The Romantasy genre has completely captivated readers in recent years. A blend of romance and fantasy (hence ‘romantasy’ or romantic fantasy), it now dominates bestseller lists and floods BookTok and Bookstagram feeds. There’s something irresistible about fantasy romance books that combine expansive magical worlds with emotionally driven, high-stakes relationships.
But readers aren’t just enjoying romantasy books. They’re absolutely devouring them.
Whether you think of it as romance with magic or fantasy with a love story at its core, the best romantasy books offer both escapism and emotional payoff in equal measure.
In short, romantasy is where magic and love collide, but neither takes a back seat.
What Is Romantasy?
The slightly longer explanation is that romantasy is a subgenre of fantasy, in which romance is central to the plot, not a side element or B story. In romantic fantasy, the relationship drives the action just as much as (if not often more than) the world-building, conflict, or quest.
If you removed the romance, the story would collapse.
That’s the whole point. In traditional fantasy, romance may be entirely absent. When it does exist, it’s often secondary. In romantasy, the romance is so integral to the plot and character development that nothing else would work without it.
Take A Court of Thorns and Roses. Remove the romance, and Feyre never crosses the wall, never ends up Under the Mountain, never makes any of the choices that shape an entire series. The plot doesn’t weaken without the romance, it disappears.
That’s romantasy.
The Essence of Romantasy
At its core, romantasy is the fusion of two beloved genres. Readers get the immersive worlds, magic systems, and high-stakes conflict typical of fantasy, alongside emotionally rich relationships that evolve under pressure.
The appeal lies in the balance, and often the push-pull of two very dynamic components tangling together and complicating each other. The adventure gives the romance scale, the romance gives the adventure weight.
The end result is a far more immersive, addictive, emotional read than your average fantasy novel.
Which, let’s be honest, won’t appeal to all fantasy fans, but it doesn’t have to!
Where Fantasy Ends And Romantasy Begins
The line between fantasy romance and romantasy can be blurry. Take Ninth House, for example (currently one of my fantasy novels, and by far my favourite dark academia novel). The romance is there, and it’s beautifully done. But it isn’t the point. In fact, it’s so understated you’d be forgiven for thinking there’s no romance in there at all. The plot is driven by fantasy and horror elements, with the relationship (which is literally the slowest slowburn imaginable) running alongside it.
If Ninth House was a romantasy, that dynamic would be completely flipped. And it almost is, because everything Alex does in the series is driven by Darlington. But it’s not driven by her romantic feelings for Darlington, and there’s the different.
In romantasy, the romance isn’t a thread. It’s the spine.
Everything else is incidental. Romance is the reason they’re there.
And sometimes, the romance is all you want. Which explains why spicy smut is such a booming business. I recently discovered Smutes, and will never again want for quick and spicy reads that perfectly hit that “I just need romance!” mood.
But smut is (generally!) romance without substance. Romantasy is a different kind of sweet spot. It still scratches the itch (often far more satisfyingly), but because the magic and the romance are symbiotic, the whole thing feels richer.
The relationship develops because of plot elements and situations, magic or dragons, whatever stakes the world creates. But the characters only interact with those plot elements because of their romantic attraction and entanglement.
That balance is what defines the genre at its best. Whether it’s a sprawling series or a standalone novel, the most compelling romantasy stories ensure heart and magic are fully realised and inseparable.
Quick Round Up: The 15 Best Romantasy Books (My Top Picks)
For those of you with a short attention span:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
- Neon Gods by Katee Robert
- Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
- The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
- Radiance by Grace Draven
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
- Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
- Powerless by Lauren Roberts
- Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
- A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St Clair
And for those who like all the deets, I’ve done a deeper dive into each below, followed by my top picks for the best romantasy series going, and some sub-genre specific picks for things like YA, adult, and dark romantasy.
There’s something here for everyone, so get comfy, maybe grab a snack, and settle in. The swoony magic is about to begin.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A cornerstone in Romantasy literature, Sarah J Maas’ ACOTAR series begins with the tale of Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress whose fateful encounter with a faerie lord sweeps her into a dangerous and alluring realm. This book is a prime example of the best Romantasy books, offering a perfect blend of thrilling stakes and a complex love story. As Feyre navigates through this enchanting yet perilous world, she encounters challenges that reshape her understanding of love, duty, and her very identity.
