Genres Explained

Choosing a book can feel a little overwhelming, especially with so many genres and subgenres to explore. This guide is here to help you understand what each genre offers, including romance styles and spice levels, so you can find stories that feel just right for you (or your reader).


If you ever feel unsure about a genre or spice level, we’re always happy to help guide you. Every reader deserves a story that feels safe, exciting, and just right.

These are in no order, but Romance is our favorite

Let's Break It Down

Fantasy

Fantasy stories take place in worlds touched by magic, mythical creatures, and epic adventures. You’ll often find quests, kingdoms, chosen heroes, and powerful friendships. Fantasy can be light and whimsical or dark and intense, depending on the story.

Common themes: magic, destiny, found family, good vs. evil
Spice level: varies by book, often low unless combined with romance

Romantasy

Romantasy blends fantasy and romance, weaving love stories into magical worlds. These books focus equally on emotional connection and imaginative settings.

Common themes: magic, fate, romance, adventure
Spice level: ranges from sweet and subtle to very spicy, depending on the book

Romance

Romance centers on relationships and emotional connection, with a hopeful or happy ending at its heart. Romance has many subgenres, each offering a different flavor of love story.

Romance Subgenres

  • Contemporary Romance: Modern-day love stories set in the real world
  • Fantasy Romance: Love stories set in magical or mythical worlds
  • Dark Romance: Emotionally intense stories with darker themes (always intended for mature readers)
  • Romantic Suspense: Romance mixed with mystery or danger
  • Paranormal Romance: Love stories involving vampires, witches, shifters, or other supernatural beings

Horror

Horror explores fear and the unknown, often through eerie settings or unsettling ideas. Some horror leans spooky, while others are more intense.

Common themes: suspense, fear, survival
Spice level: usually none, but content may be intense

Mystery & Thriller

These books focus on solving puzzles, uncovering secrets, or racing against danger. They’re perfect for readers who love suspense and plot twists.

Common themes: secrets, investigations, twists
Spice level: usually low or none

Science Fiction

Sci-fi looks toward the future or beyond our world, exploring technology, space, and “what if” scenarios.

Common themes: space, innovation, humanity, discovery
Spice level: varies, usually low

Young Adult (YA)

YA books feature younger main characters and focus on growth, identity, and discovery. These are written with teen readers in mind.

Common themes: friendship, first love, self-discovery
Spice level: none to low

Children’s Books

Children’s books are created to inspire imagination, kindness, and a love of reading. They are always age-appropriate and gentle in tone, often teaching lessons.

Common themes: adventure, learning, imagination
Spice level: none

General Fiction

Fiction stories reflect real-life emotions, relationships, and experiences without fitting neatly into other genres.

Common themes: personal growth, relationships, everyday magic
Spice level: varies by book

Nonfiction

Nonfiction books are based on real people, events, or ideas, created to inform, teach, or inspire.

Common themes: learning, growth, truth
Spice level: none