The Fantasy Journal is the editorial section of my author website. Here I write articles on fantasy literature – observations, classifications and commentary on a genre I write in myself.
Topics range from genre distinctions to reading recommendations and critiques of market developments I find worth discussing. The articles are for anyone who doesn't just consume fantasy, but wants to understand it.
All Articles
By publication date, newest first
Self-Publishing — The Truth: 10 Realities of the Indie Author Business
A sober fact-check on independent publishing. Platforms, income, visibility, reviews, the grey zone — with verified figures from ALLi, Bowker, Circana and the FTC.
Read article →
The Problem with Romantasy 2026: Toxic Tropes, BookTok and Young Readers
An author's commentary on marketing, audience signalling and problematic relationship models in the current market wave.
Read article →
Fantasy Genres Explained: High Fantasy, Grimdark, Romantasy & More
The complete guide to all fantasy genres with examples and clear distinctions – from a fantasy author.
To the guide →
Books Like Memory, Sorrow and Thorn
Williams' foundational 90s epic and the large-scale successors that share its patient worldbuilding, quiet beginnings and continental stakes.
Read article →
Books Like the Farseer Trilogy
Character-driven fantasy in Hobb's register – first-person depth, loyalty as moral burden and the long cost of staying with wounded protagonists.
Read article →
Books Like the Drenai Saga
Heroic fantasy in the Gemmell tradition – last-stand sieges, warrior craft, and honour acted rather than claimed.
Read article →
Books Like Wars of Light and Shadow
Philosophically dense fantasy for Wurts readers – cursed protagonists, moral ambiguity and prose that rewards sustained attention.
Read article →
Books Like The Dagger and the Coin
Political fantasy where money is a weapon – faction collapse, tyranny built from weakness, and banking as battlefield.
Read article →
Books Like the Wheel of Time
Epic fantasy at continental scale – prophecy-driven plots, ensemble casts, and the long arcs that reward long commitment.
Read article →
Books Like Crown of Stars
Patient medieval ensemble fantasy for Elliott readers – elder races as political presences, council intrigue and historical seriousness.
Read article →
The Best High Fantasy Books
A selection of the strongest high fantasy works with deep worldbuilding, large character ensembles and literary substance.
Read article →
Political High Fantasy with Intrigue and a Large Cast
Political fantasy with complex power plays and large ensembles – for readers who want more than single-hero novels.
Read article →
Books Like The Lord of the Rings
Works in the spirit of Tolkien – with the same mythic breath and deep worldbuilding.
Read article →
Books Like Game of Thrones
Political fantasy with power struggles, moral grey zones and multilayered characters.
Read article →
Good Fantasy Books for Adults
Serious fantasy literature beyond young adult conventions – for adult readers looking for substance.
Read article →
High Fantasy Series
Multi-volume high fantasy sagas with real depth – for readers who want to sink into a world.
Read article →
Fantasy with a Vast World
Novels in which the world itself becomes a main character – worldbuilding on an epic scale.
Read article →
Fantasy with Many Characters
Large ensemble novels with branching storylines and multilayered character constellations.
Read article →More from the World of Wetherid
The Fantasy Journal is only one part of the site. Readers who love the genre will also find samples from the Wetherid series, world maps, the Fantasy Wiki and further insights into the world.