If you've spent even a little time on BookTok or Bookstagram, you already know: romantasy is the genre of the moment. Not just this year, but for the past five years, and the hype shows no signs of slowing down.
Romantasy combines the best of two worlds: the epic world-building, magic, and adventure of fantasy, along with the emotional depth, slow burn, and irresistible chemistry of romance. The result? Books you can't put down even at two in the morning.
Whether you're completely new to the genre or looking for your next obsession: these are the best romantasy series to read in 2026.
What exactly is romantasy?
Romantasy is a hybrid genre where fantasy and romance are equally central. Where traditional fantasy treats romance as a subplot, in romantasy, the love story is just as important as the magical world, the political conflict, or the hero's journey.
Romantasy attracts readers who want fantasy with emotional stakes, as well as readers who want romance with world-building. Since 2020, it has been a dominant force in the English-language book market, and since 2023, it has also become visible in the Netherlands, partly thanks to BookTok, which began treating the genre as a separate category. Boekfanaat
Typical characteristics of romantasy:
- A magical world with its own rules, peoples, or creatures (fae, dragons, gods)
- A slow burn romance that builds over multiple books
- Morally grey characters you love to hate and hate to love
- Cliffhangers at the end of each volume
- Enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, or mating bond tropes
The best romantasy series of 2026
A Court of Thorns and Roses — Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is considered the author who set the romantasy template for the current generation. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series is the most accessible starting point, the book that defined her fanbase and forms the basis for the announced Hulu series. Boekfanaat
The story follows Feyre, a young huntress who, after killing a wolf in the fae woods, is taken to the magical court of Prythian. What begins as captivity grows into a love story that puts the boundaries of two worlds at stake.
And the biggest news for 2026: volume 6 will be released on October 27, after a five-year wait. With volume 7 already planned for January 2027, this is the perfect time to start (or re-read) the series.
Start with: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book 1)
Perfect for: Readers who love fae courts, political intrigue, and a romance that intensifies book after book.
Fourth Wing and the Empyrean series — Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros is the author who definitively brought romantasy mainstream in 2023. Her Empyrean series is set at a military academy where cadets are trained to be dragon riders — a premise that combines the hierarchy and discipline of a war school with the magical bond between human and dragon. Boekfanaat
Violet Sorrengail is forced to join the dangerous Dragon Rider's Academy, pursued by the hostile and dangerously attractive Xaden Riorson. Fourth Wing (in Dutch: In steen gebrand) is one of the fastest-growing romantasy series on BookTok and remains one of the most recommended titles in 2026.
Start with: Fourth Wing / In steen gebrand (Book 1)
Perfect for: Readers who love dragons, enemies to lovers, and a military setting with high stakes.
The Folk of the Air — Holly Black
With The Cruel Prince, Holly Black delivered dark, sharp fantasy with morally grey characters and a rivalry-driven romance. Black doesn't soften the cruelty or rush the romance, which is precisely why this book has garnered thousands of BookTok recommendations. Boekfanaat
Jude Duarte is a mortal raised in the deadly Court of Faerie, determined to earn her place in a world that despises her. Prince Cardan visibly enjoys making her life difficult — until the balance of power shifts.
Start with: The Cruel Prince (Book 1)
Perfect for: Readers who love dark fae courts, power dynamics, and a romance that both irritates and obsesses you.
Blood and Ash — Jennifer L. Armentrout
One of the most widely read romantasy series on BookTok worldwide, and still highly hyped in 2026 thanks to ongoing releases. The sixth installment, Oergod van bloed en beenderen (The War of Two Queens), has recently been released, with ancient powers stirring and the Blood Crown having fallen, but a greater threat having risen.
The story follows Poppy, a protected, mysterious woman who has been hidden her entire life, and the enigmatic guardian Hawke, who has more secrets than he lets on. Forbidden romance, an extensive magical world, and plot twists that will blow you away.
