Love, Magic & Mayhem:

What Sets Romantasy Apart

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Romantasy is having a moment. As one of the best-selling romance sub-genres, writers are rushing to meet readers’ demand, eager to fill the void. But what exactly is romantasy?

One of the better explanations appeared in an article in the THE NEW YORKER by Kathy Waldman. Author Lynne Freeman, no relation to me claimed copyright infringement against the author, Tracy Wolf, author of the Crave series and her agent. It seems both authors shared the same agent and the agent had access to Freeman’s book years before the Crave series.

This article is fascinating on multiple levels, particularly in its discussion of copyright and tropes, but what caught my attention most was its definition of romantasy.

Love and magic have been intertwined in storytelling for centuries, but the romance genre saw an unprecedented boom during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article points to the rise of romantasy, specifically referencing A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas, attributing its surge in popularity to readers seeking escapism during lockdown.

Most romance novels sell wish fulfillment—a theme I explored in my post on billionaire romance—but romantasy takes it a step further. Readers aren’t just getting passion and longing; they’re getting sex with vampires, werewolves, monsters, dragons, devils, or even angels.

Of course, not everyone is making money in romantasy. In October, Publishers Weekly reported that five of the ten top-selling adult books of 2024 were written either by Sarah J. Maas or Rebecca Yarros, two of the genre’s biggest names. But with numbers like that, it’s easy to see why writers find the genre tempting. These authors alone sold more than 3.65 million copies in the first nine months of 2024. Yet, according to the New Yorker article, the U.S. still faces a decline in readers. In fact, a National Endowment for the Arts survey found that the number of Americans who reported finishing even a single book in a year dropped by six percent between 2012 and 2022. But romantasy readers—mostly women—seem exempt from this trend. That’s a major plus for the genre: it already has a built-in, dedicated readership.

In some ways, romantasy feels like young adult fiction. It often carries the emotional weight of a coming-of-age story—forgiveness, bravery, self-discovery, and the ever-present “Yes, I am beautiful” moment. I felt it myself while writing Other Worlds last year.

According to The New Yorker, romantasy puts “less emphasis on world-building” and more on strong female characters. But don’t expect longtime paranormal romance readers to let that slide. Many still crave deep world-building and may criticize a romantasy book that leans too heavily on character arcs at the expense of world building.

An article, Fairies, dragons and steamy sex scenes: ‘Romantasy’ books are the new must-reads. by Scottie Andrew of CNN quotes, Jayashree Kamblé, an English professor at LaGuardia Community College and president of the International Association for the Study of Popular Romance:

“During a time when many women feel powerless against forces that seek to steal their agency, it’s no wonder that romantasy has captured readers’ imagination. Many romantic fantasy novels give female characters power that reduces female vulnerability and expands choices. So of course we seek creative ways to envision those truths, especially when existing power structures actively want to deny us access to them.”—Jayashree Kamblé

However, these readers may not be for everyone. For one, they tend to be younger—Millennials and Gen Z—many of whom grew up on Harry Potter and expect to see your book trending on BookTok. If you’re resistant to TikTok, think twice before diving into the romantasy market.

How Romantasy Differs from Traditional Fantasy

1. Character-Driven, Not World-Driven

• The emotional arcs and romantic relationships take center stage.

• World-building exists to support the story, rather than being the main focus.

• Unlike high fantasy, where politics and lore dominate, romantasy prioritizes romance and character-driven growth.

2. Simpler, More Intuitive World-Building

• Unlike high fantasy (The Lord of the Rings), romantasy doesn’t require intricate magic systems or deep lore.

• Fantasy elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, avoiding excessive exposition.

• Readers aren’t bogged down by complicated world mechanics—instead, they get immersed in the romance and emotions.

3. Emotion Over Plot Complexity

• While external conflicts exist, internal emotional stakes—love, betrayal, longing—drive the tension.

• Themes of fate, sacrifice, and destiny are often central.

• The focus is on the character’s journey rather than elaborate political intrigue or multi-layered subplots.

4. Faster Pacing and Engaging Prose

• Romantasy often moves faster than traditional fantasy, balancing romantic tension with action.

• First-person or dual-POV narration is common, creating a more intimate, immersive experience.

5. A Broader, More Inclusive Perspective

• Anyone can be the hero. Romantasy allows for Black, white, queer, and diverse female protagonists to take center stage.

• Traditional paranormal romance has often centered white male heroes, but romantasy expands the genre’s scope, reflecting a more inclusive and modern approach to fantasy storytelling.

6. A More Hopeful Tone

• While grimdark fantasy (brutal, morally gray storytelling) has had its time in the spotlight, romantasy often leans into hope, redemption, and love.

• The genre embraces emotions unapologetically, offering readers an escape with both magic and heart.

“Romantasy “allows women to have it all,” says Christina Clark-Brown, who shares book recommendations on the Instagram page ninas_nook. “There is no damsel who needs saving but rather women are allowed to be powerful, go on epic quests, and find love with a partner who is an equal to them in every way.” The Guardian, A genre of swords and soulmates: the rise and rise of ‘romantasy’ novels.

To Discover even more about romantasy I recommend this helpful page by hireawriter, The Guide to Romantasy: Evolution, Archetypes, and Must-Read

Thank you for reading! If you can offer more tips, please leave some under comments: