If Fictional Worlds Had Yelp Reviews

 (Because even magical kingdoms can’t escape bad customer service.)

 


1. MORDOR — 

“Too many stairs. Too much lava. Zero handrails. Customer service nonexistent — had to walk myself the whole way to the volcano. Also, giant flaming eyeball won’t stop watching me while I sleep. Would not recommend unless you enjoy despair and mild heat stroke.”
Frodo B.

Pros: Great views, excellent for cardio.
Cons: One does not simply… enjoy Mordor.


2. HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY — 

“Food is amazing, ghosts are friendly, but safety protocols are nonexistent. Nearly got eaten by a three-headed dog in week one. Also, 50% chance your professor is evil in disguise.”
Hermione G.

Pros: Free housing, teleporting staircases, magic everywhere.
Cons: Basilisks, trolls, homicidal textbooks, unpaid house-elves.

Owner Response:

“We take student safety seriously. All future Dark Lords will be dealt with after final exams.” — Headmaster M.D.


3. WESTEROS — 

“Weather is nice until the zombies show up. Zero job security for nobles. Weddings are traumatizing.
Sansa S.

Pros: Gorgeous castles, dragons, ale.
Cons: Betrayal, plague, child kings.

Update: Dropped from  to  after another invasion and surprise beheading.


4. NARNIA — 

“Came through a wardrobe expecting adventure. Got frostbite and roped into a war with a talking lion. Also, time dilation is insane — missed 12 years of Netflix.”
Lucy P.

Pros: Friendly beavers, great fur coat fashion.
Cons: Evil snow witch, limited Wi-Fi, occasional spontaneous prophecy.


5. GOTHAM CITY — 

“Loud at night. Constant explosions. Billionaire vigilante keeps denting my car chasing clowns. Rent is too high for a city that’s always on fire.”
Anonymous Commuter

Pros: None.
Cons: Literally everything.

Owner Response:

“Justice has no curfew.” — B. Wayne


6. RIVENDELL — 

“Peaceful, beautiful, everyone sings for no reason. I came for one night, stayed for 200 years. Elrond’s hair game? Flawless.”
Aragorn S.

Pros: Excellent ambiance, eternal youth.
Cons: Hard to leave. Like, literally impossible.


7. THE DEATH STAR — 

“Got a great deal on a timeshare, but the place exploded before checkout. Also, terrible air circulation. Long hallways with no exits. Staff mostly clones.”
Wedge A.

Pros: Big open concept design, perfect for dramatic entrances.
Cons: One thermal exhaust port ruins everything.


8. NEVERLAND — 

“No taxes, no bedtime — great for kids! But pirates constantly shoot at you, and the mosquitoes are the size of small birds.”
Wendy D.

Pros: Flying! Eternal youth! Mermaid lagoons!
Cons: Creepy immortal boy won’t stop following you around.


9. FORKS, WASHINGTON — 

“Rains constantly. Locals sparkle in sunlight for some reason. The high school cafeteria is 80% awkward staring.”
Bella S.

Pros: Romantic vampires.
Cons: Romantic vampires.


10. MIDDLE-EARTH AIRLINES — 

“No flights available. Apparently we have to walk to Mordor. Again.”
Every Hobbit Ever


11. RACCOON CITY — Zero 

“Checked in for a work trip. Everyone’s dead. Still got charged a cleaning fee.”
Jill V.

Pros: None.
Cons: Zombies, evil megacorp, everything’s flammable.


12. THE SHIRE — 

“Charming cottages, second breakfasts, zero drama. Only downside is occasional wizard dropping by to ruin everything.”
Sam G.

Pros: Food, beer, fireworks, naps.
Cons: Adventure recruiters.


13. THE UNDERWORLD (GREEK EDITION) — 

“Beautiful rivers, great ambiance, but the ferry system is terrible. No return policy. Staff are… skeletal.”
Orpheus O.

Pros: Dramatic lighting, moody atmosphere.
Cons: Customer service literally ghosted me.


14. DISNEYLAND — 

“Honestly, this feels like every fictional world mashed together. Expensive but magical. I saw a duck wearing pants and no one questioned it.”
Mickey M.

Pros: Churros. Music. Talking animals.
Cons: $12 water bottles.

 

The Most Popular Nerd Culture YouTube Channels

Not sure what to watch on YouTube?

