Top Five Reasons We’re Drawn To Fantasy Books

Dragons, princesses, and magical realms. In the world of a fantasy novel, pretty much anything is possible. But why do people read fantasy? 

Is it all just escapism, or is there a deeper reason that we’re pulled into the most epic and improbable universes? 

In this blog, we’ll explore why the fantasy genre captivates so many readers and what keeps drawing us to these enchanted tales.

Pure Escapism

You probably won’t be surprised to find “escapism” listed as our first answer when it comes to the question “why do people read fantasy?” At their core, fantasy books offer an otherworldly escape from the realities of everyday life. Many readers don’t look for gritty realism. When life is busy, stressful and full of responsibilities, an activity like reading is something we do, quite simply because we want a moment to escape it all.

A 2023 poll from the Publishers Association found that 33% of people say books “offer them the best form of escapism when they are having a bad day”. And what could be more of an escape than the immersive worlds depicted in the likes of The Lord of the Rings, A Game of Thrones or A Court of Thorns and Roses?

The Theme of Good vs Evil

One of the most compelling themes in fantasy is the classic battle between good and evil. It satisfies our inner need to see moral struggles play out clearly, often in ways real life doesn’t allow. Fantasy gives us heroes to root for: underdogs who face impossible odds, yet rise to the challenge and succeed against the odds.

We’re drawn to stories where good people triumph not because they’re powerful, but because they’re morally just. This theme taps into our hope that light and justice will still prevail., no matter how dark the world becomes.

Fantasy Activates Our Imagination

At our core, we’re arguably all creative beings. However, the beauty of there being such a spectrum of personalities is that some people sit more on the logical and fact-based side of things. Whereas others have active imaginations and creative minds that seek to explore this more.

Fantasy invites us to suspend disbelief, embrace the impossible, and picture worlds beyond our own – something that possibly comes more naturally to creative, curious minds. For many, reading fantasy feels like returning to childhood, when wonder and imagination guided how we saw the world. Dragons, magic, and far-off lands awaken a part of us that still wants to believe in the extraordinary.

Compelling characters

From the heroes and villains to the more neutral players who move the story along, the fantasy genre is filled with compelling characters to sink your teeth into. If you’re the type of reader who loves to analyse the motivations, intentions and emotional development behind the characters in a story, then fantasy books offer an abundance of opportunities to do this.

You’ll find nuanced character arcs, villains shaped by complex backstories and morally ambiguous characters who challenge assumptions. It all makes for a riveting read and one you’ll be emotionally invested in.

The human desire for novelty

Many of us are driven by new experiences, learning, and growth, so there’s an argument that the fantasy genre satisfies this desire for novelty. Think of it as a jolt to the system that awakens your senses. 

While more realistic novels encourage you to examine the world you already know, fantasy fiction invites you into the unknown. Every turn of the page opens up to something you’ve likely never imagined, which keeps you constantly engaged and on your toes. It’s part of what makes fantasy so addictive.

Explore more compelling reads with Victoria Freudenheim

Whether you’re looking to read a new fantasy, horror or something different, you’ll find some great recommendations over on our latest reviews. After some more guidance on all things literary? We share our thoughts and musings over on the Victoria Freudenheim blog.