2024's Best Romantasy Books: A Comprehensive Guide
Your 2024 Guide to the Best Romantasy Books
If you're hunting for the best romantasy books to lose yourself in, look no further. Here are some top picks to get you started:
1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 3. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout 4. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent 5. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Romantasy fuses the exciting worlds of fantasy with the heartwarming elements of romance. This genre offers thrilling trips like dragon riding, faerie courts, and magical tournaments, all paired with gripping love stories. Whether you're new to romantasy or a seasoned fan, these book recommendations promise a swoon-worthy escape.
Romantasy is buzzing on social media. With over 900 million views on TikTok and 500,000 posts on Instagram, it's clear that readers are enchanted by these stories that blend epic quests and magical fields with passionate romance. Expect to find strong heroines, intricate plots, and slow-burn love stories that will keep you turning the pages.
Roxie Lubanovic here, co-founder of Frostbeard Studio and an avid romantasy enthusiast. With a background in Studio Art and English Literature, I’ve spent years exploring the intersection of love and fantasy in literature. Let's dive in together!
What is Romantasy?
Romantasy is a unique blend of romance and fantasy, creating a genre where love stories unfold in magical worlds. This genre has taken the literary world by storm, especially on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where readers share their love for these enchanting tales.
Genre Definition
Romantasy combines the best elements of romance and fantasy. The romance is central to the plot, driving the story forward, while the fantasy elements provide a rich, imaginative backdrop. This genre often features:
- Strong heroines: Female protagonists who are resilient and complex.
- Intricate world-building: Detailed and immersive settings that transport readers to other worlds.
- Epic journeys: Trips that take characters on quests filled with danger and findy.
- Magic: Enchantments, spells, and supernatural abilities that add a layer of wonder.
- High-stakes danger: Life-and-death situations that keep the tension high.
- Morally gray characters: Complex characters who aren't purely good or evil.
- Enemies-to-lovers tropes: Romance that develops between characters who start as adversaries.
- Slow-burn romance: Love stories that build gradually, creating anticipation and tension.
Themes and Tropes
Romantasy novels often explore themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny. They dig into the complexities of relationships and the power dynamics between characters. Some common tropes include:
- Enemies to Lovers: Characters who start off as rivals but gradually fall in love. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a prime example, where Jude and Prince Cardan's animosity turns into a passionate romance.
- Forbidden Love: Relationships that are prohibited by societal norms or magical laws. In From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the romance between Poppy and Hawke defies royal expectations.
- Chosen One: A protagonist destined for greatness who must steer love and duty. This is evident in Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, where Violet must balance her role as a dragon rider with her feelings for Xaden.
- Arranged Marriage: Characters brought together by duty rather than choice, often leading to unexpected love. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen explores this theme with Lara and Aren's politically motivated union.
These themes and tropes make romantasy a captivating genre that appeals to readers looking for both heart-pounding trip and heartfelt romance. Whether it's battling dragons or navigating court intrigue, the emotional stakes are always high, making these stories impossible to put down.
Top 12 Best Romantasy Books of 2024
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing is at the forefront of the best romantasy books of 2024. This dragon-rider fantasy has captivated readers, thanks in part to massive support from BookTok. The story follows Violet, who must steer her new life as a dragon rider while dealing with her powerful and ruthless enemy, Xaden Rioson. With its unforgettable characters and simmering romance, it's no surprise this book soared to the top of bestseller lists.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses is a cult classic in the romantasy world. Set in the magical land of Prythian, this tale blends faeries, fantasy romance, and epic trips. The Maasverse, as fans call it, continues to expand with Maas promising more books in this beloved series. If you haven't yet dived into this faerie fantasy, now's the time.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash is a must-read for romantasy enthusiasts. This series introduces us to a royal court filled with fantasy creatures and a chosen one destined to change the world. The forbidden romance between the protagonist and her protector adds layers of intrigue and passion, making it a standout in the genre.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Carissa Broadbent’s The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a high fantasy tale that combines vampires, magic, and an enemies-to-lovers trope. Oraya, a human in a vampire’s world, must steer a deadly tournament with the help of her mysterious rival, Raihn. This book’s complex world-building and high-stakes action have won it a devoted readership.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince transports readers to the High Court of Faerie, where human protagonist Jude must find her place. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Jude and the wicked Prince Cardan adds tension and excitement. This book is perfect for those who love intricate court politics and magical intrigue.