The narrative artfully combines elements of high fantasy with a deep exploration of relationships, making it a compelling read for fans of both genres. With its richly detailed setting and multi-dimensional characters, the book invites readers into a world where romantic entanglements and magical politics are intricately interwoven, setting the stage for a series that continues to captivate and enchant its audience.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Easily the best book I read in 2023 and still a front runner for one of the biggest books on Bookstagram, Fourth Wing follows the journey of Violet Sorrengail, a cadet destined to become a dragon rider in a fiercely competitive academy. Chosen by two dragons, Tairn and Andarna, Violet’s destiny intertwines with epic battles and complex relationships, particularly with Xaden, her fellow cadet with a tumultuous past (and shadow magic, natch). As Violet navigates trials, dragon-powered conflicts, rivalry with fellow (often psychotic) cadets, and the infatuation of a certain ‘friend’ who makes me want to snap necks until everyone is dead, Violet finds her true self. She discovers her profound connection to her dragons, enhancing her magical abilities, and steps into the beginnings of her potential in a leadership role.
This is one Romantasy you can’t miss, exploring themes of loyalty, power, and identity, set against a backdrop of war and dark magic. I found this one so refreshing, as it offers high fantasy with all the trimmings but at the same time a far more modern, real-world edge to how characters speak and behave.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus is a spellbinding fantasy set around Le Cirque des Rêves, a mysterious black-and-white circus that appears without warning and opens only at night. Within its enchanted tents, two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are unknowingly bound in a lifelong duel of magical skill — a competition devised by their mentors, with rules neither fully understands. As their rivalry deepens, so does their connection, and what begins as a contest becomes a tender, high-stakes love story. Lush, atmospheric, and brimming with wonder, the novel weaves a non-linear tale of passion, illusion, and the quiet power of choice. A go-to comfort read of mine for many years, I have nothing bad to say about this book. It’s low-key chaotic and some may find the slightly disjointed plot and scope off-putting. I did not. It’s compelling, intriguing, whimsical, mysterious, heart-shattering and healing all wrapped up on a beautiful, magical bow.
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
If you’re looking for a Romantasy that delivers all the emotional punch of an epic fantasy with the slow-burn chemistry of a perfectly built love story, Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent is an absolute must-read. This novel follows Tisaanah, a former slave who bargains for her freedom by offering herself to a secret magical order. Desperate for a new life — and for justice — she’s paired with Max, a grumpy, reclusive magic wielder who has no interest in mentoring her… until he realises just how powerful and determined she really is.
What follows is an incredible, soul-deep journey of magic, trust, and love, set against a world on the brink of war. Their relationship builds slowly — but the payoff is absolutely worth it. This book captures everything I love about the genre: high stakes, heart-wrenching growth, impossible choices, and a romance that genuinely matters to the plot. A stunning blend of character-driven storytelling, breathtaking worldbuilding, and emotional depth.
You know that moment when you hit the last page and just sit there in stunned silence because it was that good? Yeah. It’s one of those.
Neon Gods by Katee Robert
This spicy retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, set in a modern, shadowy Olympus, is a delicious example of the genre’s ability to spice up old myths with sensual and contemporary twists. In Neon Gods, Katee Robert transports readers to a darkly glamorous underworld where the familiar story unfolds with new intrigue and intense dynamics. The narrative reimagines Hades as a powerful, enigmatic leader, while Persephone is portrayed as a resilient and cunning character drawn into a world of political intrigue and forbidden romance. With creative world-building and its ability to blend mythological elements with modern-day sensibilities, I found this one to be an absolute page-turner. Compelling characters and a steamy plot keep you reading while the book explores themes of power, freedom, and autonomy, breathing new life into the ancient tale and securing its place as a standout title in the Romantasy canon.
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
This captivating tale follows Emilia, a witch in Sicily, seeking vengeance for her sister’s murder, and weaving together Sicilian folklore with a tantalising forbidden romance. Set against a richly detailed backdrop of 19th century Italy, Maniscalco skillfully blends the historical with the supernatural, creating a dark and atmospheric setting that enhances the story’s mood and stakes.
