Hi friends!
Ooooh today we are talking about my favorite book genre: romantasy. Yes, I need a lot of romance in my fantasy novels. I find that a lot of people who are afraid of fantasy can start here and then tend to become hooked. It happened to me!
Worldbuilding in fantasy can be confusing and overwhelming, but I find that a romance plotline helps to keep me interested and keeps things compelling. If you are afraid of the genre but want to start somewhere, I think the below series are a great jumping off point. If romance isn’t your thing, then these may not be for you. But if you are anything like me and love a good love story… dive right on in. Here are my top 10 favorites followed by 10 more that I enjoyed.
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas – Surprise surprise, right? Most commonly known as ACOTAR, this is an ongoing series that has captured the hearts of thousands and thousands of us. Stunning worlds, compelling storylines, and the most lovable cast of characters. Spice-levels increase as the series goes on and does not disappoint. UGH! I can reread and reread and reread over and over and over again. I am forever obsessed.
2. From Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout – This is my second favorite series to ACOTAR because it is so damn sexy and clever and wicked. The writing is fun and makes me laugh out loud at times. Plus, the mains are fiiiire!! Extra spicy as the books progress.
3. Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas – More Maas because she is the romantasy queen. This is an urban fantasy with a large cast of characters. Out of all the books here, this one has the most info-heavy world building and can be a bit slow to start but once you find your groove, it is soooo satisfying!
4. Flesh and Fire series by Jennifer L. Armentrout – A companion series alongside From Blood and Ash, this series is beautifully intertwined and should be read alongside to avoid plot-holes. Another great cast of characters.
5. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross – This reads like a historical romantasy and it is just as it says… divine. Just gorgeous writing and a enemies-to-lovers storyline that hooked me immediately. I look forward to the next book in this series.
6. Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros – If you are a book person at all, I think you’ve probably heard of the book that took bookstagram from storm. I am here to tell you that the hype is very real and every bit worth it. It reads like a blend between Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Divergent. There are dragons… and just trust me, you want to read a book with sassy dragons.
7. Kingdom of the Wicked series by Kerri Maniscalco – Taking place in Italy, this series is so delicious. Gorgeous language surrounding setting and food and a whole lot of mystery and romance. I was literally hungry every time I picked it up. Ha!
8. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab – A standalone, I think I can include it on this list. It may not be your typical fantasy, but it is mystical and beautiful all the same. It will forever be one of my favorite books. It can be a little slow-going at first but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. The writing is luscious.
9. Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune – This fantasy is fantastical. It is brilliantly written and pulls at your heartstrings in the best way. I would say the romance in this is pretty subtle but just a beautiful story.
10. Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas – For transparency, I am still not finished with this series but plan to get back into it eventually. I read the first four and fell in love with the cast of characters. I will be honest, of all Maas’ books, this is my least favorite series and I have trouble staying hooked. I am not quite sure why. I think it has to do with too many POVs and the writing style. BUT I do really love the characters and the forest setting is gorgeous.
A few others that are worth checking out:
- Parallel and Intersect by Elizabeth O’Roark
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner (not romance but wonderful for beginners)
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
- Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
- Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
- A Touch of Darkness by Scarett St. Clair
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
