8 Epic Romantasy Reads To Swoon Over This Winter

If you’ve ever spent five minutes in the BookTok or Bookstagram world—or even in your local bookstore—you’ve probably encountered the newest lit phenomenon: romantasy. It’s everywhere, from K-drama-inspired murder mysteries to dragon rider action adventures, romantasy has swept the book world faster than you can say “shadow daddy man-meal.” 

(Shadow daddy, of course, referring to that scorchingly hot, morally grey, shadow-magic wielding main male character. Sign me up.) 

The romance-fantasy mishmash still eludes a universal definition. Romance readers want their HEA (happily ever after), but that’s less important to fantasy buffs. And yet, the two genres work incredibly well together. The main character is almost always a woman who can either wield magic, bond with a dragon, or fight back legions of bad guys intent on world domination armed with her sword and well-earned rage. Or even a combination of all three. 

Some romantasy authors, like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros, have reached near-cult level followings, and have broken multiple records. Yarros’s Iron Flame (Book 2 in the Empyrean series) shattered pre-sales records, being the fastest selling pre-order title in a single day. The other reigning romantasy queen, Sarah J. Maas of A Court of Thorns and Roses fame, continues to keep her publisher swimming in sales and her fanbase buzzing with theories. 

Of course, Yarros and Maas aren’t the only romantasy authors to see critical and mass acclaim. 

And while book publishers are obviously catching on to the genre, its biggest promoters are its fans, most of whom flock to social media.

I’m one such fan. Being an early adopter of romantasy—and now deep into my adoration of the genre—I have cultivated a list of my favourites. Here they are, in no particular order.

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, $24

One Dark Window took me by surprise. Prior to this, I’d been immersed in female main characters (FMC) whose moral compass (generally) pointed north. One Dark Window’s FMC, Elspeth Spindle, is anything but morally true, and that’s exactly why I like her and why this novel is one of my all-time favourite romantasy reads. It’s the first in ‘The Sheppard King’ duology; a gothic tale that pivots on the question: Who is the monster? While it does have a romantic arc, it’s far more about Elspeth and the darkness she holds within. It’s an interrogation of what it means to be “good” versus “evil.”

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli, $27

Heartless Hunter is the first installment of Ciccarelli’s ‘The Crimson Moth’ duology, and is a true enemies-to-lovers romantasy about a witch named Rune and a witch hunter named Gideon. This slow-burn romantasy focusses on one big question: who is the arbiter and controller of power? The setting is lush, the characters are intriguing, and the magic is *chef’s kiss* perfect. 

Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi, $110 for the nine-book set

If I had to save only a handful of books from a house fire, I’d probably choose this entire series. (But also, please don’t make me choose.) The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world, and pivots around the power struggles that arise between the tyrannical regime of The Reestablishment and the growing rebel resistance. The fantasy hook is the superhero-like powers of the Unnaturals and the threat they pose to The Reestablishment. But it was the perfectly formed arc of Mafi’s female main character, Juliette Ferrars, that drew me in the most. That and the sizzling enemies-to-lovers trope involving a morally grey love interest. Enough said. Go read it.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, $27

Rebecca Yarros’s breakout fantasy novel Fourth Wing is a perfect introduction to the romantasy genre. Featuring a disabled protagonist, Violet Sorrengail and set against the backdrop of a military academy that specializes in (wait for it) dragon riding, this novel is packed full of action, steamy romance, murder, political intrigue and magic. With a shadow daddy, for added spice.

The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim, $18

Sophie Kim has said The God and the Gumiho is her love letter to K-drama and Korean mythology. It’s set in a deeply immersive world that is a modern twist on traditional Korean folklore, with an enemies-to-lovers trope that is scintillatingly sexy. Plus, the female main character, Hani, is entirely selfish and self-serving. (With a penchant for eating the livers of men; how can you go wrong?)

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, $25

The reigning queen of romantasy, Sarah J. Maas, has 15 novels, six novellas and two colouring books under her belt. But my favourite will always be the fourth instalment of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, A Court of Silver Flames. ACOSF centers around ACOTAR’s most detested character, Nesta Archeron. While the events of ACOTAR—the first three novels and bridge novella—centres around youngest sister, Feyre Archeron, the fourth ACOTAR novel lacks traditional Maas-action seen in both ACOTAR and the ‘Throne of Glass’ series. The plot centres almost entirely around Nesta’s trauma and her feelings of isolation, substance use and self-harm. It’s raw, filled with serrated emotions, and for many of us living with mental health challenges, very relatable. Plus, the spice is off the charts. 

Seven Faceless Saints by M.K. Lobb, $16

Seven Faceless Saints is Lobb’s debut and the first installment of her now-complete ‘Seven Faceless Saints’ duology. It’s set in a lush, Italianesque world and tackles some very complex issues of classism and privilege, while also giving readers two fully fleshed-out main characters, both of whom are somewhat dubious and self-serving and yet entirely captivating. The romance is slow-burn and the magic system is fabulous.

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields, $25

If there were ever the perfect balm for feeling down, it would be The Honey Witch. It’s a queer cozy romantasy that has everything you’d ever need for a chilly autumn day: witches, apiaries, golden honey, cottages, wise grandmothers and sapphic romance. I read it in two days during a deep depressive episode and it was perfect.

Have an avid reader on your holiday shopping list? Check out these gift ideas for book lovers.