Gothic Fantasy.
It’s surprisingly old, but it has recently brought modern fantasy a new twist.
A deliciously aesthetic genre that calls to mind your favorite classics…or a secret cover for horror novels?
And one that I personally believe will become your next favorite genre. I have book recs to prove it.
What is Gothic Fantasy?
Gothic Fantasy is a fantasy sub-genre that blends your typical magical or non-magical fantasy with historical settings, eerie atmospheres, and darker themes + aesthetics.
The genre relies heavily on moody settings, with heavily atmospheric castles and old towns. Think mist-shrouded old halls with floating curtains and intricate, but crumbling, architecture. The vibes are everything.
The themes are usually on the serious side, and the stories in this genre are often paired with ghosts, phantoms, and other ‘supernatural’ creatures.
Is it…horror??
SOMETIMES. But not ALWAYS.
Gothic horror is how the genre originally formed, but many modern books remove the dark and horrific elements, leaving behind a supremely vibey—and sometimes creepy—but not disturbing story.
Just like steampunk or cottage-core can drive an aesthetic, so can Gothic…without being gross.
Where can I find good Gothic stories?
Curious about trying this genre out?
Looking for stories that bring in the atmosphere, but not the darker side of Gothic literature?
Or that have the old, moody vibes, but no ghosts or horror?
Old and Moody Gothic Fantasy:
Secrets of Ormdale by Christina Baehr
As a Victorian clergyman’s daughter, Edith Worms has seen everything — until a mythical salamander tumbles out of the fireplace into her lap. When a letter arrives from estranged relatives, Edith is swept away to a crumbling gothic Abbey in the wilds of Yorkshire.
Wormwood Abbey isn’t just full of curious beasts and ancient family secrets: there’s also a tall, dark, and entirely too handsome neighbour who is strangely reluctant for her to leave.
An unexpected bond with her prickly cousin Gwendolyn gives Edith a reason to stay in this strange world — especially when it turns out that Edith herself may have a role in guarding her family’s legacy.
But not all of the mysteries of Ormdale are small enough to fit in her lap…and some of them have teeth.
Atmospheric Gothic Fantasy:
All That Flickers by Lucy Peterson
Alexander became a magical lantern technician to follow his twin into the theatre without the risk of the dimly-lit floating stages. Single-handedly lighting a performance at the notorious Hantée Brume will guarantee his place with her troupe, away from the dark heights.
…until the magic of the lanterns dies out, smothered by the Hantée Brume’s shadows.
As the only one who knows how to refill the magic, Alexander and his talking owl must brave the darkened backstage—and the phantoms wandering the halls…
Have you ever read any Gothic Fantasy?
What book was it? What did you think of it??
Lulu’s Library 