By LAURA DANIEL
Tiger Media Network
Readers seeking adventure, imagination and thought-provoking discussion are finding a home in the Fantasy Book Club, led by Hays Public Library Public Services Librarian Jessica Shields. The club brings together fans of the genre to explore stories that blend magical worlds with powerful emotional themes.
The Fantasy Book Club meets from 6-7:00 p.m. on Mondays in the conference room at Hays Public Library. The next meeting is scheduled for March 23.
According to Shields, the most memorable fantasy books succeed by balancing imagination with emotional depth.
“Books that endure time in the fantasy genre typically do so because they balance fantastical elements with strong emotions, as well as spark a sense of wonder within readers that makes them turn the page,” she said.
Fantasy’s enduring appeal, she noted, comes from its dual ability to entertain and reflect real-life struggles.
“Fantasy gives us two powerful things at once: a break from everyday pressures and a safe way to examine real-world struggles like power, injustice and belonging,” Shields said.
For many adult readers, the genre rekindles imagination while still addressing complex moral and social questions.
Central to the genre is the careful development of immersive worlds and compelling characters. Strong world-building provides the geography, culture, magic systems and history that make stories feel believable.
“When these elements are strong, readers don’t just observe the world; they inhabit it,” Shields said.
Fantasy literature often explores recurring themes that resonate across audiences. Shields highlighted topics such as the corrupting nature of power, identity and self-discovery, found family and belonging, sacrifice and moral choice, resistance against oppression and the tension between tradition and change.
Discussing these stories in a group setting deepens readers’ experience. Shields explained that fantasy thrives in conversation because its imagined worlds often mirror real-life issues, allowing participants to interpret them through their own perspectives and experiences. Books that challenge assumptions or reinvent familiar tropes tend to spark the liveliest discussions within the club.
Beyond reading, fantasy can inspire creativity in many forms. Shields said the genre encourages readers to journal, draw maps, write fan fiction or even explore tabletop role-playing games.
“It reminds us that imagination is not childish, it’s powerful,” she said.
For newcomers, Shields offers simple advice: start with what interests you. With numerous subgenres—including dystopian, romantasy and urban fantasy—there is no single entry point.
She reassures first-time participants that confusion is natural at first and that understanding grows with continued reading. Most importantly, she emphasized that every reader’s interpretation is valid, shaped by their own background and perspective.
The group welcomes anyone eager to explore new worlds, share ideas and rediscover the power of imagination through storytelling.