✨ The Ultimate Romantasy Reading Guide (Based on Real Reader Reviews)

Romantasy has completely taken over readers’ hearts—and for good reason. Think epic fantasy worlds + slow-burn romance + morally gray characters + just enough spice.

If you loved dragons, fae courts, enemies-to-lovers tension, and emotionally devastating plot twists… here’s your next obsession.

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🌹 A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) — Sarah J. Maas

Status: Ongoing (next book expected 2025–2026)

Books: Buy the first five books here

• A Court of Thorns and Roses

• A Court of Mist and Fury

• A Court of Wings and Ruin

• A Court of Frost and Starlight

• A Court of Silver Flames

Summary:
A mortal huntress is pulled into the fae world, where deadly politics, powerful High Lords, and a slow-burn romance redefine her fate.

Why readers love it:
This is the gateway romantasy series. Readers rave about:

• Found family

• Iconic love interests

• Emotional character arcs

“ACOTAR pulled me into the entire genre.”

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🔥 Throne of Glass — Sarah J. Maas

Status: Completed

Books: 8 total, buy the complete set here

• Throne of Glass (2012)
• Crown of Midnight (2013)
• The Assassin's Blade (2014) - A collection of five prequel novellas
• Heir of Fire (2014)
• Queen of Shadows (2015)
• Empire of Storms (2016)
• Tower of Dawn (2017)
• Kingdom of Ash (2018)

Summary:
An assassin competes in a deadly tournament—only to uncover a much bigger magical war.

Why readers love it:

• Massive world-building

• Multiple POVs

• One of the most emotionally devastating finales in fantasy

• There are many recommended reading orders. My favorite is chronological. Read The Assassin's Blade first, and then read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn in tandem. Check out these bookmarks to help with the tandem read

👉 Often considered Maas’s best-written series by longtime fans.

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🩸 The Plated Prisoner Series — Raven Kennedy

Status: Completed (6 books)

Books start with: Gild

• 1. Gild (2020) - Introduces Auren, trapped in Midas's gold cage.
• 2. Glint (2021) - Auren becomes a prisoner in a new kingdom.
• 3. Gleam (2021) - Auren discovers her voice and begins seeking freedom.
• 4. Glow (2022) - Consequences.
• 5. Gold (2023) - Explores the Fae realm of Annwyn and deepens the romance.
• 6. Goldfinch (2024) - The final book and conclusion to the series.

Summary:
A dark retelling inspired by King Midas, following a woman literally turned to gold as she fights for autonomy and identity.

Reader buzz:

• Loved for its dark themes and character growth

• Divisive—some readers DNF later books

“The plated prisoner series… its complete!”

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⚔️ Fae & Alchemy Series — Callie Hart

Status: Ongoing trilogy (Book 3 expected ~Nov 2026)

Books:

• Quicksilver (2024)

• Kingfisher's POV (mini book, audiobook only)

• Brimstone (2025)

• Pre-Order book 3 (Release November 2026)

Summary:
A thief with hidden magic opens a portal into a brutal fae world—and becomes entangled with a dangerous warrior.

Why it exploded:

• Viral BookTok success

• “Impossible to put down” pacing

• Dark, spicy, high-stakes romance

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🐉 The Empyrean Series — Rebecca Yarros

Status: Ongoing (5 planned, 3 released)

Books: Buy first 3 books here

• Fourth Wing

• Iron Flame

• Onyx Storm (2025)

Summary:
At a brutal dragon-riding war college, survival means bonding with a dragon—and navigating deadly politics and forbidden love.

Why readers love it:

• Dragons + romance = instant obsession

• Fast-paced, addictive writing

• Massive cliffhangers

Sold millions and became a cultural phenomenon

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🔮 World of Solaria (Zodiac Academy, Dark Fae) — Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Status: Nearly complete (final books recently released/ongoing spin-offs) Over 20 books so far! Books 1-6 Set

Recommended Reading Order

• 1. The Awakening (ZA Book 1) - Introduces the Vega twins in Solaria.
• 2. Ruthless Fae (ZA Book 2) - Continues the twins' dangerous first year.
• 3. The Reckoning (ZA Book 3) - High-stakes drama with the Heirs.
• 4. Ruthless Boys 1-5 - Recommended prequels detailing Gabriel's background (set 5 years earlier). Dark Fae, Savage Fae, Vicious Fae, Broken Fae, Warrior Fae
• 5. Origins of an Academy Bully (0.5) - Prequel novella best read here.
• 6. Shadow Princess (ZA Book 4) - Resumes the main story after the prequel.
• 7. Cursed Fates (ZA Book 5) - Features significant character development.
• 8. The Big A.S.S. Party (ZA 5.5) - A fun novella featuring Seth.
• 9. Fated Throne (ZA Book 6) - Continues the main, dramatic storyline.
• 10. The Awakening as Told by the Boys (ZA 1.5) - Retelling of book 1 from the Heirs' POV.
• 11. Heartless Sky (ZA Book 7) - The tension builds to a climax.
• 12. Sorrow and Starlight (ZA Book 8) - Recommended to be read in tandem with 8.5.
• 13. Beyond the Veil (ZA 8.5) - Tandem read with book 8.
• 14. Live and Let Lionel - Bonus content novella.
• 15. Restless Stars (ZA Book 9) - The final main series book. Reddit +4

Spin-Off Series

• Darkmore Penitentiary 1-4 - Follows Rosalie and occurs five years after the main series. Caged Wolf, Alpha Wolf, Feral Wolf, Wild Wolf
• Sins of the Zodiac 1-2 - Newest additions to the Solaria universe. Never Keep, Echo Fort, Cinder Vale (Release March 31, 2026)

Summary:
Twin sisters discover they’re heirs to a magical zodiac kingdom—and must survive a brutal academy full of enemies.

