The Rise of Romantasy: History, Subgenres, and the Secret to Its Success
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Roots of Romantasy : From Fairy Tales to Contemporary Bestsellers
- The Different Nomenclatures : How Much Romance and How Much Fantasy?
- The Romantasy Subcategories
- Why is Romantasy so popular ?
- Conclusion : The Future of Romantasy
Introduction
Romantasy , an irresistible fusion of romance and fantasy , is one of the most beloved literary genres of recent years, especially among millennials and Gen Z. This mix combines the epic allure of fantasy worlds with the emotional tension of love stories, giving readers breathtaking adventures and heart-pounding relationships. But how did this phenomenon arise? What are its subcategories? And why is romance so popular today?
The Roots of Romantasy: From Fairy Tales to Contemporary Bestsellers
The origins of romance date back to classic fairy tales and medieval legends, where love and magic were often intertwined. Cinderella , Beauty and the Beast , and The Little Mermaid are just a few examples of tales that laid the foundation for this genre. Over the centuries, these stories have evolved, finding new life in the Gothic novels of the 19th century and the epic fantasy of the 20th century.
One of the first modern examples of romance is Anne McCaffrey 's Dragonriders of Pern series, published since the 1960s, where dragons and romance intertwine in a complex and fascinating universe. In the 1980s and 1990s, authors such as Mercedes Lackey ( Heralds of Valdemar ) and Marion Zimmer Bradley ( The Mists of Avalon ) helped further define the genre, blending romance, magic, and feminism.
The real turning point came in 2000 , when Sarah J. Maas 's A Court of Thorns and Roses series redefined the genre, making it a publishing phenomenon. Since then, authors such as Rebecca Yarros , Carissa Broadbent , and Holly Black have consolidated the success of romance, making it one of the most sought-after genres in the publishing landscape.
The Different Nomenclatures: How Much Romance and How Much Fantasy?
Romance is a multifaceted genre and can be classified based on the balance between romantic and fantasy elements . Depending on the percentage of romance present in the story, we can distinguish four main categories:
1. Romantasy (50% romance - 50% fantasy)
The perfect balance between romance and fantasy. The love story is central, but the fantasy world and main plot are equally important.
2. Fantasy Romance (70% romance - 30% fantasy)
Romance dominates the narrative, with fantasy serving as a backdrop or supporting element to the love story.
3. High Fantasy with Secondary Romance (30% romance - 70% fantasy)
World-building and fantasy plot are the priority, while the romance component is a significant but not predominant subplot.
4. Fantasy with Romantic Subplot (10-20% romance - 80-90% fantasy)
Romance is a secondary or almost marginal element. It may be present in the background or develop slowly, without being the main driver of the plot.
The Romantasy Subcategories
🔥 Spicy Fantasy Romance
For those who love stories rich in sexual tension and explicit romance. This subgenre usually falls into pure romance or fantasy romance , with stories that explore intense and often tormented relationships. Examples of this genre could be:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night – Carissa Broadbent
- Zodiac Academy – Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
💫 YA Romantasy (Young Adult)
Perfect for those who love romance with a touch of magic, but with a more "closed" and less explicit narration. It can be included both in pure romance and in high fantasy with secondary romance . Some of the main YA books are:
- Folk of the Air – Holly Black
- Belladonna – Adalyn Grace
- Strange the Dreamer – Laini Taylor
🏰 High Fantasy with Secondary Romance
Romance is present, but does not dominate the narrative. The main focus is on the fantasy universe, politics, war or magic. The must-read books of the subgenre are:
- The Sword of Kaigen – ML Wang
- Realm of the Elderlings – Robin Hobb
- The Mists of Avalon – Marion Zimmer Bradley
🖤Dark Romantic Fantasy
For those looking for intense and tormented love stories, often with dark atmospheres and more mature themes. Usually falls into fantasy romance or pure romantasy , with a strong emphasis on dark magic and toxic or forbidden dynamics. Among these we recommend:
- Manacled – Senlinyu
- Masters of Death – Olivie Blake
- The Bargainer – Laura Thalassa
📜 Historical and Mythological Fantasy
Stories inspired by myths and legends, often with settings reminiscent of times gone by. Can fall into any category depending on the amount of romance present. Don't miss the pillars of the genre:
- Letters of Enchantment – Rebecca Ross
- A River Enchanted – Rebecca Ross
- A Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
Conclusion: The Future of Romantasy
Romance is not just a passing fad. It is a genre in constant evolution, which attracts readers of all ages thanks to its ability to make us dream, excite and live incredible adventures.