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Fantasy is defined as a genre of fiction that uses magic or other supernatural elements as a main plot element, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic and magical creatures are common. Fantasy is generally distinguished from the genres of science fiction and horror by the expectation that it steers clear of scientific and macabre themes, respectively, though there is a great deal of overlap between the three. It frequently crosses into adventure as well.

Magical Realism is defined as a genre that portrays magical or unreal elements as a natural part in an otherwise realistic or mundane environment.

Fantasy examples include:

1. Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling

2. Grave Witch by Kalayna Price-As a grave witch, Alex Craft can speak to the dead-she's even on good terms with Death himself. As a consultant for the police, she's seen a lot of dark magic, but nothing has prepared her for her latest case. When she's raising a "shade" involved in a high profile murder, it attacks her, and then someone makes an attempt on her life.

3. Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman-When a young boy discovered his neighbors' supernatural secret, he never imagined that 40 years later he would have to revisit what he tried so hard to forget.

4. Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson (or any books by him)-In a world where Epics, supernatural beings with superpowers, rule the world, regular humans are often left in peril. 10 years after Steelheart killed his father, David thinks he may have finally found the epic's weakness. He''ll need the help of the rebel group known as the Reckoners, however, to exact his revenge.

Magical Realism examples include:

1. Bras and Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski-When her younger sister develops magical powers, Rachel decides to use her sister to rid her world of her step mom to be and to catch the eye of her new crush.

2. Any Witch Way by Amanda M Lee-Bay Winchester has a knack for finding dead bodies. Luckily, her family members are witches who are good at solving crimes.

3. Truly, Madly by Heather Webber-Her parents are known for their matchmaking skills. Lucy Valentine, however, has been unable to access the family secret since she was struck by lightning as a child. Instead of being able to see auras for matchmaking purposes like her family, she can only find lost things. A quest for a lost engagement ring, however, soon turns into a murder investigation.

4. Dresden files by Jim Butcher

For more suggestions, visit https://www.goodreads.com/genres/fantasy or https://www.goodreads.com/genres/magical-realism

Also, if you look on the forums under the specific genres, there may be some more suggestions

Thanks, kio! Can't wait to get started .

Question - my next book review for here is fantasy, would that count as reading a book in this genre or does it have to be separate from reviewed books?

I would highly recommend The Novice by Taran Matharu. It's the first book in The Summoner series and it's a brilliant read. The second book unfortunately doesn't come out for another two months but it's a great book.

I'm definitely going to have to check out some of the books listed above! Personally, most of the books I've read that are fantasy/magical realism are books meant for kids, however, I will be back to list some books that fit the criteria. I have to go dig through my bookcase and refresh my memory.

One that would work that I thought of later was His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik. When a Naval commander for the British army encounters a Napoleonic ship, he never thought his life would change forever. Soon, a hatched dragon causes him a career change and new friendship that he will never forget.

i love magical realism books! one of my favorites is a compilation of short stories called "Leaf Storm" by gabriel garcia marquez (the same author who wrote 100 years of solitude). I like his short work more than his full length novels.

The Word & the Void series by Terry Brooks could be considered magical realism. I'm on the last book now! His Magic Kingdom of Landover series is kind of Magical Realism at times, but mostly fantasy,i I highly recommend both series!

hsimone wrote:Thanks, kio! Can't wait to get started .

Question - my next book review for here is fantasy, would that count as reading a book in this genre or does it have to be separate from reviewed books?

No, go right ahead and count it. I do

-- 09 Mar 2016, 12:55 --

I am currently reading "Death Weavers" by Brandon Mull, so I'll post for that one when I'm done

Perfect! Thank you!

Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings is a fantastic introduction to his newer series....I have also picked up The Wheel of Time, recently. That series had been in the hopper for a while for me. I don't know why I took so long. Fantastic.

JoeysTiger37 wrote:Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings is a fantastic introduction to his newer series....I have also picked up The Wheel of Time, recently. That series had been in the hopper for a while for me. I don't know why I took so long. Fantastic.

I agree. I loved "The Way of Kings".

I love magical realism. I review mostly paranormal and supernatural books on my blog. I loved Grave Witch. I am currently reading two urban fantasy books: Raven's Heart by Shawna Reppert and Soul Meaning by A.D. Starrling. So far, they are both really good.

Would Witch & Wizard by James Patterson be magical realism or fantasy? I am still learning about all the different genres of books!

-- 17 Mar 2016, 08:35 --

bookreviewer2016 wrote:I love magical realism. I review mostly paranormal and supernatural books on my blog. I loved Grave Witch.

I need to check out your blog for some good book ideas! I love watching paranormal and supernatural shows/movies. I have read a few books of that genre, but not much. I don't have any book-loving friends to recommend books, so most of what I read is stuff I have stumbled upon myself or grabbed after seeing the movie.

I don't know if I'm allowed to put the link to my blog in a post. As soon as my profile is available to edit--I think it's three days from joining--I will see if I can put my blog info there.

You can add it on your profile