A beginner’s guide to romantasy

by Eppie Shepherd
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min read
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Collage of images associated with romantasy books, including a fae, throne, castle and a couple.

If it feels like you’re suddenly seeing dragons, fae courts and spicy enemies-to-lovers plotlines everywhere, you’re not imagining it. Romantasy has quickly become one of the most talked-about genres in publishing, fuelled by passionate readers, viral BookTok recommendations and a wave of bestselling series.

But what exactly counts as romantasy, and where should you start if you’re new to it? This guide breaks down the meaning, key characteristics and most popular tropes of the genre, as well as the key titles to read first. 

What is romantasy?

Romantasy is a fusion of romance and fantasy, where both elements are essential to the story. In these books, the worldbuilding and the relationship develop side by side, each shaping the other as the plot unfolds.

Rather than treating romance as a subplot, romantasy places it at the centre. The emotional stakes are just as important as the external conflict, whether that be a war between kingdoms, a magical threat or a struggle for power.

You’ve probably heard of Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series, or Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing novels, two of the most talked about examples of romantasy that helped bring the genre into the mainstream.

There’s also plenty of more recent releases including With Fire in Their Blood by Kat Delacorte and Riftborne by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox, which bring darker themes and new settings into the mix.

The short answer

Romantasy is a genre that blends fantasy and romance, combining magical worlds with a central love story that drives the plot.

Romantasy vs. fantasy: what's the difference?

The line between romantasy and fantasy isn’t always clear, but the distinction usually comes down to the story’s main emphasis.

Traditional fantasy tends to prioritise worldbuilding, magic systems and external conflict. There might still be a love story, but it often sits alongside the main plot rather than driving it. By contrast, romantasy gives equal weight to both sides. The relationship at the centre of the story shapes characters’ decisions, influences the direction of the plot and often determines how the story resolves.

You may see the term ‘fantasy romance’ used interchangeably with ‘romantasy’. In most cases, fantasy romance leans more heavily towards the romance side, while romantasy describes stories where the balance is more even. Paranormal romance, meanwhile, often takes place in a version of the real world with supernatural elements, rather than a fully imagined setting.

In practice, these categories overlap. But if you’re looking for stories where personal relationships and high-stakes conflict carry equal weight, romantasy is the closest fit.

What makes a book romantasy?

While the genre is flexible, most romantasy books share a few defining features:

A central love story

This isn’t a background detail or a passing subplot – it shapes the direction of the narrative, heightens tension and often forces characters to make difficult choices. Whether it’s a slow-burn connection or a more immediate attraction, the relationship evolves alongside the wider plot – and can sometimes get a little spicy.

A fantasy setting

Romantasy stories are usually grounded in a fully realised fantasy world, whether that’s a fae court, a magical academy or a politically unstable kingdom. These settings aren’t just decorative; they shape the rules of the story, from power structures to social expectations, and often create the obstacles the characters must navigate.

High emotional and external stakes

Characters often battle personal challenges – trust, loyalty, individuality – at the same time as facing wider threats such as war, rebellion or survival. The two are closely connected, with romantic decisions carrying real consequences for the world around them.

Character-led storytelling

Readers are drawn into both the fantasy world and the emotional journey, often following flawed or morally complex protagonists whose decisions drive both the romance and wider conflict.

What are common romantasy tropes?

Romantasy draws on a range of familiar themes that give readers a sense of what to expect while still allowing for variation and surprise. Some of the most common tropes are:

Enemies to lovers

Two main characters begin in conflict and gradually develop romantic feelings. This often plays out against a backdrop of political tension or conflicting loyalties, which raises the stakes of every interaction.

Examples:

Fae and magical courts

These stories are set among faeries or immortal beings, usually involving power struggles, bargains and hidden rules that shape both the plot and the romance. These worlds tend to blur the line between danger and attraction, creating space for complex relationships.

Examples:

Slow-burn romance

This theme is common in romantasy series, where relationships gradually build over time. This allows tension to build across multiple books, often becoming one of the main reasons readers keep turning the page.

Examples:

Surviving war and dystopian worlds

Some romantasy novels have high-stakes settings where survival isn’t guaranteed, often shaped by war, political control or oppressive systems. Characters are pushed to their limits, forming alliances, rivalries and romantic connections under pressure, and every decision has lasting consequences.

Examples:

Dark romantasy

There’s also a growing appetite for darker romantasy, where morally grey characters and more intense themes take centre stage. These stories are slightly more gritty, featuring complex character arcs and high-risk choices.

Examples:

The genre is continuously expanding, with more tropes popping up each year. Lighter, cosy romantasy books are on the rise, with other themes such as folklore and found families adding emotional depth alongside romantic storylines.

While stories blending fantasy and romance have existed for years, the recent rise of romantasy has been driven by a combination of cultural and reading trends.

The genre saw a major surge in the early 2020s, largely thanks to online communities such as BookTok. Viral recommendations brought established series back into the spotlight while launching new titles to bestseller status almost overnight. As a result, romantasy has become one of the most visible and widely discussed genres today.

Part of its appeal lies in the balance it offers. Readers can escape into fantasy worlds, witness a deep emotional connection unfold and feel the pull of high-stakes conflict. And with many romantasy titles being part of a multi-book series, you can often dive straight back in for more.

It’s also an easy genre to enter – and stay in. Some titles are written for young adult readers, others are firmly adult, but many sit comfortably between the two, making the genre accessible to all.

Best romantasy books for beginners

If you’re new to romantasy, these books offer a strong introduction to the genre from different angles, whether you’re drawn to high-stakes series, darker themes or something more character-driven.

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A defining romantasy series, and one of the most popular entry points into the genre, this story follows Feyre as she is drawn into a dangerous fae world after killing a wolf. What begins as a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast expands into a sweeping series of political intrigue, shifting alliances and intense romantic tension.

Key tropes: fae courts, enemies to lovers, fated mates.

3. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, addictive read, this dragon-rider story is one of the biggest modern romantasy hits. Violet is forced into a brutal war college where survival is never guaranteed and trust is even harder to come by. Alongside the high-stakes training and competition, a charged romantic dynamic keeps the tension building.

Key tropes: dragon riders, rivals to lovers, war academy.

5. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

A softer, more character-driven take on romantasy, this cosy story follows Mika, a witch who takes a job as a mentor to three young withces. As she builds connections and begins to trust those around her, she finds romance and a sense of belonging.

Key tropes: cosy fantasy, found family, slow-burn romance.

Romantasy is, at its core, about balance – between magic and emotion, between worldbuilding and relationships. Whether you’re drawn to epic series or quieter, character-led stories, it’s a genre that offers both escape and connection.

With new releases arriving alongside beloved favourites, there’s never been a better time to explore the genre. Find more recommendations in our guide to the best romantasy books and series.