Romantasy: The Genre That’s Casting a Spell on Readers

In recent years, a captivating genre has taken the literary world by storm, weaving heartfelt romance into the spellbinding worlds of fantasy. Dubbed “romantasy,” this genre is enchanting readers of all ages, particularly younger audiences, with its unique blend of swoon-worthy love stories and magical escapism. If you’ve spent even a few minutes scrolling through #BookTok, you’ve likely stumbled upon glowing reviews, fan art, and countless recommendations for romantasy books. So, what exactly is romantasy, and why is it resonating so powerfully with today’s readers?

What Is Romantasy?

Romantasy combines the emotional depth and relational focus of romance with the intricate world-building and adventure of fantasy. Think A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas or From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout—books that sweep readers into otherworldly realms where high stakes and heartstrings intertwine.

At its core, romantasy offers the best of both genres: epic quests, magical creatures, and ancient rivalries paired with deeply personal narratives of love, identity, and growth. The result? Stories that feel grand yet intimate, fantastical yet deeply human.

Why Is Romantasy Trending Now?

The Need for Escapism
In a world grappling with ongoing challenges—from the pandemic to social and political unrest—readers have sought solace in books that transport them elsewhere. Romantasy provides this escape, offering not only fantastical worlds but also emotionally resonant stories that leave readers feeling hopeful.

The TikTok Effect
Platforms like TikTok, particularly #BookTok, have played a massive role in the genre’s rise. Viral videos showcasing aesthetically pleasing covers, emotional reviews, and enthusiastic recommendations have propelled books like Lightlark by Alex Aster to stardom. Social media has created a sense of community among romantasy fans, amplifying its popularity.

Representation and Diversity
Modern romantasy often prioritizes diverse characters and relationships. Whether it’s LGBTQ+ romances, reimagined cultural myths, or protagonists from underrepresented backgrounds, the genre’s inclusivity resonates with a broad readership.

Hallmarks of the Genre

What makes romantasy so irresistible? Here are some defining features:

• Forbidden Love: A classic trope that never fails to tug at readers’ hearts. Whether it’s lovers from rival factions or star-crossed soulmates, the stakes are always deliciously high.
• Magical Worlds: From enchanted forests to dystopian cities, the settings are richly imagined, drawing readers deeper into the story.
• Personal Growth: Characters often embark on journeys of self-discovery, making their romantic arcs feel all the more rewarding.
• Strong Female Leads: Protagonists are typically complex and multifaceted, navigating power, vulnerability, and love.

Iconic Romantasy Titles

If you’re new to romantasy, here are some must-reads:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: A reimagining of “Beauty and the Beast” with political intrigue and a fiery romance.
• From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout: A tale of forbidden love set against a backdrop of ancient prophecies and betrayal.
• Lightlark by Alex Aster: A dazzling competition among rulers of cursed realms, featuring alliances, betrayal, and romance.

A Taste of Romantasy: Sample Chapter

To give you a flavor of the genre, we’ve included an exclusive sample chapter inspired by romantasy’s most beloved elements. Meet Jonas Marrow, a 57-year-old man grappling with his rare ability to hear thoughts, and Eryndra, a mysterious and aloof woman pursued by shadowy forces. Their story unfolds in the misty streets of Halberow, a city where magic is both forbidden and feared. (Read the full sample chapter.)

The Future of Romantasy

As publishers greenlight more romantasy titles and streaming platforms eye adaptations, the genre’s trajectory seems unstoppable. Its unique ability to balance the fantastical with the deeply personal makes it a perfect fit for readers craving stories that transport and transform.

Whether you’re a lifelong fantasy fan or a romance enthusiast dipping your toes into magical waters, romantasy offers a little bit of everything. And who knows? You might just find yourself enchanted.

