tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post1703025276459720279..comments2024-03-28T02:25:35.338-04:00Comments on Small Review: Discussion: Are you a genre slob or stickler?Small Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-64958994150321008122011-11-06T19:42:27.297-05:002011-11-06T19:42:27.297-05:00Missie, I agree! The more the merrier :)
Danya, O...Missie, I agree! The more the merrier :)<br /><br />Danya, Oooh, see I show my lack of familiarity with the genre already. I didn't even consider the difference of technological emphasis. Historical sci-fi--fun! I think I might end up going cross-eyed with all these genre distinctions and decisions :PSmall Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-64913870174077933972011-11-06T17:46:06.732-05:002011-11-06T17:46:06.732-05:00Hmmm, good question. I think steampunk *is* evolvi...Hmmm, good question. I think steampunk *is* evolving into its own genre, but for me it would probably depend on how fantastical vs. sci-fi the elements were. If there's magic/paranormal/supernatural stuff then I might consider it historical fantasy, but if the emphasis is on the technology I might consider it more...historical sci-fi? LOL. Perhaps I should just let it be its own category! :Ddanyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07947267082874389487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-45609090583913109582011-11-04T11:41:09.970-04:002011-11-04T11:41:09.970-04:00I like to think of myself as an anything goes-er. ...I like to think of myself as an anything goes-er. I think you could have more fun that way. :)Missie, The Unread Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10548256640926555361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-48917302957230718222011-11-03T20:28:08.638-04:002011-11-03T20:28:08.638-04:00Stephanie, The authors' responses are really i...Stephanie, The authors' responses are really interesting. They're all over, which I think is great! <br /><br />Danya, Those are the books I feel most comfortable calling historical fantasy, though I don't mind including some of the others too. What about Steampunk then? Would that be a separate genre, or part of historical fantasy? <br /><br />Julie, It is hard! I've considered using genre labels for my reviews, but I've held off because I know I'd frustrate myself trying to fit everything into neat categories.Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-14074133441096912972011-11-03T19:15:26.580-04:002011-11-03T19:15:26.580-04:00I'm a anything goes kind of person! There'...I'm a anything goes kind of person! There's so many different kinds of books it's hard to put them into different categories! Sometimes a mystery is in literary fiction or a book featuring a kid or teen protagonist could easily fit into the adult section! But I love historical fantasy. It's one of my faves :)Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10426182171849519693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-61305152094709485282011-11-03T19:08:19.201-04:002011-11-03T19:08:19.201-04:00LOL, I think I'm kind of a stickler when it co...LOL, I think I'm kind of a stickler when it comes to actually classifying books into particular genres. I think of historical fantasy as "historical + fantasy"...something that combines the two genres. So for me, in order to be considered "historical fantasy" I think it would have to actually be *set* in the past as well as have fantasy elements. If a setting is merely inspired by history, I think I'd just group it under fantasy. Alternate histories with magic, though, I would call "historical fantasy" since they at least take place somewhere physically on Earth :D<br /><br />I would, of course, likely read it either way, regardless of category!danyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07947267082874389487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-5833636063629434322011-11-03T16:31:06.683-04:002011-11-03T16:31:06.683-04:00I would probably say I'm in the middle like yo...I would probably say I'm in the middle like you since I love when the historical setting is prominent and seems real without the fantasy overpowering. I'm looking forward to seeing the author's responses!Stephanie (Books Are A Girl's Best Friend)https://www.blogger.com/profile/18209205559175407310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-58284637944577509272011-11-03T10:38:10.649-04:002011-11-03T10:38:10.649-04:00Melissa, haha Me too! I love history + magic.
