Welcome to the Wild World of Romantasy: Where Love Meets Magic and Every Heroine is a Total Boss Babe
Ah, romantasy. Just say the word, and you can almost hear the swoon-worthy soundtrack play in your head, can’t you? It’s the genre that’s taken the literary world by storm—mixing the thrill of fantasy with the intoxicating allure of romance. Honestly, it’s a match made in bookish heaven. If you haven’t jumped on the romantasy bandwagon yet, darling, what are you even waiting for?
What the Heck is Romantasy?
Let’s break it down for those who might still think “romantasy” is a fancy new drink at your local café. It’s a fabulous cocktail of romance and fantasy—where your wildest dreams of love, adventure, and a sprinkle of magic come to life. Thanks to the pandemic (because somehow, everything crazy revolves around that), this genre has exploded. I mean, first it was sourdough bread, and now we have fire-breathing dragons with a heart of gold? Sign me up!
Where Did it All Start?
- Top contenders: Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses has been climbing the charts like it’s training for the Olympics, and Rebecca Yarros’s Onyx Storm was more popular than that one TikTok dance everyone obsessed over (what was it again?).
- BookTok: Yes, that adorable corner of TikTok where readers and authors mingle like it’s a fancy gala. Writers are crafting stories like it’s their job (oh wait, it is), tailoring them to the super-specific tastes of readers. It’s like Tinder but for books!
Why Do We Love Romantasy?
Oh honey, it’s all about that delicious wish fulfillment. Don’t you ever just want to be the fiercest warrior with a boyfriend who looks like he just stepped out of a painting and possesses the mystical abilities of a god? I know I do. Think about it:
- Power Fantasy: You’re strong, fabulous, and effortlessly perfect. You don’t even have to wear makeup if you don’t want to—magic makes you stunning!
- Unbeatable Love: Your love story? Epic. You and your partner could take down a kingdom together. Forget Netflix and chill; we’re talking “save the world together and maybe kiss afterward.”
- Escapism at its Best: Whether you’re facing a mundane Tuesday or a sudden urge to throw your phone into a river, this genre transports you out of reality faster than any expensive spa day.
What’s Cooking in the Romantasy Kitchen?
Grab your quill, because we’re going to dish some recommendations that will satisfy your need for steamy heroes and whimsy like a freshly baked cupcake. Here are the must-reads:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
- Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (Yas, throwback!)
- The Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce
And if you’re feeling adventurous, sneak in a Netflix binge of Game of Thrones. Sure, it’s brutal, but those costumes? I’ll take them over reality any day!
Ready to Lose Yourself…
Join the tribe of romantasy lovers who also indulge in heart-thumping adventures and swoon-worthy romances! And don’t forget to get comfy, because once you start reading, you may not be able to put that book down. Need a nudge? Check out the latest from the Critics at Large podcast where they dive deep into this genre, and you might just find your next obsession!
Find us here:
- Listen to the magic on Apple or Spotify.
- And if you’re the old-school type, sign up for the weekly cultural-recommendations newsletter here!
So, grab the nearest paperback or e-reader, dive into the pages, and let yourself be swept away by the enchanting world of romantasy. Because let’s face it, life’s too short to not be a badass in love and magic! Happy reading, lovers! 
