10 Books That Perfectly Blend Fantasy & Romance

Fantasy and romance novels have much more in common than readers might think, and the best books that blend both genres prove why they go hand-in-hand so elegantly. Romance has a reputation for sacrificing strong storylines in favor of tropes and the development of the central love story. Conversely, the interpersonal relationships in fantasy are sometimes overshadowed by dense worldbuilding and intricate political and social nuances in the newly imagined world. However, when an element of romance is introduced to fantasy, it can soften its hard edges and appeal to a larger audience base.

Few books belong to just one genre, as fantasy and romance have been blending for many years. It’s no secret that there are plenty of great romance book series about vampires and a litany of otherworldly creatures who happen to fall in love with an unsuspecting human. However, a true blend of fantasy and romance doesn’t stop at just one element of magic. The characters must be entrenched in a world of fantastical aspects while also developing compelling relationships. When creating a fantasy love story, the dynamics and chemistry of the characters are of the utmost importance.

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10 Fourth Wing (2023)

Written by Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series kicks off with Fourth Wing. The book introduces the reader to Violet Sorrengail and her epic coming-of-age story at a college for dragon riders. However, the dragons aren’t the only dangers that Violet faces, as secrets and lies are all around her, and she can’t ignore her budding feelings for Xaden Riorson, her wingleader, and a fearsome warrior. The early setting at college is akin to basic training, drawing parallels to other YA novels like Divergent or The Hunger Games. Death is always on the table for Violet, but she skillfully avoids it at every turn.

The relationship between Violet and Xaden is similar to that of Tris and Four in Divergent, as Xaden is the older, wiser teacher who just can’t help his attraction to Violet. However, the inclusion of dragons and the intensity of the world’s militaristic system set Fourth Wing apart. Additionally, the connection between Violet and Xaden’s dragons conveniently means that they get an intimate insight into each other’s innermost thoughts. Though Fourth Wing doesn’t transcend fantasy or romance stereotypes, it leans into them in a fun way, and it’s thrilling to see Violet and Xaden’s barbed flirting transform into something more.

9 Shadow & Bone (2012)

Written by Leigh Bardugo

There was a moment when Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone Trilogy was the only series on any YA fantasy-lovers lips. Netflix turned the hit novels into a show in 2021, and though it only ran for two seasons, it generated increased interest in the original stories. While its spinoff duology, Six of Crows, is considered the most technically competent, Shadow and Bone has some of the most romantic plotlines of either series. Alina Starkov is the heroine of all three novels, and there’s little question that Mal, her longtime friend, is the love of her life.

However, Alina is drawn to the dark and seductive power of the Darkling. The Grisha types in Shadow and Bone make up the magic system of the novel, and Alina and the Darkling have compatible magics. Despite this, Alina and Mal have a strong relationship built on friendship and trust, allowing Mal to support her in her worst moments. Alina and Mal’s compatibility is made clear towards the end of Shadow and Bone when he sacrifices everything to rescue her. As they grow closer, Alina also takes time to reflect on her role as the world’s savior.

8 The Night Circus (2011)

Written by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus is a classic tale of tragedy and doomed romance, but it’s made clear from the start that the protagonists are the only people who could ever understand each other. The book is told from multiple perspectives but primarily focuses on Celia and Marco, two young magicians who are trained from a young age to be in an ultimate battle of strength and skill with the other. Their respective patrons groomed them in their images in order to play out their competition on a grand scale, with Celia and Marco as their pawns.

For a good portion of the novel, Celia and Marco know they have a competitor but are unaware of whom the other is. Of course, the pair can’t help falling in love, even as they try to resist the pull they feel toward one another. One of the most beautiful ways that Erin Morgenstern exercises the possibilities of fantasy and romance is by having Celia and Marco use their powers to create magic love letters for each other. The descriptions of the clever ways they find to be together make The Night Circus not just magical but also moving.

7 The Jasmine Throne (2021)

Written by Tasha Suri

The Jasmine Throne is the first in Tasha Suri’s queer romance fantasy series, The Burning Kingdoms, and does an excellent job of building the world and the love between Malini and Priya. Malini is a princess trapped inside a faraway tower by her tyrannical brother and thinks of Priya as no more than one of the servants who come to check on her and clean her chambers. However, Priya harbors not only untold powers but a seductive pull that Malini can’t help feeling after they join forces to take back the kingdom.

Political power plays meet the forces of ancient religions in The Jasmine Throne, and it’s refreshing to see two heroines who aren’t simply caught in the middle of the conflict but play pivotal roles in it. Malini has every intention of stealing her brother’s throne, and Priya wishes to gain the mystical powers granted by the sacred waters of the religion Malini’s brother suppresses. United by this common goal and desire for power, the women sense the depth of the other’s abilities and strength, making them a perfect match.

6 The Priory Of The Orange Tree (2019)

Written by Samantha Shannon

The Priory of the Orange Tree might be best known for its epic-like qualities and extreme length, but after reading the novel, it becomes clear that every page is justified. Samantha Shannon weaves together an intricate tale of several women across the realm making plays for power and protecting the ideals they hold dear. While most fantasy series throughout history have centered on men and kings, The Priory of the Orange Tree tackles traditional fantasy and romance arcs through the lens of women in power and the fierce love that blossoms between them.

