Romantasy Reigns Supreme: The Hottest Genre of 2026

The Genre Taking Over 2026

Romantasy—a portmanteau of "romance" and "fantasy"—isn't just a trend; it's a full-blown cultural phenomenon that's reshaping the publishing industry and reigniting a love of reading across generations. In 2026, this genre continues its meteoric rise, dominating bestseller lists, BookTok feeds, and bookshop displays worldwide.

So what exactly is Romantasy? At its core, it's the perfect marriage of two beloved genres: the epic world-building, magic systems, and high stakes of fantasy fiction combined with the emotional depth, relationship focus, and guaranteed happily-ever-after (or happy-for-now) of romance novels. Think swords and sorcery, but with swooning. Dragons and destiny, but with steamy scenes. Political intrigue and magical battles, but with a love story at the heart of it all.

The numbers tell the story: Romantasy generated an estimated £471 million ($610 million USD) in sales in 2024, up from £350 million ($454 million) in 2023. Science fiction and fantasy sales collectively surged by 41.3% between 2023 and 2024, with Romantasy driving much of that growth. By early 2024, adult fantasy sales had skyrocketed by 85.2%, fueled almost entirely by reader demand for romantic fantasy. In 2026, the genre shows no signs of slowing down.

The Revolution: How We Got Here

The Early Days: Fantasy Romance Foundations

Romantic elements in fantasy aren't new. Authors like Mercedes Lackey, Anne McCaffrey, and Jacqueline Carey wrote fantasy novels with strong romantic subplots decades ago. However, these were typically categorized as "fantasy with romance" rather than romance novels with fantasy settings. The romance was secondary to the quest, the battle, or the magical conflict.

What changed in the 2010s was a shift in reader expectations and publishing categories. Romance readers wanted more world-building and adventure; fantasy readers craved deeper emotional relationships and character development. The market was ready for a genre that put both elements on equal footing.

The ACOTAR Catalyst (2015)

Everything changed when Sarah J. Maas published A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) in 2015. Originally a loose retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" set in a Fae realm, ACOTAR became a cultural touchstone. The series features:

A mortal huntress, Feyre, drawn into the dangerous world of immortal Fae
Complex romantic relationships with morally grey characters
Lush world-building with distinct magical courts
Themes of female empowerment, trauma recovery, and chosen family
The introduction of the "mating bond"—a fated soulmate connection that became a defining Romantasy trope

By 2023, Maas had sold 40+ million books across her series. In that year alone, her books generated £61 million in sales, surpassing even Harry Potter for her publisher. In the first half of 2024, she sold 4.83 million print books, making her the top-selling author on BookTok. The hashtag #ACOTAR has over 1.3 million mentions on TikTok and continues trending in 2026.

The BookTok Explosion (2020-2024)

While ACOTAR laid the groundwork, it was TikTok's BookTok community that turned Romantasy into a mainstream juggernaut. During the pandemic, readers stuck at home discovered short-form book content on TikTok. Creators shared reviews, recommendations, and passionate reactions to their favorite reads—often Romantasy titles.

BookTok's impact on publishing is staggering: featured titles can see sales spikes of 500-800%. Publishers now employ dedicated TikTok content teams to engage with the platform. What started as organic reader enthusiasm became a marketing phenomenon, with BookTok effectively democratizing literary taste-making.

Fourth Wing and the 2023 Boom

If ACOTAR defined the 2010s, Rebecca Yarros's Fourth Wing (2023) defined the next wave. This dragon-rider academy romance launched with modest expectations but exploded on BookTok. The result:

12 million copies sold of the Empyrean series in less than two years
245,217 copies sold in the UK in 2024, making it the 7th bestselling book across all genres
The third book, Onyx Storm (January 2025), sold 2.7 million copies in its first week—the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years
Hashtags #FourthWing and #RebeccaYarros have collectively garnered over 1 billion views

2026: Romantasy's Continued Reign

While some industry watchers predicted "Romantasy fatigue" in 2026, the genre continues to dominate. Micro-niches have emerged—dark Romantasy, historical Romantasy, cozy Romantasy—each with dedicated reader communities. Publishers are actively seeking Romantasy manuscripts, and established fantasy authors are incorporating romantic elements to meet reader demand.

