Summary: In today's article, I have gathered 20 of the best fantasy romance novels that will transport you to magical worlds full of love, adventure, and danger. Here are my top 3 picks:
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
- Radiance by Grace Draven
TOP 20: Best Fantasy Romance Novels
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
- Radiance by Grace Draven
- Onyx Storm (The Empyrean Book 3) by Rebecca Yarros
- Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1) by Rebecca Yarros
- Iron Flame (The Empyrean Book 2) by Rebecca Yarros
- Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy Book 1) by Callie Hart
- Blood of Hercules (Villains of Lore Book 1) by Jasmine Mas
- Spark of the Everflame (The Kindred's Curse Saga, Book One) by Penn Cole
- Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham
- A Curse of Fate (Shifter City Fated Mates Book 1) by Jaymin Eve
- Phantasma (Wicked Games Book 1) by Kaylie Smith
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Gild (The Plated Prisoner Series Book 1) by Raven Kennedy
- The Mark of the Tala (The Twelve Kingdoms Book 1) by Jeffe Kennedy
- Dragon Bound (Elder Races Book 1) by Thea Harrison
- The Orchid Throne (Forgotten Empires Book 1) by Jeffe Kennedy
- Moonshadow (Moonshadow Book 1) by Thea Harrison
- The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
1. A Court of Mist and Fury
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: The sequel to “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” this novel follows Feyre as she navigates the complexities of the fae world, confronting new challenges and discovering deeper aspects of herself and her relationships.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and immersive, with a focus on character development and intricate world-building.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Profound; leaves a lasting impression with its exploration of trauma, healing, and love.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with complex themes.
- Why Read It: Offers a rich blend of fantasy and romance, with well-developed characters and a compelling plot that delves into personal growth and resilience.
2. The Serpent and the Wings of Night
- Author: Carissa Broadbent
- About: A tale of vampires, gods, and a love that defies the odds. The protagonist must navigate a deadly tournament, balancing survival with unexpected romantic entanglements.
- Style of Writing: Dark and atmospheric, with vivid descriptions and intense emotional scenes.
- Length: Approximately 150,000 words.
- Year Written: 2022
- Emotional Impact: High; evokes strong emotions through its high-stakes plot and deep character connections.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging narrative with intricate plotlines.
- Why Read It: Combines elements of fantasy and romance in a unique setting, offering a fresh take on vampire lore with compelling characters and a gripping storyline.
3. Radiance
- Author: Grace Draven
- About: An arranged marriage between a human woman and a prince from a different species evolves into a deep and genuine love, challenging societal norms and personal prejudices.
- Style of Writing: Elegant and lyrical, focusing on character interactions and cultural world-building.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming; leaves readers with a sense of hope and appreciation for love that transcends appearances.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; straightforward prose with thoughtful themes.
- Why Read It: Offers a refreshing perspective on love and beauty, emphasizing the importance of understanding and acceptance in relationships.
4. Onyx Storm (The Empyrean Book 3)
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- About: The latest installment in the Empyrean series, blending epic fantasy with a compelling romance.
- Style of Writing: Dynamic and engaging, with a balance of action and emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year Written: 2025
- Emotional Impact: Intense; delivers a roller-coaster of emotions through its high-stakes narrative.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; combines intricate plot developments with accessible language.
- Why Read It: Continues a beloved series with thrilling developments and deepened character arcs, satisfying fans of epic romantasy.
5. Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1)
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- About: The series debut introduces a rich world filled with magic and romance, focusing on a young protagonist's journey in a dragon-riding academy.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and descriptive, with a focus on character growth and world-building.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year Written: 2023
- Emotional Impact: Engaging; captivates readers with its blend of adventure and budding romance.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with layered storytelling.
- Why Read It: Sets the stage for an epic series, introducing compelling characters and a fascinating magical world.
6. Iron Flame (The Empyrean Book 2)
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- About: Continues the saga with deeper character development and intricate plot twists, as the protagonist faces new challenges and alliances.
