Hogwarts to haunted forts: Why Gen Z is embracing paranormal, thriller and fantasy fiction

Gen Z is discovering a newfound fascination with paranormal, thriller and fantasy fiction, as they embrace these genres like never before. For many, their journey into these worlds began with beloved series such as Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, yet their reading habits are now being shaped by a range of factors.

Psychological thrillers have captured the attention of 21-year-old Garvit Arora, who found himself utterly engrossed in Sidney Sheldon's "Tell Me Your Dreams." The author described the book's escalating suspense and countless twists as the key to his captivation. Similarly, Spoorthi S, 20, noted the evolution of paranormal young adult fiction, which now focuses more on psychological fear, trauma, grief and suspense rather than classic supernatural scares.

Thrillers and fantasy have seen a significant surge in demand at bookstores like Express Book Service, owned by Rohit Jerajani for three generations. While international thriller and fantasy authors continue to dominate sales, there is still room for Indian writers in these genres to establish their presence. Arti Chavan, whose novel "Shadow of the Serpent Fort" combines historical fiction with supernatural intrigue, attributes the growing popularity of paranormal and fantasy literature to Gen Z's upbringing in an era of global entertainment and the rich tradition of ghost stories, folklore, and supernatural fiction in India.