Kathryn VanArendonk, a writer for Vulture, dives into the captivating world of 'faerie smut', a genre that fuses romance with fantasy and has taken the literary scene by storm. She discusses how popular authors and social media, especially TikTok, have elevated this genre's visibility. The conversation examines the shift towards escapist fiction during the pandemic, as readers seek emotional connections through complex narratives. Also highlighted are the evolving perceptions of sex scenes in literature and the cyclical nature of literary trends.
Romantasy books offer readers a unique reading experience by combining romance plots with intricate world-building and mythical creatures.
Author Sarah J. Maas's immense success in the romantasy genre has contributed to its overall growth and mainstream awareness.
Deep dives
The Rise of Romantasy Genre
The podcast explores the rising popularity of the romantasy genre, which combines romance and fantasy elements. Romantasy books often feature fantastical worlds, mythical creatures, and chosen one narratives. The combination of intricate world-building and romance plots creates a unique reading experience for fans. Authors like Sarah J. Maas have become immensely popular within this genre, with dedicated fan bases and midnight book release parties. The podcast discusses how romantasy offers escapism and relief from real-world anxieties, particularly during times of uncertainty and stress, such as the pandemic.
Sarah J. Maas and Her Impact
The podcast highlights the influence and success of author Sarah J. Maas in the romantasy genre. With over 40 million books sold, Maas has redefined the fantasy genre and paved the way for other authors. Her books, particularly the Throne of Glass series, have gained a massive following and have been instrumental in the genre's increasing popularity. The podcast discusses how Maas's books are often shelved alongside other romantasy authors, contributing to the overall growth of the genre. It also explores the initial challenges Maas faced in gaining recognition and the recent surge in mainstream awareness of her work.
The Relationship Between Fiction Trends and Politics
The podcast touches on the connection between fiction trends and political events. It notes that during election years, books related to politics and biographies of political figures typically experience increased sales. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in political science book sales. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including a lack of fresh narratives surrounding the same political figures and a general disinterest in the market. The podcast suggests that people may be seeking escapism through genres like romantasy, given the collective stress and uncertainty experienced globally. It also highlights the role of social media platforms like TikTok in driving the popularity of fiction among younger audiences.
Romantasy is the most popular literary genre in America right now. Vulture’s Kathryn VanArendonk and Circana’s Kristen McLean explain why.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.