The year 2024 has welcomed a plethora of exciting new titles within the romantasy subgenre, which beautifully intertwines romance and fantasy elements. A significant rise in interest in romantasy has been propelled by recommendations from popular social media platforms like BookTok, where a number of titles have resonated strongly with audiences, achieving bestseller status globally. Notably, this year’s offerings include both well-known authors like Sarah J. Maas and promising debut writers venturing into this enchanting genre.
Romantasy is a compelling genre that appeals to a broad array of readers, making it an ideal space for new narratives that mix heartfelt romantic relationships with imaginative fantasy worlds. In 2024, many of the most captivating romance novels have received nominations for prestigious awards, such as the Goodreads Choice Awards, solidifying their status as notable contenders in literary circles. Below is a curated list of some of the standout romantasy titles of the year that have garnered acclaim from both readers and critics alike.
15. House of Flame and Shadow
Sarah J. Maas’ highly anticipated third installment in the Crescent City series, House of Flame and Shadow, has quickly become a favorite among romantasy readers. Touted as the top romantasy novel by the Goodreads Choice Award, this sequel successfully continues an already beloved narrative. It marks the author’s eighth accolade from the Goodreads Choice Awards, inviting both new and returning fans to dive into this richly woven universe filled with unexpected twists, including a groundbreaking crossover with Maas’ acclaimed series, A Court of Thorns and Roses.
14. A Fate Inked In Blood
Continuing the legacy of her successful Bridge Kingdom series, Danielle L. Jensen introduces another compelling female protagonist in A Fate Inked in Blood, the inaugural book of the Saga of the Unfated series. Anticipation for the sequel, A Curse Carved In Bone, is notably high, adding to the momentum surrounding her vibrant storytelling.
13. Quicksilver
Since its release in June 2024, Callie Hart’s Quicksilver has rapidly captured the imaginations of readers, emerging as a strong contender on BookTok. The novel’s success has led to a staggering seven-figure deal with Netflix, indicating plans to adapt it into a cinematic series. Garnering nearly 50,000 nominations for the Goodreads Choice Awards, Quicksilver stands out thanks to its engaging characters and riveting storyline, especially the allure of its male lead, Kingfisher.
12. Zodiac Academy 9: Restless Stars
The final chapter in the Zodiac Academy saga, Restless Stars, has earned critical acclaim as a top pick for romantasy this year. Despite being the ninth entry in the series, it continues to attract attention, boasting an average rating of 4.29 on Goodreads. The exceptional blend of a unique premise and cherished characters cements this installment as a worthy conclusion to an unforgettable series.
11. When The Moon Hatched
When The Moon Hatched, with close to 150,000 ratings on Goodreads, illustrates the power of captivating storytelling. Riding the waves of social media acclaim, the novel has collected entries on both the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists since its launch, leading up to the anticipated release of its sequel in October 2025.
10. Bloodguard
Bloodguard offers a refreshing take within the romantasy genre by centering on a young male gladiator named Leith. Released in October 2024, this novel challenges typical tropes, incorporating a strong “Fae” character in Maeve, who acts as both adversary and love interest, pushing the boundaries of the narrative and enticing readers with originality for what promises to be an exciting series ahead.
9. A Song To Drown Rivers
Released in October 2024, A Song To Drown Rivers quickly became a standout in the romantasy genre, noted for its beautiful yet tragic narrative. With its poignant relationships and lyrical prose, the standalone historical romantasy has also gained recognition through a Goodreads Choice Award nomination and a selection as a Good Morning America Book Club pick, demonstrating its wide appeal.
8. Heartless Hunter
The debut of The Crimson Moth series, Heartless Hunter, has quickly captured attention on social media. This enemies-to-lovers narrative is rich with classic romantasy themes, including forbidden love, and is set to have a sequel in 2025, promising an engaging continuation of its thrilling story.
7. Phantasm
Phantasma introduces readers to a dark, high-stakes world filled with romance and mystery. As the first book in the Wicked Games series, it has successfully garnered a dedicated following, promising excitement that parallels popular series like Stephanie Garber’s Caraval, while incorporating decidedly spicier elements.
6. Where The Dark Stands Still
Critically acclaimed for its whimsical storytelling, Where The Dark Stands Still appeals to fans of classic youth tales like Howl’s Moving Castle. This young adult fantasy, characterized by its charming characters and low-spice romance, has received an impressive number of ratings, with palpable tension that fans adore.
5. Bride
Ali Hazelwood’s Bride marks her first step into the realm of romantasy, diverging from her previous contemporary works. This novel weaves familiar themes of vampirism and werewolves into a refreshing narrative, resonating with nostalgia while offering a unique twist, evidenced by its impressive readership and ratings.
4. Born Of Blood And Ash
The gripping conclusion to the Flesh and Fire series, Born of Blood and Ash, is a highly awaited release for romantasy enthusiasts. Garnering positive reviews and awarding nominations, the final book effectively wraps up intricate character arcs and overarching themes, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
3. The Spellshop
Sarah Beth Durst’s The Spellshop exemplifies the cozy fantastical element of romantasy with its adorable narrative and charming magic. Bending the traditional tropes, her novel has earned over 40,000 votes for Goodreads’ best romantasy novel, making it an essential read for fans seeking an enchanting experience.
2. Tempest Of Wrath And Vengeance
As the third book in a projected four-part series, Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance has quickly risen in popularity, especially on platforms like TikTok. Released in October 2024, this intense dark fantasy ends on a captivating cliffhanger, building excitement for its upcoming sequel, slated for a 2025 release.
1. The Last One
The Last One, penned by Rachel Howzell Hall, has emerged as one of the year’s most original offerings in the romantasy genre. Merging mystery with an exhilarating plotline full of continuous action, this novel captivates readers with its dynamic storytelling and engaging battle scenes, positioning it as a top contender for both fantasy and romance enthusiasts to watch in 2024.
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