- Style of Writing: Intricate and emotive, balancing action sequences with character introspection.
- Length: Approximately 115,000 words.
- Year Written: 2024
- Emotional Impact: Significant; delves into complex emotions and relationships, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; combines detailed world-building with emotional narratives.
- Why Read It: Deepens the series' lore and character relationships, providing a satisfying continuation for fans.
7. Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy Book 1)
- Author: Callie Hart
- About: Saeris Fane, a 24-year-old with secret powers, survives by stealing in a desert land. An encounter with Death transports her to a realm of ice and snow, where she becomes entangled in a centuries-long conflict among the Fae.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and descriptive, with sharp banter and immersive world-building.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year Written: 2024
- Emotional Impact: Captivating; blends action with emotional depth, leaving readers eager for more.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with intricate plotlines.
- Why Read It: Offers a fresh enemies-to-lovers romantasy with dynamic characters and a richly detailed world.
8. Blood of Hercules (Villains of Lore Book 1)
- Author: Jasmine Mas
- About: Alexis Hert discovers she's a Spartan, part of an immortal elite in a Titan-infested world. Attending the Spartan War Academy, she faces harrowing trials, uncovering truths about her lineage and navigating complex relationships.
- Style of Writing: Sarcastic and darkly humorous, with a modern twist on Greek mythology.
- Length: Approximately 125,000 words.
- Year Written: 2024
- Emotional Impact: Intense; combines humor with dark themes, leaving a memorable impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; contemporary language with mythological references.
- Why Read It: Reimagines Hercules in a unique setting, blending mythology with modern fantasy elements and a strong, relatable heroine.
9. Spark of the Everflame (The Kindred's Curse Saga, Book One)
- Author: Penn Cole
- About: An epic journey of magic, destiny, and forbidden love.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and evocative, with a focus on character emotions and detailed settings.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year Written: 2023
- Emotional Impact: Profound; explores themes of destiny and sacrifice, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; rich prose with layered storytelling.
- Why Read It: Delivers a compelling tale of forbidden love set against a backdrop of magic and destiny.
10. Zodiac Academy: The Awakening
- Author: Caroline Peckham
- About: Twins discover their fae heritage and navigate a world of magic and romance.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and engaging, with witty dialogue and dynamic characters.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining; balances humor with drama, creating an enjoyable read.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible language with an engaging plot.
- Why Read It: Combines astrology and fantasy elements in a unique academy setting, with compelling character dynamics.
11. A Curse of Fate (Shifter City Fated Mates Book 1)
- Author: Jaymin Eve
- About: A thrilling story of shifters, destiny, and an undeniable bond.
- Style of Writing: Action-packed and descriptive, with a focus on character relationships.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Exciting; keeps readers invested with its dynamic plot and romantic tension.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward prose with engaging storytelling.
- Why Read It: Offers a captivating shifter romance with a well-developed world and intriguing plot twists.
12. Phantasma (Wicked Games Book 1)
- Author: Kaylie Smith
- About: A dark fantasy romance filled with secrets, magic, and passion.
- Style of Writing: Moody and atmospheric, with rich descriptions and complex characters.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words.
- Year Written: 2021
- Emotional Impact: Haunting; explores deep emotions and moral ambiguities, leaving a lasting effect.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; intricate prose with layered themes.
- Why Read It: Delivers a compelling blend of dark fantasy and romance, with a plot full of twists and secrets.
13. A Court of Thorns and Roses
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: A captivating retelling of Beauty and the Beast with fae politics and romance.
- Style of Writing: Lush and descriptive, with immersive world-building and dynamic characters.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Significant; explores themes of sacrifice, love, and personal growth, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with complex themes and plot developments.
- Why Read It: Introduces readers to a richly imagined world with a compelling romance and a strong, relatable heroine.
