A Quick Guide to Genres and Readers’ Advisory for Adult Services by Grace Croken
What defines a genre? What is it about a specific genre that draws people in? Understanding the distinctions between fiction genres is key for successful Readers’ Advisory interaction, helping to better connect readers with books that match their interests and preferences. This guide goes over some of the most popular genres in adult fiction, and notable authors that make up the genre canon.
Realistic Fiction
Contemporary fiction portrays realistic characters experiencing real-life situations and problems. These stories take place in a real world setting and engage with current and relatable expereinces. Stories that fit this genre are anchored in universal themes and genuine human experiences. The range of the plotlines means that contemporary fiction may appeal to many different audiences. Hallmarks of the genre typically included plausible conflicts, emotional depth, and societal relevance, grounded in character interiority and voice.
Readers are often drawn to contemporary fiction for its reflective nature. They may find it cathartic to read about characters, situations, and settings that are familiar or applicable to their own lives. People may also be drawn to the genre for the opposite reason as well, to experience a life entirely unlike their own.
Contemporary fiction authors to know include Kaveh Akbar (Martyr!), Richard Powers (The Overstory), and Jodi Picoult (My Sister’s Keeper).
Classics
Classic literature refers to work typically written before the mid-20th century of enduring significance and recognized for its cross-generational literary merit. These texts often grapple with universal themes of morality, identity, love and humanity, and are distinguished by their lasting impact on the literary canon.
Readers are drawn to classics for their cultural significance, finding satisfaction in reading works that have shaped literature so heavily. Many readers also enjoy engaging with the rich language and literary descriptions found in many classic works.
Classic authors to know include Toni Morrison (The Bluest Eye), Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice) and F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby)
Historical Fiction
Historical fiction is set in a specific time and place, reflecting the social and cultural conditions of the era they explore. Stories typically combine researched information with fictionalized and creative elements. The genre is characterized by historically-accurate details specific to the period the story is set in, and plotlines that are grounded in real-life events of the past. Historical fiction often explores universal and enduring themes.
The appeal of historical fiction lies within its immersive elements, pulling readers into a particular moment in history. Many readers also enjoy engaging with the educational components of historical fiction, learning about the past through researched reimaginings.
Historical fiction authors to know include Kristen Hannah (The Nightingale), Colson Whitehead (The Underground Railroad), and Taylor Jenkins Reid (Atmosphere).
Romance
The romance genre is defined by a developing and central love story between its main characters, and a satisfying and hopeful ending. These stories also typically follow recognizable structures and trope conventions with character traits and dynamics, familiar settings, and plot conflicts. Romantic and sexual tension, often referred to as “spice,” is also a key element of the romance genre. “Spice level,” referring to the intensity of sexual content, can range from emotional intimacy to explicit moments.
Readers are drawn to romance for its emotionally resonating plotlines that offer readers a safe way to explore new and different relationship dynamics. The familiar and formulaic plotlines of the romance genre is also appealing to many readers who enjoy a positive and predictable flow, often concluding with a guaranteed happy ending.
Romance authors to know include Kennedy Ryan (Before I Let Go), Emily Henry (People we Meet on Vacation), and Ali Hazelwood (The Love Hypothesis)
Romantasy
Romantasy is a hybrid genre combining the worldbuilding and magical elements of the fantasy genre with the central romantic relationships and focus of the romance genre. These stories feature fantastical settings and places, mystical creatures, and magic systems but prioritize a plot development of romantic relationship between characters. Common hallmarks of the genre include enemies-to-loves tropes, chosen one narratives, and supernatural protagonists. Typically there is a guarantee of both magical and romantic satisfaction. Adult romantasy may include explicit conent.
The genre blending nature of the romantasy genre appeals to many readers. It combines complex worldbuilding with the emotional satisfaction of a central love story. This balance between the fantasy elements and interpersonal dynamics creates an immersive reading experience.
Romantasy authors include Holly Black (The Cruel Prince), Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing), and Sarah J. Mass (A Court of Thorns and Roses).
