Brilliant novels that gave birth to new subgenres

Fantasy literature often leans on familiar tropes, such as elves, dwarves, and orcs, despite the endless potential of imagination. These elements, while beloved, can sometimes feel worn and predictable, but every so often, a story comes along that reshapes those pieces into something bold and unexpected.

These rare works don’t just redefine the genre—they spark entirely new subgenres, inspiring generations of writers in their wake. It’s often only in hindsight that we recognize them as turning points, their influence woven deeply into the fabric of modern storytelling.

Click through the gallery to discover some of the books that changed literature forever.

'The Castle of Otranto' (1764)

Horace Walpole’s novel tells of Manfred, Lord of Otranto, who plans to marry his son, Conrad, to Princess Isabella. 

But Conrad’s untimely death and a prophecy about Otranto’s downfall drive Manfred to abandon his wife and pursue marriage with Princess Isabella himself. 

The book is widely regarded as the first Gothic horror novel. It set the stage for the genre with its eerie castles, family secrets, sinister villains, damsels in distress, and supernatural elements, crafting a tragic, haunting narrative.

Gothic roots in modern horror

As Gothic horror evolved, its influence spread into the broader horror genre, shaping masterpieces like Bram Stoker’s 'Dracula' and the bizarre tales of Edgar Allan Poe. 

'Frankenstein' (1818)

'Frankenstein' mirrors Gothic elements found in 'The Castle of Otranto': deadly secrets, a damsel in distress, and supernatural forces, while Shelley's shift to secluded laboratories blends the Gothic with Romantic philosophy.

Today, Frankenstein is often hailed as the first science fiction novel. Unlike supernatural horrors rooted in gods or magic, Shelley’s creation emerged from the realm of science, or rather, the scientific knowledge of her time.

The dawn of modern fantasy

While 'The Lord of the Rings' is often seen as the pinnacle of fantasy, many trace the genre’s origins back to George MacDonald’s 'Phantastes' (1858). 

This dreamlike tale of a young man’s quest for ideal beauty introduced themes and storytelling techniques that shaped modern fantasy.

High fantasy’s defining epic

Pinpointing the true pioneer of fantasy is nearly impossible, given its deep roots in myth and folklore. Instead, focusing on subgenres provides clarity, and here, 'The Lord of the Rings' stands as a cornerstone of high fantasy, shaping its conventions and inspiring generations.

Tolkien’s blueprint

High fantasy thrives on magical elements and fantastical beings, and Tolkien’s 'The Lord of the Rings' exemplifies this tradition. His lasting influence has cemented elves, orcs, and other mythical staples as defining features of the genre.

Blurring reality and fiction

'A Universal History of Infamy' recounts the lives of criminals like John Murrell, Billy the Kid, and Kira Yoshinaka, but not as historical accounts. Instead, they are metafictions, weaving fact and fiction into a mesmerizing blend.

The origins of magical realism

Initially coined to define a German expressionist painting style in the 1920s, “magical realism” later described a movement in mid-20th-century Latin-American literature. Literary critic Angel Flores embraced the term and credited Borges as the trailblazer of this genre.

Magical realism’s global reach

The influence of Spanish-American magical realist authors has shaped the works of globally acclaimed authors like Neil Gaiman, Salman Rushdie, and Haruki Murakami.

Dystopia meets punk aesthetic

Cyberpunk amplifies Mary Shelley’s cautionary tale of unchecked progress, infusing it with a rebellious, punk rock spirit. The genre envisions dystopian futures fraught with societal decay, rampant drug use, and sprawling urban landscapes.

Cyberpunk’s first spark

While 'Neuromancer' is often credited as the defining cyberpunk novel, Gibson’s 'Johnny Mnemonic' (1981) arguably laid the groundwork. This short story introduced many of the genre’s trademarks, though it feels more like an experiment.

Genre pioneers and their influences

Genre pioneers rarely exist in isolation. By our definitions, Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' for example, predates 'The Castle of Otranto,' weaving eerie supernatural elements, tragic fate, and psychological torment centuries before the genre was formally recognized.