We've got some suggestions for you... 


1. Nerdist

Focus: Movies, TV, comics, sci-fi, and pop culture analysis.
Why it’s great: Offers fun, fast-paced commentary on blockbuster franchises, Easter eggs, and geek trends.
Ideal for: Nerds who want smart yet entertaining breakdowns of mainstream media.


2. Vsauce

Focus: Science, philosophy, and thought experiments.
Why it’s great: Appeals to the intellectual side of nerds with fascinating “what if” questions and explorations of science behind fiction.
Ideal for: Nerds who love learning and big ideas as much as lightsabers and dragons.


3. Top10Nerd

Focus: Comic book lore, superhero rankings, and deep cuts from Marvel and DC.
Why it’s great: Fast-paced list videos that cover origins, alternate realities, and hidden storylines.
Ideal for: Comic fans who enjoy quick, informative content.


4. Black Girl Nerds

Focus: Geek culture through an inclusive, diverse lens.
Why it’s great: Brings fresh perspectives and representation to fandom commentary, reviews, and discussions.
Ideal for: Viewers who want a mix of nerd culture and cultural insight.


5. Geek & Sundry

Focus: Tabletop gaming, board games, and RPGs.
Why it’s great: Helped launch the modern tabletop movement with shows like TableTop and Critical Role.
Ideal for: Fans of Dungeons & Dragons, board games, and creative storytelling.


6. The Critical Drinker

Focus: Film reviews and cultural commentary.
Why it’s great: Sharp humor, British wit, and brutally honest takes on Hollywood trends.
Ideal for: Movie nerds who like their critiques with a dose of sarcasm.


7. RedLetterMedia

Focus: Film analysis, reviews, and comedic commentary.
Why it’s great: Known for the Plinkett Reviews and satirical deep dives into beloved (and hated) movies.
Ideal for: Cinephiles and sci-fi fans with a dark sense of humor.


8. Game Theory / Film Theory

Focus: Pop culture analysis through logic, science, and storytelling.
Why it’s great: Breaks down everything from Mario to Marvel with surprising depth and nerdy energy.
Ideal for: Fans who love dissecting games, movies, and story tropes.


9. New Rockstars

Focus: Movies, TV shows, and Easter egg hunts.
Why it’s great: Every Marvel and Star Wars release gets detailed frame-by-frame breakdowns.
Ideal for: Pop-culture detectives who love spotting hidden details.


10. Screen Junkies

Focus: Movie commentary and satire.
Why it’s great: Famous for Honest Trailers, which roast popular films while showing deep love for them.
Ideal for: Nerds who like humor with their criticism.


11. Man at Arms: Reforged

Focus: Real-life blacksmiths recreating weapons from movies, anime, and video games.
Why it’s great: Turns fantasy weapons into working steel masterpieces.
Ideal for: Fans of fantasy, craftsmanship, and historical weaponry.


12. The Cosplay Channel / Kamui Cosplay

Focus: Tutorials and inspiration for costume design.
Why it’s great: Teaches armor-building, prop-making, and painting techniques used by professional cosplayers.
Ideal for: Aspiring creators and cosplay enthusiasts.


13. Corridor Crew

Focus: VFX breakdowns and film-making experiments.
Why it’s great: Explains movie magic and digital effects with humor and geeky enthusiasm.
Ideal for: Tech-minded nerds fascinated by how movies are made.


14. Tested (Adam Savage’s Channel)

Focus: Making, crafting, and prop-building.
Why it’s great: Adam Savage (of MythBusters) shares builds, experiments, and convention projects.
Ideal for: Makers, builders, and Star Wars prop enthusiasts.


15. Angry Video Game Nerd (Cinemassacre)

Focus: Retro gaming reviews and comedy.
Why it’s great: Hilarious, nostalgic rants about classic (and terrible) video games.
Ideal for: Gamers who grew up on NES and love vintage game culture.


16. Scott the Woz

Focus: Video game history, humor, and commentary.
Why it’s great: Fast-paced comedy meets genuine love for gaming culture.
Ideal for: Younger audiences and retro gaming fans alike.


17. WatchMojo

Focus: Pop culture list videos.
Why it’s great: Covers everything from superheroes to sci-fi franchises, anime, and beyond.
Ideal for: Casual nerds who love quick lists and countdowns.