The most impactful romance in the novel is that between Queen Sabran and Ead Duryan, her lady-in-waiting with hidden ties to a group of powerful mages. The Priory of the Orange Tree definitely falls into the category of romance fantasy, as Shannon takes time explaining the intricate political alliances and the long history of the story’s world. However, for readers interested in a queer slow-burn romance, the relationship between Sabran and Ead will scratch that itch. Additionally, the other characters who populate the world are just as compelling and important to the narrative.

5 Uprooted (2015)

Written by Naomi Novik

Many fantasy series draw inspiration from different world histories, religions, and folklore, and Uprooted is no exception. By exploring Polish legends, the book focuses on Agnieszka, a young woman whose life is changed when she’s chosen to be the disciple of a wizard her village relies upon to protect them from the outside world. At first, Agnieszka is shocked and believes she must have been chosen by mistake, but soon, her magical abilities come to light, and she works with the Dragon, her name for the wizard, to stop the treacherous woods that terrorize her people.

Naturally, the combative relationship between Agnieszka and the Dragon is the result of pent-up tension and attraction between them. As the Dragon starts to acknowledge her skills, a newfound respect grows, and the pair readily team up to take on the evils of their world. Uprooted is a critically acclaimed work of fiction that won the Nebula Award for Best Novel and the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. Such accolades shouldn’t be taken lightly, but reading Uprooted makes it clear how much the work deserves these recognitions.

4 Infinity Alchemist (2024)

Written by Kacen Callender

The author of Infinity Alchemist, Kacen Callender, is well-known in the literary world for their ability to seamlessly include LGBTQ+ representation in their fantasy worlds. Books like Infinity Alchemist show how easy it is to showcase and celebrate the identities of characters while exploring a complex world of magic at the same time. In Infinity Alchemist, Ash practices alchemy in secret, as he has not been chosen to learn the magic arts. However, he delves deeper into this hidden world than ever before when Ramsay, a powerful apprentice, recruits him on a secret mission.

It doesn’t take long for Ramsay and Ash to realize their relationship is about much more than magic and for the world to begin to come between them. Additionally, when Ramsay’s old flame, Callum, enters the mix, everything gets all the more complicated, and the boundaries of traditional relationships are pushed in favor of exciting new connections. Throughout the story, each character openly explores their gender identities and sexualities in the midst of an incredible tale of magic. At the center of everything is the Book of Source, which holds its own secrets.

3 This Woven Kingdom (2022)

Written by Tahereh Mafi

Best known for the Shatter Me series, Tahereh Mafi recently penned This Woven Kingdom, which draws on Persian mythology to inform the epic tale inside the novel. In the story, Alizeh is a servant, hiding herself until she can reclaim her place as the heir to the magical kingdom of Jinn, lost to history. Kamran, the prince Alizeh serves, knows little of this ancient past and is shocked to find that his family’s claim to the throne is not what he thought it was. As they’re on opposite sides, the undeniable feelings between Alizeh and Kamran are even more complicated.

In the world of This Woven Kingdom, the jinn are the subjugated class, and Alizeh’s position as a member of the royal line puts her in intense danger. However, Alizeh never cowers in the face of her predicament and frequently rises to every occasion, which is part of what makes Kamran so drawn to her. This Woven Kingdom is an excellent addition to the host of books that are retelling and expanding upon myths and legends, as Mafi alters the narrative and gives Alizeh an exceptional voice to tell her story.

2 Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006)

Written by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is well-known for writing lengthy, epic fantasy series that build beautifully realized worlds, and Mistborn is one of his most popular. Beginning in 2006 with the first installment, Mistborn: The Final Empire, the books chronicle the stories of the Mistborn, an incredible group of people with the ability to control every type of magic in the world. However, the protagonist, Vin, might be Mistborn, but she was born into the lowest social class of the hierarchal society that oppresses the people at the bottom so the all-powerful tyrant, the Lord Ruler, can stay in power.

Fortunately for Vin, her romantic interest, Elend, is a noble with a good heart who wishes to change things and set up a new form of government. This shared desire to change the world unites them and allows Vin to see Elend as more than his noble blood. However, as the books progress, Vin grows closer to Zane, Elend’s brother. Fortunately, the initial novel only focuses on the love between Vin and Elend. As the series continues, the next Mistborn book should break the romance trend of including siblings in a love triangle.

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10 Great Fantasy Book Series Without Romance

While plenty of fantasy book series include epic romance, there are just as many amazing novels that don’t have any romantic entanglements.

1 Daughter Of Smoke And Bone (2011)

Written by Laini Taylor

Combining fantasy, romance, and elements of dark academia, Daughter of Smoke and Bone follows Karou, a young art student who lives with and helps a group of chimera. Straddling the line between the human world and the Eretz, which is filled with demons, monsters, and magic, Karou lives many lives and has to keep them hidden from the other. However, when she meets Akiva, an angel at war with the chimera Karou considers her family, they begin as enemies. Despite this, Karou grows to trust Akiva as he reveals truths about her past she never knew.

It turns out that Akiva and Karou were connected by love and separated by fate in a past life, and this is what draws them together now. Since it’s the first novel in a series, Daughter of Smoke and Bone leaves some unanswered questions at the end of the book but delivers a complete story through the romance and mysticism of the world. Karou and Akiva’s battles that quickly transform into a touching reunion are compelling and complicated, as Karou still struggles to determine her place in the war between angels and chimera.