Romantasy is the genre where romance and fantasy come together in an enchanting story. It combines magical worlds, dangerous adventures, and mythical creatures with an intense love story. And in 2026, it's bigger than ever.
Chances are you'll be dusting off your thrillers and regular romance novels in quite some time. Instead, there's a new trend on BookTok: romantasy. If you thought vampires and wizards were long since uninteresting, you're sorely mistaken.
Whether you're new to the genre or looking for your next obsession: these are the best romantasy series of 2026 — the established favorites and the newest releases.
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 AND readers who want romance with worldbuilding. The result? Books you can't put down — not even at two in the morning.
Characteristics of romantasy:
- Magical worlds with extensive lore and political intrigue
- Slow burn romance that builds over hundreds of pages
- Morally grey love interests who are dangerous and irresistible
- Strong female protagonists who discover their own power
- Spicy elements ranging from mild to very explicit
The established romantasy series you must read
ACOTAR — Sarah J. Maas
The most widely read romantasy series in the world and the perfect starting point for new readers. Five existing volumes, a novella, and three new books on the way — ACOTAR 6 will be released on October 27, 2026.
The series follows Feyre, a young woman who finds herself in the magical realm of Prythian and discovers her destiny is greater than she ever imagined. The combination of forbidden romance, extensive fae lore, and a slow burn that frustrates and obsesses you makes this the perfect introduction to the genre.
Start here if you are new to romantasy.
Read our extensive article: ACOTAR reading order: the complete guide
Empyrean series — Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing and Iron Flame are the fastest growing romantasy series on BookTok and will remain among the most recommended titles in 2026. Dragon riders, a military academy, enemies to lovers, and a plot that leaves you breathless.
With an Empyrean novella on September 29, 2026 and volume 4 on the way, now is the time to dive in.
Read our extensive article: Fourth Wing reading order
Blood and Ash — Jennifer L. Armentrout
The romantasy most recommended on BookTok after ACOTAR. Forbidden romance, a magical world with gods and fae-like creatures, and plot twists you truly won't see coming.
Ancient powers awaken and turn Poppy's world upside down in The War of Two Queens, the sixth installment of the immensely popular Blood & Ash series. With the final book in 2026/2027, now is the time to start the series.
Read our extensive article: Blood and Ash reading order
The Cruel Prince — Holly Black
Dark fae courts, a morally grey prince who genuinely enjoys tormenting the protagonist, and a romance that only kicks off once you're deep into the world. Holly Black writes dark romantasy with a gothic atmosphere.
Perfect for: readers who have finished ACOTAR and want something darker.
New romantasy series of 2026
The Mirror of Infinite Endings — Stephanie Garber (September 22, 2026)
A Jacks and Evangeline novella connected to Once Upon a Broken Heart — Garber's dark fairytale magic returns in a new story that ties into her existing series. For fans of gothic romantasy with a melancholic undertone.
The Knave and the Moon — Rachel Gillig (September 1, 2026)
Rachel Gillig returns with a new atmospheric fantasy story. Visions, prophecies, and a slow burn to carry you through the autumn months. For fans of cozy gothic fantasy.
Dire Bound (The Wolves of Ruin) — Sable Sorensen
Protagonist Meryn Cooper is not a perfect girl who needs rescuing, but a young woman who does everything to get her kidnapped sister back. To achieve this, she throws herself into the ruthless Bonding Trials, where humans and gigantic wolves are bound to each other.
One of the most discussed new romantasy series on BookTok with an intense slow burn and strong female main character.
In the Veins of the Drowned — Kalie Cassidy
An enchanting romantasy that immediately draws you in — dark magic, dangerous sirens, and an intense romance. One of the most notable Dutch-language romantasy releases of 2026.
The big romantasy agenda for autumn 2026
| Date | Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| September 1 | The Knave and the Moon | Rachel Gillig |
| September 22 | The Mirror of Infinite Endings | Stephanie Garber |
| September 29 | Empyrean novella | Rebecca Yarros |
| October 27 | ACOTAR 6 | Sarah J. Maas |
Which romantasy series is right for you?
| Your preference | Start here |
|---|---|
| Perfect entry point | ACOTAR — Sarah J. Maas |
| Dragons and high stakes | Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros |
| Forbidden romance and spice | Blood and Ash — Jennifer L. Armentrout |
| Dark fae courts | The Cruel Prince — Holly Black |
| Gothic fairytale magic | Once Upon a Broken Heart — Stephanie Garber |
| New series 2026 | Dire Bound — Sable Sorensen |
| Want to be surprised | Blind Date Book (Fantasy) |
Want to know more about the most popular romantasy series?
We have extensive guides for the most popular series:
- ACOTAR reading order: the complete guide
- ACOTAR 6: everything you need to know
- Fourth Wing reading order: the Empyrean series
- Blood and Ash reading order: the complete guide
- Sarah J. Maas book order
Complete your romantasy reading marathon
🌙 The perfect romantasy reading set:
✔ Fantasy bookmark — for every epic magical page
✔ Spicy bookmark — for the warmer romantasy moments
✔ Fantasy die-cut stickers — decorate your Kindle or reading journal
✔ Blind Date Book (Fantasy) — be surprised with your next romantasy obsession
✔ Book Review Notepad — record your theories and reactions per series
✔ Reading Log (€1.99) — track all romantasy series
✔ Glass Can — for your iced coffee or matcha while reading
🚚 We ship worldwide
We ship all our bookish accessories to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and all other EU countries. We also ship to the United Kingdom, America, and more countries worldwide.
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Happy reading — welcome to the world of romantasy! 🌙📚
Frequently Asked Questions about Romantasy Series 2026
What is romantasy?
Romantasy is a genre where romance and fantasy are equally intertwined. It combines magical worlds, mythical creatures, and epic conflicts with a central love story.
Which romantasy series is best to start with?
ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas is the most recommended entry point for new readers. It is accessible, emotionally intense, and gradually builds up to the more intense later parts.
What are the most trending romantasy series on BookTok in 2026?
ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Blood and Ash, The Cruel Prince, and Once Upon a Broken Heart are the most discussed romantasy series on BookTok in 2026.
Which new romantasy series will be released in 2026?
The Mirror of Infinite Endings by Stephanie Garber (September 22), the Empyrean novella by Rebecca Yarros (September 29), and ACOTAR 6 by Sarah J. Maas (October 27) are the biggest romantasy releases of autumn 2026.
Are there also Dutch-language romantasy books?
Yes. More and more romantasy books are being translated into Dutch — the ACOTAR series by Blossom Books, Blood and Ash by Z&K. In addition, original Dutch-language romantasy titles are also being published, such as In de aderen der drenkelingen by Kalie Cassidy.
Where can I buy romantasy accessories in the Netherlands?
At DopaminePrintsVibe you will find fantasy bookmarks, fantasy stickers and Blind Date Books (Fantasy) — specially for the BookTok community, shipped from the Netherlands.