Did you read Fourth Wing or ACOTAR after taking a decade long break from reading, only to find yourself insatiable for more fantasy romances you can binge in record time? Are you a former Hunger Games/Twilight/Divergent fan who first fell in love with books when you were younger—and now you’re eager for more grown-up versions of those stories? Whether you’re on the hunt for your next vampire novel or a fresh dystopian rebellion, this guide is packed with all my favorite recommendations for the fantasy romance (a.k.a. romantasy) genre!
1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Series
The Empyrean
Status
Number of Books
3 released / 5 planned
Age
Themes
If you found yourself here, chances are you’ve already read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm (nearly a month later, I still think about Onyx Storm’s ending every day)—but if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the hype, I can tell you it absolutely is. This fantasy romance phenomenon has sold millions of copies worldwide for a reason.
Set in a war college where cadets bond with dragons and train to ride into battle—or so it seems—The Empyrean series is much bigger than just the school. With five planned books, the story expands far beyond its initial setting, weaving in gryphons, conspiracies, political intrigue, and even gods.
Fourth Wing characters are incredible and multi faceted. The disability representation and the depth of the characters will keep you locked into this series. Not to mention the slow burn romance with an enemies to lovers arc that’s layered with tension and angst.
I love Fourth Wing so much, it quickly became my comfort read ever since I first picked it up. I read some of my favorite chapters and arcs over and over again — but what keeps me hooked is the lore and worldbuilding. There are tons of easter eggs and overarching plot lines that we can’t stop theorizing.
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Series
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Status
Number of Books
5 released / 6 planned (so far)
Age
Themes
Romantasy found new life with A Court of Thorns and Roses, Sarah J. Maas’s wildly popular fantasy romance series. The story follows Feyre, a starving huntress willing to do anything to keep her family alive. After killing a wolf, a beast arrives at her home and takes her to a massive castle to live with him. Sound familiar? It should.
This Beauty and the Beast retelling begins as the tale of a mortal girl learning to survive among immortals who seem hell-bent on hunting her down. But as Feyre settles into Prythian, she discovers a dark blight infecting the land—and as she falls for her beast, she begins to unravel the secrets and lies of this magical world. Soon, Feyre realizes she may be the only one who can save it.
While the first book follows the Beauty and the Beast framework, the series quickly expands into something much bigger, weaving in high-stakes romance, rich worldbuilding, and unforgettable characters. There’s a reason ACOTAR is the first romantasy book most readers recommend—it delivers a breathtaking love story with some of the genre’s most intense stakes.
If you’re a fantasy reader, beware—this leans heavily into romance over traditional fantasy elements. But if you’re new to fantasy, this is the perfect entry point. And if you love ACOTAR, don’t stop there—Sarah J. Maas’s universe spans across three interconnected series, so make sure to check out the Ultimate Sarah J. Maas Reading Guide for the reading order!
I adore ACOTAR so very much. It was my first experience with found family and a new adult romantasy. Not only the romance felt like I was in a fairy tale myself, but the way it handled personal trauma struck a cord with me — so much so that when I went through a personal tragedy I went back to A Court of Mist and Fury because I felt kinship with the characters and their healing journey helped me heal too.
3. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Series
Throne of Glass
Status
Number of Books
8 books
Age
Themes
If you take just one recommendation from this list, make it this one. Well… only if you want your brain chemistry permanently altered and your emotions thoroughly shaken to their core.
Throne of Glass is Sarah J. Maas’s first—and only—completed series, and it’s an eight-book saga that starts with a simple question: What if Cinderella wasn’t a maid, but an assassin? And then? It takes that idea to a whole new level.
What begins as a tournament/quest plot quickly spirals into an epic battle of good vs. evil. Celaena is hands down my favorite protagonist—she’s smart, cunning, tenacious, and vain (yes, in the best way possible). She’s a multifaceted woman drenched in tragedy who fights for a better world across eight books. While the story initially focuses on three main characters, the cast expands dramatically as the series unfolds, leading to an unforgettable save-the-world-from-the-big-baddies arc.