Ay...Melissa, haha Me too! I <i>love</i> history + magic. <br /><br />Aylee, That's how we tried to approach it--with sub-genres. Of a kinda "squint and we'll include it as honorary historical fantasy" for books like Witchlanders. <br /><br />A Canadian Girl, I tend to see The Girl of Fire and Thorns as more fantasy than historical fantasy, but I can also see the historical argument. I probably seem so wishy washy but I can see both sides :P We figured the more the merrier, plus we had a copy to giveaway :)<br /><br />Juju, Thanks!Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-35560327672491392202011-11-03T09:49:11.306-04:002011-11-03T09:49:11.306-04:00I'm an "anything that tickles my fancy&qu...I'm an "anything that tickles my fancy" sorta girl :) Great question!Tales of Whimsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10938494589922620170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-75214583854968865472011-11-02T23:25:50.196-04:002011-11-02T23:25:50.196-04:00Hmm, if I hadn't read this post and the way yo...Hmm, if I hadn't read this post and the way you described how you categorized historical fantasy, I would have said I'm in the middle. Based on your rules though, I'd probably be a stickler then. While I loved The Girl of Fire and Thorns, in my mind I don't see it as a historical fantasy but more of a fantasy novel.A Canadian Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07127164685941412250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-42130158162911949342011-11-02T23:12:53.161-04:002011-11-02T23:12:53.161-04:00Never really gave this topic much thought before. ...Never really gave this topic much thought before. I guess I always naturally assumed that anything that has historical elements, even if they don't take place in our world, and magical elements was classified as historical fiction. I would classify Witchlanders as historical fantasy, for example. So I'm definitely "Anything Goes". But with any genre, there are always sub-genres, of course, and I think that's where the stricter vs. non-strict sub-genres of historical fantasy could come in.Ayleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07639250102446794830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-84335455121589867182011-11-02T23:05:31.425-04:002011-11-02T23:05:31.425-04:00I wouldn't say I'm really a stickler. I li...I wouldn't say I'm really a stickler. I like a bit of a hodge-podge haha it keeps me guessing, plus, when history combines magic, I'm SO totally sold :DMelissa (i swim for oceans)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06840790603713851746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-47692904565478278502011-11-02T19:54:36.271-04:002011-11-02T19:54:36.271-04:00Alyssa, I LOVE high fantasy, so it was really hard...Alyssa, I LOVE high fantasy, so it was really hard to exclude some books that I love. I agree, it's fun to see all of the different opinions. <br /><br />Yiota, hehe yep, if it's good, then who cares about genres? :P <br /><br />Heather, Yes, I think we've included books from both ends and the middle so hopefully there will be something to satisfy everyone. <br /><br />Haha your wait will be over tomorrow!Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-71084966618555963522011-11-02T18:16:45.054-04:002011-11-02T18:16:45.054-04:00I like where you and Ruby drew the line! A zig zag...I like where you and Ruby drew the line! A zig zaggy line down the middle is great! Then you can have your favorites even if they don't quite fit and justify them. Now, please let's get on with it!!<br /><br />Heather<br />Can you tell I'm a little excited about the authors???BURIED IN BOOKShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18205451716054533728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-14206312250238133652011-11-02T15:35:21.059-04:002011-11-02T15:35:21.059-04:00I think i'm mostly in the "events that ex...I think i'm mostly in the "events that existed" side so that makes me a sticker. Though i was never good to recognize genres. I mean if i like it, i will juts read it:PYiotahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03657532766872325324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-7511185116306383442011-11-02T14:43:50.727-04:002011-11-02T14:43:50.727-04:00I toe the line in the middle. But I'll go high...I toe the line in the middle. But I'll go high fantasy every now and then. Its fun to see everyone's take!Alyssa Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05619379952262450970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-18645502963730001612011-11-02T11:51:29.989-04:002011-11-02T11:51:29.989-04:00Rummanah, I would definitely include the Gemma Doy...Rummanah, I would definitely include the Gemma Doyle trilogy. I haven't read Graceling yet. I think it was a high fantasy? Guess I really need to read it already! :P<br /><br />Madigan, Yes, that's the problem I have. I can see the exception for some very heavily inspired books, but then where do you draw the line? If the "generic medieval village" was ok, then wouldn't practically every high fantasy book be considered historical fantasy? And I don't really think that's right.Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-20983262479736378682011-11-02T11:43:26.038-04:002011-11-02T11:43:26.038-04:00I'm a stickler! If something is medieval(ish) ...I'm a stickler! If something is medieval(ish) that is just not the same as setting something in a specific time and place (plus dragons.)