“The Old Woman in the Wood,” 1901, from ‘Grimms Household Stories’ collected by the Brothers Grimm.
Getty ImagesRomantic fantasy books, often called “romantasy,” are part of a hybrid genre that mixes fantasy with romance to reimagine the best of both literary worlds. These novels typically feature richly detailed worlds, a compelling central romance and fantastical themes like magic, mythical creatures or epic adventures. Common themes include forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers dynamics or star-crossed romances. Writers like Sarah J. Maas, Scarlett St. Clair and Diana Gabaldon have become renowned for their contributions to the genre.
Top Romantasy Books
If you are a reader who enjoys dramatic love triangles, slow-burn relationships or high-stakes adventures, this list of top romantasy books is a treasure trove of reads that could be your next literary obsession. This ranking is based on reader reviews, literary impact and the balance of romance and fantasy in each story.
25. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout (2020)
This series, while often criticized for its tropes, makes up for the criticism with its action-packed combination of dark romance and high fantasy. Poppy, a Virgin of the Order, is caught in limbo by tradition and duty, and the whims of a cruel god dictate her life, and it has been that way since she was born. But when she meets Casteel, a fallen prince with a tragic past and they get involved in an affair, her world falls apart. Their forbidden romance, which continues to grow in spite of political and supernatural threats, makes this story all the more unputdownable.
Who should read this: Readers who enjoy stories about power, sacrifice and the appeal of plots that thrive on forbidden love.
Where to read this: Simon & Schuster.
24. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty (2017)
This richly imagined novel takes inspiration from Middle Eastern mythology and uses a backdrop of adventure, intrigue and forbidden romance to draw readers in. Nahri, a street magician in 18th-century Cairo, accidentally summons a djinn, Dara, a powerful warrior from the hidden city of Daevabad. Their meeting sets off a chain of events that pushes Nahri to question her identity and the only world she has ever known. As Nahri travels back to the magical city of Daevabad, she and Dara must navigate political intrigue, prejudice and the growing attraction between them.
Who should read this: Readers drawn to morally complex characters and historical fantasy settings within a story.
Where to read this: HarperCollins Publishers.
23. The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow (2020)
This lyrical novel follows January Scaller, a young woman who discovers a hidden world of wonder and magic inside the pages of her father’s mysterious books. As she explores the books more, she realizes each book holds a portal to another reality that takes her on an adventure across time and space. Each portal also leads her to truths about her family, her own abilities and the connections between the doorways. Along the way, she also comes across various characters, including Lundy, a charming traveler who becomes her confidante over time. Harrow’s prose is poetic and evocative, inviting readers to lose themselves in the magic and wonder of this extraordinary world.
Who should read this: Readers who enjoy atmospheric, character-driven, romantasy books.
Where to read this: Hachette Book Group.
22. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (2019)
This epic romantasy novel spans centuries and continents and is a story about Queen Sabran IX whose reign is threatened by a creature called the Nameless One and the absence of an heir. Ead Duryan, a mage who is secretly loyal to the Priory, acts as Sabran’s protector while grappling with her loyalty to a hidden society whose interpretation of history clashes with the kingdom’s dominant beliefs. With dragons, forbidden magic and rich character-building, this feminist epic examines themes of faith, duty and grit in the face of ancient threats.
Who should read this: Readers who enjoy epic fantasy with a feminist twist.
Where to read this: Bloomsbury Publishing.
21. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015)
When 19-year-old Feyre Archeron kills a wolf in the woods, she unknowingly gets into trouble with the powerful faerie. As punishment, she is brought to Prythian, the enchanting yet dangerous faerie kingdom, by her captor, the High Lord Tamlin. Though initially terrified by the unfamiliar world and its inhabitants, Feyre soon discovers that the faerie lands are not as monstrous as the human world has portrayed. But she must balance forbidden romance with duty and desire.
Who should read this: Young readers who enjoy slow-burn romance focusing on character development and emotional connection.
Where to read this: Bloomsbury Publishing.
20. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (2012)
Sarah Maas’s New York Times bestselling series Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, an 18-year-old assassin imprisoned in the brutal slave camp of Endovier. When she is offered an opportunity to compete against other skilled assassins and thieves for the position of the King’s Champion, she accepts it. But as Celaena navigates the dangerous court of Adarlan, she begins to form an unexpected friendship with Chaol, the Captain of the Guard, and the charming Prince Dorian. Her journey soon implicates her in a dangerous conspiracy that leads to a series of battles and shocking secrets about the kingdom and her hidden past.
Who should read this: Readers who enjoy immersive worlds, intricate magic systems, and high-action adventures.
Where to read this: Bloomsbury Publishing.
19. Caraval by Stephanie Garber (2016)
This trilogy is centered around the magical Caraval, a game of chance and illusion where reality and fantasy blur. Two sisters, Scarlett and Donatella “Tella” Dragna, are given the opportunity to change their fates through the game. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella and Scarlett go away to the show. But, as soon as they arrive, Tella mysteriously disappears, and Scarlett learns that finding her is the key to winning the game. This leads Scarlett down a series of impossible illusions and a romance with Julian, a mysterious participant in the game.
