Romantasy: The Publishing Industry’s Hottest Genre
If you’re a voracious reader (or you’re always on TikTok) chances are, you know what “romantasy,” is, the publishing industry’s hottest genre. A combination of romance and fantasy, books that fall under this genre have the swoon element of romance plus the exciting world of fantasy.
Romantasy Explained
According to The Washington Post, the genre “features all the fantasy hallmarks, such as magic systems, mythology, high stakes, and abundant world-building, but the love story is central to the narrative.”
Popular Romantasy Tropes
Like romantic books or series, there are popular romantasy tropes such as:
- The Love Triangle: This is necessary because the fans need to be divided into two teams and discuss at length why the heroine should be with hero A or hero B.
- Enemies to Lovers: It’s a swoon-worthy read to see the heroine and the hero fall in love and give in to their undeniable attraction masked by initial hatred.
- The Fake Relationship: Ah, who doesn’t want to read about an initial relationship between the leads starting as fake but for mutual benefit? Then, of course, the fake relationship turned real in the end.
Steamy Scenes
Romantasy is not just a hot genre now because of the popularity it enjoys, it’s literally hot because of the steamy scenes. The book series, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a prime example of romantasy loved by fans because of the smut. Per People, “In the case of ACOTAR, not all the books offer the same level of spice, but the second (A Court of Mist and Fury), third (A Court of Wings and Ruin) and the fifth book (A Court of Silver Flames) rank highest in that department.”
Should You Read Romantasy Books?
If you’re a fan of fantasy literature and romance, then definitely. According to CNN, “If fantasy literature is epic and spellbinding and romance is wrenching and sensual, then romantasy should be the best of both literary worlds… The hits are all there — meticulous worldbuilding, magic, self-discovery, vanquishing foes — all through a romantic lens that softens the denser high fantasy elements.”
Recommended Romantasy Books
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Bride by Ali Hazelwood
- House of Dragons by K.A. Linde
- For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
- Quicksilver by Callie Hart