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
Kerri Maniscalco’s Kingdom of the Wicked is a historical fantasy that melds witches, demons, and mystery. Set in 19th-century Italy, it follows Emilia as she seeks to avenge her sister’s murder. The dark and atmospheric setting, combined with a slow-burn romance, makes this book a gripping read.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
Danielle L. Jensen’s The Bridge Kingdom explores themes of arranged marriage and royalty. Lara and Aren’s politically motivated union starts with distrust but evolves into something deeper. This enemies-to-lovers story is set against a backdrop of intrigue and trip, making it a compelling read.
Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas’ Crescent City series continues to captivate with its blend of half-fae protagonists, fallen angels, and murder mysteries. Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar must uncover a dark power threatening their city. The combination of romance and suspense keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks
Charissa Weaks’ The Witch Collector is a tale of witches, revenge, and enemies-to-lovers romance. Raina’s journey through a magical world with a mysterious collector who took her sister highlights the romance while set in a world filled with magic and secrets.
The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Victoria Aveyard’s The Red Queen features supernatural gifts, rebellion, and royalty. Mare Barrow’s journey from a commoner to a leader in a rebellion against a powerful monarchy is filled with twists and turns. This book’s rich world-building and intense romance make it a must-read.
The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
Renée Ahdieh’s The Beautiful combines vampires, forbidden romance, and historical fantasy. Set in 19th-century New Orleans, it follows Celine as she steers a world of murder and mystery. The lush setting and captivating romance make this book a standout.
A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
Scarlett St. Clair’s A Touch of Darkness is a modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth. This Greek mythology-inspired romantasy explores the darkly passionate relationship between the god of the underworld and the goddess of spring. The contemporary setting adds a fresh twist to this timeless tale.
These best romantasy books of 2024 offer a perfect blend of fantasy and romance, ensuring an unforgettable reading experience. Dive into these magical worlds and let the trips begin!
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Romantasy Books
What is the most popular romantasy series?
The most popular romantasy series right now is undoubtedly Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series, with Fourth Wing leading the charge. This book has taken the literary world by storm, especially on platforms like BookTok, where it has garnered immense support and fanfare. The story of dragon riders, epic battles, and a simmering romance has captivated readers and established itself as a standout in the romantasy genre.
Is Sarah J. Maas a romantasy author?
Yes, Sarah J. Maas is a prominent romantasy author, known for her intricate world-building and compelling romantic plots. She has created several beloved series, including:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR): This series blends faerie lore with intense romance and has become a cult classic among romantasy fans.
- Throne of Glass: Following the journey of young assassin Celaena Sardothein, this series is a staple in the romantasy genre, offering eight books of thrilling trip and romance.
- Crescent City: A newer addition to Maas's repertoire, this series features half-fae Bryce Quinlan and fallen angel Hunt Athalar as they steer a dark and dangerous city.
What are some must-read romantasy books?
If you're looking to dive into the best romantasy books, here are some must-reads:
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: A tale of dragon riders and an intense romance that has taken BookTok by storm.
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: An epic faerie romance that has become a genre-defining series.
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout: This book combines a royal court, a chosen one trope, and forbidden romance with fantasy creatures.
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: A gripping story set in the High Court of Faerie, featuring a human protagonist navigating a world of intrigue and enemies-to-lovers romance.
These books are perfect for anyone looking to escape into magical worlds filled with trip and heart-pounding romance.
Conclusion
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At Frostbeard Studio, our mission is to spread joy and warmth, one candle at a time, and to inspire a love for reading. We invite you to explore our collection and find the perfect candle to improve your next reading trip.
Happy reading!
