Young Adult Fantasy Novels and Their Popularity

As the popularity of young adult fiction books soared in recent years, the genre has split into a wide range of sub-genres that often get confused. A few of these niches stand apart from the rest, such as young adult fantasy novels, as sales over recent years convey.

Young adult fantasy novels are typically written for readers between the ages of 12 and 18—though we now know that they span the gamut of ages, from tweens to middle-aged. What sets them apart from other young adult novels is that they contain fundamental elements that are unrealistic, such as supernatural powers, magic, talking animals, wizardry and the like. In the best fantasy novels, the focus is on make-believe settings and beings, a departure from the accepted rules of society.

The best fantasy novels tell stories that would not happen in real life. This makes it easy to confuse these stories with science-fiction, which is different from fantasy, though it’s a fine line that defines the two genres. For example, young adult fantasy novels are often set in the not-so-near future, which is typically considered a sci-fi setting. These types of young adult novels are often shelved in the same area, due to the difficulty of categorization.

This explains why fantasy is a genre that transcends age boundaries. Many adults have enjoyed Harry Potter, Twilight and Lord of the Rings—all of which significantly drew interest to the genre, but were considered and marketed as young adult fiction books. This makes sense because legends and myths have been a part of our culture since the beginning of time, with most literature based on such. Fantasy allows us to escape while opening the door to the possibilities of the world around us, and will maintain its popularity indefinitely.

The Popularity of Paranormal Romance Novels

Paranormal romance novels are hot as ever—more books are being made into films or televisions shows, sequels are being churned out and conventions are teeming with fanatic readers. It’s an interesting phenomenon that many experts have differing opinions about, but that writers and publishing houses across the world are capitalizing on.

With roots in Gothic fiction, paranormal romance books experienced an upsurge due to the growth of technology, the internet and electronic publishing to became one of the fastest growing trends among young adult fantasy novels. Recent bestselling series produced record breaking profits, encouraging publishers to seek out up-and-coming authors of the genre.

A sub-genre of the romance story, paranormal romance books are born from speculative fiction that focuses on romance yet often takes place in a sci-fi setting. They typically blend elements of the supernatural and horror themes that are currently trending among young adult fantasy novels. Centered on a science fiction or fantasy plot, the romance element tends to be more of a subplot. This is a similar formula to the military romance genre, which may have lost its appeal due to the reality of conflicts in the last decade.

In paranormal romance novels, protagonists may have supernatural powers or may be in love with a character who has them—ghosts, shapeshifters and vampires, as well as those with psychic, magical or spell casting abilities. Often times, these characters may not like each other in the beginning or are unable to be together due to extenuating circumstances. The plot builds to a climax and usually results in these two characters falling in love, with perhaps elements of mystery, crime or suspense that leads to the time-honored theme of good prevailing over evil.

How To Enjoy The Fun Of Young Adult Fantasy Novels

Everyone knows reading is fundamental, and for people who love reading young adult fantasy novels, it can be fun and educational. Unlike a movie, a person is able to imagine a tale whichever way she or he chooses, which makes the story more exciting and believable. Learning is also incorporated because the reading and comprehension skills tend to improve and may be beneficial for different areas of study in the life of a young person.

Targeted audience for this type of book usually is aged between 10 and 18. This is why many parents do not have to worry about inappropriate content not suitable for children. Yet, the fun and excitement present will still leave readers pleased and excited to learn more.

Such material is so interesting that it tends to strike the curiosity of adults also. Many mature individuals deeply enjoy reading an imaginative book for different reasons. With intricate story lines and lovable characters, it is hard not to enjoy these reads no matter how old someone is.

When trying to select a novel to purchase, the cost is typically not an issue. Due to the personal preferences that a reader has, choosing a book often becomes more difficult. Luckily, many options are available.
An immense number of writers that create these tales write them in styles that can be appealing to a very diverse audience. Anyone that is curious about the story line of a book usually has the opportunity to see the featured summary, or synopsis, that’s included. Many times, a potential buyer is able to look through the book’s pages at the bookstore where it is being sold.

