What Is Romantasy? A Guide to the Genre Taking Over TikTok
Table of Contents
If you’ve been on BookTok for more than five minutes, you’ve probably seen the word “romantasy” pop up again and again. With books like Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, and From Blood and Ash dominating reading lists and reader hearts, it’s clear this isn’t just a passing trend. But you might be wondering, what exactly is romantasy? Romantasy is sort of a newer genre to pop up in the scene and it takes a different approach to the inclusion of romance-heavy plots in fantasy stories. So, in this post, I’ll be talking about what romantasy is, why it’s so viral, and how you can start writing one of your own.
(Affiliate disclaimer: some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you when you purchase something through one of my links)
What Is Romantasy? (Definition & Origins)
Romantasy is a hybrid genre that combines both romance and fantasy and treats them as equals in the share of the story. In a romantasy novel, the romantic relationship is not a subplot for a fantasy story but it is rather the emotional drive for the story. However, at the same time, the fantasy elements are very crucial and need to be woven into the plot.
The term started out mostly as an online phrase used in circles of readers that found a love for fantasy books with heavy levels of romance in them. However, it’s since become a whole genre on BookTok and that genre has extended into the literary world.
Key Elements of a Romantasy Novel
Romance-Driven Plotlines
In romantasy, the love story matters. It shapes character choices, propels the plot, and raises the emotional stakes.
Fantasy World Building
Whether it’s kingdoms at war, secret fae courts, or ancient curses, the fantasy setting needs to feel rich and alive. Your world should have rules, lore, and consequences that affect the love story.
Emotional Arcs & Tension
Romantasy readers crave feelings. That comes with internal conflicts, tension and situations that test the characters and their feelings. Internal and external conflict are very important.
High-Stakes Conflicts
There’s always something bigger at play like a looming war, a deadly prophecy, or even a throne to claim. These external threats heighten the tension and make the romance feel urgent and earned.
Popular Tropes in Romantasy (Readers Love These)
Romantasy thrives on tropes but only when they’re done well. Here are some of the most beloved (and viral) tropes in the genre:
- Enemies to lovers
- Fated mates / soulmate bonds
- Forbidden love
- Royalty & rebels
- Magical trials/training montages
- The emotionally closed-off love interest
- Prophecies/chosen one arcs
- Forced proximity
Why Romantasy Is Blowing Up on TikTok
TikTok is really all about virality and clicking with readers within seconds in short clips. For short-form content, it’s really easy to take swoon-worthy one-liners or screenshots of pages with some sarcastic quips and post them alongside viral sounds. The videos just appealed to readers enough that it trended and got a lot of emotion.
A lot of self-published and traditional authors alike caught wind of this and started marketing to the same group of readers, and with romantasy readers, I’ve noticed that they are very much willing to find as many books to read in this genre as they can.
Examples of Popular Romantasy Books
| Book Title | Notable Tropes |
| Fourth Wing | Enemies to lovers, dragons |
| ACOTAR | Fae royalty, fated mates |
| The Serpent & the Wings of Night | Trials, found family, forbidden love |
| From Blood and Ash | Hidden identity, slow burn |
There’s pretty much something that appeals to nearly every reader of both romance and fantasy within the romantasy genre.
How to Start Writing Your Own Romantasy
If you’re dreaming of writing a romantasy novel, here are a few essential tips:
- Start with a strong romantic conflict: Make sure it can’t be easily resolved. The messier the conflict, the better at keeping reader retention. Just don’t make it an annoying conflict that’s not rooted in the story.
- Build a world that reinforces the emotional stakes: Don’t just create magic for the sake of it. Use the world to complicate the relationship and give it depth.
- Choose tropes with intention: Make sure to try and give them a twist. What if the fated mates hate each other? What if the chosen one doesn’t want the power?
- Balance pacing: Alternate between magical tension and romantic development to keep readers hooked.
Wrap-Up: Romantasy Is Here to Stay
The rise of romantasy isn’t just a fad. It seems like at this point, it’s solidified itself as a whole setpiece in the literary world and as its own genre. For readers who have always craved deep romantic elements in fantasy worlds, romantasy is the perfect choice. It works for fans of fantasy, fans of romance, and even people who don’t read either genre.
If you’re thinking about writing a romantasy novel, then you should definitely start now while the genre is at the height of popularity.
By signing up for my newsletter, you can get access to exclusive insights, discounts, offers, and freebies all right to your inbox! You’ve got the ideas. I’ve got the workflows. Let’s get writing!