If you spend any time around book lovers, you’ll have noticed a new buzzword that seems to be everywhere: romantasy. Sales of science fiction and fantasy books jumped by more than 41 percent between 2023 and 2024, and industry analysts say that the explosive growth of romantasy a genre that fuses the immersive world‑building of fantasy with the emotional core of romance is largely responsible for that boom. In 2024 alone, romantasy titles generated an estimated $610 million in sales, up from $454 million in 2023. The phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down in 2025, so let’s explore what makes romantasy tick and why readers around the world can’t get enough.
What is romantasy?
Romantasy sits at the intersection of two very different storytelling traditions. Unlike traditional fantasy novels that may include a romantic subplot, romantasy stories place the relationship at the heart of the narrative while using magic systems, mythical creatures and richly developed worlds to raise the stakes. A typical romantasy novel features:
- An immersive fantasy setting with unique magic systems or mythical lore
- Central romantic relationships that drive the plot forward
- Strong character arcs, often involving personal growth alongside magical quests
- High stakes that test both the world and the relationship
- Familiar romance tropes such as enemies‑to‑lovers or fated mates transplanted into magical realms
This “best of both worlds” approach means readers get the escapism of fantasy and the emotional payoff of a well‑developed love story. Authors like Rebecca Yarros have turned romantasy into mainstream sensations; her 2023 novel Fourth Wing ranked among the top ten bestselling books across all genres in the UK.
The numbers behind the trend
The surge in romantasy isn’t just anecdotal hype it’s backed by impressive statistics:
- Science fiction and fantasy sales skyrocketed by 41.3 % between 2023 and 2024, largely thanks to romantasy.
- Fiction book sales in the UK rose 6.2 % in 2024, while non‑fiction sales declined.
- Romantasy generated roughly $610 million in sales in 2024, a 40 % jump from the previous year.
- Social media‑driven hits drive much of this growth. For example, author Ana Huang has amassed 1 million followers on TikTok and another million on Instagram and has sold 19 million copies of her books worldwide.
For publishers, these numbers highlight a lucrative opportunity. Romantasy readers are voracious: they devour long series, collect special editions and follow their favourite authors on social media. The genre consistently occupies multiple slots on bestseller lists, outperforming not only traditional fantasy but also contemporary romance in many markets.
BookTok and the social media factor
Much of romantasy’s meteoric rise can be traced to BookTok, a vibrant community of readers and creators on TikTok. Videos featuring teary reactions, dramatic quotes and annotated book stacks have turned once‑obscure titles into global sensations. Book industry trade magazines reported that fantasy book sales were up more than 60 percent in the first nine months of 2024, and much of that spike came from viral romantasy recommendations.
BookTok doesn’t just boost sales; it also shapes the genre. Micro‑niches such as dark romantasy and historical romantasy have emerged, each with their own influencer networks. Reader‑generated marketing frequently outperforms traditional publicity campaigns, and publishers now employ dedicated TikTok teams. This feedback loop where readers share what they love and authors respond by including those elements in future releases accelerates the evolution of the genre.
Why romantasy resonates
Escapism with emotional depth
In a world still shaken by pandemic aftershocks, climate anxiety and geopolitical instability, romantasy offers readers a safe escape into magical worlds while maintaining the emotional resonance of romance. The balance of world‑building and character‑driven intimacy allows readers to invest deeply in both the fate of the fantasy realm and the protagonists’ love story.
Empowerment through fantasy
Romantasy often centres on characters discovering hidden powers, challenging oppressive systems and forging their own destinies while navigating relationships. This blend of personal and magical empowerment appeals to readers seeking both escapist thrills and inspiration.
Community and connection
The genre has fostered vibrant communities. Fans don’t just read the books; they create fan art, share theories and host online reading groups. This sense of belonging keeps readers engaged between releases and encourages them to champion their favourite authors.
Where does romantasy go from here?
Given the impressive growth figures and robust online communities, romantasy’s dominance looks set to continue throughout 2025. Publishers are aggressively acquiring titles in this space, and established fantasy and romance authors are experimenting with the hybrid genre. With BookTok driving viral hits and readers eager for immersive, character‑driven stories, romantasy is more than a passing fad it’s a cultural force reshaping the publishing landscape.
For readers in India and around the world, now is the perfect time to explore romantasy. Whether you’re drawn to dragons and destiny or simply crave a heartfelt love story with a twist, this genre offers an abundance of imaginative, emotionally satisfying tales. Have you discovered any favourite romantasy reads yet? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