Who should read this: Ideal for readers who love whimsical, immersive fantasy with a touch of romance and mystery.
Where to read this: Macmillan Publishers.
18. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (2018)
The Cruel Prince, the first book in The Folk of the Air trilogy by Holly Black, is a darkly enchanting story that engages readers in Faerie’s dangerous, yet beautiful world. The story follows Jude Duarte, a human girl who, along with her two sisters, was abducted after witnessing her parents’ brutal murder. Jude must now learn to live in a society where humans are despised and power rules everything. When she crosses paths with Cardan Greenbriar, the arrogant and cruel faerie prince, their relationship spirals into a tense connection of manipulation, rivalry and attraction.
Who should read this: Readers who enjoy morally complex characters, vivid storytelling and darkly magical sagas.
Where to read this: Hachette Book Group.
17. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (2019)
This romantasy story delivers on the enemies-to-lovers tendency of the hybrid genre and is set against the time of the French Revolution era. In this story, two sworn enemies, a young witch, Louise “Lou” le Blanc, and Reid Diggory, a witch hunter, are forced into a marriage of convenience to protect Lou from being exposed to powerful enemies who want to harm her. Despite their mutual disdain, their partnership challenges deeply held beliefs and inspires a gradual shift in their relationship.
Who should read this: Readers interested in stories that explore the larger chaos of rebellion and mind shifts.
Where to read this: Barnes & Noble.
16. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2011)
The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the Homeric epic “The Iliad,” from the perspective of Patroclus. The novel looks at the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, describing their bond as an abiding friendship. Set during the Trojan War, the story follows Patroclus, an exiled prince who becomes the close companion of Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior. Their relationship is tested by fate and the demands of honor and glory. Miller’s perspective offers a fresh take on ancient mythology, specifically emphasizing its characters’ personal struggles and emotions.
Who should read this: Readers interested in stories that retell ancient epics with a new perspective.
Where to read this: HarperCollins Publishers.
15. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair (2019)
This modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth takes readers to New Athens, a place where gods live among mortals. Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, lives what appears to be an ordinary life until she enters into a contract with Hades, the God of the Underworld. Burdened with the responsibility of bringing life to the Underworld, Persephone struggles with her dormant powers and her sudden, yet unexpected attraction to Hades.
Who should read this: Fans of Greek mythology retellings with some romance will enjoy this novel.
Where to read this: Barnes & Noble.
14. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber (2021)
Evangeline Fox, a hopeless romantic, makes a deal with the cruel, yet charismatic Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, to stop her true love from marrying someone else. In return, she agrees to give Jacks three kisses at a time and place of his choice. What appears to be a straight-forward arrangement soon becomes darker and more dangerous than Evangeline would have ever imagined.
Who should read this: Readers who enjoy fairy tale stories about star-crossed lovers.
Where to read this: Macmillan Publishers.
13. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson (2018)
Isobel, a prodigious portrait artist, primarily captures the immortal fair folk in her work, but she soon learns that her pattern of art can be dangerous in a world where revealing emotion is seen as a weakness. When she paints sadness in the eyes of Rook, the Autumn Prince, she unintentionally puts him in danger. Upset by this, Rook captures Isobel and takes her into his world. However, as boundaries blur, both Rook and Isobel must confront their vulnerabilities and a forbidden attraction.
Who should read this: Fans of standalone fantasy novels with rich prose, fairy lore, and a focus on the connection between art and emotion.
Where to read this: Simon & Schuster.
12. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer (2020)
Prince Rhen, heir to Emberfall, is cursed to relive the autumn of his 18th year until a girl falls in love with him. This cursed cycle ends with him transforming into a beast, who destroys his kingdom. Harper, a tough teenager from Washington, D.C. with cerebral palsy, finds herself in Rhem’s world after attempting to save a stranger. Despite the enchantment and danger surrounding Emberfall, Harper’s grit and empathy stand out to Rhen. Together, they confront the challenges of breaking the curse and uniting a fractured kingdom.
Who should read this: Readers who are drawn to strong-willed heroines.
Where to read this: Barnes & Noble.
11. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen (2018)
Lara, trained from birth to infiltrate and destroy the Bridge Kingdom, marries King Aren as part of a political alliance. The Bridge Kingdom is a storm-ravaged world that is the only route that controls trade and travel in the are. The kingdom is also surrounded by seas and is full of political intrigue and militaristic strategies. As she secretly gathers intelligence, Lara struggles with her growing feelings for Aren and the startling reality that the true enemy may not be who she thought it was.
Who should read this: Fans who enjoy stories centered around arranged marriage tropes, strategic warfare and betrayal.
Where to read this: Barnes & Noble.
10. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco (2020)
Emilia, a witch living in secrecy in 19th-century Italy, sets out to vengeance after her twin sister, Vittoria’s brutal murder. Her journey leads her to team up Wrath, one of the Wicked princes of Hell to find out who is behind the killing and the other gruesome murders in Sicily. Bound together by a common goal, they navigate a world of dark magic, secrets and forbidden desire to uncover the truth behind the killings.
