But when it comes to the literary flavor that’s dominating readers’ attention in 2024, it’s clear: “Romantasy” reigns supreme.
When romantasy protagonists (such as dragon-riders, fairies and fallen angels) aren’t busy saving their worlds, they’re falling deeply in love — often with someone they formerly considered an adversary (the “enemies-to-lovers” trope does big numbers with romantasy readers).
Romantasy is breaking through among readers who previously didn’t browse the fantasy aisle — and delighting readers who’ve loved it for years.
We talk to authors, experts, longtime fans and recent converts about why readers are flocking to romantasy stories, in which treacherous quests are punctuated by steamy trysts.
It’s what bookseller and romantasy fan Gideon Ariel calls “Swiss Army lit” — a subgenre that all readers can enjoy, from longtime fantasy nerds to newcomers.
Persons:
Romantasy, aren’t, —, ”, Sarah J, Maas, Rebecca Yarros ’, who’ve, steamy trysts, Taylor Su, CNN Romantasy, Frankie Diane Mallis, Yarros ’, Violet Sorrengail, Gideon Ariel, “, Ariel, romantasy, Diana Gabaldon, Nalini Singh, who’s, couldn’t, Stephanie Meyer’s, ’, Jennifer L, Armentrout, Mallis, TikTok, Patti McConville, I’ve, Gemma Todd, Jayashree Kamblé, ” Kamblé, ” Ariel, Beth Gabriel, ” Mallis, Yarros, Todd, “ Harry Potter ”, ” Todd, Gabriel, She’s, Tracy Deonn, ” Sarah J, ” Rebecca Yarros, ” Travis, ” Silvia Moreno, Garcia, ” Scarlett St, Clair, ” Jennifer L, Ash, ” Rebecca Ross, ” Tracy Deonn, ” Frankie Diane Mallis, ” Nalini Singh
Organizations:
CNN, New York Times, Arcadia University, Army, Guardian, Bloomsbury, LaGuardia Community College, International Association for, Milwaukee Public Library
Locations:
bibliophiles, Madison , Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Crescent, Yarros, Wisconsin