Emilia’s quest leads her into the heart of a deadly mystery involving witches, demons, and a series of ancient curses. As she delves deeper into the world of dark magic, she encounters Wrath, a prince of Hell with motives of his own. Their complex relationship evolves amidst a series of trials that test their loyalties and desires. This novel is a standout in Romantasy for its gothic elements, intricate plot, and the intense chemistry between its protagonists, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and romance alike.
FYI if you’ve not read the author’s Stalking Jack the Ripper series, I also highly recommend that!
The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
Amy Harmon crafts a narrative that blends lyrical prose with a poignant Romantasy in The Bird and the Sword, in which a silent girl named Lark must navigate a world where magic is both a gift and a curse. Set in a realm where words hold the power to create and destroy, Lark’s inability to speak is juxtaposed with her potent magical abilities, which she must conceal to survive.
The story unfolds as Lark becomes entwined with Tiras, a king with secrets of his own, who recognises her potential and fears it. Their evolving relationship, marked by a growing trust and a deepening love, is at the heart of the narrative. A beautiful tale, this novel not only explores the complexities of power and communication but also delves deeply into themes of autonomy and the heavy costs of safety versus freedom. Harmon’s storytelling offers incredible depth and an indelible elegance that weaves romance into the fabric of a broader, magical conflict, making it an easy contender for one of the best Romantasy books out there.
Radiance by Grace Draven
Grace Draven’s Radiance stands out for its unique take on the Romantasy genre, exploring an arranged marriage between a human, Ildiko, and a non-human, Brishen, in a world where such unions are strategic. Initially a marriage of convenience meant to unite two different kingdoms, their relationship gradually transforms into a deep, genuine affection. Grace Draven masterfully develops their bond, depicting how respect and understanding can blossom into love, even among the most unlikely pairs. This novel is celebrated for turning traditional tropes on their head, offering a fresh perspective on love and alliance in a beautifully crafted fantastical setting.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
Danielle L. Jensen’s The Bridge Kingdom artfully captures the essence of the Romantasy genre by blending intense emotional depth with thrilling action. The narrative follows Lara, a princess who has been rigorously trained as an assassin with a mission that tests her loyalties and her heart. As she infiltrates an enemy kingdom under the guise of marriage, her purpose clashes with her emotions, creating a tumultuous inner battle. Lara’s story explores themes of deception, duty, and the unforeseen power of love, making it a gripping read that delves deep into the complexities of heart and duty in a richly crafted fantasy world.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows offers a thrilling foray into the romantasy genre through a heist-driven narrative set in the richly imagined world of Ketterdam. The novel follows a band of outcasts led by the cunning Kaz Brekker as they undertake an impossible heist that could make them wealthy beyond their wildest dreams or cost them their lives. Woven into the high-stakes plot are threads of intense, evolving relationships that explore themes of trust, betrayal, and attraction. The romantic dynamics between the characters add depth to their interactions and personal motivations, enriching the story’s emotional resonance. Bardugo masterfully balances the dark, gritty elements of fantasy with the heart-pounding developments of romance, making Six of Crows a standout example of Romantasy that captivates and enthrals from start to finish.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Carissa Broadbent delivers a fierce, blood-soaked Romantasy set in a world ruled by vampires and gods. Oraya, the human daughter of the vampire king, must survive Nyaxia’s brutal tournament—the Kejari—where power, politics, and betrayal intertwine. Her uneasy alliance with Raihn, a rival vampire, sparks a slow-burn connection that’s equal parts danger and desire.
This is dark fantasy done right: savage trials, exquisite world-building, and a romance that hits like a blade to the heart. The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a masterclass in tension, proving that even in a world built on blood, love can be the deadliest weapon of all.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Rebecca Ross crafts a hauntingly beautiful Romantasy where love and war intertwine. Set in a world torn apart by feuding gods, the story follows Iris Winnow, an aspiring journalist writing to her brother at the front. At least, that’s what she thinks she’s doing. Her letters mysteriously vanish, reappearing in the hands of her rival, Roman Kitt. What begins as a quiet exchange through a magical typewriter soon becomes an intimate connection that changes both their lives.
