Off Book #1: Katy on the Genre That Made Her a Reader

genredpodcast
Oct 16
3 min read

Updated: Oct 26

Welcome to Genre’d: Off Book

Our new in-between-the-episodes mini-series where we sit down to ask five questions that get to the heart of why we read what we read. Think of it as a peek behind the bookshelf: a quick chat about our genre comfort zones, our bookish red flags, and the titles that turned us into lifelong readers.

From Thrillers to Throne of Glass: Katy’s Genre Origin Story

In our very first Off Book episode, Katy takes the mic to talk about the genre that changed everything for her: romantasy— that addictive blend of romance and fantasy that bridges love stories with battles for power, fae courts, and found families.

Like many of us, Katy’s early reading life was rooted in thrillers and fantasy classics (A Wrinkle in Time, Maximum Ride). But when real life started to feel a little too real, she needed an escape — something that was still emotionally grounded, but took her out of this world.

Enter Twilight. The sparkly vampire series that may have divided the internet, but for millions (including us), it was the gateway to reading obsession. From there came The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Darkest Minds, and finally Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses — the series that helped define a whole new subgenre: romantasy.

What Makes Romantasy Hit So Hard

Romantasy, as Katy explains, is about more than wings and fae courts. It’s the same emotional core — love, loss, growth, and moral gray areas — wrapped in higher stakes.

It’s about watching ordinary (or reluctant) people step into power. It’s about magic and politics and betrayal — and yes, it’s also about the swoon-worthy tension that keeps you up way too late.

“It’s all the same things you’d find in any other genre,” Katy says, “they just happen to have wings. They can fly!”

Gateway Reads for New and True Believers

For newcomers to romantasy, Katy recommends starting with A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas — a perfect bridge between fantasy and romance, and a lesson in why readers keep returning for more.

For those already enchanted, her current top pick is Rose in Chains by Julie Soto — darker, more mature, and impossible to put down.

She also shouts out The Magicians of Venice by Amy Kuivalainen as a great option for readers who prefer contemporary settings but still want a dose of magic and mystery (“It’s giving Bones, but make it magical”).

What the Genre Says About Us

When asked what her love of romantasy says about her, Katy laughs:

“That I love men with red flags. And that I hate the real world.”

Self-aware? Absolutely. But also deeply relatable. Because that’s what this genre is really about — escape, imagination, and connection through worlds that look nothing like ours but feel exactly like us.

The Allure of Romantasy

So, what is it about romantasy that keeps us coming back for more? It’s the thrill of adventure mixed with the sweetness of love. It’s the promise of a happily ever after, even if the journey is filled with peril.

Romantasy gives us characters we can root for. They’re flawed, just like us. They stumble, they fall, but they rise again. And isn’t that what we all want? To see ourselves reflected in the pages of a book, battling our own dragons (literal or metaphorical)?

The Community of Readers

One of the best parts of diving into romantasy is the community that comes with it. We’re not just readers; we’re a tribe. We share recommendations, fan theories, and the occasional meme that makes us snort-laugh in public.

Whether you’re discussing the latest plot twist or debating the best love interests, there’s a camaraderie that’s hard to find elsewhere. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good bookish debate?