Books in the realistic fiction genre are made up of stories that could really happen to real people and animals. The realistic genre plots involve things that could have taken place in real life, with the character reacting in the same manner as real people might react There is less dramatization and stretching of the truth; the fantastical elements common in other works of fiction are somewhat suspended.
Fantasy fiction is a genre of writing in which the plot could not happen in real life (as we know it, at least). Often, the plot involves magic or witchcraft and takes place on another planet or in another — undiscovered — dimension of this world. Many times, the plot involves mythical creatures or talking animals (that might wear clothes and live in houses), and witches or sorcerers. Often, writers of fantasy fiction devote a series of books to the same world or characters.
Romance fiction has two strict criteria: The first is that the story must focus on the relationship and romantic love between two people. Secondly, the end of the story must be positive, leaving the reader believing that the protagonists' love and relationship will endure for the rest of their lives. A romance is a work in which the plot centers around a love relationship and draws its power from the feeling that falling in love is one of the defining moments of our lives.
Mystery fiction is a genre of literature whose stories focus on a puzzling crime, situation, or circumstance that needs to be solved. The term comes from the Latin mysterium, meaning “a secret thing.” Stories can focus on both supernatural and non-supernatural topics. Many mystery stories involve what is called a “whodunit” scenario, meaning the mystery revolves around the uncovering of a culprit or criminal.
The general purpose of historical fiction is to bring "history to life" by fictionalizing the past and reflecting on a specific time period. Historical fiction is a genre most often determined by the setting and the inclusion of authentic historical events and characters in a fictional story. A well-researched novel can reveal much of history and sometimes in a far more agreeable form than the average history textbook. As a genre, it can not only provide us with a lens upon our collective past but also upon a "here and now" that defines our unique lives.
The science fiction genre deals principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals, or having a scientific factor as an essential orienting component. This is a form of writing that is concerned with a world removed in some fundamental way from our own, whether in time, attitude, or knowledge. Science fiction genre novels are literature about the future, telling stories of the marvels we hope to see (or not see), or for our descendants to see tomorrow, in the next century, or in the limitless duration of time.
Supernatural fiction is a subset of fiction in which paranormal ideas are central to the plot. This can include ghosts, extraordinary human abilities, or fantasy creatures. A broad term, supernatural fiction can include horror fiction, fantasy, and even science fiction. Most often, however, the term supernatural refers to elements that cannot be explained by rational or scientific means. The field of supernatural fiction has been popular in literature since the 1800s, crossing over into film and other media in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Webster's Collegiate Dictionary gives the primary definition of horror as "a painful and intense fear, dread, or dismay." Horror fiction is, broadly, fiction intended to scare, unsettle or horrify the reader. Although a good deal of it is about the supernatural, any fiction with a morbid, gruesome, surreal, suspenseful or frightening theme may be termed "horror"; conversely, many stories of the supernatural are not horror. Horror fiction often overlaps with science fiction and fantasy, all of which form the umbrella category.