Lyrical and devastating in equal measure, Divine Rivals captures the fragility of hope and the quiet courage found in love amidst chaos. It’s the kind of book that makes your heart ache. But in the delicious, exquisite, unforgettable way only the best Romantasy novels can.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Set in the kingdom of Ilya, where magic-wielding Elites rule and Ordinaries are hunted, Paedyn Gray survives by posing as a psychic. Right up until a split-second act of heroism entangles her with Prince Kai Azer and lands her in the deadly Purging Trials. What follows is a razor-tense game of masks, politics, and impossible attraction as Paedyn fights to outsmart a system designed to erase her.
This is Romantasy at its most compulsively readable: stark class stakes, punchy world-building, and a slow-burn, enemies-to-something-dangerous chemistry that sizzles right from the start. Powerless delivers grit, heart, and a cliff-edge ending that will have you lunging for book two. (I strongly suggest buying the series together if you can. I didn’t, and having to wait infuriated me!)
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
A lush gothic Romantasy set in a world where Death himself walks beside the living. After a string of ill-fated guardians, Signa Farrow arrives at the haunted Thorn Grove estate to uncover the truth behind her aunt’s mysterious death. There, she forges a dangerous bond with Death, a darkly alluring presence who’s been her constant shadow since childhood.
Filled with poison, ghosts, and ballroom intrigue, Belladonna blends murder mystery and slow-burn romance into a tale that’s as elegant as it is eerie. Atmospheric, sensual, and utterly unique, it’s a reminder that even Death can be devastatingly romantic. Plus, we know I love a good dose of nightshade in a book title!
A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
Scarlett St. Clair’s A Touch of Darkness takes the timeless Hades × Persephone myth and spins it into a sultry modern world where gods walk among mortals. In New Athens, Persephone is desperate for freedom from her mother’s control—until a night at Nevernight, Hades’ exclusive club, leads to a dangerous bargain with the God of the Dead himself.
And yes, that’s two Hades × Persephone entries in the top 15 romantasy books list. Maybe it’s me, and I just love these two so much. But the dynamic between these two mythical figures is Romantasy gold: light meets dark, power meets vulnerability, and attraction collides with defiance. While not the most complex entry on this list, A Touch of Darkness has become a cultural touchstone, helping to define the modern Romantasy boom. It delivers all the tension, temptation, and mythic emotion that make this pairing irresistible—and shows exactly why readers keep falling for it.
The Best YA Romantasy Books
I have a love/hate relationship with YA. On the one hand, there are occasionally some truly phenomenal books in the Young Adult sphere, featuring younger (usually teenage or very early 20s) characters, coming of age stories, and the kind of obstacles, settings, and problems that are very relatable to everyone, because we were all that age once.
A lot of the time, Young Adult novels frustrate me. They lack any kind of realism for how teenagers actually behave and think, and characters are either written as mini adults, or the adult ideal of how teenagers should behave (i.e. entirely omitting any form of sexy time action, bad behaviour, or things that would be frowned upon by your mother’s church group).
I have no time for books like that.
But, just occasionally, a YA book surprises me. And, more often than not, when it does it’s because it’s a romantasy novel. Powerless, Divine Rivals, and Six of Crows all fall under the YA banner, yet all made it to my list of best ever romantasy books. Which should tell you something. A fifth of my top picks in this genre are YA.
And I don’t like YA!
That’s very much my preference though, and I’m well aware YA is a hugely popular genre (especially, and understandably, among younger audiences). So here are some more top recommendations that are usually entirely safe for work (or school/university!) romantasy reads…
- Once Upon a Broken Heart (Check out my review of this one for deets!)
- Caraval, also by Stephanie Garber. Basically if you want YA romantasy go buy everything by Stephanie Garber.
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (Check out my review of this one for deets!)
- These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
- The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
- Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
- Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (Check out my review of this one for deets!)
- To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
- The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
The Best Adult Romantasy Novels
If you’re sick of teenage angst and want characters who are actually of a similar age to you, this is your lane. Adult romantasy tends to focus on older characters, ranging from early twenties right up the spectrum. They often include spice, but don’t always. The shift is more in the tone of the stories and the age of the characters than anything else. Darker themes are explored, settings are more complex and less, “Ooooh this magical high school is such a bitch!”.
