Summary: In this article, I have selected 20 of the best fantasy romance books I think offer the perfect blend of magic, romance, and unforgettable characters. Here are my top 3:
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Gild – The Plated Prisoner Series Book 1 by Raven Kennedy
Fantasy romance books mix the magic of imaginative worlds with the depth of romance, giving readers a chance to escape to places where anything is possible. These stories whisk you away to realms filled with mythical creatures, powerful spells, and thrilling adventures, all while exploring the strong bonds between characters. The blend of exciting romance and creative settings makes them perfect for anyone who loves both magic and love.
TOP 20: Best Fantasy Romance Books
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Gild – The Plated Prisoner Series Book 1 by Raven Kennedy
- Onyx Storm – The Empyrean Book 3 by Rebecca Yarros
- Quicksilver – Fae & Alchemy Book 1 by Callie Hart
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Zodiac Academy – The Awakening by Caroline Peckham
- Kiss of the Basilisk – A Split or Swallow Novel by Lindsay Straube
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night – Crowns of Nyaxia, Book 1 by Carissa Broadbent
- Glow – The Plated Prisoner Series Book 4 by Raven Kennedy
- Iron Flame – The Empyrean Book 2 by Rebecca Yarros
- Shadows so Cruel – A Dark Fantasy Romance (Court of Ravens Book 2) by Liv Zander
- Feathers so Vicious – A Dark Fantasy Romance (Court of Ravens Book 1) by Liv Zander
- Blood of Hercules – A Dark Romantasy of Myth and Power by Jasmine Mas
- Fourth Wing – The Empyrean Book 1 by Rebecca Yarros
- The Assassin's Blade – The Throne of Glass Novellas by Sarah J. Maas
- The Songbird and the Heart of Stone – Crowns of Nyaxia Book 3 by Carissa Broadbent
- A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
- The Shadow and the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski
1. A Court of Mist and Fury
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: Feyre’s journey continues as she navigates the Fae realm, dealing with trauma, power, and complex relationships.
- Style of writing: Lush, emotional, character-driven
- Length: Approx. 125,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: High, with deep emotional exploration and character growth.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with mature themes and complex world-building.
- Why read it: For its emotional depth, complex relationships, and unforgettable character arcs.
2. Throne of Glass
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: Assassin Celaena Sardothien competes to become the king’s champion, facing danger, mystery, and romance.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, gripping, action-focused
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year written: 2012
- Emotional impact: Strong, with character development and emotional stakes.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with complex world-building and plot twists.
- Why read it: For action, mystery, and a compelling female protagonist.
3. Gild - The Plated Prisoner Series Book 1
- Author: Raven Kennedy
- About: Auren is trapped in a gilded cage, serving a king who claims her as his prize, while discovering her own strength.
- Style of writing: Dark, slow-burn, psychological depth
- Length: Approx. 120,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Intense, exploring captivity, power dynamics, and self-worth.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with dark themes and heavy emotional moments.
- Why read it: For a dark fantasy with a heroine finding her strength amid power struggles.
4. Onyx Storm - The Empyrean Book 3
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- About: A mix of romance and adventure in a dangerous world filled with secrets and passion.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, emotional, descriptive
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year written: 2023
- Emotional impact: High, with love, tension, and sacrifice.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with emotional depth and action.
- Why read it: For a combination of thrilling adventure and deep emotional connection.
5. Quicksilver - Fae & Alchemy Book 1
- Author: Callie Hart
- About: A tale of fae and alchemy where the protagonist discovers her powers and role in the fae world.
- Style of writing: Engaging, romantic, and mysterious
- Length: Approx. 90,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with suspense and emotional growth.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with a blend of romance and mystery.
- Why read it: For readers who enjoy mystery, romance, and magical world-building.
6. A Court of Thorns and Roses
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: Feyre, a human, is taken to a Fae realm after killing a faerie, starting a transformative journey.
- Style of writing: Lush, immersive, with a focus on romance and world-building
- Length: Approx. 105,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: High, with themes of sacrifice, love, and personal growth.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with dark themes and some violence.
- Why read it: For an engaging mix of magic, romance, and emotional depth.
7. Zodiac Academy - The Awakening
- Author: Caroline Peckham
- About: Two sisters with extraordinary powers must navigate a magical academy filled with danger and intrigue.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, dramatic, with plenty of tension
- Length: Approx. 115,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Strong, with drama, romance, and character development.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with school drama and magical elements.
- Why read it: For readers who love academy settings and sibling dynamics with romance.
8. Kiss of the Basilisk - A Split or Swallow Novel
- Author: Lindsay Straube
- About: A light-hearted fantasy romance where the protagonist navigates a world of magic, danger, and unexpected love.
- Style of writing: Fun, humorous, and fast-paced
- Length: Approx. 75,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Moderate, offering more fun and light-hearted romance.
- Difficulty level: Easy, with light fantasy elements and humor.
- Why read it: For a fun, fast-paced romance with fantasy elements and quirky humor.
9. The Serpent and the Wings of Night - Crowns of Nyaxia, Book 1
- Author: Carissa Broadbent
- About: A mortal becomes entangled with the vampire elite, navigating political intrigue and dark romance.
- Style of writing: Dark, atmospheric, with tension and complex characters
- Length: Approx. 110,000 words
- Year written: 2022
- Emotional impact: High, with intense romance and dark political intrigue.
- Difficulty level: High, with intricate world-building and mature themes.
- Why read it: For dark fantasy lovers who enjoy romance, power struggles, and mystery.
