When it comes to reading a good novel, there are so many options available to readers that it can be difficult to decide which genre to explore. Each genre offers a unique experience and has its own set of qualities that make it a special and enjoyable part of the literary world. From romance to mystery, let’s take a look at some of the different genres of novels and what each one has to offer.
Romance Genre
The romance genre has probably been one of the most popular and widely read genres since the dawn of literature, with some of the earliest novels of all time being love stories, like the ancient Greek epic ‘The Odyssey.’ It is no wonder then, that books like Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ are still widely loved and respected even today.
Essential Elements of the Romance Genre
Although the romance genre takes on many different subgenres, depending on the era and author, the genre as a whole is focused on love stories. This can include classic tales of young love or even stories about love between two adults. The primary foundation of a romance novel should be a strong relationship between two characters who will do anything for each other.
Romance Novers: Reading Levels
Romance novels can range from low to high reading levels. For people who prefer a less taxing read, there are romance novels about teenagers full of tight plotlines and a lot of drama. Common storylines in this type of romance fiction include forbidden love triangle dramas between two guys and a girl, or a Romeo and Juliet cliché. Teenage romance books also often involve supernaturals, such as vampires. For readers looking for a more mature romance read, there are options in the form of historical romance novels set in Victorian Era, or contemporary romance between adults that discuss real-life situations.
Mystery Genre
Mystery novels typically feature the detective or a group of sleuths who are tasked with solving the crime. It is the central plot of the novel to find the culprit behind the crime and unravel the complex plot while keeping the reader guessing until the very last page. While the central plot revolved around the mysterious nature of the crime, the rest of the plot usually provides backstories and plot points to engage the reader.
Essential Elements of a Mystery Genre
At the heart of mystery novels lies a puzzle that needs solving. The plot should explore different characters and motivations for why the crime was committed, there must be clues for the detective to find, and eventually a compelling, exciting climax where all the pieces of the puzzle come together.
Mystery Novels: Reading Levels
Mystery novels are available for people of all ages, from children to adults. For readers who prefer a softer read, children’s mystery novels can be a great entry point. These books typically involve a missing object, or a small-town crime that the main character must solve.
For adults, classic mystery writers such as Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle have crafted riveting tales of murder and suspense that have captivated generations of readers. More modern mystery novels tend to involve technology, mafia organizations, graphic scenes, and much more.
Romantic Mysteries
While romantic novels and mystery novels are two separate genres, it is possible to combine the two in a manner that creates an exciting, thrilling yet romantic read. These novels involve a central mystery that revolves around a romance between two people or a mystery with a romantic element as a subplot. Popular examples include Marion Keyes’ ‘Anybody Out There?’ and P.D. James’ ‘Original sin.’
Fantasy Genre
Fantasy novels are usually set in a fictional world or alternate universe and involve magic, mythical creatures, gods, and goddesses. This genre has proven to be one of the most popular genres in recent times, with magical universes such as the one in the Harry Potter series becoming worldwide sensations. Fantasy novels can also range from high-fantasy tales featuring royalty and wars, to low fantasy stories which are more realistic in nature and focus on ordinary people with extraordinary abilities.
Essential Elements of Fantasy Genre
At the heart of every fantasy novel lies an absolutely magical setting that transcends what readers would typically find in the real world. Fantasy novels should involve fantastical elements such as magical creatures, spells, magical powers, and sometimes even time travel. It is also important for the reader to be transported to a different world and discover the central plot within it.
Fantasy Novels: Reading Levels
Fantasy novels can be aimed at young adults just as they can be aimed at adults, depending on the central plot and plot strength. For example, Harry Potter was aimed at a young adult/middle grade reader, while other adult fantasy novels such as ‘Game of Thrones’ are aimed at a more mature audience.
Science Fiction Genre
Science fiction is another popular genre of fiction, which often combines aspects of fantasy, science, and reality to create an entirely fictional world. This genre is often filled with imaginative settings, bold new technologies, and even future worlds that may or may not currently exist. These novels often explore the consequences of these new technologies and provide unique perspectives on current events.
Essential Elements of Science Fiction Genre
Like any other genre, science fiction requires a set of core elements that set it apart from simple fantasy or reality. Science fiction novels must contain elements of science or technology (such as spaceships, cloning, robots, or aliens). They must also explore the potential consequences of these futuristic elements, as well as explore deeper themes about human nature.
Science Fiction Novels: Reading Levels
Science Fiction novels come in all different reading levels, from YA to adult. Young adult novels tend to focus on lighter elements of science fiction, such as teenage cliche storylines. Adult science fiction novels focus more on the deeper implications of the science fiction elements, and typically provide a thought-provoking read. Classic science fiction novels include H.G. Wells’ ‘The War of the Worlds’ and Ray Bradbury’s ‘Fahrenheit 451’.
Horror Genre
The horror genre is another favorite among readers of all ages, and like all other genres, can come in many different shapes and forms. Horror novels can sometimes be referred to as ‘dark fantasy’, as they often involve supernatural elements like ghosts, vampires, and monsters to create a suspenseful atmosphere for the reader.
Essential Elements of a Horror Genre
A successful horror novel should set the tone from the very first page, and should maintain an atmosphere of tension and suspense up until the very last page. An effective horror novel should also explore the themes of fear and morality, particularly in regards to the protagonists’ decision making and how they handle the terror around them.
Horror Novels: Reading Levels
Horror novels come in all different reading levels, from YA, to adult. Young adults should steer clear of overly graphic and gory novels, as they can often be traumatizing to some readers. Adult horror has a wide range of options, depending on what type of story the reader is looking for. Classic horror novels include Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ and Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’.
Thriller Genre
Thriller novels are often confused with mystery novels, but they can be different when you look closer. While mystery novels often focus on the unraveling of a crime, thriller novels focus on the race against time and cornering the enemy.
Essential Elements of Thriller Genre
The primary element in any thriller novel is the tension and suspense created by the story. This can include a ticking time-bomb (literal or metaphorically) or a complex plotline that keeps the reader in the dark until the very end. Thrillers should also focus on the moral choices protagonist has to make, further adding to the suspense.
Thriller Novels: Reading Levels
Thrillers come in all different reading levels, from YA to adult. Examples for young adults include the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz and the series based on the movie ‘The Hunger Games.’ For adults, examples include Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and Gillian Flynn’s ‘Gone Girl’.
No matter what type of novel you’re looking for, there is sure to be something that suits your tastes and reading levels. Genres such as romance, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, horror, and thriller offer some of the most captivating and exciting reads available. So, find something that suits you and explore a whole new world!