I’ve mentioned a few big hitters in this category already in the form of The Night Circus, The Bird and the Sword, Daughter of No Worlds, The Bridge Kingdom, and Belladonna. But if that isn’t enough to satisfy you, here are some more I highly recommend (they just didn’t make it to my top 15 list!).
- Uprooted by Naomi Novik
- Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
- Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
- Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
- Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
- Paladin’s Grace also by T. Kingfisher
- The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
- A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
- The Winter King by C. L. Wilson
The Best Smutty Romantasy Books (For Those Craving High Spice)
Okay, I’ll admit it. Now we’re getting to the good stuff. As a woman in her thirties I do crave a certain level of explicit content in my romance books. Mamma likes the high spice. So it’s not surprising that a lot of my top picks for romantasy novels fall onto the smutty side of the spectrum. A Court of Thorns and Roses, Fourth Wing (though, arguably, this one isn’t nearly as smutty as people seem to think it is 🤔), Neon Gods, Kingdom of the Wicked, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and A Touch of Darkness all squarely fall in spicy territory.
I’m sure it will shock nobody to learn that I have far more smutty romantasy titles to recommend than just those!
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
- Court of the Vampire Queen by Katee Robert
- Desire in His Blood by Zoey Draven
- A Ruin of Roses by K. F. Breene
- What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods
- The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe
- Flames of Chaos by Amelia Hutchins
- Lady of Darkness by Melissa K. Roehrich
Best Romantasy Series
Not all Romantasy novels are created equal. Some launch with a bang — only for the magic to fade in later instalments. (The Empyrean series is a perfect example. Fourth Wing was an instant classic and well deserves a spot on the list of best romantasy read. But Iron Flame was uneven. Still good, but nowhere near the same level. And Onyx Storm… well, I still haven’t managed to finish it. I got bored.)
But then there are the standout romantic fantasy series — the ones that stay good all the way through. The worlds deepen, the stakes climb, and the romances evolve in ways that feel earned rather than recycled. The best series aren’t necessarily flawless, but they hold their quality, and often the most powerful instalment isn’t even the first.
These are the Romantasy sagas worth getting lost in: the ones that prove a truly great story doesn’t stop when the couple gets together — it just changes shape.
A Court of Thorns and Roses — Sarah J. Maas
The blueprint for modern Romantasy. What starts as a fae-tinged Beauty and the Beast retelling becomes an empire-spanning saga of love, power, and impossible choices. Yes, the first book made my top 15 Romantasy list, but honestly, A Court of Thorns and Roses isn’t the best book in the series. That honour (for me, at least, and for now, since it’s not complete) goes to A Court of Mist and Fury. The problem is, you can’t really start there and have any idea what’s going on. Still, ACOTAR is a phenomenon in its own right, and well worthy of a place on the list. But the series? Epic.
Feyre Archeron’s journey from mortal huntress to High Lady redefined the genre and gave us the ultimate slow-burn payoff. Political intrigue, war, trauma, redemption — it’s all here, wrapped in lush writing and dangerously addictive chemistry.
Throne of Glass — Sarah J. Maas
Before there was ACOTAR, there was Celaena Sardothien — assassin, queen, chaos incarnate. Yes, Sarah J. Maas gets a double entry in the ranks of the best romantic fantasy series, and for good reason. Throne of Glass evolves from a tight, deadly competition into an epic eight-book masterwork of magic, rebellion, and found family. The romance arcs grow alongside the world-building, making this one of the most ambitious (and satisfying) fantasy romances ever written. Arguably the original Romantasy series — at least in the modern sense — it’s the blueprint for viral fantasy obsession, long before BookTok made it cool.
The Bridge Kingdom — Danielle L. Jensen
Raised to be a weapon, trained to infiltrate and destroy, Lara Veliant is sent across the sea to marry the enemy king — and end his reign from within. But the kingdom she expected to find isn’t the ruthless empire she was taught to hate, and the man she was sent to kill isn’t the monster she imagined. What follows is a pulse-pounding saga of betrayal, espionage, and forbidden love that spans nations and generations. As secrets unravel and loyalties fracture, the series builds into a sweeping tale of vengeance, redemption, and the devastating cost of peace. Gripping, emotional, and gloriously addictive, The Bridge Kingdom series proves that sometimes the real battle begins after the war.
