fantasy

For an article on the OASIS in "Ready Player One," a blue figure in a purple shirt wears a virtual reality headset and holds their hand up that is slowly disintegrating into pixels.

Loneliness Epidemic: In the OASIS of “Ready Player One”

Noah Hernandez, University of Texas at San Antonio

Unraveling the intricacies of the loneliness epidemic as exhibited through the virtual reality OASIS of sci-fi book“Ready Player One.”…

November 11, 2023

In this article about animal points of view, a brown fox explores a forest.

Beyond the Fantastical: The Beauty of Animal Perspective in Fiction

Brynn Crisenbery, Northern Arizona University

Animal's perspective in realistic fiction offers a different lens to the traditional form.…

August 22, 2023

An illustration of two silhouettes of a woman and a dragon, two elements which can be found in fantasy books.

3 Must Read Fantasy Books Written by Women of Color

Reatha-Mae Newman, SUNY College at Brockport

The genre has long suffered a lack of diversity, but these authors are changing that.…

August 18, 2023

An illustration of a landscape drawn in a blue palette, set in a fantasy world.

These Sub-Genres Will Take Your Love of Fantasy to the Next Level

Reatha-Mae Newman, SUNY College at Brockport

The beauty of the genre lies in its limitlessness.…

April 10, 2023

10 Stories That Encapsulate Fantasy Americana

Melissa Wade, Northern Arizona University

Through their use of folklore, music or parts of other culture, these stories combine two classic genres.…

August 5, 2022

A pile of fantasy books, an open book, a teacup and a vase with flowers sitting on a table with sunlight shining down

New Fantasy Authors Whose Books You Should Read

Janey Schmidt, Columbia College Chicago

Everyone loves a good story, and while it can be hard to put down an old favorite, it is essential to broaden your horizons by reading modern novels by new and upcoming writers.…

April 28, 2022

a photo of Laurell K. Hamilton book Jason

Laurell K. Hamilton Is Sci-Fi, Romance and Fantasy All Rolled Into One

Angelica Rovinski, Arcadia University

The paranormal writer might just be the perfect choice for someone looking for books including a variety of fantastical (and erotic) aspects.…

December 5, 2021

Photo of the characters from The Wheel of Time

‘The Wheel of Time’ Takes Center Stage as the Next Big Fantasy TV Series

Xochitl Menjivar, San Francisco State University

Amazon Prime Video's new show aims to fill the large gap left by the conclusion of ‘Game of Thrones.'…

November 17, 2021

What Makes Sarah J. Maas a No. 1 NYT Bestselling Fantasy Author?

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

From young adult to adult fantasy, this author has become a worldwide phenomenon, but what is it that makes her stories so popular?…

November 6, 2021

A still from fantasy series, 'Xena: Warrior Princess.'

Muscular Women and High Stakes: Why Lesbians Love Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror

L.R. Staples, Sarah Lawrence College

While some genres continue to rely on outdated tropes like female submission, others provide a beacon of hope for queer female audiences as they portray women as strong, independent leads.…

September 8, 2021

The Continuing Legacy and Enduring Nature of ‘Dune’

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

Frank Herbert’s seminal novel has influenced countless science fiction writers, even though it has remained a relatively niche series.…

August 27, 2021

In an article about the Green Knight, Gawain stands in a yellow scarf, holding an axe, against a lush green and black background.

‘The Green Knight’ Bewitches, Bewilders and Bewitches Again

Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

David Lowery's film provides what audiences came for — mesmerizing visuals strung together with details that create a fantastical yet dreary world — and more.…

August 21, 2021

An illustration of BB-8 and Yoda from "Star Wars." (Illustration by Olivia Luo, The Ohio State University)

‘Star Wars’ Is Actually a Fantasy Series — Not Science Fiction

Elliot Jackson-Ontkush, Skidmore College

The franchise, which has now existed for more than 40 years, has elements of both genres. However, its tone and themes place it more firmly in the more magical of the two.…

June 19, 2021

A black and white portrait of "Berserk" author Kentaro Miura.

‘Berserk’ Fans Bid Farewell to Creator Kentaro Miura

Justin Spencer, University of Texas at San Antonio

'That thing was too big to be called a sword. Too big, too thick, too heavy, and too rough, it was more like a large hunk of iron.' Fans of Kentaro Miura's beast of a…

June 4, 2021

The Legacy of ‘Saga’ and Why Fans Are so Excited To See Its Return

Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

The beloved space opera comic is soon moving into its second part, and longtime supporters couldn't be more ecstatic.…

May 11, 2021

for an article about the devil is a part-timer! , anime-style illustration of satan behind a fast-food worker

Satan Is Serving Burgers and Fries in ‘The Devil Is a Part-Timer!’

Diamond Sears-Allen, Borough of Manhattan Community College

In a twist on the isekai anime genre, the devil is transported from an alternate world into modern-day Japan and must make a living as a fast-food employee.…

March 25, 2021

‘The Uncanny Counter’ and What To Expect From the Second Season

Mai Khou Vang, Michigan State University

After the season finale achieved the highest ratings in the show's history, the fantasy thriller has left fans itching for Season 2.…

February 18, 2021

‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’ Subverts Anime’s Magical Girl Trope

Sammi Looi, Baruch College

The 2011 anime reinvents saving the world and explores the line between vice and virtue. What better time to revisit it than on its 10 year anniversary?…

February 10, 2021

3 Common Fiction Tropes That Reveal Deep-Seated Beliefs in Our Society

Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Although many of them are overused in present-day media, fiction can still be original and teach powerful lessons.…

December 19, 2020

Girl Sitting and Reading Next To A Castle

Creating a Fantasy World Can Help You Manage the Current Reality

Sammi Looi, Baruch College

For a mental escape, consider turning to your imagination and sketching out a few elements that could make up your very own fantasy novel.…

December 14, 2020

Season 5 of ‘The Magicians’ Is Here To Tie Up Loose Ends

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

After some major events capped off the previous season, the fifth season of the popular SyFy series examines the fallout.…

January 25, 2020

‘The Magicians’ New Trailer Promises a Spellbinding Season 5

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

How will the remaining characters deal with the shocking twist from last season?…

January 12, 2020

‘Call Down the Hawk’ Is Perhaps Stiefvater’s Worst Book Yet

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Exciting storytelling has been replaced with long-winding exposition in the young adult author's latest novel.…

December 9, 2019

Amazon Prime’s ‘Carnival Row’ Is a Fantasy Tale Unlike Any Other

Rocco Romano, University of Iowa

With exciting world-building and a unique commentary on social issues, 'Carnival Row' is another solid effort by Amazon Prime.…

September 11, 2019

What Are the Best Fantasy Escapes for a Break From the Real World?

Daniel Reed

Looking for a fantasy fix? Check out these works from a variety of different media to get a break from the day-to-day.…

July 22, 2019

‘Dragon Prince’ Has Dragons and Diversity: What More Could You Ask For?

Emma Dailey Mitchell, Columbia College Chicago

This children's show normalizes communities the right way.…

July 17, 2019

5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Read Fantasy

Sierra Zareck, Haverford College

Rife with magic, nuance and creativity, fantasy gets to completely reimagine what's possible.…

December 30, 2018

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