If you’ve been online lately, you might have noticed that a genre of books has been going viral more and more, and that’s romantasy. A combination of romance and fantasy, these novels are often written in far-away lands with complex magic systems, where love and romantic relationships are a major part of the plot.
There are so many romantasy novels and series out there that, at first, it might be hard to figure out which ones to read. That is where this list comes in handy. I picked five of my favorite romantasy books to read if you’re just getting started with the genre.
Let's get the list started with A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
I feel like everyone and their mother has heard of A Court of Thorns and Roses, and for good reason.
The series mainly follows the story of Feyre Archeron, a 19-year-old who, looking for food for her family one day in the forest, shoots a wolf that aims to attack her. What she doesn’t know is that she accidentally killed a Spring Court fae in disguise, and now she must pay for her crimes by being taken away from her family forever into the Fae world, Prythian.
Lovingly abbreviated as ACOTAR, the series, written by Sarah J. Maas, has been a huge reason romantasy has become such a huge genre, and now three more novels are releasing in the series. While the adaptation has been stuck in production hell for some time, we can at least have the rest of the series to look forward to.
As for why it’s good for a beginner, ACOTAR isn’t that intense with its magic system, and the characters are lovely to follow. If you end up loving it, there are plenty of other captivating romantic fantasies to read after that.
Shield of Sparrows
Shield of Sparrows is the #1 New York Times bestselling romantasy novel from Devney Perry. It was released in 2025. The first book tells the story of Odessa, a princess who is forced into a marriage to secure trade routes and alliances for her kingdom. Shortly after, she discovers that her family, as well as her people, are in great danger.
What I love about Shield of Sparrows for a first-time novel is that it’s a slowwww burn. We get little hints of attraction throughout the novel, only for it to go full steam much later in the book. That, and the twists are fantastic. It’s so much fun.
Once Upon A Broken Heart
If you’re looking for a good young adult romantasy, Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is a great pick.
The trilogy begins with protagonist Evangeline Fox, who has one goal: to stop the marriage between her true love and her stepsister. In doing so, she makes a dangerous bargain with the Prince of Hearts, Jacks, an immortal, which sets off a chain reaction of magic she never could have predicted.
When it comes to romantasy, everyone always thinks of it as heavy spice or some Fae creatures, but this is a classic example of just yearning. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time. There are also three books in the trilogy, so there's a lot to dive into if you like this world.
Fourth Wing
If you’ve heard of Fourth Wing, then you’re in the right place. Written by Rebecca Yarros, the hit novel follows a dragon rider named Violet Sorrengail as she tries to, you know, not die in a military academy that uses riders and dragons while also simultaneously dealing with a stormy romance with wingleader Xaden Riorsen.
This series is honestly responsible for a lot of people getting back into reading in general, and it’s a fun one to start your romantasy journey on. It’s already getting adapted into a TV show, and Book 4 is on the way.
Phantasma
Last but not least, I have to give some praise to Phantasma. If you want a spooky, spicy romantasy to start with, this is a great one.
Written by Kaylie Smith, Phantasma follows Ophelia, who enters a maze inside a haunted mansion to win a single wish: to find her sister. But while doing so, she must take on competitors in nine deadly trials. But when she receives help from the mysteriously arrogant stranger named Blackwell, she might have a chance — if she gives him 10 years of her life.
It’s an enjoyable book and one I would fully recommend if you want something a little closer to dark romantasy.
Either way, there are so many great romantasy books that have been released that you can check out, but these are just some of my top picks. And if you happen to like the genre, you should give cozy romantasy a try, too!
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