Genre Glossary: Romantasy
What is Romantasy?
Romantasy blends fantasy and romance, giving both equal weight. The story relies on a fully imagined world or magical system, while the romance is central to the emotional core of the book.
If you remove the romance, the story breaks. If you remove the fantasy, it also breaks.
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TL;DR
If you want magic and a love story that actually matters, you want romantasy.
The vibe check
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Epic and emotional
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High stakes and high tension
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Long books that demand commitment
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Slow burns, intense chemistry, or both
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Emotional damage is possible
Common elements
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Fantasy worlds or magical systems
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A central romance arc
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Training, quests, or political intrigue
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Power dynamics and destiny themes
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Series arcs are very common
Common tropes you’ll see
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Chosen one narratives
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Touch her and die energy
Who should read romantasy
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Romance readers ready for higher stakes
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Fantasy readers who want more emotional payoff
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Readers who enjoy long arcs and series investment
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Anyone who wants magic and obsession in the same book
Who might not love it
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Readers who prefer standalone books
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Readers who want very light worldbuilding
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Anyone looking for a quick, low commitment read
Fantasy romance vs romantasy
Romantasy gives equal importance to fantasy and romance. The plot usually cannot function without either element.
Fantasy romance prioritizes the relationship first, with fantasy serving as the setting rather than the engine of the plot.
If you like deep lore and big plot arcs, romantasy is usually the better fit.
Starter romantasy reads
If you’re new to romantasy, look for books with:
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Clear stakes
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Accessible worldbuilding
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Strong romantic tension early on
We recommend starting with popular entry point titles before moving into denser or darker series.
Episode pairings
If you like romantasy, start with:
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Episodes focused on romantasy tropes
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Trope Tuesday episodes featuring fantasy heavy romance
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Long form discussions about worldbuilding and relationships
More romantasy episodes are always coming.
Mini FAQ
Is romantasy always spicy?
No. Spice levels vary widely, from fade to black to explicit.
Are romantasy books usually series?
Yes. Many romantasy books are written as trilogies or longer series.
Is romantasy the same as fantasy romance?
No. In romantasy, the fantasy plot and romance are equally essential.
Where to go next
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Explore Fantasy Romance if you want more romance forward stories
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Visit the Trope Glossary to narrow your vibe
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Check out Trope Tuesday for romantasy recommendations