Choosing to purchase young adult fantasy novels will cure any boredom that a growing person may have. As the creative mind is sparked, a child or teenager will be able to appreciate reading about various topics because of an increased ability to understand what is written. Such an inexpensive and valuable form or entertainment should not be overlooked.

Do you want to get your children away from the computer for a bit? Consider introducing them to the idea of pleasure reading. Books aimed at young adults are numerous as are the quality authors, with the genres of young adult fantasy novels, science fiction and fantasy books in the vanguard. A great new book of this type is the Victoria Foyt’s “Revealing Eden”, the first novel of her “Save the Pearls” trilogy.

The Appeal of the Fantasy Romance Genre

Publishing houses everywhere have enjoyed lots of recent success with fantasy romance novels. Their enormous appeal can be attributed to the fact that they allow the reader the opportunity to escape for awhile and rejoin reality with a sense of hope and promise. Research shows that readers find this genre rejuvenating, especially among young adult novels. They provide distance from real life and practicality in exchange for a clearer insight into reality.

Fantasy romance is a subgenre of fantasy fiction—it employs significant elements and conventions of the romance genre, enough to give balance to its name. The key focus of these stories is obviously relationships, as well as their key social and political factors. In books for young adults, there are also intertwined themes with coming-of-age issues.

As the best fantasy novels enjoy increasing popularity, many publishers, including small publisher companies like Sand Dollar Press, are drawing more and more critical attention to the genre. What is being discovered is that there is a need for a better understanding of the genre as a whole. In order to critique any type of fiction, whether paranormal romance books or something more straightforward, there has to be a clear understanding of the work. Whether analyzing young adult fiction novels or classics, there are some fundamental tenets to consider, yet also some niche specific elements to consider as well.

Certain traits that critics agree on in regards to properly defining the genre include story, characterization and the story’s heroes, the fantasy setting of an otherworldly place, the struggle between good and evil, and romantic plot. With the surge in popularity among paranormal romance novels, there can also be an element of magic or the supernatural to be critiqued. Young adult fiction novels from the fantasy world should also contain some of the main elements of the genre, and characters should be especially relatable.

Dystopian Themes in Books For Young Adults

If you haven’t noticed, the trend towards post apocalyptic books and dystopian novels is growing. Movies based on the genre’s best-sellers are in production, and publishing houses, including Sand Dollar Press, are receiving more of these submissions. What exactly is dystopia and why do these stories appeal so much to readers of books for young adults?

Dystopia is defined as “a work of fiction describing an imaginary place or state in which life is extremely bad due to deprivation, oppression or terror.” So basically, the opposite of Utopian—a once-popular theme for some of the best fantasy novels of all time.

There are a lot of theories behind the reasons why readers of young adult novels crave such dark stories. While many attribute the trend to internet-age marketing, others believe that it’s a form of escapism—if we really lived under a cloud of such a dark future, would readers be so enamored by these post apocalyptic books?

Another theory focuses on teen feelings of oppression, which can breed an urge to rebel. Young adult fiction books give these readers a chance to visit a world where they are not subject to dress codes, school bells, or constantly under surveillance. While it seems that good fantasy romance novels or paranormal romance books would provide that escape, the market may have been oversaturated with stories of wizards and vampires.

It’s very interesting that only a year ago, young adult fantasy novels were all the rage. Every small publishing company, including Sand Dollar Press, was overwhelmed with submissions of paranormal romance books. Everyone was looking for supernatural powers to accent the protagonist’s appeal.

Since the demographic is not at all limited to teens, perhaps this genre’s popularity among YA fiction is because readers want to relate their feelings of hopelessness in terms of the immense powers that be, the government and everything bureaucratic, to the feelings of a dystopian protagonist who gives us hope for mankind.