Popular Romantasy Books in 2025: An Author's Perspective
- Sarah Emmer
- May 27
- 5 min read
As an independent author in the romantasy book space, part of my job is knowing what is popular. A wise author will strive to discover WHY. What is the magic within these stories that pulls on readers' heartstings and makes them want to read MORE?
While I have not read all the books the list I've curated below (don't worry, anything I've not already devoured is on my TBR), one consistent thing I've noticed is how easy it is to relate to the characters, even when they live in fantasy worlds so different from our own.
We can feel their hunger, their pain, their perisistent drive for autonomy, freedom, and love. We readers will never get to ride a dragon, but we CAN picture trying to survive boot camp, hiding in muddy trenches, or working hard to earn enough to feed our families. Add a handsome fae, vampire, dragon rider, or god, and we can experience scrappy characters overcoming familiar struggles while falling in love.
What's not to adore about this genre? I mean, REALLY!
So, with that, let's dive into the ten most popular romantasy books according to me. These are books that I have seen consistently praised and recommended across multiple book/reader groups in addition to them achieving bestseller status.
Please note that this list contains what I personally percieve to be hugely popular. There are more that I have not included because while they are bestsellers, they are not as widely discussed within my community of readers (and indie authors).
For the books I've read personally, I crafted small blurbs based on my experience with the book. For the others, I included the official taglines or summarized the official blurbs.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Published in May, 2023
"Fly...or die"
Violet, a young woman with elhers-danlos sydrome (but it's fantasy so that term isn't used), must enter the prestigous Basgiath war college, also known as death college, for the dragon rider quadrant. She's spent her whole life preparing to become a scribe, but being forced into the rider quadrant means almost certain death. Except Violet is more violent than anyone suspects, and she's clever enough to keep herself alive by bending the rules.
Fourth Wing was a truly enjoyable read for me. I loved seeing how Violet dealt with elhers-danlos and watching her defy the odds though cleverness, then with allies.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Published in May, 2015
Feyre, a starving teenager, kills a wolf while hunting. But it wasn't just a wolf, and the beast who tracks her down is hell bent on punishment. With hints of beauty and the beast and massive doses of folklore, this books starts with lots of worldbuilding and rising tension, then races with plot twists to a breathless finish.
Fans know A Court of Thorns and Roses as ACOTAR, and the series, along with Sarah J Maas' Throne of Glass and Crescent City series, are some of the most loved romantasy series globally. I did enjoy this, though it wasn't until the last third of the book that I became so sucked in that I couldn't put it down.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer Armentrout
Published in March, 2020
"A Maiden...A Duty...A Kingdom"
Torn between duty and a longing to experience life, Poppy faces grief and complicated circumstances head on when her new guard, Hawke, protects her a little differently than all her previous guards. This story is full of action, forbidden love, and twists some fantasy elements in a fresh way.
I adore this book. I wasn't expecting a unique take on vampires, and it actually broke me out of my vampire aversion. Poppy is a character that any women who grew up feeling like they had to dress a certain way or felt restricted in freedom will resonate strongly with.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Published in November, 2023
"She is the very thing he’s spent his whole life hunting.
He is the very thing she’s spent her whole life pretending to be."
I cannot wait to read this one. It looks absolutely fascinating.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Published in August, 2022
"For humans and vampires, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart."
I've read Broadbent's 'Daughter of No Worlds' and adored it, so I have a feeling that I'm going to really enjoy this one when I get a chance to read it.
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Published in September 2024
The Fae don't exist anymore, at least, that's what Saeris believes until Death somehow rescues her and she discovers that they are very much alive. And real. And in a completely different dimension.
With unique worldbuilding, complex characters, vivid backstories, and spicy scenes that hit just right, it's no wonder that Quicksilver has shot up to one of the most popular romantasy reads in such a short time.
I really enjoyed reading this, or, listening to the audiobook. I'm a sucker for duet narration, and this twenty hour chunker did not disappoint.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Published in December 2018
"Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe."
I'm desperate to read this highly rated masterpiece, and I'm hoping to finish it by the end of this year at the latest. It has maintained its popular status for six and a half years. That's impressive.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Published in April, 2023
"When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever."
Aside from having one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen, this story is lovely and heartbreaking. The ending left me devastated, but incredibly grateful that the second book was already published. The setting is similar to our real world WW1 era, which I found fascinating.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Published in September 2022
"Maiden. Monster. Martyr.
Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her."
Within a kingdom surrounded by toxic mist, one girl needs a cure for the monster living inside her. With beautiful prose and a unique world, this novel will carry you away to face the monsters inside your head.
A truly captivating read (for me personally, anyway).
When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker
Published in May 2024
"The Creators did not expect their beloved dragons to sail skyward upon their end. To curl into balls just beyond gravity’s grip, littering the sky with tombstones. With moons. They certainly did not expect them to FALL."
I preordered this book purely because the cover was gorgeous. I glance at it on my shelf, excited to read it as soon as I have the chance.
So, tell me. Have you read any of these extremely popular romantasies?
Have you read any of these top ten romantasies?
Yes. 1-3 of them.
Yes. 4-6 of them.
Yes. 7-9 of them.
Yes. I've read all ten.
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