What Is Romantasy and Why Is It So Popular?

Love, magic, fantasy worlds, morally gray love interests… What more could you ask for? Since 2022, the sub-genre of romantasy has exploded in popularity. The word “romantasy” is a combination of “romance” and “fantasy,” perfectly describing a fantasy story with romance as its primary plot.

But what is romantasy really all about? Let’s take a look at what characterizes romantasy novels, how it differs from other similar genres, and some romantasy books to consider reading!

What Is Romantasy?

Romantasy is a blend of romance and fantasy where the romantic plot is as important to the narrative as magic and world-building. Essentially, if you were to remove the romantic plot from a romantasy novel, the entire story would collapse. The same is true of the fantasy element found in the story. Some of the primary characteristics of romantasy novels include:

• Fantasy world
• Magic 
• Mythological creatures, such as dragons or elves
• A proactive, strong female protagonist
• Morally gray love interests
• A high-stakes conflict that affects the central relationship
• Emotional and physical intensity
• May include “spicy” scenes
• Relatable character relationships 
• Usually ends with Happily Ever After or a Happy For Now 

Certain tropes also characterize romantasy. Usually, a few are blended together to create a unique and compelling story. Some of the common romantasy tropes include:

• Enemies-to-lovers
• Fated mates
• Forced proximity
• Fake relationships
• Forbidden love
• Found family
• Love triangle
• The chosen one
• Reluctant hero

Why Is Romantasy So Popular?

So what makes romantasy so popular? When done well, romantasy novels are both heartwarming and emotional enough to rip your heart out. Many readers describe certain romantasy novels as going so far as to leave them “wrecked.” 

So why do so many people read romantasy?

Some of the appeal of romantasy is the crossover potential–these novels can have action, romance, intrigue, fantasy elements, etc. There is also no real age limit to who reads these books, either (except for the spicy ones, of course). 

Romantasy also offers an alternative to classic high fantasy or epic fantasy, which has historically been dominated by white male authors, such as J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, although that has been changing slowly. Romantasy is mostly a female-led change to the fantasy genre, bringing in new readers and entrancing old readers.  

How Is Romantasy Different from Fantasy?

Romantasy isn’t exactly different from fantasy–rather it is a sub-genre of the overarching fantasy genre. Fantasy encapsulates many sub-genres, including high fantasy, urban fantasy, dark fantasy, historical fantasy, etc. Not all fantasy novels have romance as a plot or subplot, so romantasy offers readers a more romance-forward story while blending fantasy elements. 

How Is Romantasy Different from Romantic Fantasy?

Another sub-genre of fantasy is romantic fantasy. It is essentially a sub-genre of romantasy itself, but this specifically refers to a story where romance is a subplot to the main fantasy plot. 

How Is Romantasy Different From Fantasy Romance?

This is another “sub-genre” of romantasy. However, like the prior sub-genre focuses more on the fantasy elements of the story as the main plot with a romance in the background, in a fantasy romance, the romance is the main driver of the plot. Therefore, there must be a happily-ever-after (or happy for now) in this category. 

What Are Some Popular Romantasy Books?

If you’re looking to get into romantasy and need recommendations, here are some of the most popular romantasy books and series:

• The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
• We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
• One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
• The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
• Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Can I Write Romantasy?

Of course you can! Before diving into writing romantasy, read books within the genre. While reading, notice the tropes, classic elements, and how fantasy and romance are woven together to make the story interesting and engaging. Notice how the characters interact with each other, and how their relationship progresses within the story. Romantasy tends to have a lot of flirty banter between the main couple as well, so take notes!

Once you’ve read enough romantasy books, you can begin creating characters and world-building your fantasy setting. Draw on inspiration from other fantasy novels, but always use your own creative flair to craft the details. When ready, craft an outline, which can help you avoid plot holes and help keep your story “on the rails” so to speak. 

Then write your novel! And when you’re done, reach out to J. Berry Editorial for professional romantasy editing services!

Need Some Help with Your Romantasy Story? Contact J. Berry Editorial for Romantasy Editing Services

When you need expert fiction and romantasy book editing services, reach out to J. Berry Editorial. I take pride in helping Indie authors polish their manuscripts for publication\ by offering a variety of editing services, including proofreading, copy edits, line edits, and developmental edits. I also offer editing packages to ensure you get all the support you need. 

Ready for a sample edit and free quote? Submit your manuscript details, and I will reach out to you soon!