Even in the book The Secret Romantic’s Book of Magic: 12 Spellbinding Romantasy Stories, the editors, Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane, use the terms interchangeably in their introduction to the anthology:
Most recently, the term ‘romantasy’ has been drawn on to describe fiction that combines the two [fantasy and romance]. Used as early as 2008 on Urban Dictionary, nobody can deny the explosion of such work in 2023-24, with authors like Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses) and Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing) leading the publishing charge…To that effect, we’ve gathered together some of the best and brightest authors around today with one remit: to deliver their own individual spin on Fantasy Romance.
The Secret Romantic’s Book of Magic: 12 Spellbinding Romantasy Stories , edited by Marie O’Regan and Paul KaneFor this anthology, both terms are used as synonyms, and in this case, that’s fine. It’s a book of romantasy, and the authors were asked to write fantasy romance. It’s a wonderful book of brilliant stories by brilliant authors.
However, with the greatest respect to the editors above, I’d argue that they are distinctly different genres, and I’m going to dig into why.
Romantasy vs. Fantasy Romance: What’s the Focus?
In romantasy books, romance is the main genre. It doesn’t mean that the fantasy isn’t important—it is simply the genre that’s secondary to the romance plot. World-building and the magic system are important but less vital than fantasy-forward stories. In a romantasy, you might be given a magic system, world, and beings that you are somewhat familiar with (think vampires and werewolves), so there’s less of a learning curve and a quicker jump to the romance.
In a nutshell, romantasy follows romance plot beats, whereas fantasy romance follows fantasy plot beats.
The fantasy elements aren’t unimportant, and it doesn’t mean the fantasy can’t be epic and unique. The author still needs to do the work to make the overall story compelling, and any fantasy subplots—or any other genre subplots, for that matter—require finesse. But romance takes center stage.
A Requirement for Romantasy
Romantasy, being romance first, requires a happily ever after (HEA) or happily ever after for now (HFN) to be accurately called a romantasy. If a main love interest dies (and is not resurrected somehow) at the end of the over-arching story (meaning the series, not just one book, if it is indeed a part of a series), or if it ends in a breakup without another love interest to take the wheel and provide an HEA/HFN, it’s not a romantasy.
The story must follow the romance beats, which include an HEA/HFN.
Alternatively, fantasy romance, which mainly follows fantasy beats, does not have to abide by this requirement, though many fantasy romances do have an HEA/HFN.
Romantasy Examples
Below are romantasy examples where the romance takes precedent over the fantasy. The fantasy is still wonderfully done, but the romance is most important to the forward motion of the story.
I included books/series that I know follow the aforementioned rule. For any examples that are part of an ongoing series, I’ll be sure to include that caveat.
You might argue that stating that these examples have an HEA/HFN is a spoiler, and I see your point. However, seasoned readers and consumers, knowing the definitions of these genres, are already expecting an HEA/HFN from a romantasy. If that expectation is broken, that’s when I feel slighted.
A Marvellous Light (The Last Binding #1) by Freya Marske
The Last Binding trilogy is a perfect example of a queer romantasy series. Each book in the trilogy centers a different queer couple, and all of them are swoon-worthy glorious romances in their own right.
The first book is set in an alternative Edwardian England, where magic is real but covered up. Robin Blyth thinks he’s been appointed to a minor government post, but in actuality, he’s become the liaison to a very secret magical society. When his predecessor goes missing, he has to unravel the mystery, and he needs Edwin Courcey’s help. Edwin is Robin’s magical counterpart, but he has difficulties with his magic. Both are drawn to each other, and their passion only grows.
Throne of the Fallen (Prince of Sin #1) by Kerri Maniscalco
This adult romantasy series continues after the YA Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy, following the princes of Hell. The Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy centered on Emilia and Wrath. Now Maniscalco is devoting an adult romantasy book to each prince of Hell, and I am here for it.
Throne of the Fallen follows Camilla and her adventure with Envy, and it is a glorious example of a romantasy.