And here’s the best part: every character is well-rounded, every plotline has purpose, and nothing is wasted. The entire overarching story is subtly foreshadowed within the books—SJM literally tells you what’s going to happen in one sentence, and you won’t realize it until much later. Every loose end is tied up, making for one of the most satisfying conclusions you’ll ever read.
I consider this series A Song of Ice and Fire—but finished and with a dash of romance.
Most people start with ACOTAR and then ask, Should I read TOG? The answer? Yes. A million times, yes. If the life-changing story doesn’t convince you, let’s talk romance. By the end of the series, there are seven couples, each of whom gets full-time romance development throughout the books.
I should mention there are a few different reading orders you can choose for Throne of Glass series. Also, this series has a unique reading option called tandem reading where you read book six and seven, you guessed it, in tandem while alternating between chapters. That might sound daunting at first but we’ve put together a Throne of Glass tandem guide for you to follow!
The series starts as Young Adult but in Heir of Fire (Book 3 of the series), the plot line completely changes and the series start tackling adult themes like war, death and romance in a New Adult setting.
4. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Series
Crescent City
Status
Number of Books
3 released / 4 planned
Age
Themes
House of Earth and Blood, also known as Crescent City, is Sarah J. Maas’s newest and most ambitious series. The story follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-Fae party girl living in the bustling metropolis of Lunathion, where creatures of all kinds coexist. But when the people closest to her are brutally murdered, Bryce is thrown into the middle of a high-stakes investigation. Forced to work with the brooding angel leading the case, she must confront her own trauma while uncovering a conspiracy that changes everything.
Y’all, this book has everything—Fae, Werewolves, Angels, Dragons, Witches, Mermaids—if you can imagine a paranormal creature, it’s in this book. And somehow, pizza and cell phones coexist with ancient magic and blood sacrifices, and it just works. Oh, and did I mention? It’s also a murder mystery.
Crescent City gets a bad rep—mostly because dissatisfied readers are often the loudest. But let me be real: this is Sarah J. Maas’s most mature work yet. Yes, the first 200 pages are heavy on worldbuilding—but so is any epic fantasy novel! With a world this dense, she has to set the stage. But once you’ve locked into the magic system? You’ll find yourself in full conspiracy-board mode, piecing together every clue, trying to solve the mystery. And let me tell you—you won’t guess it.
Crescent City is a wild ride—different from what SJM usually writes, but the murder mystery is masterfully woven. And when the final plot twist hits in the last 100 pages? The gasp I gasped was so loud it worried my dogs.
I’m not exaggerating when I say House of Earth and Blood is SJM’s best-written book (though Throne of Glass is still her best series, IMO). And in true SJM fashion, there’s plenty of romance across multiple couples to keep you invested.
If my feral reaction isn’t enough to convince you, let me put it this way—if you loved ACOTAR and Throne of Glass and want to fully experience the Maasverse, you need to read this. I strongly recommend you read Crescent City last in Maasverse, for… reasons I cannot divulge!
5. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Series
Grishaverse
Status
Number of Books
7 released / Unknown planned
Age
Themes
The Grishaverse series is my favorite of all time, and Leigh Bardugo is my favorite author because of it.
Shadow and Bone (first book of the initial trilogy), follows Alina Starkov, a young orphan in an Eastern European-inspired country at war on all sides. This universe has magically gifted individuals called Grisha, who can wield elements, manipulate materials, and even affect blood and bodies.
Ravka, where Alina lives, is cut off from critical resources by a massive shadow barrier created by a rogue Grisha ages ago. Waiting for a prophesied Sun Summoner to dispel this darkness, Ravkans have been fighting with other nations for as long as anyone can remember. Alina—you guessed it—is the prophesied Sun Summoner, and she and her friends embark on a dangerous journey to find a way to destroy the Shadow Fold.
