Contemporary Fantasy Analysis: How Sarah J. Maas Introduces A New Literary Subgenre in Fantasy Literature

Abstract

In this thesis, I will briefly analyze the general features of the novels written by Sarah J. Maas and study the newest literary subgenres and their influence on contemporary literature. I will argue that the contemporary ‘romantasy’ writer, Sarah J. Maas’s bestselling high fantasy book series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015-), contrary to the criticism it has drawn, contains a strong, independent heroine, and as such, the books can be considered feminist. Also, I will take a closer look at the relationship between the characters, how their agency and their experienced trauma influence their lives and how they manage to get through it during the novels.