Fantasy Friday - Episode 1 - "I don't read fantasy"

FANTASY FRIDAY

Happy Friday! Happy Reading!

I've never considered myself a fantasy girl, I have always found stories that involve worlds that are like ours but different to be hard to immerse myself in. I focused too much on the lore, getting bogged down in the details. The epitome of fantasy was (and is, for me anyway) Lord of the Rings, where entire worlds and even languages are created within the stories, which I have always found intimidating. Perhaps you feel the same? If so, I may have some news for you so keep reading and see if I can change your mind! 

Speaking with a friend recently, I mentioned that I didn't read much fantasy and explained my reasoning (see above). She asked me whether I had read The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Harry Potter, or Alice in Wonderland. My answer was yes, the entire series for each of those questions. I was surprised when she told me that I do, in fact, already read plenty of fantasy. 

Mind = blown

I did some research. Broken down into its simplest form, fantasy is a genre that contains magic, magical creatures, fairytales, folklore, and much more. The stories can traverse the laws of the real world, creating lore and histories that don't have to fit the narrative or construct that the world presents to us in reality. It's not JUST Lord of the Rings. 

There's Portal Fantasy, where Narnia comes into its own. Stephen King's Fairy Tale, which I read last year on audiobook and LOVED is also considered a Portal Fantasy, as is Alice in Wonderland. 

How about vampires and werewolves? Yup, they're fantasy too. So Twilight can be added to my list!

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair takes place in a world where the Greek Gods exist in contemporary society. Guess what? Yup, Fantasy! 

When I thought of fantasy, mentally I was leaping straight to High/Epic Fantasy, where Lord of the Rings and Song of Ice and Fire fit comfortably. These are the big worlds of never-ending possibilities, the ones that intimidated me. Intimidate no more, book foes, I'm coming for you and I am no longer afraid!

Am I the only person who hadn't realised how broad fantasy as a genre really was? I'm not sure what genre I thought these other books fell into and when I give it some thought, it's very obvious. My statements about not enjoying fantasy books were sweeping generalisations based on a tiny sample within a huge range of stories and worlds, along with naive assumptions. 

Having discovered that I have (and continue to) enjoyed many fantasy books in my time, I feel that it is high time I begin dipping my toe in the water a little more, exploring the genre with open eyes, and seeing where my preferences really lie. When I started this book blog, I really wanted to use it to expand my horizons, keep myself accountable, and start having even more fun with reading. This reading challenge will do that! 

The aforementioned Scarlett St. Clair book is the first of seven in a series in which the Hades and Persephone story is reimagined with a modern-day twist and a fair bit of spice. I listened to the first book as an audiobook which may not have been the best idea, especially given the spice levels, wandering around Tesco looking for egg noodles- I'm sorry, he did WHAT to her WHAT? - so I'll continue the series probably using digital or physical books instead, to save my red face. 

ACOTAR is also on my list given its popularity. I made my way through the first book, again on audio so will change to digital/physical (yup, for spice reasons, I feel like everyone around me can hear and, well you wouldn't watch video smut in public so it feels like the respectful thing to do!).  

While I may not finish a book a week for obvious reasons, there are some weighty tomes out there, and I would like to share my journey into the genre with more depth. So here we are, alliterating like champs with Fantasy Friday. 

I've started this week with Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree as I have heard that it's quite a gentle introduction into fantasy realms and realities.

Other than needing to Google what a Succubus was (I got the general gist from the book and was pretty much correct), to ensure that I understood, I'm getting on pretty well! I am about a third of the way through and enjoy the premise of a mundane coffee shop run by an Orc. Interested to know what this magic stone she has is all about though. (NOW FINISHED - REVIEW HERE - NO SPOILERS ON THE MAGIC STONE THOUGH)

What are your favourite types of Fantasy? What's your absolute must-recommend book? Help me fill up my TBR :) I'll be back next Friday with more updates and musings!

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