Romantic Fantasy
What is Romantic Fantasy?
These stories are more traditionally romantic than those in the Fantastic Romance category. Romantic Fantasy may also put more emphasis on the plot events than a Fantastic Romance. Quite a few other fantasy subgenres will incorporate elements of Romantic Fantasy in them, especially Epic Fantasy and Paranormal Fantasy.
There are several “typical” storylines, but they all share the common element that the heroine has lost her home or place in society in some way, and comes to find completion and acceptance in another group. Thus, various relationships are important parts of the story: social, political and—of course—romantic relationships.
While searching for these new relationships and discovering/developing her powers, the heroine is likely to fall in love with a man who also possesses the gift of magic. The magic in these stories is usually of a gentler, more innate type than in other fantasy. Things like strong intuition and empathy, or mastery of one of the elements, are typical.
As the two lovers (or they may remain just friends or traveling companions for some time) travel the kingdom and perhaps beyond, they will gradually discover that their powers are necessary to right some huge wrong, or restore something important that has been lost. They will need to learn about each other in intense ways so that together they can fulfill this responsibility.
Characteristics of Romantic Fantasy
Level of Magic
Varies, but as mentioned, magic is considered a positive part of a character's nature, innate and not alien or frightening.
Level of Characterization
The heroine and hero will change quite a bit throughout the book, but the characters are usually simply drawn.
Level of Plot Complexity
There is a lot of variety in plot, even given the 3 or 4 archetypal plots for this sub-genre. There is the potential for unhappy endings.
Level of Violence
Violence is low in these stories, although there can be quite a lot of non-graphic sex.
Related Types of Fantasy
Coming-of-Age Fantasy is related because one of the common plot lines concerns a teenage girl who is forced away from home and who discovers that she has magical powers and a fabulous destiny to fulfill. Quite a few Epic Fantasy books also include a heavy dose of Romantic Fantasy in them as well. Romantic Fantasy also tends to include elements of the Heroic Fantasy subgenre too. Fantastic Romance and Paranormal Fantasy are also related.
Romantic Fantasy Isn’t For You If
Paranormal romance is more your style. The trend is for Romantic Fantasy to add more Fantasy and ease back on the romance, so if you prefer a sweeter, gentler story, make sure you look carefully at any selections that are recent.
Best Romantic Fantasy Books/Series in the Genre
Symphony of Ages Elizabeth Haydon
Seven Waters trilogy , *all her works Muliet Marillier
The King Killer Chronicle Patrick Rothfuss
The Liveship Traders and Farseer series Robin Hobb
Lions of Al-Rassan, *many works Guy Kay
Archangel series Sharon Shinn
*all works Carol Berg
The Secret World Chronicle Mercedes Lackey
Dragonsdawn Anne McCaffrey
Kushiel series Jacqueline Carey
Black Jewels and Ephemera series Anne Bishop
Dragon Prince Melanie Rawn
The Sharing Knife series, all works Lois McMaster Bujold
Note: You may want to check out our Best Romantic Fantasy Books list and our Fantasy Books for Women list for book recommendations that would fall under that Romantic Fantasy subgenre.
Other Romantic Fantasy Recommendations
The Drakon Shana Abe
Study (Yelena) series Maria V. Snyder
Chronicles of Elantra Michelle Sagara
The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters Gordon Dahlquist
Sword-Dancer Jennifer Robinson
Outlander Diana Gabaldon
Secret Texts Holly Lisle
Elantris Brandon Sanderson
Related Book List
"Best of" Lists
Related Subgenre Lists
Do you have your own romantic fantasy suggestions? Share them in the comment section below!