Romantasy is the perfect blend of sweeping fantasy landscapes and heart-stopping romance, drawing readers into worlds filled with magic, danger, and deep emotional connections. But if you're new to the genre, where should you start? With viral hits like A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and Fourth Wing sparking endless discussions online, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. This guide will help you navigate what makes Romantasy so captivating, break down key subgenres, and recommend the best books to begin your journey. Get ready to discover your next bookish obsession!

What is Romantasy? A Genre Definition

What Makes Romantasy Unique?

Romantasy is not just fantasy with a love subplot. It merges intricate fantasy worlds with romantic relationships that are central to the story. Unlike traditional fantasy, where love may take a backseat, Romantasy thrives on emotional conflicts, power struggles, and deep character development.

Core Elements of Romantasy:

High emotional stakes – Love is often tied to sacrifice, war, or moral dilemmas.
Epic world-building – Magic systems, political intrigue, and mythological depth.
Engaging tropes – Enemies-to-lovers, dangerous alliances, slow-burn romance.

📖 Example: In Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Violet is fighting to survive in a dragon-rider academy, but her relationship with rebel Xaden also influences war strategies and loyalty struggles.

5 Popular Romantasy Subgenres

1. High Fantasy Romantasy

Features: Kingdoms, magic, political power struggles.
Starter Book: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Sarah J. Maas) – Feyre falls for a fae lord while trying to break a deadly curse.

2. Dark Romantasy

Features: Morally gray characters, dark themes, high tension.
Starter Book: The Serpent & The Wings of Night (Carissa Broadbent) – A human girl enters a deadly vampire tournament, where romance could mean salvation or destruction.

3. Urban Romantasy

Features: Modern settings blended with hidden magic worlds.
Starter Book: Crescent City (Sarah J. Maas) – Half-fae Bryce investigates a murder case while dealing with angels, wolves, and corruption.

4. Historical Romantasy

Features: Inspired by real-world history with added magic.
Starter Book: The Midnight Bargain (C.L. Polk) – A Regency-era inspired world where women must choose between marriage and forbidden magic.

5. LGBTQ+ Romantasy

Features: Queer protagonists, diverse relationship dynamics.
Starter Book: The Unbroken (C.L. Clark) – A sapphic romance set in a colonized fantasy empire.

7 Best Romantasy Books for Beginners

1. Fourth Wing (Rebecca Yarros)

✅ Why it's great for beginners: Easy to read, packed with action, classic enemies-to-lovers tension.

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses (Sarah J. Maas)

✅ Why it's great for beginners: Beauty and the Beast retelling with an addictive mix of romance and high-stakes fantasy.

3. The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Carissa Broadbent)

✅ Why it's great for beginners: Vampire gladiator fights and a slow-burn, high-stakes romance.

4. Daughter of No Worlds (Carissa Broadbent)

✅ Why it's great for beginners: Found family, magic training, and an easy-to-follow storyline.

5. Divine Rivals (Rebecca Ross)

✅ Why it's great for beginners: Unique epistolary romance, rivals-to-lovers tension, and a world where gods influence the battlefield.

6. A Touch of Darkness (Scarlett St. Clair)

✅ Why it's great for beginners: A modern Hades & Persephone retelling, light and easy to digest.

7. The Foxglove King (Hannah Whitten)

✅ Why it's great for beginners: Gothic atmosphere, forbidden magic, and an intense love triangle.

5 Tips to Find Your Perfect Romantasy Read

1. Identify Your Favorite Tropes

Love enemies-to-lovers? Try Divine Rivals.
Prefer dark anti-heroes? The Serpent & The Wings of Night is for you!

2. Use BookTok & Goodreads

Hashtags like #RomantasyRecs lead to viral hits.
Browse Goodreads lists like Best Romantasy for Beginners.

3. Explore Different Subgenres

If you love urban fantasy, try Crescent City.
If you prefer darker fantasy, The Serpent & The Wings of Night is a solid pick.

4. Check the Spice Level

ild: Daughter of No Worlds (plot-driven)
Extra Spicy: A Court of Silver Flames (explicit scenes)

5. Join Reading Communities

Subreddits like r/RomanceBooks or Discord groups offer personal recommendations and buddy reads.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Romantasy Questions

“Can men enjoy Romantasy?”

Absolutely! Romantasy isn’t just for women—it’s about compelling stories, deep world-building, and emotional stakes that appeal to all readers.

“Are all Romantasy books spicy?”

Not at all! While some Romantasy books include steamy scenes, many focus more on emotional tension and slow-burn relationships.

“Are there Romantasy books without love triangles?”

Yes! While love triangles are common, many books like Divine Rivals and Daughter of No Worlds focus on just one main romance.

“What’s the difference between Romantasy and Paranormal Romance?”

Paranormal Romance often features supernatural beings (like vampires, werewolves, or ghosts) in a contemporary setting, while Romantasy leans toward epic fantasy settings with magic and mythological influences.

“Can Romantasy have tragic endings?”

Yes! While many Romantasy books end happily, some, like The Serpent and the Wings of Night, have bittersweet conclusions that make the story even more powerful.

Final Recommendation: Just Start Reading!

Romantasy is all about emotions and adventure – the perfect escape from reality. Pick a book that intrigues you (maybe Fourth Wing?) and let yourself be swept away!

Ultimate Romantasy Starter Guide: Top Books, Subgenres & Tips for Beginners