Who should read this: Readers who enjoy dark fantasy, murder mysteries and romance plots.
Where to read this: Barnes & Noble.
9. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller (2020)
Alessandra has a plan to seduce the Shadow King, marry him and then kill him to take his kingdom. At first, the plan seems to be going quite well, but as she gains his trust and power, she finds herself unexpectedly falling in love with him. She also discovers that she is not the only one who wants him dead so that she can take his power and this leads her to an internal song and dance.
Who should read this: Fans of morally gray heroines and clever schemes.
Where to read this: Barnes & Noble.
8. Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas (2020)
Sarah Maas makes this list yet again with Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood, a story that follows Bryce Quinlan, who lives in a modern fantasy world where humans, angels, shifters and demons coexist. After her best friend is brutally murdered, Bryce works with Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel, to figure out who is behind the murder. But their investigation leads them to realize that their partnership is more than just professional.
Who should read this: Readers who enjoy urban fantasy, complex characters and professional relationships-turned personal.
Where to read this: Barnes & Noble.
7. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (2016)
This sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses adds to the intrigue and plot of the series. After surviving Under the Mountain, Feyre struggles with the trauma of her experiences and her relationship with Tamlin. When Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, offers her a way out, Feyre is drawn into a world of breathtaking beauty, danger and newfound freedom. Even with her marriage to Tamlin approaching, Feyre continues to struggle with the baggage and trauma of her past life.
Who should read this: Fans of second-chance romance and rich world-building.
Where to read this: Bloomsbury Publishing.
6. Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli (2024)
In Heartless Hunter, Kristen Ciccarelli delivers a seductive enemies-to-lovers story set in a society where witches are hunted after a bloody revolution. Rune, who once part of a powerful witch lineage, now lives a double life. By day, she’s a frivolous socialite hiding her true identity; by night, she becomes the Crimson Moth, a vigilante rescuing persecuted witches. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to gather information by seducing the handsome Gideon Sharp, a loyal witch hunter. But the unlikely encounters uncovers a deeper connection.
Who should read this: Readers who love romantic fantasy with high stakes, complex characters, and a touch of mystery.
Where to read this: Macmillan Publishers.
5. Bride by Ali Hazelwood (2024)
Bride marks Ali Hazelwood’s debut in the romantasy genre, a departure from her usual contemporary romance novels. The story centers around a dangerous romance that blossoms between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf. Although this is not a retelling of Twilight, the paranormal romance touches on similar themes that have compelled readers to become interested in similarly themed plots. Hazelwood’s use of romance, conflict and the supernatural offers a unique take on the story.
Who should read this: Readers drawn to stories of vampires, werewolves and the tensions between them.
Where to read this: Penguin Random House.
4. The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons (2024)
Anahrod has always been independent and prided herself on being able to figure things out on her own. But when she’s taken by a notorious warlord and later rescued by a band of adventurers, her independence is take away. Instead of returning to her life of solitude, Anahrod is roped into paying off a debt by stealing from the hoard of a dragon—one that already pre-determined that she will die.
Who should read this: Readers who admire strong and resourceful female protaginists.
Where to read this: Barnes & Noble.
3. Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley (2024)
Kenna is trapped as a servant in the underground faerie kingdom of Mistei, bound to aid her mistress in completing six perilous trials—one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion and Blood. Kenna must face horrifying monsters, deadly magic and brutal physical challenges to succeed and if she can’t, then she will die. To escape the dangerous and tyrannical king and reclaim her freedom, Kenna will need extraordinary courage, sharp strategy and an unbreakable will. Yet even that might not be enough to save her.
Who should read this: Adventure-seeking readers who appreciate a darker, grittier edge to their fantasy worlds.
Where to read this: Penguin Random House.
2. The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent (2022)
The Serpent & the Wings of Night is the first book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent. Set in a world on the brink of war, Oraya, a human adopted by the feared vampire king, finds herself participating in the Kejari, a brutal tournament held by the goddess Nyaxia. The competition pits vampires and humans against one another, with the promise of unending power for the winner. The gritty and deadly arena leaves no place for compassion or trust, and to survive, everyone competing must become ruthless.
Who should read this: Readers who enjoy high-stakes competition, forbidden love and well-developed plots and characters.
Where to read this: Barnes & Noble.
1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (2023)
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is the first installment in The Empyrean series. The New York Times bestseller introduces Violet Sorrengail, a determined protagonist who exhibits traits and experiences consistent with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, including hypermobility and chronic joint pain. Despite her chronic pain, the 20-year-old is thrust into the dangerous Dragon Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College. In the kingdom of Navarre, dragon riders guard the palace with magic-powered wards, battling threats like gryphon riders from neighboring Poromiel. Armed with her late brother’s journal, smarts and determination, Violet relies on strategy and alliances to make up for her physical limitations.
Who should read this: Fans of stories that balance thrilling fantasy elements with romantic subplots.
Where to read this: Barnes & Noble.
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