I have no intention here of trying to write academic analysis of the books I read. Others are far more qualified for that.
Nevertheless it might just help to try to identify a few major 'types' for the fantasy fiction which is the matter of my quest. It will hopefully avoid having to explain some basic things each time.
I find I generally want to classify the fantasies I am reading in one of three basic categories - although there are always of course going to be variants and overlaps.
First there are entire world or enclosed world fantasies, sometimes called 'high fantasies'. These take place in a world which is complete in itself and has no direct connection with our own reality - except of course that it might well be reflection of it and be used, imaginatively, to explore many aspects of our own existence, inner as well as outer. As a world, it has no way 'in' or 'out' to our own or other worlds. If well written, it will have a complete logic and 'reality' of its own. It can be relatively small and simple or vast and complex. Probably the classic enclosed fantasy world is Tolkien's Middle Earth. Just occasionally it can be hinted or implied that what is presented as an enclosed world is in fact the distant past or future of our own. It is probably also worth noting that a frequently encountered feature of entire world fantasies is some form of apprentice scenario where the young protagonist is in the process learning magic either from an older wizard or in an academy.
Then there are portal fantasies where a fantasy world or worlds can be entered through some form of doorway from our own world. The fantasy world generally has its own logic and it's own time with, sometimes, those who have been into it returning to find that no time has passed at all in their own world. The classic is, of course, C. S. Lewis's Narnia with, initially, the wardrobe as the portal. There can also be portals between different worlds within the fantasy, as in Pullman's Dark Materials.
A third principal classification is the dual world fantasy where a magic world exists alongside (or above or below) our own world. This magical world is often 'hidden' to a greater or lesser degree and only perceived or accessed by those with particular skills or talents, or at certain times. It can however intrude into and effect our own world, positively or negatively. Its existence and nature are often based on myths or folklore. Such a dual world underlies, for example, Susan Cooper' s wonderful Dark is Rising series.
The real world element of both portal and dual world fantasies can be either contemporary or historical.
No more waffle. Now for some books.
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