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Involves imaginary settings, beings, and universes. This genre includes information and elements that don’t exist in the real world and encourages the suspension of reality.

Takes place in the past and centers a plot around accurate details of the time in which it takes place. Historical fiction relies on real-life history to propel a novel or story's key details and plot. Authors commonly use historical fiction to retell a historical event while changing minor details, like characters’ names or the event's settings. Often involves traditions and customs of previous periods, and it can include actual historical figures and settings.

Intended to shock and frighten readers. You may see themes within the horror genre that scare readers, like stories about vampires, ghosts and monsters. Horror stories often involve characters, settings and plots that build suspense and cause tension for the reader.

Sometimes called detective fiction, this genre involves giving readers a plot that solves a case from beginning to end. Readers can be given clues throughout the novel to slowly reveal the solution to the case. Mystery writing typically starts with a thrilling opening, like a criminal committing a crime, which draws readers in and makes them want a satisfying conclusion.

Involves stories that are inspired by scientific concepts, like physics, astronomy, anthropology, chemistry, or astrophysics. The settings are typically nontraditional, like planets and alternate dimensions. Common themes found throughout science fiction involve space exploration, futuristic species, and time travel.

This genre usually begins when two main characters first meet each other and then follow each character as they experience varying emotions. Conflict is included that challenges the main characters, which is then used to help the relationship of the characters grow stronger. Romance is a common element highlighted throughout many fiction novels, though authors can also write romance novels that focus entirely on a romantic relationship.

Involves using suspense to create emotional tension within the reader. Authors ‌often give fewer details about the setting and characters when writing a thriller, so that the book seems more mysterious and eerie.

Depicts the real world while adding magical and supernatural elements. In magical realism novels, characters don't view magic elements as odd. Instead, they're considered common within the setting of the novel.

Highlights people overcoming adversity or reaching new levels of understanding. Whether they pull themselves up by their own bootstraps or have help from a higher power, these stories will uplift and entertain.