Start with: From Blood and Ash (Book 1)
Perfect for: Readers who love forbidden romance, extensive world-building, and a series they want to devour in one go.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder — Holly Jackson
Technically a thriller, but the BookTok community has fully adopted this book as romantasy-adjacent literature due to its tension, strong characters, and inevitable romantic tension. The title consistently appears on the most recommended lists on BookTok Netherlands. A.W. Bruna Publishers
Perfect for: Readers who, in addition to romantasy, enjoy suspense and a good mystery.
Hades and Persephone — Scarlett St. Clair
A mythology-based romantasy centered around the story of Persephone and the god Hades — one of the most popular themes on BookTok. Scarlett St. Clair's series is an accessible entry point for readers new to romantasy but who already love Greek mythology and dark romance elements.
Start with: A Touch of Darkness (Book 1)
Perfect for: Fans of Greek mythology, god-mortal romances, and dark, atmospheric world-building.
New romantasy releases to look forward to in 2026
The second half of 2026 is full of promising romantasy releases:
Arcana Academy 2, Prince of Swords by Elise Kova, will be released on July 21, 2026, continuing Clara's magical and romantic story. Hunted and with an uncertain fate, she becomes increasingly entangled with the dangerous Prince Kaelis.
And of course, the biggest romantasy moment of the year: ACOTAR 6 on October 27, 2026, followed by volume 7 in January 2027.
How to get started with romantasy if you're new?
The genre can be overwhelming with all those thick books and long series. Here's how to approach it smartly:
Start with one series and stick with it. Romantasy works best when you fully immerse yourself in one world. Don't switch series halfway through.
Choose based on trope, not just world-building. Do you like enemies to lovers? Go for ACOTAR or Fourth Wing. Do you prefer forbidden romance? Start with Blood and Ash. Do you want dark and morally grey? The Cruel Prince.
Expect a slow start. Many romantasy series take their time to build the world. Give each book at least 100 pages before you judge.
Let yourself be surprised. Don't know where to start? Our Blind Date Book (Fantasy) lets you choose your genre without knowing the title — perfect if you want to discover romantasy without scrolling for hours.
Complete your romantasy reading moment
Romantasy is best read with the right atmosphere. Candlelight, a warm drink, and the right accessories make every chapter better.
Combine your favorite romantasy book with:
- A fantasy bookmark to keep your place in that epic two-thousand-page book
- An atmospheric glass can for your tea or coffee while reading
- Fantasy die-cut stickers to decorate your reading journal or laptop
- A daily planner to keep track of the reading order of all those series
Frequently Asked Questions about Romantasy Books
What is the difference between romantasy and fantasy?
In traditional fantasy, romance is a subplot. In romantasy, the love story is just as important as the plot itself — emotional and romantic tension are central alongside the magical world.
Which romantasy book is best to start with?
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros are the most recommended starting points. Both series are accessible, have a clear reading order, and are currently the most popular on BookTok.
Are romantasy books always spicy?
Not all of them. The amount of spice varies by series and author. Fourth Wing and ACOTAR both have spicy moments but are not dark romance. Blood and Ash is more explicit. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black has few explicit scenes but a lot of intense tension.
How long are romantasy series on average?
Most romantasy series consist of three to seven volumes. ACOTAR now has six volumes (with volume seven coming soon), and Yarros's Empyrean series is planned for five volumes.
Will any romantasy be released in Dutch this year?
Yes, several romantasy titles will be released in Dutch translation in 2026. Check with Dutch bookstores for current releases or follow #boektok for the latest announcements.
Where can I order a romantasy book from the Netherlands?
At DopaminePrintsVibe, you can order a Blind Date Book (Fantasy): a surprise book in the fantasy genre, delivered quickly from the Netherlands with no customs fees.
Ready for your next romantasy obsession?
Whether you're starting ACOTAR, deep into the Empyrean series, or looking for your next big series: romantasy continues to be the genre that dominates BookTok and keeps readers engaged for months. Let yourself be surprised with a Blind Date Book (Fantasy), mark your favorite pages with a fantasy bookmark and complete your reading moment with an atmospheric glass can.
Happy reading! 📚✨