What Distinguishes A Romantasy As One Of The Best?
Romantasy as a subgenre uniquely caters to those who yearn for deep romantic entanglements. Romantasy books give those who love a good romance all the feels they desire, but within the fantastical setting of a genre that often focuses considerably less on romance than it does the fantasy settings. The best Romantasy books provide more than just a gateway to these enchanting realms; they skillfully interweave complex relationships and emotional sagas with the thrill of fantasy adventures. But what is the ineffable quality that distinguishes general romantasy novels from the best.
Obviously I’ve put way too much thought into this when compiling this list, so it seemed fair to lay out the logic for anyone interested.
What Makes Romantasy Different From Traditional Fantasy
Historically, high fantasy has seldom focused on romance, often relegating it to the margins of the narrative—if included at all. For years, women and LGBTQ+ characters were sparse, with any romantic elements they might engage in rarely affecting the plot significantly.
That’s not a criticism. I love high fantasy, and some of the best fantasy books out there have zero romance. Others have a romantic interest who is present but not the point.
A standout example of this for me is Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings series. Most of these books follow FitzChivalry Farseer and the course of his life, which includes falling in love with Molly. He loves her, loses her, and spends his entire life apart from her, only to reconnect with her later. The series evolves over many books, and nine of those follow Fitz. That’s nine novels that track an absolutely epic love story between these two characters. Yet Molly isn’t a main character. She’s actually hardly in the series at all, despite being a huge part of Fitz’s life, the mother of his child, and the only thing he cares about.
But that’s fantasy for you. There’s often romance, but even when it’s epic, it’s never the point.
The Evolution of Romantic Fantasy Fiction
Romantasy marks a significant evolution from this tradition, integrating romance so thoroughly that the plots balance the elements of fantasy with the romance. Much like romance novels prioritise the love story and fantasy novels the quest, Romantasy allows readers to embark on epic journeys while simultaneously falling hopelessly, helplessly, and often heroically in love. This genre expansion not only meets the desires of a diverse readership but also enriches the narrative fabric, making every journey through its pages both heart-stirring and imaginative. By stepping into these stories, readers can experience worlds where magic and heart are entwined, showcasing a mature genre that celebrates both vast, fantastical landscapes and the heartfelt connections within them.
Why the Best Romantasy Books Stand Out
The best Romantasy books (for me at least) stand out by offering a compelling narrative where the quest and the romance are interdependent, allowing readers to experience epic adventures and deep emotional connections simultaneously. Love interests are right there in the thick of things, not sidelined waiting at home, only returned to when a break is needed from the action. One of my frustrations with Iron Flame (the next book after Fourth Wing) was that it fell into the trap a lot of authors languish in: they create a love interest who is a total badass, but then don’t want them getting all the screen time and doing all the action, so constantly separate the pair.
There’s a way of doing this well—The Walking Dead used to do it spectacularly well with Maggie and Glenn—but it usually requires that the happy couple be separated by some highly dramatic hijinks, and the story follows them both trying to get back to each other. When the separation isn’t the point of the plot, and the MC is still running about pursuing the point of the plot, while simultaneously mooning because their lover isn’t there, I count this as poorly executed.
Building the Perfect Romantasy Relationship Arc
The best Romantasy books create romances that either follow the journey of both the quest and falling in love simultaneously, only seeing the relationship become that at the end. Or, both part of the partnership are intrinsic to the plot in different ways, so they can both be present and active throughout. If you’re not sure of the difference, read Fourth Wing, then Iron Flame.
That’s the difference.
I actually still really enjoyed Iron Flame, but it was a firm four stars whereas I happily count Fourth Wing as one of the best Romantasy books I’ve read so far.
The other option, as I said, is for the story to successfully build the romantic tension, have the couple unite, then have circumstances thrust them apart and for the quest to become the need to find each other again (often with a few tangents along the way).
Whether you’re drawn to sweeping romantic fantasy series or single-volume magic romance novels, the best of the genre prove that heart and heroism can — and should — coexist.
4.28 Average
