Romantasy, a fusion of romance and fantasy genres, is currently a prominent trend in literature, with Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas leading the way. As new romantasy novels continue to hit the market weekly, choosing your next read can be a challenging task.
For those seeking their next romantasy escapade, here are 10 must-reads for this autumn, including thrilling debuts, fresh series, and highly anticipated sequels from beloved authors. To explore more book recommendations, reviews, and updates, make sure to subscribe to our complimentary weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.
Clara, sentenced to a lifetime in prison for creating magical tarot cards, a skill exclusive to the elite Arcana Academy, seems destined for despair. However, a lifeline is extended by Prince Kaelis, the academy’s headmaster. In return for her assistance, she is admitted as a student and becomes the prince’s fiancée, as per reports from the Express.
For enthusiasts of dark academia interwoven with intricate magical systems, this romantasy novel promises a captivating autumn read. Filled with romantic tension, a diverse array of characters, and an enchanting cover, this book deserves a place on every bookshelf.
Bestselling YA writer Holly Black, known for works like the Spiderwick Chronicles and the Folk of the Air trilogy, returns with the highly awaited sequel to Book of Night, her first adult novel. Charlie Hall faces heightened dangers as she hunts down renegade shadows.
If you are looking for a deviation from conventional romantasy themes and crave a touch of urban fantasy, the Charlatan Duology is the series to explore this autumn. It offers clever storytelling, a fast-paced narrative, and irresistible characters within an intriguing magical framework.
Sophia, upon learning about Killmarth, a prestigious magic academy, seizes the chance to escape her cruel uncle’s tyranny. To prove their mettle, each hopeful must undergo the Ordeals, a series of deadly challenges.
To survive and severe the blood bond with her uncle, Sophia teams up with Alden Locke, a formidable wielder. However, can she differentiate between allies, rivals, and adversaries? This rich romantasy tale caters to fans of dark academia, trials, and rivals-to-lovers dynamics. The enchanting magical system and compelling conclusion will leave readers yearning for the sequel.
Incorporating Sri Lankan mythology, this debut romantasy follows Anula’s quest to marry and overthrow the raja who devastated her kingdom. However, when her plans go awry, she is compelled to bargain with a divine entity with its own agenda.
Her Soul for a Crown presents a captivating world, a diverse cast of characters, and a slow-building romance. While leaning slightly more towards fantasy than romance, it comes highly recommended by acclaimed romantasy author Scarlett St. Clair, making it a must-read this autumn.
From the renowned author of the Crowns of Nyaxia series comes Daughter of No Worlds, the inaugural installment in the War of Lost Hearts trilogy. This dark romantasy narrative traces Tisaanah, a former slave on a quest for justice and to rescue her abandoned best friend.
As Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the abode of the world’s most potent magic wielders, she must first apprentice with a fiery wielder harboring deep-seated animosity towards the Orders. Carissa Broadbent’s storytelling prowess ensures readers, whether new or familiar with her work, will be captivated and eager to delve deeper into the narrative.
Princess Jessamine’s realm is plagued by an incurable ailment, prompting her to enter a political union to save her people. However, she is murdered by her new consort for the throne.
But Jessamine’s story doesn’t end there as she strikes a pact with a death deity to seek vengeance. The initial volume in the Gravesinger series, enriched with witchcraft, female fury, and a morally ambiguous romantic interest, offers a compelling romantasy read for the fall season.
Nell’s world shatters after a heart-wrenching betrayal, leading her to make a desperate plea for love, offering anything in return. Enver, a cursed immortal, responds to her plea, presenting her with a choice: escape his labyrinth within 48 hours or spend eternity as his paramour.
This narrative blends elements of Labyrinth and Beauty and the Beast, featuring an original plot brimming with unexpected twists and turns.
Wild Reverence, a standalone romantasy set in the universe of Rebecca Ross’ Divine Rivals series, follows Matilda, the youngest goddess of her clan with modest messenger magic, who matures ahead of her time.
Delivering messages across realms while harboring her own secrets, including a mortal admirer who dreams of her, Matilda’s destiny intersects with Vincent’s a decade later when a letter alters their fates. Whether
