As a fantasy author, I’m sometimes asked about the influences that shape my work. While Tolkien, Jordan and Sanderson certainly hold places of honor on my bookshelf, there’s another, perhaps unexpected, genre that whispers darkly in my ear: horror.
Horrifying Fantasy
For some, the pairing might seem jarring. Fantasy, with its sweeping epics and heroic quests, feels a world away from the creeping dread and visceral thrills of horror. But I believe the two genres share a fascinating, fertile ground where imagination takes truly terrifying root.
Think about it. Both horror and fantasy ask us to believe the impossible. Whether it’s the existence of ancient, malevolent gods or the chilling reality of a monster lurking in the shadows, both genres rely on suspending disbelief. This shared foundation allows for a unique kind of storytelling, one where the fantastical becomes a source of fear, and the fear itself takes on fantastical forms.
Consider the works of H.P. Lovecraft, a master of cosmic horror. His stories are filled with monstrous entities and terrifying deities, creatures that defy human comprehension and embody the very essence of existential dread. These are not merely ghosts or ghouls, but beings that warp reality itself, blurring the lines between fantasy and horror in a way that is both unsettling and utterly captivating.
Dark Fantasy & Horror
But the intersection of these genres goes beyond Lovecraftian nightmares. Take, for example, the dark fantasy subgenre, where grim worlds and morally gray characters reign supreme. Books like Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law trilogy or Mark Lawrence’s Prince of Thorns weave elements of horror into their narratives, exploring themes of violence, corruption, and the darkness that lurks within seemingly heroic figures. These stories may not feature jump scares or gore, but they tap into a primal fear of the unknown and the unsettling realization that the line between good and evil is often blurred.
Even in more traditional fantasy, horror can play a powerful role. Imagine a quest that leads heroes into a haunted forest, where the trees whisper secrets of ancient evils and the shadows themselves seem to hold a malevolent sentience. Or perhaps a magical artifact, imbued with immense power, carries with it a terrifying curse that threatens to consume the wielder’s soul.
Embrace The Fear
By embracing elements of horror, fantasy authors can add depth and complexity to their worlds, creating truly memorable and immersive experiences for readers. Fear, after all, is a powerful emotion, and when wielded skillfully, it can elevate a fantasy story from entertaining to truly unforgettable.
In my debut novel, The Great Leap, I use fear and horror to create a sense of isolation for my characters, who are lost in a primeval forest known as The Wildlands. Read the exclusive prologue chapter now.
So the next time you find yourself wandering through a fantastical realm, keep your eyes peeled for the shadows. You never know what might be lurking within.