Exploring the Depths of Dark Fantasy Within the Annihilation Enigma

Date
2016
Authors
Kinghan, James
Supervisor
George, James
Mountfort, Paul
Item type
Thesis
Degree name
Master of Creative Writing
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

This exegesis will outline genre and development within the draft of the novel; The Annihilation Enigma. This novel has developed and evolved over ten months, influenced by novels, comic books, television shows and roleplaying games, in addition to taking feedback and guidance from a mentor. The novel sits with the dark fantasy and sword and sorcery subgenres of fantasy, illustrating the journey of multiple protagonists all trying to survive. All of these protagonists struggle through the metaphorical hell that is presented to them, mostly through combat and self-discovery.
The exegesis discusses the purpose of features within the genre in relation to the novel and the characters involved. These elements of genre include the high amount of combat and violence, and the extensive existence of magic. The novel was written similarly to the way a dungeons and dragons campaign is formed, as an organic and reactionary story with more of an outline and less of a plan. The aim of the novel is to provide a cathartic journey back from a metaphorical underworld, and subsequently and hopefully provide a similar catharsis to those who need a fight to win.

Description
Keywords
Fantasy , Novel , Dark fantasy , Action , Adventure , Tandem narrative
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