Romantasy, a genre blending fantastical elements with prominent romantic relationships, has seen a surge in popularity, largely propelled by the success of Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series. For those looking to dive into this burgeoning literary trend, a selection of series offers a gateway to magical worlds and captivating love stories.
Popular Series and Notable Entries
Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series, featuring titles like Fourth Wing, is a prominent example of contemporary romantasy. It weaves together magic, dragons, and an academic setting, following protagonist Violet Sorrengail's journey in an elite dragon rider academy. The series, currently with three books, is set to expand with a fourth installment and a companion book, Threshing Day. A television adaptation for Prime Video is also in development.
Sarah J. Maas is a significant figure in the genre, with multiple series drawing attention. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series, which begins with Feyre Archeron's journey into the fae realm, is slated for new releases in late 2026 and early 2027. Though a planned Hulu adaptation was canceled, Maas has since regained the rights. Maas's Throne of Glass series, an epic tale of an assassin named Celaena Sardothien, is a completed seven-book series with a prequel, and has a rumored Hulu adaptation titled Queen of Shadows.
Jennifer L. Armentrout's Blood and Ash series offers action, adventure, and explicit romance within a unique fantasy world. The story centers on Poppy, a Maiden whose destiny conflicts with her desires. The series has six books currently, with a seventh planned for 2026. Armentrout also penned the prequel series Flesh and Fire, beginning with A Shadow in the Ember, which explores the story of Seraphena Mierel and features crossover characters with Blood and Ash.
Emerging and Notable Franchises
Callie Hart's Fae and Alchemy series, starting with Quicksilver, gained traction in 2024. It follows Saeris Fane, a young woman with alchemical powers who is transported to the land of the Fae and becomes entangled in a centuries-long conflict. The series currently has two books, with a third expected in November 2026, and a Netflix adaptation is in early development.
Carissa Broadbent's Crowns of Nyaxia series, described as a blend of Hunger Games and vampire lore, is planned across six books in three duologies. The first duology, the Nightborn Duet, focuses on Oraya, a human raised by a vampire king competing in a deadly tournament. The final book of the subsequent Shadowborn Duet is anticipated in July 2026.
Elise Kova's Arcana Academy is a newer addition, featuring a protagonist who wields magical tarot cards in an academy setting. The second book, Prince of Swords, is now available. Kova is also known for her Married to Magic and Saga of the Unfated series.
Classics and YA Adaptations
The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, though often recognized for its film adaptations, is noted for its depth in the original books. The series comprises four books from Bella's perspective and a companion book, Midnight Sun, from Edward's viewpoint. An animated Netflix series adaptation is in the works.
For younger adult readers, the Powerless trilogy, which concluded in April 2025 with Fearless, offers a story of a society divided by powers. It follows Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary who navigates a competition for Elites and a forbidden romance. A television adaptation is being developed for Prime Video.
Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City series, starting with House of Earth and Blood, offers an urban fantasy setting with a mix of mystery, magic, and romance. This series, distinct from her other works, currently has three books with a fourth planned for an unannounced future release.