18. PBS Space Time

Focus: Astrophysics, cosmology, and theoretical science.
Why it’s great: Deep, mind-bending explanations of space and time — perfect for science-loving nerds.
Ideal for: Fans of sci-fi who like their science accurate.


19. Markiplier

Focus: Gaming and comedy.
Why it’s great: Charismatic playthroughs, emotional storytelling, and community-driven energy.
Ideal for: Gamers and Let’s Play fans who love personality-driven content.


20. Linus Tech Tips

Focus: Technology, PC builds, and hardware.
Why it’s great: Makes tech accessible and entertaining for both experts and beginners.
Ideal for: Tech nerds who like tinkering, upgrading, or just watching PCs explode in RGB glory.

 


 

And a few honourable mentions:

Charles Moffat, the Fantasy Author

https://www.youtube.com/@CharlesMoffatAuthor

Viva La Dirt League (Nerdy Sketch Comedy)

https://www.youtube.com/@VivaLaDirtLeague 

 

 

 

YouTube Channels That Review Fantasy Books


Charles Moffat Author
Charles Moffat is a Canadian fantasy author and artist who shares insights into his own works and reviews a variety of fantasy novels by his colleagues. His content includes discussions on epic fantasy, sword & sorcery, and dark fantasy genres. He also provides updates on his own book series, such as The Adventures of Wrathgar.

Matt's Fantasy Book Reviews
Matt offers non-spoiler reviews of fantasy and science fiction books, providing immediate reactions upon finishing each book. His straightforward approach helps viewers decide if a book aligns with their tastes.

Fun Fantasy Books
This channel assists viewers in finding their next fantasy 5-star read, often utilizing spreadsheets and data to provide book recommendations. The host's enthusiasm for fantasy literature is evident in each video.

Mike's Book Reviews
Mike reviews a wide range of books, including fantasy, horror, and science fiction. His reviews are detailed and cater to readers seeking in-depth analyses of various genres.

Elliot Brooks
Elliot provides thoughtful reviews and discussions on fantasy books, often focusing on character development and world-building. Her channel is a great resource for readers interested in comprehensive book analyses.

Bethany Atazadeh - YA Fantasy Author
Bethany Atazadeh is a YA fantasy author who shares her thoughts on fantasy literature, writing tips, and book recommendations. Her channel is particularly useful for those interested in young adult fantasy genres.

Daniel Greene
Daniel Greene is a well-known figure in the fantasy book community, offering reviews, author deep dives, and discussions on fantasy and science fiction literature. His engaging content appeals to a wide audience of fantasy enthusiasts.

Merphy Napier
Merphy Napier provides thoughtful reviews and analyses of fantasy and science fiction books, often delving into themes and character arcs. Her channel is a valuable resource for readers seeking in-depth discussions.

Mike's Book Reviews
Mike reviews a wide range of books, including fantasy, horror, and science fiction. His reviews are detailed and cater to readers seeking in-depth analyses of various genres.

Discover ArcaneTomes.org: Your Gateway to Indie Fantasy Worlds











 

If you're a fan of fantasy literature and enjoy exploring works from independent authors, ArcaneTomes.org is a treasure trove waiting for you. This online fantasy bookstore is dedicated exclusively to showcasing books by indie fantasy authors, offering readers a diverse range of stories across various subgenres.


What Is ArcaneTomes.org?

ArcaneTomes.org is an online platform that connects readers with indie fantasy authors. Unlike traditional bookstores, it doesn't sell books directly. Instead, it provides a curated collection of indie fantasy works, linking to external platforms where readers can purchase or download the books. This approach allows indie authors to reach a broader audience without the constraints of mainstream publishing.


A Hub for Indie Fantasy Authors

The platform is sponsored by Peasant Magazine, a non-profit literary magazine that features fantasy and historical fiction short stories. Peasant Magazine aims to connect readers with authors who write in pre-1750 settings, focusing on original works that are family-friendly and polished before submission.

Indie authors can join ArcaneTomes.org for free by submitting their books or magazines. The only requirement is that they must have at least one published work. This initiative offers authors a platform to promote their books without any financial cost, fostering a community of storytellers and readers passionate about indie fantasy literature.


Explore a Diverse Collection

ArcaneTomes.org features a wide array of indie fantasy books, including:

  • "The Dark Side of Reverence" by F. M. Hepton: A tale of rebellion and dark forces in the realm of Valoria.

