Fantasy fiction reading guide
Discover fictional worlds filled with wonder and magic.
Fantasy fiction offers the reader possibilities in storytelling limited only by the author's own imagination. From the high fantasy of wizards and elves, to the swords and skullduggery of grimdark, there’s something for everyone.
Prefer science to magic? Try our Science fiction reading guide.
Fantasy fiction reading lists
New Zealand Fantasy
An eclectic mix of New Zealand's best fantasy fiction. Filled with epic otherworldly tales, packed with adventure and magical beings!
Fantasy fiction sub-genre lists
Return to reading: New Adult Fantasy
Embark on epic adventures with fantasy tales that ignite the imagination! Thrilling worlds, complex characters, and high-stakes quests.
Fantasy - Anthropomorphic Animal Stories
Fantasy that has non-human characters, specifically recognisable animals from our world, but with human traits, emotions or intentions.
Paranormal Fantasy
If you like your fantasy full of dark adventure and strange and mystical creatures, look no further than this list!
Fantasy - Female-centric
Fantasy focused on strong female characters and feminist themes! Embrace the heroine with these compelling and diverse fantasy tales!
New Zealand Fantasy
An eclectic mix of New Zealand's best fantasy fiction. Filled with epic otherworldly tales, packed with adventure and magical beings!
Super Weird Graphic Novels
Super Weird - a sub-genre of Weird Fiction - is characterised by unique and alternative storytelling. Expect the unexpected!
High fantasy
Elves, dwarves, wizard, men, and more - a sub-genre which combines a hero's journey with rich world-building, magic, and good versus evil.
Epic Fantasy
Sweeping battles between good and evil, grand quests, phenomenal world building, sword fights and magic - often told over generations.
Historical Fantasy
Historical Fantasy fiction delivers historical realities, complex plots, and some level of magical or other-worldly content.
Short Stories - Sci Fi, Horror, and Fantasy
A selection of short fiction anthologies by influential authors of science fiction, fantasy and horror.
Urban Fantasy
These stories mingle the real world with the “other” - sprawling cities populated by werewolves, witches, faeries and more.
Fantasy - The New Weird
Blurring the lines between fantasy, sci-fi, and horror is the New Weird.
Fantasy - Magic Realism
Magic realism presents the supernatural, the uncanny, and the magical alongside a view of the world that is otherwise realistic or mundane.
Grimdark Fantasy
These tales aren’t afraid to show some skin or spill some blood. In the realm of Grimdark Fantasy, nobody is safe.
Fantasy - Fairy Tale Retellings
If you like fairy tales and folklore you might like these tales re-imagined in a truly unique way.
Steampunk Adventure
Imagine the history and intrigue of the 19th century blended with magic, monsters, and mad science.
Fantasy fiction sub genre lists continued
Fantasy Graphic Novels
Fables and folklore, swords and the supernatural, and anything in between. Discover new worlds of magic, mythology, gods and monsters.
Fantasy - eBooks & eAudiobooks
The best Fantasy stories available through Libby, Borrowbox, and Overdrive. Escape to a fantastical world from the comfort of your own home.
Return to reading lists
Kickstart your reading with librarian-created lists of the most readable and enjoyable fiction.
Return to reading: Fantasy
Perfect for rediscovering the magic of reading, this collection offers thrilling worlds, complex characters, and high-stakes quests.
Return to reading: New Adult Fantasy
Embark on epic adventures with fantasy tales that ignite the imagination! Thrilling worlds, complex characters, and high-stakes quests.
New For You - Sci Fi & Fantasy - January 2025
Whether you like your fiction fuelled by magic or advanced technology, you'll find great new reads in this list.
Return to reading: Reading tips from librarians
We've pulled together some tips and tricks that should help guide your reading choices if it's been a while between reads.
Return to reading: Fantasy
Perfect for rediscovering the magic of reading, this collection offers thrilling worlds, complex characters, and high-stakes quests.
Day of Dragons at Shirley Library - 17 January 2025
If you and your children are looking for some dragon-filled fun in these holidays, explore the Day of Dragons programmes at Shirley library!
New For You - Sci Fi & Fantasy - January 2025
Whether you like your fiction fuelled by magic or advanced technology, you'll find great new reads in this list.
Return to reading: Reading tips from librarians
We've pulled together some tips and tricks that should help guide your reading choices if it's been a while between reads.
Return to reading: Fantasy
Perfect for rediscovering the magic of reading, this collection offers thrilling worlds, complex characters, and high-stakes quests.
Day of Dragons at Shirley Library - 17 January 2025
If you and your children are looking for some dragon-filled fun in these holidays, explore the Day of Dragons programmes at Shirley library!
Find great reads:
Authors of fantasy:
Award-winning fantasy
Award winning fantasy
Find fantasy titles in the catalogue
Find fiction in the genre you love
Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.