What IS Romantasy? Genre Deep Dive

Defining Characteristics

True Romantasy blends both genres equally. Here's what sets it apart:

Fantasy Elements

World-building: Detailed magical systems, distinct cultures, political structures
High stakes: Wars, quests, battles between good and evil
Magical creatures: Fae, dragons, witches, vampires, shapeshifters
Power systems: Characters develop or discover magical abilities

Romance Elements

Central love story: The romance is NOT a subplot—it's co-equal with the fantasy plot
Emotional arc: Deep character development through relationships
HEA/HFN guarantee: Readers expect a satisfying romantic resolution (though it may span multiple books)
"Spice" levels: Varying degrees of explicit content, often labeled by readers (mild, moderate, high heat)

Common Subgenres

Fae Romance: Featuring immortal Fae courts, political intrigue, and mating bonds (ACOTAR, From Blood and Ash)
Dragon Romance: Dragon riders, shapeshifters, or dragons as love interests (Fourth Wing, Fireborne)
Witch/Magic Academy: Magical schools with romantic tension (A Deadly Education)
Dark Romantasy: Morally grey or villainous love interests, darker themes (The Plated Prisoner series)
Historical Romantasy: Historical settings with fantasy elements added
Cozy Romantasy: Lower stakes, feel-good stories with magic (The Ex Hex)

The Queens of Romantasy: Essential Authors

Sarah J. Maas

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City

Why she matters: The godmother of modern Romantasy. Maas perfected the formula of Fae politics, morally complex love interests, and empowered heroines. Her "Maas-verse" has inspired countless imitators.

Notable for: The mating bond concept, multi-book romantic arcs, lush sensory descriptions, found family themes

Content level: Moderate to high spice in later books

Rebecca Yarros

Series: The Empyrean (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm)

Why she matters: Yarros proved Romantasy's staying power post-ACOTAR. Her dragon-rider academy became a cultural phenomenon, appealing to both veteran fantasy readers and romance converts.

Notable for: Military fantasy setting, enemies-to-lovers, plot twists, disability representation

Content level: Moderate spice

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: From Blood and Ash, A Soul of Ash and Blood

Why she matters: A prolific author with a massive back catalog spanning paranormal romance and fantasy. Her Blood and Ash series features Chosen One narratives with vampire-adjacent Fae.

Notable for: Fast pacing, cliffhangers, dual POV storytelling

Content level: Moderate to high spice

Other Essential Authors

Raven Kennedy – The Plated Prisoner series (dark Romantasy, King Midas retelling)
Elise Kova – Air Awakens (elemental magic, library setting)
Carissa Broadbent – The Serpent and the Wings of Night (vampire courts, tournament arc)
Kerri Maniscalco – Kingdom of the Wicked (witch falls for demon prince)
Scarlett St. Clair – A Touch of Darkness (Hades and Persephone retelling)

Tropes Explained: The Building Blocks of Romantasy

Enemies to Lovers

What it is: Characters begin as adversaries—through misunderstandings, opposing loyalties, or genuine conflict—but develop romantic feelings as they're forced together.

Why it works: The tension is electric. Witty banter, charged arguments, and the moment when animosity shifts to attraction create irresistible chemistry. The romance feels earned because characters must overcome real obstacles and confront their prejudices.

Classic example: Feyre and Rhysand in ACOTAR, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice

Key beats: Initial clash → Forced proximity → Begrudging respect → "Oh no, I find them attractive" realization → Emotional vulnerability → Love confession

Fated Mates

What it is: A supernatural, cosmic, or magical bond that designates two individuals as destined soulmates. In Romantasy, this often manifests as a "mating bond" that Fae or other magical beings can sense.

Why it works: It heightens stakes and removes ambiguity about endgame pairings. The tension comes from whether characters will accept the bond or fight against destiny. At its best, fated mates explores the balance between destiny and choice.

How it appears in ACOTAR: Fae feel an instant, soul-deep pull to their mate. Rejecting a mating bond can drive male Fae to madness. The bond creates a mental/emotional link between mates.

Controversy: Some readers love the inevitability; others argue it removes character agency and reduces romance to biological imperative. Strong execution emphasizes the choice to embrace the bond.

"Who Did This to You?"

What it is: A protective love interest discovers the protagonist has been hurt (physically or emotionally) and becomes furiously determined to avenge or defend them.

Why it works: It's the ultimate power fantasy. Readers love seeing a strong, capable character willing to destroy anyone who harms their partner. It signals devotion and creates swoon-worthy moments.

Variations: "Touch her and you die," jealous protective scenes, bandaging wounds with tender care

Morally Grey Characters

What it is: Love interests who aren't purely heroic—they've done questionable things, have dark pasts, or operate in ethical grey areas. They're complex, flawed, and often dangerous.

Why it works: Morally grey characters feel realistic and compelling. Readers enjoy the "I can fix him" dynamic or appreciate that these characters don't need fixing—they're accepted as they are.