  • "Kameryu Dreamer" by Matt Mememaro: A spicy romantic fantasy filled with tension and dark, steamy action.

  • "Where Memories Lie" by Irene Lee: A story of memory magic and a magical conspiracy within the FBI.

These are just a few examples of the rich and varied stories available on the site. Whether you're into epic sagas, romantic fantasy, or historical fiction, ArcaneTomes.org has something to offer.


Join the Community

If you're an indie fantasy author looking to share your work, ArcaneTomes.org welcomes submissions. Simply email your book details, including purchase/download links, cover images, descriptions, and author biographies, to peasantmagazine@gmail.com

20 Fantasy Books Every Nerd Should Read Before They Die


Ready to start reading???

Enjoy! 


1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The gateway drug of fantasy. Before there was Frodo, there was Bilbo — and one very unlucky dragon. Still the best introduction to the magic and wonder of Middle-earth.


2. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

Epic in scope and moral depth, Tolkien’s masterpiece defines the genre. Every sword-and-sorcery story since owes it a debt.


3. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Quiet, philosophical, and hauntingly beautiful. Le Guin’s tale of Ged’s journey from arrogance to wisdom is one of fantasy’s purest coming-of-age stories.


4. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

A portal fantasy filled with wonder, allegory, and talking lions. These books shaped generations of readers and continue to define childlike imagination.


5. The Adventures of Wrathgar Series by Charles Moffat

A newer but notable addition to the fantasy canon. Moffat’s series follows Wrathgar — a barbarian hero with brains as well as brawn — through richly realized northern realms inspired by Eastern European myths and folklore. Blending action, moral conflict, and cultural depth, The Adventures of Wrathgar feels like classic sword-and-sorcery reborn for modern readers.


6. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

A sprawling epic of prophecy, power, and perseverance. With more than a dozen volumes, this is the marathon read every fantasy fan must attempt at least once.


7. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

Gritty realism meets medieval politics. Martin turned the genre upside-down by proving that dragons and backstabbing nobles can coexist in brutal harmony.


8. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

Massive world-building, deep magic systems, and complex characters. Sanderson’s ongoing epic shows what modern high fantasy can be at its best.


9. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

A lyrical, character-driven tale about a gifted musician and magician named Kvothe. It’s part memoir, part myth, and completely engrossing.


10. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin

A groundbreaking work of world-shattering power — literally. Jemisin’s Hugo-winning trilogy blends geology, race, and survival into a story that redefines fantasy for the 21st century.


11. The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie

Sharp as a sword and twice as dark. Grimdark fantasy at its finest, full of antiheroes, moral murk, and gallows humor.


12. Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson

Alchemy meets heist movie. A brilliant magic system built around metal-burning and rebellion makes this a fan favorite for DMs and dreamers alike.


13. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Dragons, queens, and ancient prophecy collide in a standalone epic that feels like reading a trilogy in one glorious volume.


14. The Once and Future King by T.H. White

The definitive retelling of King Arthur’s legend. It’s tragic, funny, philosophical — and still the best version of Camelot ever written.


15. The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock

Bleak, brilliant, and ahead of its time. Elric of Melniboné — the doomed, soul-sucking antihero — inspired countless darker protagonists.


16. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb

A deeply emotional exploration of loyalty and destiny, told through the eyes of FitzChivalry Farseer — an assassin bound to a king he loves and a wolf he cannot escape.


17. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett

An angel, a demon, and the apocalypse. Smart, irreverent, and surprisingly heartfelt. This one’s essential for anyone who loves both fantasy and dark comedy.


18. The Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett

Forty-plus novels of satire, wit, and wisdom. Start with Guards! Guards! or Mort. You’ll laugh, think, and probably cry somewhere along the way.


19. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

A mythic road trip through the soul of modern America. Old gods, new gods, and one unforgettable protagonist named Shadow.


20. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

A meta-fantasy about imagination itself. Beautiful, strange, and deeply moving — a story every dreamer should revisit as an adult.

The Best Killer Robot Films of All Time

Disclaimer...

Yes, I agree, Terminator 2 really should be at the top spot, but since watching Terminator 1 is basically mandatory before watching T2, you really need to watch both together. 

