Hi everyone! How are you all doing? I’ve been staying mostly indoors, even though we’re allowed to visit friends or family (in small groups). I just don’t want to take risks… Anyway, today is Tuesday and that means it’s time for another Top Ten Tuesday list! This weekly meme is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl and this time, the prompt is “reasons why I love [insert your favorite book title, genre, author, etc. here]”. And it won’t surprise you that I decided to tell you why I love fantasy as a genre! So here we go!
Anything is possible
In fantasy, there are no rules. As long as the author is consistent in their world-building, they can throw out all rules, conventions, or constraints that we have in the real world.
It encourages the imagination
Do you want to be a princess who saves the world with her magic? Or a peasant who becomes a lethal assassin? In fantasy, you can be what-/whoever you want to be!
Magic exists
Mind control, elemental magic, telekinesis,… There are so many kinds of magic in fantasy. And those worlds are definitely less dull than the real one.
It has the most wondrous (or dangerous) creatures
From human-like creatures like Fae, Elves and Hobbits, to dragons or talking shadow cats. Fantasy has it all!
You can get away from reality
I don’t know about you, but I definitely need a break from reality from time to time. What better way to distract us from mundane things like housekeeping chores, grocery shopping, paying taxes, than characters having to save their world?
It’s safe: as soon as you close the book, that world is gone
Not everything in fantasy is a pony camp of course, there will be misery and suffering. But, contrary to the bad things you see on the news, these are not real and as soon as you close the book, it’s gone.
It makes you think about our world
Some of my favourite fantasy (and science-fiction) books are the ones that make you think about our world. For example, the way Scythe examines the impact of our mortality on our lives, or how The Fifth Season deals with discrimination and racism.
Whole new worlds to explore
I love learning new things, so exploring these made-up worlds is an important part of my fascination with fantasy. To see how authors come up with magic systems, societies, conflicts, and so on.
It has maps
You know a book is going to be interesting when it comes with a map (okay, not always, there *are* bad books that have maps). I adore studying these maps before I start reading and then flipping back and forth.
Big books to lose yourself in
I prefer reading one big book over two short ones. And if you want big books, fantasy has you covered. There are of course shorter fantasy books, but I often find them lacking in world-building.
And that’s my list of reasons why I love fantasy. What’s your favourite genre and why? Let me know in the comments below!
I’m not really a fan of fantasy novels, but do enjoy a good TV show or movie from the genre now and again. Plus, who doesn’t like a bit of magical storytelling once in a while? 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting Finding Wonderland a couple weeks ago! My apologies for the delay in visiting here.
I do appreciate a good map. More books should have maps in my opinion. 🙂
I completely agree with this! Fantasy is such a good escape, since it’s so immersive – I can easily lose an entire day to reading fantasy books!
My TTT
Great list – I agree with so many of these points, particularly with escaping from reality which is so necessary at the moment.
Nicely done! i agree, fantasy maps are great!
Here’s my TTT list.
Thank you!
I agree 100% with this! Fantasy is definitely one of my favourites to sink my teeth into, because I really love a series and lots of fantasy lends itself well to a series. I love watching characters develop over multi-book arcs.
Yes, I think my favorite kind of fantasy is the kind that teaches readers about unfairness or brokenness in our own world. Great list!
Thank you!
I’m not much for fantasy, but I know a lot of people LOVE it! I’ve seen a number of lists today about why people adore fantasy. Lots of people have mentioned the magic, the interesting creatures, the world-building, etc. but I don’t think anyone has said that it helps them think about our world in a new way. That’s a great reason to read any book!
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I agree, I love how fantasy engages our imagination. I’m a big fan of exploring those new worlds, too. And I love a good map!
I love that you have a picture of the Wall (I think that’s the Wall anyway haha?)
It is, well spotted! It’s such an iconic image from a fantasy series, I just had to use it 😀
I didn’t realize there was such a love for maps until today!
Fantasy really does encourage the imagination. I love seeing how creative authors can be when they write fantasy 😀
Exactly, it’s like getting a glimpse into their mind 🙂
I get so excited when a fantasy book comes with a map. I am always ready to get fully immersed in these worlds.
Great list! I love fantasy because there no limit to the imagination that can be used!
Wow, our lists ARE really similar! Great post! I just finished Scythe and enjoyed how it was done, but you’re so right – when the book is finished, we’re back to our regular world. ?
Leahsbooksandcooks.com/post/ttt-reasons-I-love-fantasy
We’re only allowed to meet one person outside our house in England, so that doesn’t really help me much in being able to see my friends, especially as I would have to get the train to meet them.
I love fantasy for all these reasons as well, except the last one, I’m actually not a fan of large books as I find they tend to be longer than they actually need to be!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/19/top-ten-tuesday-264/
Oh yeah, I’ve also read books before that are just *too* long and slow, so I definitely understand your point 🙂
🙂
Toronto is slowly lifting restrictions, too, but I’m being cautious like you are. I’m not in a higher risk group, but my spouse is. So we’re acting like both of us are high risk to hopefully keep him safe. 🙂
And, yeah, escaping from reality is a wonderful thing these days and always.
My TTT .
I hope you both stay safe!
I posted about historical fiction but I share the big books reason in my list too!
There’s definitely something to be said for reading a big book!
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.