What do readers expect in a fantasy novel?

Question

What are things that readers like or expect to see in a fantasy novel? If it is possible, give examples and reasons why.....thanks!

Answer 1

It has to be a world or place outside of our own reality; like the wizarding world. It needs well developed characters, who are conflicted. Good vs. evil is the usual conflict. A main character can also be conflicted about themselves. Conflict gives the story gas and makes it go forward.  

Answer 2

Readers expect to leave where they and go into the fantasy world of the novel Example you are sitting in your living room bored and then you start reading the book .  If the book is good enough you are no longer in your living room and certainly not bored, you are in a new and exciting place wondering what will happen next.  Yes it's possible.  I don't know how old you are so I will use the example of Harry Potter, I got so engrossed in the book that I had to read the entire book before I put it down.  It's a good thing it was a weekend and not a work day.  On an older level I like John Saul books they are not exactly fantasy but they are unusual and If I am bored or restless I can read one of them and really get into it.  Hope you find books that you enjoy and that take you away from your everyday life for awhile

Answer 3

Magic: wizards, spells, flying, wands, etc. Things that don't happen. I don't know why, thats just basically the definition of fantasy! Ex: Harry potter

Royal Family: Queens/Kings/Princesses/Princes are almost always in fantasy books. They always have to be protected, saved, are warriors, wizards, or whatever. Sometimes they're the protagonist. Ex: The two princesses of Bamarre, Magyk

Fictional Creatures: To spice up the story, make things dangerous and exciting! Ex: Unicorns, dragons, fairies, mermaids

Violence: Either with magic or a weapon, it spices things up Ex: swordfights, duels, magic duels

Evil: What book doesn't have some sort of evil in it? Ex: pirates, dictators, mad scientists, evil dragons, etc

Love: You don't have to do love, but it adds a little extra!

Hope i helped!

Answer 4

I really like strong/funny/witty characters. They give so much taste to the novel and you get so attached if they feel real. I also like independent female characters, though I wouldn't mind if it was mostly men because I understand if it is a past fantasy novel, that was how it was like at those times. I just hate robotic, monotone, helpless females that seem to have no other emotion besides mindless love.

I also like new lands and new creatures. It expands my mind and helps create something new. Sometimes you get sick of this world and you just want to get away where problems deal with outlandish creatures and bad governments and such.

I also like a little romance. Not overly done, but it depends on the character's personality. I just hate it when two characters get together and have nothing in common (unless it is the personality of one character to be boy/girl crazy.)

Honestly, I don't care if the novel has no magic. I don't read it for that. It actually can get quite annoying sometimes. I basically read fantasy for the adventure/quality of writing/new land/new creatures/fighting action scenes.

Answer 5

Nothing original