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From Camp Half-Blood to Narnia, literary worlds filled with mythical creatures and magic are something many consider to be best left behind in childhood. Young adult authors spin together magical worlds that many use as a form of escapism; whimsical fantasy can be as much a warm blanket of comfort for children as an exciting adventure. In the realm of adult fantasy, however, magic tends to take a darker turn. A simple change in audience age often comes with a breadth of new themes, many of which are more serious in tone compared to the adventure and humor-filled stories of YA novels.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Political intrigue is frequently explored in fantasy, but YA and adult subgenres handle it in different ways. While YA novels can discuss serious issues, some believe<\/a> their reach is limited or even problematic because they often prioritize plot and characters over themes to increase entertainment value for younger readers. However, my experience with them proves otherwise: They shaped my formative years and their stories helped me understand myself. They inserted me into a story, often on the back of a dragon or running from an evil sorcerer. At the time, I \u2014 like many YA readers \u2014 didn\u2019t think about these stories in the context of the real world, but in my adulthood, I see clearly how they subtly influenced my current beliefs.<\/p>\n Now, as news headlines increasingly<\/a> resemble<\/a> those I\u2019d previously only imagined to find in fantasy contexts, I\u2019m struck by the parallels between our society and those of fiction. Looking back at my childhood, I don\u2019t remember the world seeming to resemble fantasy. I\u2019ve since realized that perhaps it isn\u2019t the world that has changed, but me \u2014 and more importantly, my approach to these books.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Adult fantasy takes on a different audience, but its core pillars remain the same as its more juvenile counterpart. In spite of their structural and literary differences, the collective progress they urge is one and the same. For example, adult novels often use their characters as representations or products of specific societal problems within the fantasy world, foregoing censorship for the sake of an audience. Young adult novels may discuss war and the grief it brings to the main characters, but understandably avoid explicit scenes of the sexual assault, racism and biological warfare that accompany it, especially when they might be beyond the scope of their audience. The younger version of me focused on relatability, making consideration of broader systemic issues out of reach. In adult fantasy, however, the characters lean more toward serving the author\u2019s purpose than the wish fulfillment and escapism of young readers. They are still integral to the story, but less personal.<\/p>\n