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Let’s be honest—“Romantasy” is everywhere right now. The term is basically BookTok royalty, its crown glittering with dragons, enemies-to-lovers tension, and protagonists with far too much emotional baggage and not enough therapy.
But before Fourth Wing took flight and ACOTAR made “bat boys” a legitimate literary category, there were quieter, equally powerful stories that laid the groundwork for everything we now call Romantasy.
This is a list of the trailblazers—the novels that infused fantasy with heart, longing, and complex relationships long before it became a marketing trend.
Stravaganza Series by Mary Hoffman (2002–2012)
Portal fantasy, historical intrigue, subtle romance, YA adventure
Romantasy Vibes: Magic meets Machiavelli with a side of stolen kisses
Modern teens slipping into a Renaissance-inspired Italy? Yes please. With political drama, a secret society of time travellers, and sweet slow-burn romances, Stravaganza laid the emotional groundwork for Romantasy decades before it was trending.
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede (1990–1995)
Subversive fairy tale, feminist fantasy, arranged-marriage-upended
Romantasy Vibes: Sass, swords, and dragons—and romance
Cimorene runs away from being a princess to work for a dragon. Patricia Wrede’s feminist fairy tale series is clever, charming, and sneaks in a sweet, respectful romance that still holds up today.
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier (1999)
Celtic folklore, historical fantasy, healing-from-trauma romance
Romantasy Vibes: Lyrical, haunting, and deeply emotional
This is Romantasy at its most poetic and painful. Based on Irish legend, the story of Sorcha is one of survival, silence, and a romance that is gentle, tender, and absolutely unforgettable.
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith (1997)
Court intrigue, mistaken identities, enemies-to-lovers
Romantasy Vibes: Subtle tension, political spice, that letter scene
A hidden gem of YA fantasy, Crown Duel features a fierce heroine and one of the most emotionally satisfying slow-burn romances you’ll ever read. This one began our-enemies-to-lovers obsession.
The Books of Pellinor by Alison Croggon (2002–2009)
High fantasy, chosen-one narrative, bardic lore
Romantasy Vibes: Epic journeys, reluctant soulmates, destiny-laced longing
If you like your fantasy poetic, vast, and full of emotional undercurrents, this is for you. Think Tolkien, but with more yearning. Maerad and Cadvan are soulmates whose journey is quite epic.
The Old Kingdom Trilogy by Garth Nix (1995–2003)
Necromancy, strong female leads, death magic, talking cats
Romantasy Vibes: Tragic love, loyalty through darkness, swoonworthy silence
Sabriel’s world is full of death, duty, and magic—but at its heart is a quietly powerful romance that sneaks up on you. Garth Nix doesn’t shout. He whispers. And we’re still not over it.
These stories taught us that fantasy could have emotional depth. That swords and longing belong in the same sentence. That love stories can live right alongside prophecies and mythical creatures and magic of all kinds.
What books do you think paved the way for Romantasy? Drop your faves in the comments on Instagram @TBHONEST_UK!
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