Hello again! Welcome once again to my writing series on genres.

I’ve been asked about many times. What genre is my Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-fi book supposed to be in? Where is the list of classifications? Where do we draw the line when it comes to gore, sex, cyber mechanics? Where do I fit?

If you missed my last two posts, they covered Paranormal Romance versus Urban Fantasy and High Fantasy versus Epic Fantasy.

This week I want to talk about Sword and Sorcery and Dark Fantasy.

So what is the difference between them?

Dark Fantasy – Is a lot like General Fantasy. It’s in its own world, completely made up by the author. It can have elements of Earth, but is not set on Earth. It can have Werewolves, Vampires, Dragons, Fae, Trolls, Goblins, Elves, and Magic but it also has darker elements. Horror, being the main one. Dark Fantasy may have an overall sense of foreboding, depressive overtones, gore, violence, and a sense of dread.

A story with werewolves and vampires or orcs and goblins would be considered Dark Fantasy, as opposed to a story with a serial killer that is not a supernatural creature, which would just be horror.

Sword and Sorcery –  Sword and Sorcery is much like other types of fantasy. All of the other world points apply. But unlike a High Fantasy that is an epic sweep about the world, Sword and Sorcery is more about one person and their struggle in the world. The hero or the heroine. Sword and Sorcery has quite a bit of swordplay and magic and even romance. And if there is a theme of good versus evil, the theme is a personal one, not one that will change the world. And though a Sword and Sorcery book can span several books with the same protagonist, the hero usually is a traveller who yearns to move beyond the fighting to a peaceful life. Which they usually receive in the end.

I personally have never read a Dark Fantasy or a Sword and Sorcery. I find that they tend to be a small portion of the fantasy genre. More and more the High Fantasy are becoming a more popular genre. I would love to read a Sword and Sorcery. Something that is just about people and not about someone saving the world.

Come back next week when I’ll discuss Magical Realism and Sci-Fi.

Did you miss the first few posts in this series? Here they are!

Welcome to What’s in a Genre? If you missed my earlier posts you can find them on my blog.

Part One: Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy : Part Two: High Fantasy versus Epic Fantasy : Part Three: Dark Fantasy versus Sword and Sorcery Part Four: Magical Realism versus Sci-Fi Part Five: Steampunk