The short story 'The Masque of the Red Death' by Edgar Allan Poe can be considered a free adult fantasy story. It has a very gothic and fantastical atmosphere. Also, some of the older fairy tales, when read in their original versions, can be quite adult - oriented in terms of themes and are freely available in some digital libraries.
George MacDonald's 'Phantastes' is a well - known free adult fantasy story. It has a richly imaginative world filled with strange creatures and adventures. It was one of the earlier works that influenced the modern fantasy genre and is still enjoyed by many adult readers today.
One popular one is 'The King in Yellow' by Robert W. Chambers. It has elements of horror and fantasy that many adult readers find engaging. Another is some of the works by H. P. Lovecraft, which often blend the strange and the otherworldly in a fantasy - like setting.
Some great adult fantasy stories include 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. It weaves together modern and ancient mythologies in a very unique way. 'Good Omens' co - written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is a humorous take on the apocalypse in a fantasy world. And then there's 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King. It combines elements of western, horror, and fantasy, following the gunslinger Roland on his quest.
Some well - known fantasy adult stories include 'The Lord of the Rings'. While it may not have as overtly 'adult' content in the sense of being inappropriate, it has deep themes of war, sacrifice, and power that are more suitable for adult understanding. Then there is 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. It deals with gods and mythologies in a modern - day setting, exploring adult - themed concepts like mortality, faith, and the changing nature of belief in a very imaginative way. 'The Sandman' also by Gaiman is a great example, with its complex characters and exploration of dreams, nightmares, and the human psyche which is more accessible to adult readers.
Some popular free adult comic stories include 'The Sandman' which has complex and engaging storylines. However, it's important to note that when it comes to adult - themed comics, they should be accessed in accordance with the law and ethical standards.
Some modern short stories about self - discovery and relationships can work well as bedtime stories for adults. For instance, stories that deal with the challenges of love, career, and personal growth. You can find free ones on platforms that support emerging writers, where they share their works to gain readership.
A great adult fantasy short story is 'The Sandman' by E.T.A. Hoffmann. It features a rather strange and magical character of the Sandman. Angela Carter's 'The Bloody Chamber' also falls into this category, with its reimagining of classic fairy tales in a more adult and often darker context. Additionally, Ray Bradbury's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' is a wonderful short story that combines elements of fantasy, horror, and the passage of time, set in a small town with a big mystery.
There are many young adult fantasy stories out there. 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' is a popular series. It has a mix of romance, magic, and adventure. 'Throne of Glass' is also a well - known young adult fantasy. It tells the story of an assassin in a fantasy world filled with political intrigue and magic. And don't forget 'The Giver', which presents a thought - provoking dystopian fantasy world.
One popular adult fantasy short story is 'The Last Unicorn' by Peter S. Beagle. It tells the story of a unicorn on a quest to find out what happened to the rest of her kind. Another is 'Gormenghast' by Mervyn Peake, which has a richly detailed and rather dark, fantastical setting. And 'The Paper Menagerie' by Ken Liu is also well - known, it beautifully combines elements of family, memory and magic in a short form.
One popular adult medical fantasy story could be about a magical healer in a fictional world who uses unique spells and potions to cure the incurable. Another might involve a doctor with the ability to enter patients' dreams to diagnose and treat their psychological ailments. There could also be a story where a medical team in a fantasy realm uses enchanted tools to perform surgeries.
One important element is the hero's journey. In adult fantasy, the protagonist usually has to go through a series of challenges and self - discovery. They might start as an ordinary person and then become a great hero or a powerful mage. The use of ancient prophecies is also widespread. These prophecies drive the plot forward as characters either try to fulfill them or prevent their fulfillment.
One popular adult fantasy romance story is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series by Sarah J. Maas. It combines elements of faerie lore, a strong female lead, and a passionate love story. Another is 'The Black Jewels' series by Anne Bishop. It has a complex world - building with a romantic sub - plot that involves powerful characters. And 'Graceling' by Kristin Cashore also has a touch of fantasy and a budding romance between the main characters.