10. Glow - The Plated Prisoner Series Book 4
- Author: Raven Kennedy
- About: Auren continues her journey amid power struggles and complex emotional dynamics.
- Style of writing: Dark, emotional, and suspenseful
- Length: Approx. 130,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Deep, exploring themes of freedom, power, and self-worth.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with psychological depth and emotional complexity.
- Why read it: For those who love dark romance with emotional stakes and plot twists.
11. Iron Flame - The Empyrean Book 2
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- About: The second book in The Empyrean series, continuing the emotional and thrilling journey of the main characters in a world filled with danger and passion.
- Style of writing: Intense, emotional, fast-paced
- Length: Approx. 110,000 words
- Year written: 2022
- Emotional impact: High, with powerful character development and romantic tension.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with strong emotional themes and action-packed scenes.
- Why read it: For readers who enjoy heart-pounding action and emotional character arcs with a strong romantic thread.
12. Shadows so Cruel - A Dark Fantasy Romance (Court of Ravens Book 2)
- Author: Liv Zander
- About: A dark fantasy romance where power struggles and forbidden love create intense, complex dynamics.
- Style of writing: Dark, atmospheric, with emotional depth and a slow-burn romance.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Strong, with gripping romance and moral dilemmas that leave a lasting effect.
- Difficulty level: High, with heavy themes and complex world-building.
- Why read it: For those who love dark fantasy with romance and intense emotional moments.
13. Feathers so Vicious - A Dark Fantasy Romance (Court of Ravens Book 1)
- Author: Liv Zander
- About: The first book in the Court of Ravens series, mixing dark fantasy with a slow-burn romance and power struggles.
- Style of writing: Moody, atmospheric, and emotional
- Length: Approx. 95,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Moderate to high, with romantic tension and dark themes that linger.
- Difficulty level: High, with dark world-building and complex character arcs.
- Why read it: For fans of forbidden romance and complex fantasy worlds filled with intrigue.
14. Blood of Hercules - A Dark Romantasy of Myth and Power
- Author: Jasmine Mas
- About: A dark romantasy that blends Greek mythology with intense romance and power struggles.
- Style of writing: Mythical, intense, with rich emotional depth
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: High, with themes of betrayal, love, and personal sacrifice.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to high, with complex mythological references and emotional layers.
- Why read it: If you enjoy mythology mixed with romance and dark fantasy elements.
15. Fourth Wing - The Empyrean Book 1
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- About: The first book in The Empyrean series, offering a mix of romance and adventure in a high-stakes world filled with secrets and passion.
- Style of writing: Emotional, detailed, and fast-paced
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year written: 2022
- Emotional impact: High, with character growth, suspense, and romance that will keep you hooked.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with a mix of world-building and emotional depth.
- Why read it: For readers who enjoy thrilling romantic adventures in a magical, high-stakes world.
16. The Assassin's Blade - The Throne of Glass Novellas
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: A collection of novellas that provide background to the Throne of Glass series, focusing on Celaena Sardothien’s earlier life.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, emotional, with rich world-building
- Length: Approx. 130,000 words
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: High, as it adds depth to Celaena’s character and sets the stage for the main series.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with some darker themes and world-building.
- Why read it: To deepen your connection with Celaena’s journey and understand her transformation.
17. The Songbird and the Heart of Stone - Crowns of Nyaxia Book 3
- Author: Carissa Broadbent
- About: The third book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, mixing dark fantasy with romance and political intrigue.
- Style of writing: Dark, atmospheric, with a focus on romance and complex relationships
- Length: Approx. 110,000 words
- Year written: 2023
- Emotional impact: High, with emotional moments that add depth to the characters’ journey.
- Difficulty level: High, with dark themes and intricate world-building.
- Why read it: For fans of dark fantasy, intense political drama, and forbidden love.
18. A Court of Silver Flames
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: A companion novel to A Court of Thorns and Roses, focusing on Nesta’s recovery, her journey with Cassian, and the aftermath of war.
- Style of writing: Emotional, with strong character development and a focus on healing
- Length: Approx. 200,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: High, dealing with themes of healing, trauma, and self-worth.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with emotional depth and complex relationships.
- Why read it: For those who want to explore the aftermath of war and trauma, with a focus on healing and love.
19. A Court of Wings and Ruin
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: The third book in A Court of Thorns and Roses series, following Feyre as she prepares for a final battle, navigating alliances and love.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, emotional, and dramatic
- Length: Approx. 130,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: High, with epic battles, deep romance, and emotional sacrifices.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with intense action and emotional weight.
- Why read it: For fans of high fantasy, romance, and the dramatic conclusion of an epic story.
20. The Shadow and the Sun
- Author: Monica James
- About: A dark fantasy romance featuring a heroine navigating a complex world filled with shadowy figures and sunlit romance.
- Style of writing: Atmospheric, mysterious, with romantic tension
- Length: Approx. 90,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with a mix of suspense, romance, and mystery.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with a blend of mystery and romance.
- Why read it: For readers who enjoy dark fantasy with elements of suspense and romance, set in a mysterious world.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, if you're looking to dive into fantasy romance, I think A Court of Mist and Fury, Throne of Glass, and Gild – The Plated Prisoner Series Book 1 are definitely ones to check out. Each of these books offers a unique mix of magic, romance, and unforgettable characters. Personally, I was captivated by Feyre's emotional journey in A Court of Mist and Fury, the action and adventure with Celaena in Throne of Glass, and the dark, gripping world of Gild. If you're like me and love strong characters, high stakes, and immersive fantasy worlds, these stories won’t disappoint.
