Fantasy: Magic and Other Worlds

Fantasy stories include magic, impossible creatures, or imaginary worlds.

Fantasy stories include things that could never happen in real life: magic, spells, dragons, talking animals, enchanted objects, or entire imaginary worlds with their own maps and rules. Many fantasy books follow a hero on a quest, a long journey to find something, defeat an enemy, or save a kingdom. Even with magic, good fantasy has rules.

If a wizard's spells drain her energy, the author must stick to that rule, or readers feel cheated. As you read fantasy, pay attention to how the magic system works. For example: 'In the land of Veldra, anyone who speaks a promise aloud is bound by it forever. When Prince Eren carelessly promises to give away his shadow, he must find a way to win it back.

' The rule about promises drives the entire plot. Fantasy lets readers explore big ideas, like courage and loyalty, in exciting settings.

• 1Fantasy includes magic or impossible creatures.
• 2Many fantasy stories follow a quest.
• 3Good fantasy follows its own rules.