Sources and References

• Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series
• Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash series
• Alex Aster’s Lightlark
• Viral #BookTok trends on TikTok
• Reader insights and sales data from Penguin Random House and Bloomsbury
• “New Romance and the Power of TikTok” (Le Monde, 2024)
• “Romantasy and Its Cultural Relevance” (The Guardian, 2024)

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Full sample chapter

Whispers in the Fog

The city of Halberow sighed under a shroud of perpetual fog, its cobblestone streets slick with yesterday’s rain. Jonas Marrow pulled his threadbare coat tighter, his boots splashing in shallow puddles as he weaved through the narrow alleys. He had always avoided the city’s bustling heart, preferring the quieter outskirts where thoughts were fewer and less intrusive. Today, however, the din of Halberow’s collective mind pressed against him like a tide—a cacophony of greed, fear, and petty schemes.

“Turn back,” a stray thought whispered, cutting through the noise. Jonas froze, his breath catching. It wasn’t his thought, nor one plucked from a passerby. This voice was deeper, more deliberate. He glanced around, but the alley was empty save for a stray cat licking its paw.

“Jonas,” the voice came again. He scowled, gripping the staff he carried more for appearances than support. The artifact at its tip, a simple crystal embedded in oak, hummed faintly in response. Something was watching him.

With a sigh, he pressed on, trying to dismiss the unease. It wasn’t until he reached the Market Crescent that he saw her.

She stood by a derelict fountain, its stone angels worn smooth by time. Her cloak was deep green, blending almost seamlessly with the mist, but her presence was unmistakable. Eryndra. Jonas had heard the rumors about her—a witch, they said, though no one could prove it. She carried herself with the aloof confidence of someone who knew her power but chose not to wield it lightly.

Their eyes met. For a brief moment, the din of the city faded, replaced by the crystalline clarity of her mind. Unlike most, whose thoughts were noisy and chaotic, hers was a serene void. A single thought pierced through, directed at him.

You shouldn’t have come.

Jonas felt the hairs on his neck rise. “I could say the same to you,” he murmured, stepping closer. “The city isn’t safe for someone like you.”

“And yet, here I am,” she replied aloud, her voice low and melodic. She gestured to the fountain. “Have you come to make a wish, Jonas Marrow?”

He stopped a few paces away. “My wishes don’t work that way. Besides, the fountain’s dry.”

“Isn’t that the way of things?” she said, a wry smile curving her lips. “What brings you here?”

Jonas hesitated. Should he tell her about the voice in the fog? About the shadows he’d seen lurking in the corners of his vision? Or the weight in his chest that whispered he was at the edge of something he couldn’t quite name?

Instead, he shrugged. “Curiosity. What about you? This doesn’t seem like your usual haunt.”

Eryndra’s gaze flicked to the street behind him, her expression unreadable. “I could ask you the same. Perhaps we’re both looking for something.”

“Or running from it,” Jonas said before he could stop himself.

Her eyes snapped back to his, sharp as a blade. For a moment, he thought she might retort, but instead, she tilted her head, studying him. “You’ve felt them, haven’t you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jonas’s chest tightened. “The shadows?”

Eryndra nodded. “They’ve been following me for weeks. Drawn to me like moths to a flame. But they linger around you too. Why?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know.” It wasn’t entirely a lie. He knew the shadows were tied to deceit and corruption, but what they wanted from him, a tired man with no secrets left to keep, was a mystery.

“We shouldn’t linger,” she said abruptly, pulling her cloak tighter. “They’re stronger here.”

“Where do you suggest we go?” Jonas asked, trying to ignore the quickening of his pulse. He wasn’t ready for whatever this was. He wasn’t ready for her.

Eryndra turned, her green cloak swirling like mist. “Follow me. And keep your thoughts to yourself.”

Jonas chuckled dryly, falling into step behind her. “That’s harder than you might think.”

As they disappeared into the fog, the shadows stirred, pooling in the alleys and gathering beneath the fountain. A single shape coalesced, its form shifting and insubstantial. It watched them leave, silent but hungry.