When it comes to Killer Robots... Terminator is King. Although given that John Connor doesn't allow him to kill anyone, T2 likely has one of the lowest death counts in the franchise.

Here’s a look at the best killer robot films ever made — the ones that made us fear the future, cheer for humanity, and secretly wonder if we’d survive Judgment Day.


1. The Terminator (1984)

Directed by James Cameron
The definitive killer robot movie. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s relentless T-800 set the standard for what a cybernetic assassin should be — unstoppable, terrifying, and iconic. The mix of sci-fi, noir, and horror turned The Terminator into a legend.


2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Directed by James Cameron
Cameron did the impossible — he topped the original. T2 gave us groundbreaking CGI, a heroic twist on the T-800, and the liquid metal menace of the T-1000. Equal parts thrilling and emotional, it’s the gold standard of killer robot storytelling.


3. Ex Machina (2014)

Directed by Alex Garland
A slow-burn psychological thriller that explores consciousness, manipulation, and what it means to be human. Ava, the humanoid AI, is both alluring and terrifying — proof that killer robots don’t need guns to be deadly.


4. Westworld (1973)

Directed by Michael Crichton
Before the hit HBO series, there was this chilling classic. Yul Brynner plays a gunslinging android gone haywire in a futuristic theme park. It’s essentially Jurassic Park with robots — and it came first.


5. RoboCop (1987)

Directed by Paul Verhoeven
Technically a cyborg, but close enough. This satirical sci-fi masterpiece delivers brutal action, corporate dystopia, and questions about identity and humanity — all wrapped in an armor-plated antihero.


6. The Matrix (1999)

Directed by The Wachowskis
The machines won, and humanity lives in a simulation. Sentient programs like the Agents are every bit as menacing as killer robots — and the film’s philosophical core ensures it’s more than just a bullet-dodging spectacle.


7. I, Robot (2004)

Directed by Alex Proyas
Inspired loosely by Isaac Asimov’s stories, this Will Smith thriller turns the famous “Three Laws of Robotics” upside down. It’s glossy, fast-paced, and surprisingly thoughtful about AI ethics.


8. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick
HAL 9000 isn’t a robot in the traditional sense, but his calm, murderous logic earns him a spot on this list. “I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Those words still haunt sci-fi fans decades later.


9. Chappie (2015)

Directed by Neill Blomkamp
A sentient police droid develops emotions, free will, and a tragic sense of self. Equal parts chaotic and heartfelt, Chappie explores what happens when a machine learns to love — and gets punished for it.


10. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Directed by Steven Spielberg
Originally conceived by Stanley Kubrick, this film blends fairy tale and tragedy. David, a robot child who wants to be loved, proves that not all killer robots are evil — some are just heartbreakingly human.


11. Short Circuit (1986)

Directed by John Badham
Before killer robots were cool, there was Johnny 5 — a military robot struck by lightning who becomes self-aware and chooses peace over violence. It’s cheesy, charming, and surprisingly ahead of its time.


12. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Directed by Joss Whedon
Tony Stark’s attempt at “a suit of armor around the world” goes predictably wrong. Ultron’s mix of sarcasm, genius, and genocidal ambition makes him one of the best modern killer AIs in cinema.


13. The Stepford Wives (1975)

Directed by Bryan Forbes
Domestic robots take a sinister turn in this eerie suburban satire. The perfect wives of Stepford aren’t human — and that’s exactly the point. Creepy, clever, and disturbingly relevant.


14. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Directed by Mamoru Oshii
A cyberpunk masterpiece that questions the line between human and machine. The “Puppet Master” AI isn’t a killer robot per se — but it embodies everything haunting about artificial consciousness.


15. Megan (M3GAN) (2022)

Directed by Gerard Johnstone
A modern horror hit where a childlike android takes “protective instincts” way too far. Equal parts camp and carnage, M3GAN revived the killer robot genre for Gen Z — and made dancing terrifying again.


16. The Iron Giant (1999)

Directed by Brad Bird
Not all killer robots kill — some learn compassion instead. This animated gem delivers emotional depth, Cold War commentary, and one of the most heroic robot sacrifices ever animated.


17. Saturn 3 (1980)

Directed by Stanley Donen
A deep-cut classic featuring Harvey Keitel, Farrah Fawcett, and a homicidal robot named Hector. Campy, claustrophobic, and delightfully weird.