Examples: Rhysand (ACOTAR), Xaden (Fourth Wing), Casteel (From Blood and Ash)

Other Popular Tropes

Slow Burn: Romantic tension builds across books before physical consummation
Only One Bed: Forced proximity where characters must share sleeping space
Touch Her and You Die: Overprotective love interest fiercely guards their partner
Training Montages: Love interest teaches protagonist to fight/use magic (bonding through combat)
Bargains and Deals: Magical contracts that bind characters together

Getting Started: Your First Romantasy Novel

For Complete Beginners

If you're new to both romance and fantasy, start here:

Easiest Entry Point: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fast-paced, easy to follow
Familiar school/academy setting
Clear magic system (dragon bonds)
Addictive cliffhangers
Moderate spice level

Alternative: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Starts as a fairy tale retelling (accessible framing)
Slower burn allows you to ease into the world
Book 1 is milder; spice increases in later books
Caveat: Book 1 is divisive; many recommend pushing to Book 2

For Romance Readers (New to Fantasy)

You love romance but find fantasy intimidating:

Best Pick: A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

Hades/Persephone retelling with familiar mythology
Contemporary setting with fantasy elements (easier transition)
Romance-forward with simple magic system
High spice level

Alternative: The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Cozy, low-stakes Romantasy
Small-town setting with witches
Second-chance romance
Perfect for readers who want magic without epic battles

For Fantasy Readers (New to Romance)

You love epic fantasy but aren't sure about romance-heavy stories:

Best Pick: The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Tournament arc with political intrigue
Vampire courts with complex world-building
Romance develops slowly; fantasy plot equally important
Gritty, darker tone

Alternative: Air Awakens by Elise Kova

Library-dwelling protagonist discovers elemental magic
Strong fantasy plot with war and politics
Slow-burn romance doesn't overshadow world-building

For Readers Who Want Dark/Spicy Content

Best Pick: The Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy

King Midas retelling with dark themes
Captivity, morally grey characters
High spice, enemies-to-lovers
Content warnings: sexual content, dubious consent elements in early books

Alternative: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Chosen One narrative with possessive love interest
Moderate to high spice
Fast pacing with frequent plot twists

The BookTok Effect: How Social Media Shapes Reading

What Makes a Book Go Viral

BookTok has specific tastes that drive Romantasy success:

Emotional reactions: Books that make readers cry, scream, or throw the book are shared widely
Quotable moments: Swoon-worthy lines that can be captioned over dramatic video clips
"Book hangover" factor: Stories so immersive readers can't start another book immediately
Series potential: Multi-book series sustain engagement and create ongoing content
Aesthetic appeal: Beautiful covers photograph well for videos

Top BookTok Creators to Follow (2026)

@jackbenedwards (Jack Edwards) – Official National Year of Reading ambassador, thoughtful reviews
@bookishwithmb – Romantasy focus, trope breakdowns
@abbysbooks – High-energy reactions, viral ACOTAR content
@read_with_rachel – Romance and Romantasy reviews, BookTok trends

Hashtags to Explore

#Romantasy – General genre content
#BookTok – Broader book community
#SmutTok – High-spice romance content
#ACOTARTok – ACOTAR-specific discussions
#FourthWingTok – Fourth Wing fan content
#ShadowDaddy – Nickname for Rhysand (ACOTAR)

Beyond BookTok: Finding Your Romantasy Community

Online Communities

Goodreads

Website: goodreads.com

Join groups like:

"Romantasy Addicts"
"ACOTAR Fan Group"
"Fantasy Romance Fans"
Set a 2026 reading challenge and track your progress

r/RomanceBooks – Active community with recommendation threads, trope discussions
r/Fantasy – Broader fantasy discussions, includes Romantasy content
r/Romantasy – Dedicated subreddit for the genre

Facebook Groups

Search for:

"Romantasy Readers"
"ACOTAR Addicts"
"Fourth Wing Fans"
"Spicy Fantasy Romance Readers"

Discord Servers

Many authors and book communities run Discord servers for real-time chat. Search for servers dedicated to:

Specific authors (Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros)
Specific series
General Romantasy discussion

Finding In-Person Book Clubs

Many UK libraries and independent bookshops now host Romantasy-specific book clubs. Check:

Your local library's website for reading group schedules
Waterstones and independent bookshops for events (author signings, launch parties)
Meetup.com – Search "book club" + your city, filter for fantasy/romance
Eventbrite – Search "Romantasy" or "fantasy book club" in your area