14. Throne of Glass
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: An assassin's journey intertwined with magic, intrigue, and romance.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and action-oriented, with detailed world-building and character development.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: High; combines thrilling action with emotional depth, engaging readers throughout.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward prose with intricate plotlines and character arcs.
- Why Read It: Offers a compelling blend of fantasy, action, and romance, with a strong, complex heroine at its center.
15.
- Author: Raven Kennedy
- About: A dark and twisted take on the King Midas myth, exploring themes of power and love.
- Style of Writing: Dark and atmospheric, with vivid imagery and complex character dynamics.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Intense; delves into dark themes and complex emotions, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; rich prose with layered storytelling.
- Why Read It: Provides a unique and compelling retelling of a classic myth, with a focus on character growth and empowerment.
16. The Mark of the Tala (The Twelve Kingdoms Book 1)
- Author: Jeffe Kennedy
- About: Princess Andromeda (Andi), the middle daughter of the High King, has always felt overshadowed by her sisters—the eldest, a valiant warrior, and the youngest, a sweet beauty. Andi's life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters a mysterious man who reveals secrets about her heritage and destiny, leading her to a land of shapeshifters and magic.
- Style of Writing: Richly descriptive and immersive, blending elements of fantasy and romance with a focus on character development.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Profound; explores themes of identity, destiny, and love, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with layered storytelling and intricate world-building.
- Why Read It: Offers a compelling tale of self-discovery and romance set in a vividly imagined fantasy world, appealing to fans of character-driven narratives.
17. Dragon Bound (Elder Races Book 1)
- Author: Thea Harrison
- About: Pia Giovanni, half-human and half-Wyr, has spent her life keeping a low profile. When she's blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of Dragos Cuelebre, a powerful dragon and leader of the Wyrkind, she finds herself on the run. Instead of exacting revenge, Dragos becomes intrigued by Pia, leading to an unexpected and passionate connection.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and engaging, with a blend of action, romance, and humor.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining; delivers a thrilling and romantic adventure that keeps readers invested.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; straightforward narrative with dynamic characters and plot.
- Why Read It: Combines elements of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, offering a captivating story with a strong heroine and an intriguing supernatural world.
18. The Orchid Throne (Forgotten Empires Book 1)
- Author: Jeffe Kennedy
- About: Queen Euthalia of Calanthe maintains a facade of compliance to protect her kingdom from the ruthless Emperor. Conri, a rebel leader seeking to overthrow the Emperor, believes Euthalia holds the key to his victory. Their alliance, fraught with tension and attraction, challenges their perceptions and ignites a powerful romance amidst political intrigue.
- Style of Writing: Lush and poetic, with detailed world-building and complex character dynamics.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Significant; explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and love, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; rich prose with intricate political and romantic plotlines.
- Why Read It: Offers a captivating blend of romance and fantasy, with a strong-willed heroine and a rebel hero navigating a treacherous political landscape.
19. Moonshadow (Moonshadow Book 1)
- Author: Thea Harrison
- About: Her latest series, Moonshadow, is a spin-off of the Elder Races series.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and descriptive, with a focus on character development and romantic tension.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Moderate; combines elements of suspense, magic, and romance, creating an engaging narrative.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with a complex magical system and character dynamics.
- Why Read It: Introduces readers to a new facet of the Elder Races universe, with compelling characters and an intriguing plot that blends fantasy and romance.
20. The Bird and the Sword
- Author: Amy Harmon
- About: In a world where magic is forbidden, Lark, a young woman with the power to influence through words, must remain silent to stay alive. When her secret is discovered by King Tiras, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a dangerous game of politics and war, leading to an unexpected bond between them.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and evocative, with a focus on emotional depth and character growth.
- Length: Approximately 115,000 words.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Profound; explores themes of freedom, love, and sacrifice, leaving a deep emotional resonance.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; poetic prose with layered storytelling.
- Why Read It: Offers a unique and beautifully crafted tale of love and magic, with richly drawn characters and a compelling narrative.
