Journey Through the Genres: Disappear into romantasy

Romantasy is a subgenre of fantasy you may have heard about recently thanks to its explosion in popularity on YouTube (#Booktube), Instagram (#Bookstagram) and TikTok (#BookTok) where bookish creators have been raving about it. If you’re not quite sure what romantasy is, no need to fear, I’m here to help! 

Romantasy is a blend of two genres: romance and fantasy. To understand the blended genre it’s important to also know each of its inspirations. Romance fiction focuses on the development of a romantic relationship with characters who are facing challenges that change them as people. Despite any trouble along the way, romance readers know there will be a happy ending. Fantasy fiction infuses magical or paranormal elements into the story to take readers into another world. The best fantasy novels include elaborate world-building and reflect social issues and values we are familiar with. 

Determining what is a true romantasy story and what is a fantasy with romance can get tricky. Many fantasy novels have a romantic element to them, but the romance often exists as more of a subplot. Romantasy commits to the romance and allows it to exist at the forefront with fantasy elements to drive the story.  

If you’re ready to dive into romantasy, check out my recommendations below. These are stories many people have been raving about. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 

A Court of Thorns and Roses, also known by its acronym ACOTAR, is a five book romantasy series. 

After killing a wolf, 19-year-old Feyre is quickly captured by a creature seeking vengeance for her actions. She is dragged by the creature into a magical land she only knew from legends. Feyre learns the creature is not a beast, but rather an immortal faerie, Tamlin, who once ruled Feyre's world.  

As Feyre gets to know Tamlin, her hostility toward him starts to dissipate and a passion begins to burn. The longer she stays in the Fae world the more the lies she was told begin to wither away. Meanwhile, an ancient shadow's wickedness is growing and Feyre must find a way to stop it or risk losing Tamlin and his world forever. 

The faerie lore and adventure are strong in this series alongside the development of intense romance. If you're a fan of the enemies to lover's trope in traditional romance books, this could be a great starting place into your romantasy journey. 

The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 

As the first book in the Empyrean series, this is a title that will likely be included in any conversation about romantasy. I've heard from several people who have really enjoyed this book even though they typically don't read fantasy. It's always worth trying something new, especially when it's free at the library!

Twenty-year-old Violet planned to enter the Scribe Quadrant to work among books and history, living her dream quiet life. However, her mother, the commanding general, has other plans for Violet. She is to become one of hundreds of candidates fighting to become an elite dragon rider.  

Tensions are running high in the candidate pool because there aren’t enough dragons to go around. Dragon riders must be strong to bond with a dragon. Unfortunately Violet is small, her body is brittle and if the dragons don’t kill her, her fellow candidates might. 

Xaden Riorson, the ruthless wingleader of the Riders Quadrant is one of Violet’s biggest enemies as the lengthy competition to become a dragon rider ensues. She’ll need to be clever to make it through each day with what little strength she has. She'll also need to wrestle with her attraction to Xaden.

While the candidates are fighting for their places as dragon riders, the war beyond the walls grows more brutal. Violet begins to suspect those in power are concealing a devastating truth.

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout  

Poppy’s life has never been only hers. From birth she was selected to be a Maiden worthy of the gods who would bring the kingdom into a new era. However, as her Ascension day nears Poppy’s desire to escape the Maiden role grows. 

Poppy would much rather fight with the guards against the evil that took her family than live the life of a solitary Maiden. However, the fate of the kingdom rests on her shoulders. If she doesn’t become the Maiden, there’s no telling what will happen.  

When Hawke, a guard honor bound to ensure Poppy’s Ascension, enters Poppy's life she becomes even more certain she needs to escape the future set for her. Hawke causes a desire to grow in Poppy and ignites an anger that makes her question all she was told to believe in. 

Meanwhile, a fallen kingdom forsaken by the gods and feared by the mortals is rising again, ready to take back what they believe is theirs no matter the cost. With the shadow of darkness growing the lines between right and wrong blur. Not only is Poppy's heart on the line, but also the fate of the kingdom as she risks upsetting the gods. 

From Blood and Ash is book one in the series of the same title. The Primal of Blood and Bone, the sixth book in series, is scheduled to be released at the end of September. Get on the holds list for it now so you can start binge reading the series.  

Silver Elite by Dani Francis

If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction looking to dip your toes into the world of romantasy, this is a title you need to place on hold right away. It will ease you into the world of romantasy with the familiar dystopian feel that places survival at the forefront of the story. The book is a true melting pot of genres and they blend oh-so-well to create a captivating story. 

In a world where psychic gifts are a death sentence there are three rules to live by. 1. Trust no one. 2. Lie to everyone. 3. No matter what you do, don’t fall for your greatest enemy. Following these rules isn’t as easy as it seems.  

Wren Darlington, one of the most powerful beings has been in hiding her entire life. She’s spent countless days honing her psychic powers and aiding the Uprising, both of which could get her killed if the wrong people found out.  

In just one moment of thoughtlessness, Wren's skills thrust her into the hands of the enemy. She’s forced to join Silver Block, an elite training program that wants modified people like Wren dead. To make matters worse the commanding officer of Silver Block, Cross Redden, is a ruthless man who doesn’t miss anything. Despite his actions, Wren finds him irresistible.  

As Wren fights to become a Silver Elite while keeping her true identity hidden, the war against the modified rages on. She’s in the prime position to fight her enemy from within, but at what cost? Is the Continent even worth being saved? 

Much more romantasy

If you’ve been converted into a romantasy reader, there's no need to worry about running out of books. We have a vast selection of romantasy titles. Check out Novelist, free with your library card, to find more romantasy titles and browse the booklist below for more of my recommendations!