Literary Festivals and Events (2026)

YALC (Young Adult Literature Convention) – July, London – Romantasy authors frequently appear
Waterstones Author Events – Year-round signings and Q&As
FaeCon – Fan conventions dedicated to Fae romance (check dates/locations)

The Romantasy Lifestyle: Beyond the Books

Book Boxes and Merchandise

Subscription boxes curate Romantasy-themed items:

FairyLoot – Monthly YA/Fantasy box with exclusive editions, book-related items
OwlCrate – Similar to FairyLoot, often features Romantasy titles
Illumicrate – UK-based, beautiful special editions

Fan Art and Cosplay

The Romantasy community is incredibly creative:

Fan artists on Instagram illustrate favorite scenes and characters
Cosplayers recreate character looks at conventions
Etsy shops sell character-inspired jewelry, candles, bookmarks

Book-to-Screen Adaptations Coming

Several major Romantasy series are in development for screen:

ACOTAR – Hulu series in development (as of 2026)
Crescent City – In early development talks
Fourth Wing – Rights optioned, adaptation details TBA

Why Romantasy Resonates in 2026

Escapism with Emotional Depth

In an era of political uncertainty and climate anxiety, Romantasy offers a perfect escape. Readers can immerse themselves in magical worlds where problems are solvable (defeat the villain, master your powers, win the war) and love conquers all. Yet unlike pure escapism, these books tackle real emotions—trauma, grief, identity, consent—in fantastical contexts.

Female Empowerment Narratives

Romantasy centers female protagonists who grow from vulnerability to power. These heroines:

Discover hidden strengths and magical abilities
Refuse to be victims or damsels
Choose partners who respect their autonomy
Build chosen families and female friendships
Pursue pleasure and sexuality on their own terms

Community and Shared Enthusiasm

Romantasy isn't just about reading alone—it's about engaging with a passionate community. BookTok, Reddit threads, and book clubs allow readers to dissect every plot twist, debate character choices, and share their emotional reactions. This social element transforms reading from a solitary activity into a collective experience.

Comfort Reads with High Stakes

Romantasy provides the best of both worlds: the comfort of knowing the couple will end up together (HEA guarantee) combined with the thrill of dangerous quests, battles, and magical conflicts. It's emotionally safe but intellectually engaging.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Romantasy

Genre Evolution

Expect to see:

More diversity: LGBTQ+ protagonists, diverse cultural mythologies, non-Western fantasy settings
Genre blending: Romantasy mixing with science fiction, horror, mystery
Indie author boom: Self-published Romantasy thriving on Kindle Unlimited
Serialized content: Authors releasing chapters on Wattpad or Patreon before traditional publishing

2026 Anticipated Releases

Major titles to watch for:

Sarah J. Maas – Next installment in Crescent City series (expected late 2026)
New releases from Jennifer L. Armentrout, Kerri Maniscalco, Scarlett St. Clair
Breakout indie titles promoted on BookTok

Will the Bubble Burst?

Some predict "Romantasy fatigue," but historical precedent suggests otherwise. Paranormal romance dominated the 2000s-2010s (Twilight, Sookie Stackhouse) and never truly disappeared—it evolved. Romantasy is likely here to stay, continually reinventing itself with fresh takes on beloved tropes.

Your Romantasy Journey Starts Now

Action Steps

Choose your first book using the recommendations above based on your reading preferences
Set a reading goal – Track it on Goodreads or in a journal
Join an online community – Pick one platform (Reddit, Facebook, Discord) and engage
Follow BookTok creators for recommendations and community vibes
Don't be afraid to DNF (Did Not Finish) – Not every book will resonate, and that's okay
Pay attention to content warnings – Many Romantasy books contain mature themes; check reviews for specifics

Reading Tips

Give series time: Many Romantasy series have slow first books that set up amazing second/third books
Check spice levels: Look for reader tags on Goodreads like "clean," "mild spice," "medium spice," or "high spice"
Read reviews selectively: Avoid spoilers but check for content warnings and general vibe
Embrace the tropes: Romantasy leans into familiar patterns—that's a feature, not a bug

The Bottom Line

Romantasy isn't just the hottest genre of 2026—it's a cultural movement that's bringing millions of readers back to books. Whether you're a lifelong fantasy fan, a romance devotee, or someone who hasn't picked up a novel in years, there's a Romantasy book waiting to sweep you off your feet.

It's magic. It's love. It's adventure. And it's impossible to put down.

So grab your sword, summon your dragon, and prepare to fall headfirst into your next obsession. The Romantasy revolution is waiting.