18. Hardware (1990)

Directed by Richard Stanley
A gritty, post-apocalyptic cult favorite where a scavenged robot rebuilds itself and goes on a killing spree. Think Mad Max meets Terminator on a shoestring budget.


19. The Machine (2013)

Directed by Caradog W. James
An underrated British sci-fi film about a military android who develops emotions. Beautifully shot and surprisingly poignant, it’s a must-watch for fans of Ex Machina.


20. Transformers (2007)

Directed by Michael Bay
Say what you will — killer robots blowing things up never goes out of style. When Optimus Prime rolls out, every nerd’s inner 10-year-old cheers.

 

Less Popular Fantasy Subgenres

There are many fantasy subgenres out there, of which the most popular subgenre for fantasy books is romance fantasy/romantic fantasy/romantasy. However romantasy is often blended with one or more other subgenres, such as historical fantasy/romantasy.

And yet... Hollywood still hasn't caught onto this and decided to cash in on what is a huge market out there for romantasy.

Still, there are many other subgenres worth exploring too, including quite a few of the less popular subgenres. Here's a list of some of the many different types of fantasy:

1. Mythic Fantasy

  • Incorporates real-world mythology into fantasy settings, focusing on ancient myths and folklore.

2. Weird Fantasy

  • Blends elements of the bizarre, grotesque, and unsettling, often crossing into the surreal.

3. Gaslamp Fantasy

  • A fantasy subgenre set in a Victorian or Edwardian-like era with magic as a core element.

4. Portal Fantasy

  • Involves characters who travel from the real world into a fantasy realm through portals or gateways.

5. Arcanepunk

  • Combines magic with technology in a world where the magical energy is used to power machines, often with a gritty or urban setting.

6. Mannerpunk

  • Set in a world where court politics and social etiquette dominate, often combining fantasy with intricate plots involving power, class, and subtle magic.

7. Silkpunk

  • A blend of Asian-inspired cultures and settings with technology based on organic materials, often emphasizing airships, kites, and fantastical beasts.

8. Grimdark Fantasy

  • A very dark, gritty form of fantasy where moral ambiguity, violence, and bleakness are key themes.

9. Heroic Fantasy

  • Focuses on larger-than-life heroes, often inspired by sword-and-sorcery tales but with a more optimistic tone.

10. Gothic Fantasy

  • Incorporates dark, atmospheric settings typical of Gothic literature but in a fantastical world, often blending horror and fantasy elements.

11. Celtic Fantasy

  • Inspired by Celtic mythology, folklore, and settings, often involving druids, fae, and ancient rituals.

12. Fairytale Retelling

  • Reimagines classic fairytales with new twists, often subverting or modernizing the original stories.

13. Dieselpunk Fantasy

  • A fantasy world based on early 20th-century technology (1920s-1950s), with a focus on machines and industrial aesthetics powered by magic.

14. Noblebright Fantasy

  • A more hopeful counterpart to grimdark, where characters fight for good, and while evil may exist, the world isn't entirely hopeless.

15. Afrofuturist Fantasy

  • Blends African mythology, cultures, and traditions with futuristic or fantastical settings.

16. Arabesque Fantasy

  • Draws inspiration from Middle Eastern mythology, culture, and aesthetics, often featuring desert landscapes, djinn, and bazaars.

17. Alchemical Fantasy

  • Focuses on themes of alchemy, blending science and magic, often set in a world where alchemical processes are key to power.

18. Eco-Fantasy

  • Explores environmental themes in a fantasy world, often with a focus on nature magic, druidic traditions, or the consequences of industrialization on magical ecosystems.

19. Historical Fantasy

  • A mix of real-world historical settings with fantastical elements, often set in a recognizable historical period with added magic or mythical creatures.

20. Prehistoric Fantasy

  • Set in a world inspired by or resembling prehistoric Earth, with fantastical elements such as primitive magic or mythological creatures.

21. Wuxia Fantasy

  • Draws from Chinese martial arts traditions and often involves heroes with supernatural fighting abilities in a fantastical setting.

22. Southern Gothic Fantasy

  • Combines the eerie, decaying atmosphere of Southern Gothic with fantasy elements like curses, spirits, and old magic.

23. Cozy Fantasy

  • Focuses on low-stakes, slice-of-life narratives in a fantastical setting, where the primary focus is on character relationships rather than epic conflicts.

