One aspect that makes Elizabeth Buchan's fantastic fiction unique is her exploration of human emotions within the framework of the fantastic. She doesn't just use the fantastic elements as a gimmick. Instead, she delves deep into how her characters feel when faced with these extraordinary situations. Her stories often have a sense of mystery, and she slowly reveals the secrets and the 'fantastic' parts as the story progresses. This gradual unveiling keeps the reader engaged. Moreover, she has a way of making the setting, whether it's a small town or a big city, come alive in a way that complements the fantastic elements. The setting becomes an important part of the story, and it's as if the place itself has a character and is involved in the fantastic events that occur.
Her fantastic fiction stands out due to her detailed characterizations. In her works, the characters are complex and relatable. When combined with the elements of the fantastic, like unexpected plot twists or elements of the supernatural, it creates a unique reading experience. For example, in her stories, a character might be dealing with a normal relationship issue, but then there's a sudden appearance of an otherworldly element that changes the whole dynamic. This combination of the real and the fantastic makes her work special. Also, her use of language is very vivid, painting pictures in the reader's mind that enhance the overall feeling of the fantastic in her stories.