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
Epic & High Fantasy
Set in elaborately crafted fictional worlds, these books enchant with their lavish descriptions, epic storylines, and cinematic battles.
Fantasy Short Stories
Immerse yourself in the magical worlds of Fantasy Short Stories, where each story transports you to a different fantastical realm.
LGBTQIA+ Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Like stories based around awesome environments, and cool, interesting characters? Grab one of these and get transported into another world!
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!
Historical Fantasy
Historical Fantasy fiction delivers historical realities, complex plots, and some level of magical or other-worldly content.
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.
General fiction - Mythic Fiction
Fiction inspired by folklore, myth, indigenous traditions, or early literary works - re-imagined plots and characters.
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.
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LGBTQIA+ Science Fiction and Fantasy
Be transported to another world - dazzling stories of LGBTQIA+ characters in fantasy and sci-fi settings with incredible world-building.
Sarah A Parker: Book launch and Author talk
Jun 24th | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Celebrate the release of the much-anticipated fourth book The Ballad of Falling Dragons with bestselling author, Sarah A. Parker.
New For You - Romantasy & Fantasy - May 2026
Discover enchanting fantasy worlds, whimsical magic, captivating tales, and tantalizing will-they-won't-they romances.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
LGBTQIA+ Science Fiction and Fantasy
Be transported to another world - dazzling stories of LGBTQIA+ characters in fantasy and sci-fi settings with incredible world-building.
Sarah A Parker: Book launch and Author talk
Jun 24th | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Celebrate the release of the much-anticipated fourth book The Ballad of Falling Dragons with bestselling author, Sarah A. Parker.
New For You - Romantasy & Fantasy - May 2026
Discover enchanting fantasy worlds, whimsical magic, captivating tales, and tantalizing will-they-won't-they romances.
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Authors of fantasy:
Award-winning fantasy
Award winning fantasy
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Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.