Lawyers dueling in court rooms! Jury tampering! Okay, so not that kind of court. More like a royal court— think castles, thrones, and royal successions. Is Scar’s solo from The Lion King coming to mind? Absolutely! These stories have lots of layers and conflict, though not necessarily physical conflict, more behind the scenes conniving and pulling strings. These are complicated stories full of intrigue. Moreover, the characters are clever—usually on both sides of the aisle.
Variable. The level of magic in Court Intrigue Fantasy varies by world and is not a defining feature of the sub-genre. In some stories magic is barely present and not a factor in the storyline; in other stories magic is key to plot development and the possession of power.
High. These stories do not usually have grand ideas, but there are plenty of social implications involved in the goings-on of a palace court. The idea of power and ideas of black and white are themes commonly explored in Court Intrigue.
High. These stories do not usually have grand ideas, but there are plenty of social implications involved in the goings-on of a palace court. The idea of power and ideas of black and white are themes commonly explored in Court Intrigue.
Moderate-High. Character development can sometimes be overshadowed by world building and plot development. However, characters are significant players in Court Intrigue stories and therefore tend to pop off the page. A common characteristic in this sub-genre is the morally gray areas of people’s lives, which gives readers more realistic characters.
High. Unraveling a plot full of twists and turns is the hallmark of the Court Intrigue sub-genre.
Moderate. Conflict is a significant part of all Court Intrigue stories, but it is not always violent. There are, however, often wars or the threat of war looming on the edges of the story. Sometimes, even, conflicts are resolved through violence, but in secret.
By George R.R. Martin. This series is a prime example of the Court Intrigue sub-genre—all that conniving and desire for the throne.
By Dawn Cook. A young girl is brought from the streets and raised as a princess, only later to find that she is merely a decoy for the real one. This is a young adult book featuring a spunky heroine.
By Jennifer A. Nielsen. A young adult series that takes place in a discontent kingdom. Layers of treachery, deceit, cunning plans, and action make for a fast-paced read.
By Sherwood Smith. A story about a young countess who faces the political intrigue of the royal palace.
By Megan Whalen Turner. The third book in The Queen's Thief series, this novel is the story of a palace, from the perspective of a soldier. It is full of palace politics, conspiracies, and romance.
By Marion Zimmer Bradley. A story of King Arthur's court, through the eyes of Arthur's half-sister Morgaine Le Fay.
By R.L. LaFevers. A young woman escapes an arranged marriage only to become the handmaiden of Death. She finds herself in the high court of Brittany where romance, intrigue, and treason are mere games.
By Frank Herbert. A Fantasy and a Science Fiction series, Dune is set in a future where a sprawling interstellar feudal empire exists. This series is a great example of world building with complicated politics and relationships between people, families, governments, and religions.
By Guy Gavriel Kay. An Historical Fantasy that focuses on the clash between two cultures and features intrigue, romance, mystery, revenge and redemption.
By Elizabeth Loupas. The Second Duchess. Enter a complex world of conspiracy, murder, and marriage amongst artists and royalty.