<br />If you think about it, almost everything is a little bit "inspired" by history or the real world somehow.Madigan Mirzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03298558705488237857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-39042573564622652602011-11-02T11:22:41.222-04:002011-11-02T11:22:41.222-04:00I'm in the middle with you and Ruby. I think t...I'm in the middle with you and Ruby. I think the Gemma Doyle series would easily fit into this genre, but I'm not completely convinced about something like Graceling which does have a historical feel to it but not really based in history though it does have a touch of magic. I guess it depends on the construction and feel of the book.Rummanah Aasihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12119402559076729383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-25960655985597882152011-11-02T11:01:21.350-04:002011-11-02T11:01:21.350-04:00Alison, Me too! I agree, adding magic to real hist...Alison, Me too! I agree, adding magic to real history makes it feel like the magic can almost be real too. Harry Potter is a great example of a perfect mix of real and fantasy. <br /><br />Amanda, Yes, I agree! Sometimes books have fictional worlds, but their cultures are so vibrant and central to the plot, and those cultures are based on real cultures. Toads and Diamonds is an example I often think of. <br /><br />Alex, haha, yeah it looks kinda like mine did too :P I agree, some books just have a genre "feel" to them, even if they don't hit on all of the check box features. (And I want magically-created indoor plumbing too!)<br /><br />Natalie, :D <br /><br />Evie, Yes, good world building is KEY, whether it's a fictional or real world. <br /><br />Rubita, haha oh yeah, that's true :P I hm, I think I would include Keturah and Lord Death. I think maybe because the world is more firmly rooted in the historical setting and there is nothing about that story (outside of Lord Death!) that couldn't have happened in our own history. Also, I don't think the story would have had the same effect if the setting had been changed. Even the idea of Lord Death is taken from real cultural beliefs. But then the same could be said for most fairy tale retellings! Ah, it gets so tricky!<br /><br />Asher, Well, we didn't include MOST, but you'll see we have at least two books that fall into the very loose Anything Goes-er approach. <br /><br />Couch Potato Critic, I know what you mean :) I do feel "safest" talking about books with real historical settings. We have a mix of all types in the event, but most of them fall into the real history category, I think. :) <br /><br />Truly Bookish, So happy you're looking forward to it! :D<br /><br />Jen, Yes! Steampunk is another great example. Is it historical fantasy, or it's on genre? Or a sub-genre of historical fantasy? I kinda just lump it into historical fantasy, but then again I'm not a hardcore steampunk fan. I love your last statement: "Sometimes you can just feel the past in the presence of the book" YES!Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-17694725109672264802011-11-02T10:44:01.208-04:002011-11-02T10:44:01.208-04:00I think I would say I'm in the middle. Sometim...I think I would say I'm in the middle. Sometimes it's difficult to decide if a book should fall in a category. But then, I wonder if it wouldn't just fit better somewhere else. Then again, sub-genres get so specific. Steampunk for instance. Generally it notes books that have steam powered things. To me though, there are a lot of books that have a Steampunk feel without the use of actual steam powered anything. To me, Historical Fantasy is the same. Sometimes, you can just feel the past in the presence of the book. :DJen (@ Jens Book Closet)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02339586413882184139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-56663484177198787782011-11-02T10:27:48.447-04:002011-11-02T10:27:48.447-04:00I'm not a stickler, more of middle of the road...I'm not a stickler, more of middle of the road leaning toward anything goes. Looking forward to this event and thank you guys for hosting the fun!<br />NC<br />Truly BookishTruly Bookishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07743732410468229012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-89556243314903443162011-11-02T10:09:50.028-04:002011-11-02T10:09:50.028-04:00I'm such a stickler. To me, "historical f...I'm such a stickler. To me, "historical fantasy" implies <i>actual</i> history; it's not enough to slide in some cultural elements.<br /><br />That said, I love both sides of the coin. I just wouldn't call <i>The Girl of Fire and Thorns</i> "historical fantasy." But that doesn't mean I wouldn't read it and love it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-43505048779699645852011-11-02T09:33:00.816-04:002011-11-02T09:33:00.816-04:00Aw, so sad that "medeval village" type s...Aw, so sad that "medeval village" type settings don't count, but I'm glad The Girl of Fire and Thorns, for example, counts. I've honestly never really thought hard about this question. This is the first time I've really had to think about it. I'm probably more of an Anything Goes-er.<br /><br />- Asher (from <i><a href="http://paranormalindulgence.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Paranormal Indulgence</a></i>)Marathonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12998824096375362353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-39816543719321212512011-11-02T09:00:14.402-04:002011-11-02T09:00:14.402-04:00I think I'm not as much a stickler as you, Sma...I think I'm not as much a stickler as you, Small. In fact, you were really the first person to make me think hard about this question. For example, I'd still classify Keturah and the Lord of Death as HF, but would you? It has a pretty "generic Medieval village" setting. I just don't know!Rubitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14929614007516530129noreply@blogger.com