Stormed Fortress
question
Why are some Fantasy series better than others?
David
Aug 18, 2013 11:44AM
I've been reading Fantasy books for over 30 years. There are a number of identifiable elements of any book and then there are additional elements specific to Fantasy.
Setting is pretty universal. Fantasy worlds are nearly always non-mechanical. There are no machines outside of wheels, windmills, siege engines, etc.
Politics are usually centered around Kings and queens, dukes and duchesses, princes and princesses.
These stories tend to have clear good and evil sides, although there are stories with competing variations of what "we" would consider good and evil. A lot of grey area.
Magic. There is usually some sort of magic system that intertwines the world physics. It's not always apparent how the magic works, but you usually get a sense of it being systematic and logical.
The art of war. It's usually a cross between magic and standard medieval war tactics.
Everyone is from the UK. There seems to be a universal acceptance that all fantasy worlds speak in a British, Scottish, or Irish dialect.
The things fantasy has in common with general fiction is that there is still a need for good story-telling, compelling characters, logical and interesting plot devices, and readable prose.
I like all of the things I've listed above, but I would add one more that I personally look for that isn't really talked about much.
Lessons in life. If you're reading a book and it teaches you something about yourself. If it shows you characters that act in an admirable manner and you aspire to those same characteristics. If you feel after having read the book you see our world differently, for the better. This is one of my favorite things about reading fantasy and a critical aspect of great fantasy. They can be a parable for a better life. A series that teaches you honor, courage, integrity, honesty, leadership, loyalty, friendship, faith (in whatever form you believe in), courtesy, kindness, grace, vision (seeing more than your own personal needs), empathy, duty, wisdom, respect, and more. These are the elements that draw me to the fantasy genre.
What about you?
Setting is pretty universal. Fantasy worlds are nearly always non-mechanical. There are no machines outside of wheels, windmills, siege engines, etc.
Politics are usually centered around Kings and queens, dukes and duchesses, princes and princesses.
These stories tend to have clear good and evil sides, although there are stories with competing variations of what "we" would consider good and evil. A lot of grey area.
Magic. There is usually some sort of magic system that intertwines the world physics. It's not always apparent how the magic works, but you usually get a sense of it being systematic and logical.
The art of war. It's usually a cross between magic and standard medieval war tactics.
Everyone is from the UK. There seems to be a universal acceptance that all fantasy worlds speak in a British, Scottish, or Irish dialect.
The things fantasy has in common with general fiction is that there is still a need for good story-telling, compelling characters, logical and interesting plot devices, and readable prose.
I like all of the things I've listed above, but I would add one more that I personally look for that isn't really talked about much.
Lessons in life. If you're reading a book and it teaches you something about yourself. If it shows you characters that act in an admirable manner and you aspire to those same characteristics. If you feel after having read the book you see our world differently, for the better. This is one of my favorite things about reading fantasy and a critical aspect of great fantasy. They can be a parable for a better life. A series that teaches you honor, courage, integrity, honesty, leadership, loyalty, friendship, faith (in whatever form you believe in), courtesy, kindness, grace, vision (seeing more than your own personal needs), empathy, duty, wisdom, respect, and more. These are the elements that draw me to the fantasy genre.
What about you?
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