Fantasy
Fantasy is defined by the presence of magical and supernatural elements, whether invented by the author or borrowed from established folklore. Stories may take place in the real and rational world (“low fantasy,”) or in an entirely imaged world with its own logic and law (“high” or “epic” fantasy). Fantasy often incorporates archetypical characters and tropes, while exploring real-world, universal themes. Common features of the genre include mythical creatures, struggles between good and evil, and settings that echo the real-world past.
For many readers, fantasy stories offer an escape from reality, exploring new worlds marked with magic and wonder. Readers may find comfort in the familiar conflicts and plot beats that span the fantasy genre, even as the stories explore the limitless possibilities of an entirely imagined narrative.
Fantasy authors to know include N.K. Jemisin (The Fifth Season), Brandon Sanderson (Mistborne: The Final Empire), and George R.R. Martin (A Game of Thrones).
Science Fiction
Science fiction explores scientific and technological progress and its relationship with society. Stories in this genre are frequently set in imagined futures, and may take place in distant worlds, outer space, or alternate timelines. Science fiction often examines the potential risks and moral dilemmas of imagined advancements and the impact of innovation. Characteristics of the genre include exploration, discovery, and ‘what if’ elements. Science fiction may also include
Science fiction may inspire awe in its readers, appealing to their curiosity and speculations about the near and distant future. Readers enjoy exploring the imagined intersections between technology and humanity, and exploring the worldbuilding of the genre.
Science fiction authors to know include Andy Weir (Project Hail Mary), Ursula K. Le Guin (The Left Hand of Darkness), and Blake Crouch (Dark Matter)
Horror
The horror genre intends to scare and disturb, often through encounters with death, violence, gore, the supernatural and the unknown. Stories in this genre often grapple with questions of morality and evil, while exploring humanity's darkest fears and societal taboos. Horror is usually driven by psychological and emotional intensity. Characteristics of the genre often include isolated settings, themes of decay and rot, and conflicts that lead to death, metal breakdown, or transformation.
Readers may be drawn to horror for the suspense and adrenaline rush, as well as a way to experience fear in a controlled manner. It provides a safe way to explore and engage with the darker aspects of humanity.
Horror authors to know include Stephen King (The Shining), Agustina Bazterrica (Tender is the Flesh) and Grady Hendrix (How to Sell a Haunted House).
Mystery
Mysteries center on the investigation of a strange or mysterious event that needs to be solved. The plot typically follows a gradual discovery, using evidence to piece together clues until the mystery is solved. These stories usually feature an amateur or professional detective as its main character. The fairplay principle, where the reader and the main character have access to the same information, is also a hallmark of the genre. Other characteristics include the use of logical fallacies like the red herring to build tension and misdirection in the narrative.
The appeal of the mystery genre lies in its engagement and interactive nature, inviting readers to solve the mystery along with the protagonist. Readers may also enjoy mysteries for their formulaic structure and satisfying resolution.
Mystery authors to know include Attica Locke (The Cutting Season), Harlan Coben (The Stranger), and Tana French (The Searcher).
Thrillers
Thrillers are defined by their tension, pacing, high-stakes and suspense. Unlike mysteries, which center often on a crime or other mystery that needs solving after the fact, thrillers are set during the danger, where the protagonists must survive against an immediate threat. The genre includes several subgenres including psychological, medical, spy, crime, and more. Hallmarks of the genre include morally complex characters, cliffhangers, compressed timelines, parallel plotlines, and other narrative elements that place the plot under pressure.
Readers are drawn to thrillers for their suspense and tension, which invites readers to stay one step ahead of the plot and can make it an engaging reading experience.
Authors to know include Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl), Colleen Hoover (Verity), and Michael Connelly (The Lincoln Lawyer)
References:
Hubert Swan, J. (2026). Notes on Literary Genres [Course notes]. Pratt Institute, INFO 677
“Yes, You Can Do RA!” presented by Maribeth Fischer (she/her), Scotch Plains Public Library, and Rachel Talbert (she/her), Jersey City Free Public Library. NJLASL/NJASL Conference, 2026.