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What do you think is the next big trend in fantasy literature?

Jerilyn Polino

As an avid fan of fantasy literature, I believe that the next big trend in this genre will be stories that challenge the traditional hero's journey and explore more nuanced themes.

For too long, fantasy has been dominated by stories of a hero or group of heroes going on a quest to defeat an evil villain, save a princess, or protect a kingdom. While these stories will always have their place, I think that readers are ready for something different.

One trend that I think will emerge is the exploration of gray morality. We have already started to see this in series like Game of Thrones, where characters are not simply good or evil, but rather complex individuals who sometimes do bad things for good reasons, or vice versa. This kind of storytelling allows for a deeper exploration of human nature and the consequences of our actions, making for a more gripping and thought-provoking read.

In addition to gray morality, I think that diverse representation will continue to be a big part of the next wave of fantasy literature. As readers become more interested in hearing the stories of underrepresented groups, we will see more books featuring protagonists who are people of color, LGBT, disabled, or from different cultural backgrounds. These stories will not just be a token gesture, but will instead explore how these characters navigate the fantasy world and the challenges they face as a result of their identities.

Another trend that I predict is a move away from European-centric fantasy settings. While there will always be a place for stories set in medieval Europe-inspired worlds, I think readers are ready for something new. There is so much potential in drawing from the folklore, mythology, and cultures of other parts of the world, and I believe that authors who are willing to take risks and step out of their comfort zones will be rewarded with fresh and exciting stories.

Finally, I think that the next big trend in fantasy literature will be a more diverse range of formats. While traditional novels will always be popular, we are seeing an uptick in graphic novels, comics, and other visual formats. This allows for a more immersive experience and appeals to readers who may not have been drawn to traditional fantasy novels. I also think that we will see more experimentation with formats like interactive fiction and choose-your-own-adventure stories, which will allow readers to have even more agency over the story they are reading.

Overall, I believe that the next big trend in fantasy literature will be a move away from traditional hero's journeys and toward stories that feature gray morality, diverse representation, settings outside of Europe, and new formats. I can't wait to see what authors come up with next!