Well, well, well. It's already 2023 and dark fantasy fiction is still a thing. Who would have thought that a genre combining violence, horror, myth, and fantasy could have such staying power? I mean, really – who in their right mind would want to read about supernatural creatures, mythic themes, with the looming sense of dread and tension? Oh wait, a lot of people apparently.
But seriously, what is dark fantasy fiction in 2023 and how has it managed to survive all these years?
Well, let's start by taking a trip down memory lane. Dark fantasy can be traced back to the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe, who set the stage for future horror greats like J.R.R. Tolkien and Stephen King. These guys really knew how to scare the pants off of readers with their tales of supernatural creatures, mythic themes, and general feelings of dread. And let's be real – who doesn't love a good scare every now and then?
Fast forward to the present day, and dark fantasy is still going strong. In fact, some might argue that it's even more popular now than ever before. But don't just take my word for it – go ahead and ask any self-proclaimed fantasy fan and they'll tell you all about the latest and greatest in dark fantasy literature.
Anyway, what's changed about dark fantasy in the 21st century? In recent years, dark fantasy split off from traditional horror to take on a more specific niche of readers who are looking for a more mature tale in a fantastical setting. Books like the Song of Ice and Fire falls in such category since it carries itself on matters like political intrigue, tension, violence and a lot of deaths - a lot of them.
Fast forward to 2022, writers are getting even more creative with it. Some are combining dark fantasy with other genres, like science fiction or romance, to create new and exciting sub-genres. I mean, who doesn't love a good sci-fi/horror hybrid? Others are using the genre as a way to comment on current events and social issues, which is a nice change of pace from the typical swords and sorcery stuff. It's almost like fantasy can be used for more than just escapism, who knew?
Well needless to say, if you're in the mood for a little bit of darkness, a sprinkle of sci-fi and some metaphysical themes, The Queen of Shards might just be the book for you (shameless segway i know). Just don't say I didn't warn you when you're left traumatised. You're welcome.
Comentários