‘Romantasy’ is a new term in the publishing world, defining books that combine epic fantasy with swoon-worthy romance, star-crossed lovers with witches and dragons.
Whilst romantasy tales themselves aren’t new - remember how Stephanie Meyer’s vampire romance novel Twilight gripped teenagers in the noughties? - their surge in popularity is so significant, thanks in large to social media, that publishers are investing in the genre and actively seeking out romantasy manuscripts to publish! The genre is often marked by strong female characters and doesn’t shy away from getting spicy.
With so many publishers rushing to get their hands on romantasy manuscripts, we compiled a list of some of great romantasy novels that are worth looking to for inspiration if you are writing, or thinking of writing, in this genre!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail is forced to enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
When huntress Feyre takes the life of a magical creature, she is dragged into a land of lethal, immortal faeries.
Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
Lor competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins the Sun King's heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge.
Fragments of a Fallen Star by Viano Oniomoh
Moira Karl-Fisher is ready to do anything to bring her parents back from the dead. After agreeing to aid Nailah on a quest that promises magic, danger, and adventure, Moira finds her search for a happiness she thought long gone, turning into so much more in this sapphic romantasy.
Faebound by Saara-El Arifi
When a fatal mistake leads to warrior Yeeran’s exile from the Elven lands, Yeeran and her sister Lettle are both forced into the terrifying wilderness beyond their borders. There they encounter the impossible: the fae court.
Twin Crowns by Katherine Webber and Catherine Doyle
Twin sisters Wren and Rose were separated at birth and raised in entirely different worlds. But they both have an eye on the crown and their worlds are about to collide...
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
In the sequel to Legendborn, Bree must learn to control her dangerous powers to rescue Nick, the Legendborn boy she fell in love with. However, she also finds herself drawn to Selwyn, the mage sworn to protect Nick until death.
What are your favourite romantasy reads?
Want to learn more about how to write romantasy? Join editor Tara Loder for Writing Romantasy, an online evening masterclass
And here are Tara's three top tips for when it comes to writing in the romantasy genre.
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