What I also appreciate about this book is Camilla and Envy are mature, self-aware adults with their own motives and machinations. There’s less angst here, but there are many games where they pit each other against riddles and danger, while also falling for each other hard.
Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment #1) by Rebecca Ross
This entire YA duology is a great example of an excellent romantasy adventure. The world is beautifully rendered in this tale; it feels like it’s set in World War II, but in a totally different world. At its heart are two people with magical typewriters falling in love in a world torn by war and divine intervention.
Eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow’s brother is off at war. He was called to it by a god, and she has not heard from him since. With a mother drowning her sorrows by drinking, Iris knows she has to get a columnist position at the Oath Gazette. The problem is her rival, Roman Kitt, also wants the job.
What neither realize is that they’re both in possession of a magical typewriter, and the typewriters are tethered. When Iris’s letters to her brother fall into Roman’s hands, a connection is formed, and a romance is set in motion that neither could have imagined.
Fantasy Romance Examples
Fantasy romance is fantasy first. An HEA/HFN is not required, but it can happen, and often does. You may even have that expectation and hope that a happily ever after is coming. But whew, if it’s a fantasy-first story, brace yourselves and guard your heart.
What I love about fantasy romance, and all the subgenres therein, is that it can get gloriously emotionally messy. If you’re willing to truly be wrecked while also experiencing a unique fantasy world, fantasy romance will have you gagged.
The Jasad Heir (The Scorched Throne #1) by Sara Hashem
This is one of my favorite fantasy romance ongoing series. Not only does Hashem build a layered world of magic and political intrigue, but the slow-burn romance plot is a triumph.
Sylvia is the lost Jasad heir. Ten years prior, the Jasad kingdom burned, and the entire royal family was murdered. Sylvia is the only survivor, though no one knows that, and she wants to keep it that way. Her magic and people are hunted and oppressed by the Nizahl empire, claiming them as monsters, and Sylvia accidentally lets the Nizahl hair, Arin, discover her magic. Arin doesn’t know who she really is, so she makes a deal. She’ll be his champion in a deadly game.
As Sylvia struggles with her magic, her identity, and feelings for Arin, she’ll have to make a choice. I was not okay after the end of the first book, and for that, I will recommend the hell out of it.
Midnight Rooms by Donyae Coles
I’m actually going to amend a previous list, where I included this title as a “gothic romantasy.” Technically, this book is not a romantasy, as it doesn’t abide by the main rule I’ve stated above. The fantasy romance is still there, but the world and the main character’s journey take precedence.
This story is delectable, beautiful, horrific, and spicy. It’s a fever dream for the senses. It’s delectable, horrible, swoon-worthy, and nightmareish.
Midnight Rooms follows Orabella Mumthrope in England in 1840, when she agrees to a hasty marriage to a handsome stranger, knowing her prospects are slim as the orphaned daughter of a white man and a Black woman. Orabella is whisked off to the Korringhill Manor on the Blakersby family estate, where secrets abound, where servants are tight-lipped, and drinking a special tea makes events seem blurred, surreal, and animal-like. The end will not be what you expect, and that’s what makes it great.
Romantasy vs. Fantasy Romance: Past, Present, and Future
I used contemporary examples in the above lists, as romantasy is a recent term. There are many arguments out there that authors like Robin Hobb, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Robin McKinley are the first romantasy writers. However, I wanted to keep to contemporary titles that fit the timeline of when “romantasy” has taken off as a term.
While many are predicting an imminent decline in romantasy and fantasy romance, it’s important to note that genre interest ebbs and flows. Romance and fantasy, as separate genres or combined, will always remain. Genres will continue to be reinvented, regardless of whether it’s hot in the market. The most important thing we can do is to read and support the genres we love.
In a time where book-banning is peaking, you have to stand for the works and genres that bring you to the page. That purpose, that battle, is as noble and timeless as the stories themselves.
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