So, what is High Fantasy?  High fantasy, often referred to as epic fantasy, is a subgenre of fantasy literature that distinguishes itself from other forms of fantasy through certain key characteristics and differences. Novels or series like The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, and The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan (and completed by Brandon Sanderson) are prominent and epic High Fantasy novels.

The main difference from Fantasy making High Fantasy a sub-genre is the novel’s completely fictional and immersive secondary world, often with its unique geography, history, cultures, and magic systems, the story is grand and has epic scope often involving world-altering events, quests to save the world, or battles between forces of good and evil, and the novels often features complex and well-defined magic systems that play a central role in the story.  The characters are a diverse cast, including heroes, wizards, elves, dwarves, or other fantastical races.  Most of these authors write with a serious tone, with high stakes and moral dilemmas.  The books are longer and more complex, with intricate plots and subplots, often moving to series.  The narratives are often inspired by mythology, folklore, and legends, which are woven into the story.  The author often uses a formal and descriptive writing style, with a focus on creating a sense of awe and wonder in the reader.