What in the World Why romantasy books are having a moment
Dec 30, 2025
Join BBC journalist Maia Davies as she delves into the electrifying world of romantasy—a genre fusing romance and fantasy with sweeping plots and beloved tropes. Maia breaks down why titles like ACOTAR are trending on BookTok, revealing the genre's explosive sales growth and commercial significance. She also explores the appeal of female-centric narratives that promise justice and happy endings, while fans share their love for the escapism these stories provide. Get ready to dive into the magic of romantasy!
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Genre Defined By Romance In Fantasy
- Romantasy blends high-stakes fantasy worldbuilding with romance-driven plots and familiar tropes like enemies-to-lovers.
- The genre centers emotional arc and a promised happily-ever-after within fantastical settings.
Reader Teaser Shows Classic Tropes
- Emily's reader-created teaser shows a heroine with nature powers dreaming of a dark, winged stranger in vivid imagery.
- The passage captures the classic romantasy pull: elemental opposites and longing across danger.
Modern Echoes Of Older Archetypes
- The dark, brooding hero in romantasy echoes literary archetypes like the Byronic hero and Shakespearean drama.
- Readers often suspend judgment about flawed leads because the arc resolves with cooperation against a common threat.