What elements in a fantasy novel make it unique and engaging? Alternately, what makes for a poor fantasy novel?
2006-11-19 11:44:44 · 8 answers · asked by Voodoo Lady 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
As an avid reader, I'd say that it's VITAL for a fantasy novel to be unique and engaging.
To be engaging, no matter how fantastical the story is, the situation and characters should be grounded in some level of reality. The impossible must be made believable to the reader.
To be truly unique, the usual stereotypes MUST be avoided at ALL costs. Avoid trotting out the same tired old characters - and remember that nobody wants to read a re-hash, rip-off of classic fantasy works.
A good (and extremely funny) reference work on this is Diana Wynne Jones' "Tough Guide to Fantasyland". Diana is Britain's most well-respected fantasy writer, and her advice is well worth reading!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tough-Guide-Fantasyland-Diana-Wynne/dp/0142407224/sr=1-1/qid=1163984145/ref=sr_1_1/203-9915083-6090310?ie=UTF8&s=books
Here are a few fantasy works I think really ARE engaging and unique and am happy to recommend:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/His-Dark-Materials-Gift-Set/dp/0439994799/sr=1-1/qid=1163984906/ref=sr_1_1/203-9915083-6090310?ie=UTF8&s=books
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Justin-Thyme-Tartan-Panama-Oxridge/dp/0955357004/sr=11-1/qid=1163984877/ref=sr_11_1/203-9915083-6090310
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stoneheart-Charlie-Fletcher/dp/034091162X/sr=1-1/qid=1163984846/ref=sr_1_1/203-9915083-6090310?ie=UTF8&s=books
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Howls-Moving-Castle-Diana-Wynne/dp/0006755232/sr=1-1/qid=1163984809/ref=sr_1_1/203-9915083-6090310?ie=UTF8&s=books
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amulet-Samarkand-Jonathan-Stroud/dp/0552550299/ref=pd_sim_b_2/203-9915083-6090310
And one that, in my opinion, breaks these rules, and I found disappointing:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eragon-Christopher-Paolini/dp/0552552097/ref=cm_lm_fullview_prod_10/203-9915083-6090310
2006-11-19 12:04:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whether it be fantasy or autobiographical, the elements that make for good reading is a cohesive and comprehendible story line. I.E. If something is introduced in the story, and it is not something that is day-to-day common, then explain its fuction or purpose.
If a story takes place on the 3rd moon of Salaris, then make it seem like it nothing out of the ordinary, but some background has to be provided.
Poor fantasy writing uses too many cliches', or circumstances that are extraordinary. With the exception of Piers Anthony, it is not a good idea to mix elements from one genre to another.
I have to disagree with Igor on Eragon, I read it and could not put it down, I finished both books so far in about 3 days each.
Christopher is a great writer, ESPECIALLY for his age when he wrote Eragon and he will ONLY get better!
2006-11-19 12:14:33 · answer #2 · answered by wi_saint 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, good writing style helps, but I think a lot of it has to do with escapism. The desire to be a part of something completely impossible in reality drives my interest to read fantasy and science fiction novels. I love the imagination of these fiction worlds, and I wish life could really be that way. So, I enjoy feeling like I'm somewhere I've never been.
2006-11-19 11:52:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A poor fantasy novel is one that is not very intracate, or one that seems like a knock-off of other books. People like fantasy because it offers them an escape from the bad times in life, or just from the monotony of life. It offers things that we know could never happen, yet like to imagine happening. A good fantasy novel would pull you into it, make you believe in the impossible.
2006-11-19 11:48:24 · answer #4 · answered by AuthorGirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
fantasy allows authors take their characters places (literally and figuratively) and develop them in ways that non-fantasy can't. It's a fine outlet for creativity, and gives the reader something to think about other than the world's problems.
Bad fantasy novels happen when someone has the creativity, but lacks writing style or cannot develop their characters properly. I think fantasy is harder to write in than most genres because you have to do the usual stuff with plot and character development, but you also have to create a believable world that is different from our own.
ps. Tolkien is my hero :)
2006-11-19 13:58:59 · answer #5 · answered by abby 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I find that its the ability to help readers escape from their current lives and live out another completely different one that so draws people to fantasy novels.
2006-11-19 11:47:00 · answer #6 · answered by jerrri 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Characters. That is number one. You can have all the wizards and castles and crap but if the characters are not interesting nothing else matters. This is the tipping point between good and bad.
2006-11-19 11:47:38 · answer #7 · answered by Isis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is not any rule. It relies upon how properly the e book is written, how properly-desirable the attitude is to the tale, and the reader's own selection. it relatively is impossible to generalise.
2016-10-22 09:28:56 · answer #8 · answered by bergene 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