspired fantasy is the subgenre for you. These stories draw on the legends of the past, weaving them into modern narratives or reimagining them in unique ways. Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, for instance, brings Greek mythology to life for a new generation, while Roshani Chokshi’s The Star-Touched Queen transports readers to a world inspired by Indian folklore. Get ready to dive into the rich tapestry of myth and legend that awaits.

  1. Portal Fantasy

Last but certainly not least, we have portal fantasy – the subgenre that will whisk you away to an entirely new world. These stories revolve around characters who stumble upon doorways, portals, or other means of transportation to fantastical realms. Think The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis or A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. If you’re longing to escape reality and explore a world filled with wonder, look no further than portal fantasy.

Wow, there is so much to choose from. Five incredible subgenres to delve into as you navigate the world of YA fantasy. Each one offers a unique perspective and a chance to discover unforgettable stories. So, grab your sword (or your library card) and embark on your next reading adventure.