The genre of romantasy, a blend of romance and fantasy, has captivated readers by seamlessly integrating the enchantment of magical worlds with the emotional resonance of romantic narratives. This unique genre offers an escape into realms where the wonders of magic and the depths of romantic love intertwine, making it a perennial favourite for those seeking stories that offer both escapism and emotional engagement. The best Romantasy books provide a portal to these mesmerising worlds, promising both adventure and passion.
The Essence of Romantasy
Romantasy stands out for its successful fusion of two beloved genres. Readers are treated to elaborate, well-constructed worlds typical of fantasy—complete with mythical beings, epic quests, and rich lore. At the same time, these fantastical adventures are deeply rooted in human emotions, focusing on relationships that blossom amid turmoil, thus providing a relatable human element that captures the heart.
Quick Round Up: The Best Romantasy Books Going
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 Wren in the Holly Library by K. A. Linde
- 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
- The Wraith King by Juliette Cross
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Top Picks for the Best Romantasy Reads
And for those who like all the deets…
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 Wren in the Holly Library by K. A. Linde
A relatively new release, this was unexpectedly brilliant. I assumed the hype surrounding this one had been blown out of proportion, at least to some degree, but no. It was spectacular. In The Wren in the Holly Library, K. A. Linde invites readers into a captivating Romantasy featuring Kierse, a daring thief and a mysterious monster, set within the enchanting confines of a magical library. This novel stands out as a fresh addition to the best Romantasy books, weaving together elements of suspense, mystery, and romance.
The fact it’s a fantasy novel set in a library kinda also makes it a sure-fire favourite among bookworms!
As the thief navigates through ancient curses and forbidden knowledge, her complex relationship with the library’s monstrous guardian deepens, revealing secrets that could alter the fabric of their world. A thrilling exploration of courage, love, and the power of hidden truths.
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.
The Wraith King by Juliette Cross
One that only recently made its way onto my bookshelf after I saw it on Tata Lifepages’ Instagram, The Wraith King by Juliette Cross utterly enthralled me. The story centres around Una Hartstone, a light fae Princess of Issos, who faces the daunting prospect of surrendering herself to the ruthless Wraith King to secure peace for her people. This dark and gothic Romantasy intertwines themes of sacrifice, power, and the blurred lines between love and duty. As Una navigates the complex politics of her world and the sinister motives of the Wraith King, she encounters both betrayal and unexpected allegiance, crafting a tale that is as much about discovering inner strength as it is about exploring the dynamics of power and redemption.
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.
What Distinguished 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).