The sex lives of elves and fairies? Welcome to the world of ‘romantasy’

Romantasy – a portmanteau of romance and fantasy – is a booming literary genre, topping bestseller lists and filling the hands of readers everywhere. The appeal, it seems, lies in its mix of fierce female protagonists, smouldering love interests, action-packed plots and the pure escapism of imaginary worlds far removed from our own. Authors such as Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros have become rock stars of the publishing world, launching books at midnight events to legions of screaming fans. Maas, a prolific author who penned the Court of Thorns and Roses series, has sold more than 50 million books worldwide.

New York Times No.1 bestselling writer Sarah J. Maas has sold millions of books.Credit: Beowulf Sheehan

Genevieve Nelsson at Bloomsbury, which publishes Maas, suggests the books provide a welcome alternative to bingeable TV by offering the same level of propulsive blockbuster entertainment. “Romantasy is the ultimate escapism,” she says. “The good titles are fast-paced, with characters and sexual tension that will keep you invested all the way through. They combine the best of fantasy world-building and plot with swoon-worthy romantic fantasy. What’s not to like?”

Propelled by BookTok – a corner of the internet where TikTok creators share their love of reading – the popularity of this genre knows no bounds, with many books written as a series to keep devoted fans hungry for more. Here are some of the best magical realms to get lost in.

A Court of Thorns and Roses series

by Sarah J. Maas
This sweeping saga, currently at five books and counting, follows huntress Feyre Archeron after she’s captured by immortal Lord Tamlin and brought into the faerie lands of Prythian. Maas references myths and fairy tales such as Beauty and the Beast but these books, with their Fifty Shades of Grey level of sauciness, are definitely for adults only.

The Empyrean series

by Rebecca Yarros
Beginning with The Fourth Wing, this captivating enemies-to-lovers trope sees bookish Violet forced by her mother to attend dangerous dragon-riding school Basgiath War College with her arch nemesis, Xaden. Violet struggles to find her way but graduation or death are the only way out. You can follow it with Iron Flame, and the third book, Onyx Storm, will be released in January.

Crowns of Nyaxia series

by Carissa Broadbent
Like Twilight meeting The Hunger Games, this is all underworld vampires, dark magic and forbidden love between monsters and mortals. Starting with The Serpent and the Wings of Night, it follows human Oraya as she enters a dangerous tournament. Forced to make an ally of her rival Raihn, she finds herself uncontrollably drawn to the ruthless vampire. The high spice-rating is a big part of the appeal (fans determine this by the steaminess of the sex scenes) and devotees are eagerly awaiting next week’s release of the third book in the series, The Songbird and the Heart of Stone.

Blood and Ash series

by Jennifer L. Armentrout
In From Blood and Ash, book one in a series of five so far (the sixth will be published in January), Poppy is destined to live a solitary existence, never to be seen or touched, to prove her worthiness as Maiden to the Gods. Imprisoned in the castle grounds with only her parents and maid for company, Poppy is resigned to her fate until mysterious new guard Hawke is assigned to protect her. This series has a solid four-out-of-five spice rating and gets progressively raunchier with each book.

The Bridge Kingdom series

by Danielle L. Jensen
Warrior princess Lara, who has spent her whole life training to defend her kingdom, is forced into an arranged marriage with her sworn enemy, King Aren. But her loyalties are soon tested, and she brings Aren to his knees in more ways than one. A sizzling love story set over five books, this series has it all: political intrigue, betrayal, revenge and unbridled passion.

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