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Jun 7, 2013

June Genreflecting: Fantasy: The Basics

Genreflecting wordle

I wanted to do a reading challenge for the subject of Genreflecting, but I didn't get much feedback (maybe because it asked you to read 2 books for each genre and discuss them or because it's not really a "reading challenge" per se, but more an educational experiment), so I've turned it into a monthly feature! For each month of 2013, there will be a specific genre that will be analyzed. I'm planning to have author input and at least 2 reviews of books in the genre as well.

June's genre is Fantasy! Fantasy books lead readers on trips into magical realms or worlds where our rules don't necessarily apply. There are dragons, faeries, wizards, and more. It is a genre based upon reality suspension. You don't have to puzzle through the mechanics of the inner workings, you just have to go with the flow. Magic, whether embodied in wands or nature, is a binding agent for most books in this genre as well as magical creatures. The biggest conflict of definition stems from crossover books that mix fantasy with science fiction or paranormal books. There are lots of subgenres in this category ranging from fairy tale retellings to epic adventures, so be sure to check back next week for the details post. (paraphrased from Teen Genreflecting, 2003)

A few of my favorite authors you may recognize in this genre are:


I'm excited to say that I've chosen my two books, one older and one newer, to read for this challenge. The older book is Briar Rose by Jane Yolen (originally published in 1992) and I'll have a review and analysis up on Friday, June 21st. The newer book is Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (originally published in 2012) and I'll have a review and analysis up on Friday, June 28th. I'll also be hosting a giveaway, so stay tuned!

3 comments:

Super Librarian said...

I read Briar Rose about 10 years ago and LOVED it! It was actually for a high school class. I was the nerd who finished it way before the rest of the class.

I just finished Bitterblue, and I think it was my favorite of the series. Looking forward to your thoughts!

Super Librarian said...

Hmm, I think Blogger ate my first comment attempt, so let's try again!

I read Briar Rose in high school and loved it! My teacher assigned it, actually.

I just finished Bitterblue, and it was my favorite of the series. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

loreleimarsh said...

Blogger didn't eat it, I just started getting so much spam that I approve comments now.

Good to hear that you liked it and that it was something that would qualify as educational. Go you & me!