Romantasy novels full of magic, dragons and steamy scenes enchant readers

Romantasy novels, blending fantasy and magic with romance’s allure, have stormed best-seller lists as they enchant hearts worldwide.

From pages to profits: A literary revolution
Sales of these spellbinding novels are projected to reach $610 million this year, riding a meteoric rise from $454 million in 2023. By May 2024, over 11 million books had already found eager hands, a testament to the genre’s irresistible appeal.

At the helm of this literary whirlwind stands Sarah Maas, whose A Court of Thorns and Roses saga weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of human courage and faerie intrigue.

In parallel, Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series ignites imaginations with its daring dragon riders and uncharted skies. These tales, far from mere escapism, resonate deeply with readers seeking magic in everyday life.

Despite a 2.6% drop in overall US book sales last year, Maas, Yarros, and Rebecca Ross saw a 45% increase to nearly 20 million copies, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The influence of social media magic
Fueling this literary renaissance is the power of social media, particularly TikTok, where influencers wield their magic to transform books into viral sensations through detailed reviews.

In a bid to benefit from the trend, publishers are evolving, launching specialized imprints like Red Tower Books and Bramble to meet the surging demand.