romantasy
/roh-MAN-tuh-see/noun
Meaning
A literary genre combining romance with fantasy, usually in a magical or imagined setting where the relationship is central to the plot rather than a minor subplot. Romantasy may include dragons, faeries, magic, political intrigue, enemies-to-lovers tension, fated mates, and varying levels of sexual content.[1][2][3]
- 1. A genre of fiction in which a major love story unfolds alongside fantasy world-building, magic, danger, or political conflict.
- 2. A novel, series, or other work belonging to that genre, as in a romantasy with dragons and rival kingdoms.
Examples
“This romantasy had me rooting for the villain and the princess.”
“I need a romantasy with dragons, court intrigue, and a happy ending.”
“That book is fantasy, but the romance is too minor for me to call it romantasy.”
“My next romantasy better have enemies-to-lovers and a truly terrifying fae king.”
Origin and spread
Romantasy is a blend of romance and fantasy. The stories now grouped under the label existed long before the label itself, but the modern term’s early history is unclear. Merriam-Webster records the sense at least by 2010. The word became much more visible in publishing and online reading communities during the early 2020s, especially through BookTok and the success of books such as Sarah J. Maas’s series and Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing. The label can cover both fantasy romance, where the love story receives more emphasis, and romantic fantasy, where the fantasy plot may lead while the romance remains essential.[1][2][3]
How to use it
Romantasy is informal publishing and reader shorthand, not a tightly standardized category. It generally suggests that the romance matters as much as, or nearly as much as, the fantasy plot; a fantasy novel with only a brief love-interest subplot may not meet many readers’ expectations. The term does not automatically mean that a book contains explicit sex, although “spice” is common in some romantasy marketing and reader discussions. Use fantasy romance or romantic fantasy when a more specific description of the balance between the two genres is helpful.
Sources
- 1. The Guardian — A genre of swords and soulmates: the rise and rise of ‘romantasy’ novelsSupports: meaning, origin.
- 2. Publishers Weekly — YA Romantasy: True Love or Passing Fancy?Supports: meaning, origin.
- 3. TIME — How Rebecca Yarros’ Iron Flame and Fourth Wing Became HugeSupports: meaning, origin.
- 4. Penguin Random House Retail — How to Write Romantasy