Reader vibes:

• Bully romance (VERY intense)

• Long series = major commitment. 

• Addictive but chaotic storytelling

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🗡️ Legends of Thezmarr — Helen Scheuerer

Status: Ongoing

Books start with: 

• Blood & Steel (Book 1) - Follows Althea as she trains to become a warrior, fighting against fate.
• Vows & Ruins (Book 2) - Continues the journey with high stakes, forbidden attraction, and deepening magic.
• Fate & Furies (Book 3) - Features intense betrayals and a quest for vengeance, accelerating the danger.
• Shadow & Storms (Book 4) - The epic conclusion to the main quartet’s story.
• Slaying the Shadow Prince (Prequel) - A stand-alone romance set in the same world, often read between 2 & 3.
• An Alchemist's Vow (Prequel) - A free, short introduction to the series world. 

Ashes of Thezmarr Series

• Iron & Embers (Book 1) - Focuses on a new story featuring Wren Embervale and Torj Elderbrock.
• Thorns & Fire (Book 2) - Continues the saga of Wren and Torj with deep bonds.
• Silver & Smoke (Book 3) - The final chapter in the Ashes of Thezmarr series.

Summary:
A warrior-in-training enters a brutal world of magic, gods, and war while navigating romance and destiny.

Reader reactions:

“Blood & Steel… I LOVE IT”

• Slower start, but strong payoff

• Loved for world-building + romance balance

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👑 Gods & Monsters Series — Amber V. Nicole

Status: Ongoing

Books:

• The Book of Azrael (2022)

• The Throne of Broken Gods (2023)

• The Dawn of the Cursed Queen (2024)
• The Wrath of the Fallen (2025)
• The fall of the Crowned King (coming soon)

Summary:
A villainous heroine bound to a monster god must navigate war, power, and unexpected love.

Reader opinions:

• Loved for morally gray characters, world building, and high-stakes plot

• Mixed reactions to pacing in later books, but worth the read

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🌲 The Wicked Woods Series — Keri Lake

Status: Ongoing

• Anathema (2024) - A shunned woman, Maevyth, is forced beyond a forbidden boundary into a world of cursed souls.
• Eldritch (2025) - The sequel, where the characters battle monsters and an ancient evil while navigating their intense connection.
• Vasmora (Expected 2026) -Final book.

Summary:
Dark, gothic romantasy filled with cursed forests, dangerous magic, and intense romance.

Why readers pick it up:

• Atmospheric writing

• Dark fantasy + horror vibes

Other Favorite by Keri Lake:

• Nightshade (Duology) - Nightshade and Infernium.
• Juniper Unraveling (Series) - Juniper Unraveling, Calico Descending, Kings of Carrion, and God of Monsters.
• Standalone Novels - Nocticadia, Master of Salt & Bones, The Isle of Sin and Shadows.

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⚡ Powerless — Lauren Roberts

Status: Complete

Books: Complete Collection

• Powerless

• Powerful

• Reckless

• Fearless

• Fearful

Summary:
In a kingdom where power equals survival, a powerless girl must fake her abilities while falling for someone she shouldn’t.

Reader feedback:

• Fast-paced and addictive

• Some mixed reactions to Powerful and Fearful, stories of other characters in the series

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🖤 Pale Court Duet & Court of Ravens — Liv Zander

Status: Mixed (duet complete, expanded universe ongoing)

• King of Flesh and Bone (Book 1) 
• Queen of Rot and Pain (Book 2) 

Summary:
Dark fae courts, twisted romance, and morally gray characters dominate this haunting series.

Reader appeal:

• Very dark tone and VERY SPICY

• Heavy emotional themes

• Not for light romantasy readers

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🐈‍⬛ Cat & Mouse Duet — H.D. Carlton

Status: Completed

Books:

• Haunting Adeline

• Hunting Adeline

Summary:
A dark romance with thriller elements, following a writer stalked by a mysterious man.

Important note:

• This leans more dark romance than fantasy

• Very controversial but wildly popular

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💭 Final Thoughts: What Should You Read Next?

If you want…

• Completed binge:
  → Throne of Glass, Plated Prisoner, Cat & Mouse

• Peak BookTok obsession:
  → ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Quicksilver

• Dark & edgy:
  → Plated Prisoner, Pale Court, Court of Ravens, any Keri Lake

• Underrated gems:
  → Legends of Thezmarr, Book of Azrael