24. Cottagecore Fantasy

  • A subgenre that romanticizes rural life, featuring small-scale magic, idyllic settings, and often a focus on nature, craftsmanship, and homesteading.

25. LitRPG Fantasy

  • A genre where the world follows game-like mechanics, and characters can level up, gain skills, or follow specific "classes" typical of RPGs (Role-Playing Games).

26. Splatterpunk Fantasy

  • A hyper-violent and gory form of fantasy that doesn’t shy away from blood, guts, and horror, often pushing the limits of explicit content.

27. Spiritual Fantasy

  • Focuses on religious or spiritual themes, where divine beings or cosmic forces play a central role in the narrative.

28. Lovecraftian Fantasy

  • A subgenre that blends the horror elements of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos with fantasy, emphasizing cosmic dread, ancient gods, and madness.

29. Cyberfantasy

  • Combines cyberpunk aesthetics with magic, where digital spaces are influenced by mystical forces, and hackers can be spellcasters.

30. Ghibli-Esque Fantasy

  • Inspired by the whimsical and imaginative style of Studio Ghibli films, focusing on childlike wonder, magical realism, and environmental or spiritual themes.

31. Steampunk Fantasy

  • A blend of 19th-century steam-powered technology with fantastical elements, often featuring airships, clockwork devices, and Victorian aesthetics.

32. Artpunk Fantasy

  • An experimental, avant-garde form of fantasy that challenges conventional storytelling structures and norms, often with strange and innovative world-building.

33. Supernatural Noir

  • A mix of noir detective stories with supernatural or fantastical elements, often set in a gritty, urban environment where magic is hidden or criminalized.

34. Urban Arcanum

  • A subgenre where modern cities exist alongside hidden magical societies, often featuring street-level magic, crime, and underground fantasy worlds.

35. Sword and Planet Fantasy

  • Combines planetary romance with swords-and-sorcery fantasy, usually set on alien worlds where swordplay and adventure are common.

36. Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy

  • Set in a world after a cataclysmic event, where magic or mythological creatures have emerged from the ruins of civilization.

37. Court Intrigue Fantasy

  • Focuses on palace politics, where characters maneuver through royal courts full of secret alliances, betrayals, and often subtle magic.

38. Utopian Fantasy

  • Depicts a fantastical world that is inherently peaceful, harmonious, or perfect, in contrast to dystopian narratives.

39. Insect Fantasy

  • A unique subgenre where insect-like beings are the main characters, or where magic and culture are closely tied to insect-like creatures or biology.

40. Science Fantasy

  • Blends futuristic science fiction elements with traditional fantasy, where technology and magic coexist in the same world.

See Also

Arcane Tomes: Online Fantasy Bookstore for Indie Authors

So...

How should I put this?

I have opened an online fantasy bookstore for indie authors. That pretty much sums it up. ArcaneTomes.org showcases indie authors who write fantasy books, but it doesn't directly sell the books itself. It links to other websites where readers can choose to purchase the books in question.

So is it a bookshop, or just a website/blog? Well. Kinda both. It is in the business of selling books, but doesn't make a profit. I have downplayed the blog aspect of the website, focusing instead on the Bookshelf in which all of the books are listed alphabetically.

I also have plans for a separate bookshelf which list by author last name.

I am using the blog section as a way to post updates to the website and to organize the different subgenres of fantasy, including:

For the readers, this is potentially an easier way to find indie authors that they might enjoy because they can choose to browse specific subgenres.

And for the authors, this means that readers can more easily find their work, and that they hopefully aren't wasting time trying to promote their book via Facebook/etc and other spammy websites. (Seriously, I rarely go on Facebook any more because it is so full of spam.)

Arcane Tomes also affords me another venue for promoting Peasant Magazine, my fantasy/historical fiction magazine.

And my YouTube channel that I use for unboxing videos and book reviews (mostly of fantasy books), this means another place where I can post the videos that concern indie fantasy books. I haven't done so yet, but I will be doing it sometime in the near future.

My focus currently is on attracting indie fantasy authors so that I can expand the number of authors and books listed on the bookshelf.

Publishing a fantasy book? Make sure you get a professional fantasy book editor.

Looking for fantasy books by indie authors? Browse indie fantasy books at ArcaneTomes.Org

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