What Is Romantasy and Why Is It on Top?

If you’ve walked into a bookstore in the last year, you’ve probably noticed a tidal wave of fantasy novels with swoony romances at their core. Entire shelves are now labeled “Romantasy,” a term that even a few years ago barely existed. Today, it’s one of the hottest genres in publishing, dominating bestseller lists, social media feeds, and reader conversations.

But what exactly is romantasy? Why has it captured the hearts of millions of readers, and why is it sitting at the very top of the market right now? Let’s break down the rise of this powerhouse genre and explore what makes it so irresistible.

Defining Romantasy

Romantasy is the seamless blend of romance and fantasy, where both elements are equally essential to the story. In a pure fantasy novel, the central focus might be on world-building, political intrigue, or magical quests, with romance as a subplot. In a pure romance novel, the relationship arc is the main engine, and everything else supports it.

Romantasy, however, asks: what if both were front and center? Readers get the high-stakes adventure of fantasy and the emotional satisfaction of romance, woven into a single narrative. Neither element is background—both are critical.

Think of dragon riders and fae courts where falling in love is just as dangerous as going to war. Or magical kingdoms where defeating the villain matters as much as whether the couple finally admits their feelings. That balance is the essence of romantasy.

Why Readers Can’t Get Enough

The rise of romantasy speaks to deeper shifts in reader psychology and culture. Here’s why this fusion genre resonates so strongly right now.

1. Double Satisfaction Romantasy delivers two of the most beloved reading experiences at once: the adrenaline of an epic adventure and the emotional payoff of a love story. Readers don’t have to choose between dragons and kisses—they can have both.

2. Escapism With Emotional Depth Fantasy offers escape into new worlds, while romance offers intimacy and connection. In uncertain times, readers crave both—grand adventures to whisk them away and tender relationships to remind them of hope.

3. Tropes That Hit Hard Romantasy leans heavily on fan-favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, found family, forced proximity, morally gray heroes. These tropes aren’t just window dressing—they’re turbocharged by the high stakes of fantasy settings.

4. BookTok’s Influence Romantasy is tailor-made for BookTok. Dramatic quotes, gorgeous covers, and passionate fan reactions translate perfectly into viral content. TikTok creators have propelled books like Fourth Wing into blockbuster status, showing just how powerful this blend can be.

The Breakout Moment

While the genre has existed in some form for decades (Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo both planted early seeds), the real explosion came in the 2020s. Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing became a cultural phenomenon in 2023, selling millions of copies and proving that romantasy wasn’t just a niche—it was a market-shaking force.

Publishers quickly doubled down, pushing more romantasy titles into the spotlight, while indie authors capitalized on tropes and fan demand. Today, romantasy is one of the fastest-growing categories in both traditional and self-publishing.

Sub-Trends Driving the Craze

Romantasy is not monolithic. Within the genre, several sub-trends are fueling growth:

• Dragon Rider Epics: Following Fourth Wing, readers can’t get enough of dragons paired with high-stakes romance.

• Fae Courts & Politics: Intrigue-filled kingdoms where love tangles with betrayal.

• Dark Romantasy: Morally gray villains, brutal worlds, and dangerous passion.

• Academy Settings: Magical schools and training grounds where relationships simmer alongside battles.

These subgenres give readers multiple entry points. Whether they prefer cozy romantasy with gentle magic or darker tales with edge, there’s a flavor for everyone.

The Collector’s Market

Another reason romantasy dominates? Special editions. Readers don’t just want to read these stories—they want to collect them. Sprayed edges, foil embossing, exclusive covers, and illustrated editions have become standard.

Romantasy books are tailor-made for these collectible editions, with lush aesthetics and built-in fandoms eager to own multiple versions. For publishers and authors, this has created a lucrative secondary revenue stream that keeps momentum going long after launch.

What This Means for Authors

If you’re an author, romantasy is both an opportunity and a challenge. The demand is massive, but so is the competition. To stand out, authors need to understand what readers expect while also finding ways to surprise them.

Here’s what works:

• Leaning into tropes while putting your own twist on them.

• Building immersive worlds that feel alive and distinct.

• Prioritizing romance and fantasy equally—don’t let one overshadow the other.

• Thinking visually: covers, quotes, and editions that thrive on BookTok and Instagram.

Indie authors especially have a golden chance. Readers are hungry, and the market is moving fast. Those who can deliver quality romantasy consistently will find loyal audiences.

What the Numbers Say

Romantasy isn’t just a vibe—it’s a measurable phenomenon. Sales data from 2023–2025 shows double-digit growth in the category, with romance and fantasy topping global charts. Titles in this hybrid space consistently outperform genre averages, proving that the demand isn’t a blip.

On TikTok alone, the hashtag #Romantasy has racked up hundreds of millions of views. Bookstores are expanding shelf space, and publishers are aggressively acquiring manuscripts in this space. All signs point to romantasy being more than just a trend—it’s becoming a cornerstone of modern fiction.

The Future of Romantasy

Will romantasy’s reign last? All indicators suggest yes. The genre is still expanding, and new waves of readers are discovering it every month. Expect to see more crossovers with other genres, such as romantasy thrillers or romantasy mysteries. Cozy romantasy is also on the rise, offering lower stakes but the same emotional punch.

As long as readers want both adventure and romance—and it’s hard to imagine that ever changing—romantasy will remain a powerful force. The challenge for authors will be to keep innovating within the genre, offering fresh worlds and relationships that stand out from the pack.

The Bottom Line

Romantasy has taken over because it gives readers exactly what they crave: epic adventure and deep emotional connection, all in one package. With BookTok amplifying its reach, publishers investing heavily, and collectors driving demand for special editions, it’s no wonder this genre is sitting at the very top of the market.

For readers, romantasy offers the best of both worlds. For authors, it’s a golden opportunity—if you can capture both the magic and the heart.