My Favorite Fantasy & Romantic-Fantasy Books This Year
This year, I leaned hard into fantasy and romantic fantasy—from sweeping epics and myth-inspired worlds to slow-burn romances and morally gray characters. If you got into (or back into) reading fantasy and romantasy because of ACOTAR and/or Fourth Wing like me, check these out next!
Some of these books completely swept me away with their magic and world building, while others challenged me with darker themes and unforgettable storytelling. Below is a round-up of my fantasy and romantasy reads this year, along with a short blurb on what made each one stand out for me.
This is an ever-changing list that I will constantly update.
Assistant to the Villain – Hannah Nicole Maehrer
This book was pure fun in the best way. Assistant to the Villain flips classic fantasy tropes on their head by centering the story around the villain’s sarcastic, highly competent assistant. The humor is sharp, the banter is top-tier, and the romance simmers perfectly alongside the plot.
If you like romantasy and also enjoy TV shows like The Office and New Girl, read this immediately!! It’s cozy, clever, and surprisingly heartfelt—a great pick if you want a fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering charm and character growth.
Daughter of the Pirate King – Tricia Levenseller
Fast-paced, adventurous, and packed with attitude, this pirate fantasy was such an entertaining ride. Alosa is a fierce, confident heroine who knows exactly what she’s doing, and I loved watching her navigate deception, danger, and reluctant alliances. The romance adds tension without overpowering the story, and the pirate setting makes everything feel bold and exciting. This is a great choice if you’re craving action with a strong female lead.
In the Veins of Drowning – Kalie Cassidy
If you’re starting to feel like all romantasy is the same or predictable, give this fresh book a read! Dark, atmospheric, and emotionally intense, this book completely pulled me into its haunting world. The writing leans lyrical, and the story unfolds slowly, letting the tension and dread seep in over time.
It’s one of those books that focuses heavily on mood and character emotion, making the romance feel raw and complicated. Perfect for readers who love gothic vibes and stories that linger with you after you finish.
Babel – R.F. Kuang
Babel is a powerful, thought-provoking fantasy that blends history, academia, and magic in a truly unique way. The concept of language as magic is fascinating, but what really makes this book stand out is its exploration of colonialism, power, and identity. It’s heavier and more demanding than a typical fantasy read, but incredibly rewarding. This was a book that made me think deeply about its themes long after turning the final page.
Full Disclosure: If you’re only looking for romantasy, maybe skip this one.
The Knight and the Moth – Rachel Gillig
I ordered this one immediately because I’m a big fan of her first series, One Dark Window. This story felt like stepping into a misty, folklore-inspired dream. The atmosphere is rich and eerie, with a slow-burn romance that builds through tension, secrets, and quiet moments.
I loved how the story balanced softness and darkness, creating a world that feels both delicate and dangerous. It’s an excellent pick for romantasy readers who love poetic writing and emotional depth.
Kissed by the Gods – Caty Rogan
I was not expecting this one to be one of my favorites at all, but it pulled me in immediately. Bold, dramatic, and unapologetically intense, this book leans fully into mythological inspiration and high-stakes romance.
The gods, power dynamics, and forbidden elements create a story that feels larger than life. This is definitely one for readers who enjoy darker romantasy with strong emotions, messy relationships, and characters who are deeply flawed but compelling.
Spark of the Everflame – Penn Cole
I was definitely influenced to read this one by Booktok. The world building is expansive, the magic system is intriguing, and the slow-burn romance takes its time to develop naturally. I really enjoyed watching the main character grow as she’s forced to confront truths about her world and herself. It’s a great introduction to an epic romantasy series that keeps raising the stakes.
Immortal Consequences – I.V. Marie
This book delivers exactly what I want from romantasy: immortals, dangerous power, and high emotional stakes. The pacing kept me hooked, and the romance added just enough tension to keep turning pages late into the night. It’s dramatic, addictive, and perfect for readers who love epic consequences and larger-than-life characters.
The Poppy War – R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang is just an exceptional writer. Brutal, devastating, and unforgettable, The Poppy War is one of the darkest fantasy books I read this year. This is not an easy read, but it’s an important and impactful one. Again, maybe skip this if you want purely romantasy.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this year’s fantasy and romantic-fantasy reads reminded me why I love this genre so much. Each of these books brought something unique to my reading experience. If you’re a fantasy or romantasy reader looking to expand your TBR, I highly recommend checking out a few of these—they each left a lasting impression in their own way.
