Is romantasy worth reading? We often get asked that question and have noticed that many people avoid the genre altogether. But take a step back; we think you’re missing out! Romantasy is that fabulous combination of romance and fantasy, and after all, isn’t love always at least a little bit magical?

Most people avoid trying a new genre simply because they have no idea where to start, and we totally get that, which is why we decided to write this beginner's guide. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including fabulous book recommendations!

So why not try something new this summer? 

What is Romantasy?

As we mentioned, romantasy is that wonderful blend of romance and fantasy. This is where unforgettable love stories unfold against a backdrop of enchanted worlds, powerful kingdoms, and mythical creatures with a whole lot of curses, quests, and battles between good and evil, all thrown in for good measure.

Yes, falling in love is at its core, but it’s so much more than that! The fantasy aspect adds to the drama. Think forbidden love, magical bonds, heroines, warriors, and hidden powers, and you’re starting to get where we’re going. This is the genre for those of you who love being swept away because romantasy offers an incredible love story with the escapism of an incredible fantasy adventure!

 

What Are The Best Romantasy Books for Beginners and Beyond?

Just like with any genre, there isn’t a right or wrong place to begin. Some books ease you in gently, while others throw you straight into dangerous kingdoms and tense battles. But if you’re new to the genre, there are definitely some beginner-friendly romantasy novels to help you figure out what resonates with you. Perhaps you enjoy those forbidden love stories combined with intrigue and epic fantasy worlds, or maybe you prefer enemies-to-lovers with a splash of magic and tension!

We’ve divided our recommendations into introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. We classified books as advanced because they are either more gory and dark or are filled with high fantasy lore!

Romantasy Reads: Introductory Level

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Romantasy Reads: Intermediate Level

A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

Romantasy Reads: Advanced Level

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

Artefacts of Ouranos Series by Nisha J. Tuli

Crescent City Series by Sarah J Maas 

We would love to hear which ones you enjoyed. The best part of romantasy novels is the unexpected! Make sure to check out our blog on How to Build a Romantasy-Themed Reading Corner! It’s all about the experience!

 

OUABC’s Favorite Romantasy Books

As always, we have our OUABC favorites which we can’t wait to share with you! Get ready for love, fantasy, and adventure!

The Four Winds by Alexandria Warwick

Why not start your romantasy reading adventure with the full collection of our exclusive special edition hardcovers? This collection includes The North Wind, The West Wind, The South Wind, and The East Wind. Each includes special edition artwork on the cover, custom endpapers, uniquely designed page edges, and metal corner detailing.

The Four Winds series is an incredible romantasy collection inspired by myth, folklore, and classic fairy tales. Each book follows a different immortal Wind and the mortal woman whose lives become entangled.

They are a fabulous blend of dangerous magic, ancient curses, forbidden desire, and high-stakes adventure. Get ready for everything from icy kingdoms and shadowy underworlds to palace intrigue, deadly trials, and divine revenge! These books give us everything we love: powerful gods, fierce heroines, slow-burn romance, emotional tension, and worlds filled with mythic atmosphere.

 

Secrets In The Snow: Full Immersive Romantasy Experience

Romantasy ties in so beautifully with our immersive experience. As you know, we are all about bringing stories to life, and we can’t think of a better genre than this one to add our sprinkling of magic! 

Our “Secrets In The Snow” book box is guaranteed to have you captivated right from the start. This full book box features a first-print edition of The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin, plus three beautifully wrapped gifts you open as you read, bringing this stunning novel to life!

Set in the snow-covered village of Reverie, this whimsical romantasy follows Aurora Finch, a young woman whose life changes on the morning of her wedding when she discovers a hidden magic within herself. 

Taken to the icy castle of the mysterious Starmaker, the sorcerer responsible for bringing sunlight to her remote village, Aurora finds herself drawn into a world of enchantment, secrets, and unexpected desire. But as a deadly frost threatens Reverie, she must uncover the truth behind the Starmaker’s magic before her world is lost to an endless winter. 

Order your magical experience now!

 

OUABC’s Romantasy Collection

As you know, we’re all about the details, and our romantasy collection is packed with all things romantasy. 

Our glass globe light is guaranteed to add a mystical element to any setting. Featuring an open book with trees engraved inside the orb, the light glows through the wooden base, custom wood-burned with the quote “You are free to choose your own path.” This gift was custom-designed and inspired by The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick!

We're reading romance, right? So candles are definitely in order, and our Rose Jelly Candle hits all the right notes. We love the rose-scented jelly wax featuring real roses! And then, just because we need to feel mysterious as well, we can’t wait to set the mood with a spray of jasmine perfume while we touch up our lipstick! And no, this is no ordinary lipstick! Powerhouse red in an ornate holder, it simply oozes mystical charm!

 

Romantasy Spice Levels and Content Warnings: What To Know Going In

When it comes to romantasy spice levels and content warnings, there are a few things you need to know. It’s key to remember that not every book has the same tone, intensity, or level of romance. Some romantasy books are soft and whimsical and mainly focus on the emotional connection of the characters, while others are darker, more mature, and include stronger romantic tension and heavier themes with a lot of gore!

This is where spice levels and content warnings are particularly useful. Spice levels are rated on a scale from 0 to 5, with 0 being mild and 5 being major spice. Content warnings usually indicate the level of sexual content, graphic violence, or other sensitive themes.

Get Ready For A Romantic Fantasy Adventure

We hope we’ve tempted you to add a pick from the romantasy genre to your TBR pile! It’s one of those genres that is completely addictive once you start, and you find yourself wondering why you didn’t pick up one sooner!

Here’s to a summer filled with romance, fantasy and magical adventures. Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club. We would love to hear which romantasy books have got you hooked!

Speaking of new experiences, check out OUABC Lite for an immersive experience that captures the senses!