Rarely do I see a series so well thought-out, with such a solid magic system. As a seasoned Leigh Bardugo reader, it shouldn’t surprise me how logical and intricately planned all of her books are—everything happens for a reason. The unique magic system and Russia-inspired setting are elements I haven’t seen before in other fantasy series.
The Grishaverse is a seven-book commitment, but the series is broken into three parts:
- Alina and Mal’s story (the first three books)
- Kaz Brekker and his crew (a duology)
- A mix of characters from both stories (another duology that wraps up the overarching plot)
Kaz Brekker’s duology is the best heist story I’ve ever read, and it’s what made me fall in love with Leigh Bardugo’s writing.
And don’t worry—the romance in this series is anything but lackluster (don’t let the YA label deter you!). We get forbidden love, slow-burn yearning, political marriages, and unlikely couples that keep you invested.
One thing to note: while the series isn’t technically complete, Leigh Bardugo hasn’t announced if or when the next book is coming. However, the last duology ended in a satisfying place, so if you’re someone who only reads completed series, this shouldn’t stop you from diving in.
6. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series
Blood and Ash
Status
Number of Books
6 released / 8 planned
Age
Themes
From Blood and Ash is a good old-fashioned vampire fantasy with a bunch of twists and turns spread throughout its five-book (and counting) series. The protagonist, Poppy, is The Maiden—a prisoner without chains, living in a gilded cage. Chosen for a mysterious purpose in a kingdom ruled by night-dwelling aristocrats, Poppy’s world changes when she crosses paths with Hawke, her newly appointed bodyguard. As Poppy falls for Hawke, she also begins experiencing the basic freedoms everyone else takes for granted. But, as is the case in most fantasy epics, there’s a much larger conspiracy at play, and Poppy plays a key role in unraveling it.
Honestly? This is a guilty pleasure read. Poppy keeps getting stronger, and sometimes the plot feels stitched together a little too quickly—but when it aligns, it’s satisfying as hell. The romance? Equal parts lovely, over-the-top, and (at times) a bit cringe, but if you love romance-heavy fantasy, this one delivers. And in addition to vampires, this book throws in a kitchen sink of paranormals—werewolves, dragons, and more.
The unique thing about From Blood and Ash is that it has a sister series, Flesh and Fire (see #7 on this list) that should be read intertwined with it. Flesh and Fire is a prequel series set thousands of years earlier, but the events of that timeline directly shape the plot of the “current” timeline, giving the entire saga a unique spin.
Together, Flesh and Fire and From Blood and Ash span up to twelve books, making this a long-term commitment—but one that promises to be a good time.
From Blood and Ash is an ongoing series, the 6th book of the series The Primal of Blood and Bone is expected to come out June 10th. It is the penultimate book of the current timeline series with one more after the next book planned!
7. A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series
Flesh and Fire
Status
Number of Books
4 books
Age
Themes
Flesh and Fire is the prequel series to From Blood and Ash, taking place thousands of years earlier. The story follows Seraphena, the first Maiden and first princess of the kingdom, who is raised as an assassin with one mission—to kill the Primal of Death, Nyktos.
Sera’s kingdom is dying from a mysterious blight, and the only way to stop it is if she convinces the Primal of Death to fall in love with her—because his love would weaken him enough to destroy him. But, of course, Sera’s fate takes a different turn, and one small decision she makes alters the course of history, directly impacting Poppy, Hawke, and other From Blood and Ash characters, not to mention her own realms.
I adored the Flesh and Fire series. Nyktos, his court, and the entire political system—reminiscent of ancient Greek mythology—are absolutely captivating. The protagonists might feel a bit similar to those in From Blood and Ash, but that’s intentional, so you just have to adjust to it.
The best part of this series? Its huge impact on the main storyline. The romance, the found family dynamic, and the deep conversations around tough topics are just added bonuses!
8. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Series
Folk of The Air
Status
Number of Books
3 books
Age
Themes
I’ve loved Holly Black’s writing since my Spiderwick Chronicles days, so when I found out she was writing adult fantasy novels, I was ecstatic.
The Cruel Prince is a political intrigue-heavy, fae fantasy novel. Jude Duarte finds herself trapped in the land of the Fae after war-hungry Madoc murders her parents to take revenge on her mother, who escaped his clutches years ago.
Elfhame is treacherous—especially for a mortal. But Jude, full of ambition and a breathtaking amount of cunning, is determined to carve out her place in the fae world—by any means necessary. Of course, it’s not that simple, especially when she’s constantly tormented by Cardan, the cruel, wicked fae prince who just can’t seem to leave her alone.
I enjoyed The Cruel Prince so much—the worldbuilding and political intrigue are unmatched. Jude is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve ever read—just as ruthless as any man, as cunning as any faerie. She’s terrifying, but you can’t stop watching her—or rooting for her.
With the truest enemies-to-lovers dynamic and the slowest burn romance I’ve ever read, I cannot recommend The Cruel Prince more.
9. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Series
Caraval
Status
Number of Books
3 books
Age
Themes
Do you want to go to a circus—but one filled with magic, intrigue, and mind-bending mysteries? If so, Caraval is for you.
Scarlett and Donatella receive a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to a magical traveling game—a week-long competition where players must solve puzzles and unravel mysteries to win the grand prize. With the help of a mysterious sailor, they arrive at the event—only for Donatella to vanish on the very first night. Scarlett soon learns that this year’s game is simple—whoever finds her sister, wins.
Reassured that everything that happens in Caraval stays in Caraval—and that any injuries sustained will magically reverse once the game ends—Scarlett throws herself into the challenge, determined to solve the mystery and get her sister back.
This book is pure whimsy! The mystery is so well woven, and Stephanie Garber’s prose is pure magic—reading like a dark fairy tale. If you love sisterly bonds, unraveling intricate mysteries and mysterious love stories with sailor’s with dimples, I highly recommend this one—especially if you’re planning to read the spin-off, Once Upon a Broken Heart!
10. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Series
Once Upon a Broken Heart
Status
Number of Books
3 books
Age
Themes
Once Upon a Broken Heart continues the Caraval universe, following Evangeline Fox, whose heart is shattered when her boyfriend leaves her for her sister. Desperate, she turns to the Prince of Hearts, the notorious Fate who presides over love—a being whose kiss is rumored to be deadly. But Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, is no myth—he’s real, and he appears before her, revealing himself as something far more dangerous than legend.
Jacks makes a bargain with Evangeline, and in a twist of fate, he turns her entire family into stone as revenge. Horrified, Evangeline soon realizes that not every deal is what it seems (a recurring theme in this trilogy), and she must take their place. When she’s finally brought back to life, she’s sent to the Great North as an ambassador for her kingdom—only to find Jacks there, scheming once again.
Evangeline soon catches the attention of a prince, makes secret bargains, and finds herself entangled with vampires and werewolves—all while being relentlessly drawn back to Jacks, the one person she can never seem to escape.
Stephanie Garber’s Caraval universe continues to thrive, this time with Jacks and Evangeline’s intoxicating story. This trilogy is utterly captivating, as Evangeline uncovers age-old prophecies, unravels mysteries, and—against her better judgment—keeps trying to fix Jacks… because she just can’t help herself.
Every time I recommend this book, I sell it by saying it has the most morally gray male lead—because Jacks will stop at nothing to get what he wants… even if it means hurting the very person he wants it for.
There you have it, goblins! My ultimate romantasy starter guide—packed with must-read fantasy romances to get you completely hooked. Have you read any of these? Or do you think another book deserves a spot in the top 10? Drop your favorites in the comments!
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