As a dedicated fantasy romance reader, I’ve encountered countless stories that have swept me off my feet and left a lasting impact. Some series, however, go beyond mere enjoyment; they become part of who I am. Here’s a list of fantasy romance books that have ruined me (in the best way) and made me believe in the power of love, sacrifice, and magical worlds.
Fair warning, spoilers may be ahead!
1. The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros
Summary: The Empyrean Series, starting with Fourth Wing, introduces us to Violet Sorrengail, a fiercely determined young woman who is forced by her mother into the world of dragon riders. As she enters the cutthroat environment of the war college, Violet must navigate intense rivalries, life or death situations, and the harsh realities of war.
Impact: What struck me the most about Violet is how she embodies strength and determination. Her journey is a powerful representation of living with disabilities, showing that we can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. It’s refreshing to see a character who shares similar health challenges not only survive but thrive in a fantastical world. Her ability to adapt and persevere reminds me that our struggles do not define us; instead, they can fuel our fire to succeed.
Additionally, the relationship between Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson is one of the most compelling aspects of the story. Initially fraught with tension and conflict (since we love a good enemies to lovers), their dynamic evolves into a deep bond rooted in trust and mutual respect. As Violet navigates the challenges of her brutal training, Xaden becomes both a protector and mentor, allowing her to assert her strength while still supporting her growth. Their shared experiences in a high-stakes environment foster emotional intimacy, revealing vulnerabilities that make their connection feel very authentic and relatable. I can’t wait for the final two books of the series to be released.
Favorite Quotes: “But I will not run. I wouldn’t be standing here if I’d quit every time something seemed impossible to overcome. I will not die today.” -Rebecca Yarros, Fourth Wing
“Violence, remember it’s only the body that’s fragile. You are unbreakable.”― Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“You look all frail and breakable, but you’re really a violent little thing, aren’t you?” ― Rebecca Yarros, Fourth Wing
2. Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
Summary: The series begins with Throne of Glass, where we are introduced to the young assassin Celaena, who has spent a year in the salt mines of Endovier as punishment for her crimes. She is given a chance at freedom when Prince Dorian Havilliard and Captain of the Guard Chaol Westfall offer her the opportunity to compete in a deadly competition to become the King’s Champion. As she navigates the trials, Celaena faces not only physical challenges but also political machinations and personal demons.
Impact: When I talk about series that ruined me, this one wreaked me for months. There were times I sobbed so hard I didn’t think I had any tears left to give. From the very first book, Throne of Glass, I was drawn into Celaena’s world. She is a fiercely determined and complex character who struggles to face her past, and more importantly herself. Having faced my own challenges, Celaena’s choices resonated deeply with me. Despite being an assassin, she is portrayed with remarkable depth; her vulnerabilities and flaws make her too relatable. Watching her navigate her ambitions, friendships, and inner demons was thrilling, inspiring, and heart-wrenching.
One of the aspects I loved most about this series is the way Maas portrays strong female friendships. Celaena is a girl’s girl. Her interactions with characters like Nehemia and Lysandra are central to the story. Her evolving dynamic with Lysandra was especially captivating. While they eventually become allies and friends, their relationship is complex and fraught with tension at first. As the series progresses, it becomes clear that women who may initially hate each other can find common ground through their shared traumas and insecurities. These women empower one another, demonstrating the importance of female camaraderie in a world where competition and betrayal may thrive. This representation of friendship provided me with a sense of hope and reminded me of the incredible strength found in female friendship.
Finally, Celaena is a remarkable example of a strong female character who embodies both strength and femininity. Throughout the series, she defies traditional FMC standards by showcasing her exceptional combat skills and fierce independence while also embracing her femininity through her love of fashion, beauty, and romance. This balance is essential as it challenges the notion that strength must come at the expense of femininity. Celaena’s character demonstrates that women can be powerful leaders and skilled warriors while still valuing their femininity. She highlights the importance of embracing all facets of one’s identity and being unapologetically oneself.
Favorite Quotes: “Sometimes, the wicked will tell us things just to confuse us–to haunt our thoughts long after we’ve faced them.”― Sarah J. Maas, Throne of Glass
“You cannot pick and choose what parts of her to love.”― Sarah J. Maas, Heir of Fire
“But these days … she didn’t know what she needed. What she wanted. If she felt like admitting it, she actually didn’t have the faintest clue who the hell she was anymore. All she knew was that whatever and whoever climbed out of that abyss of despair and grief would not be the same person who had plummeted in. And maybe that was a good thing.”― Sarah J. Maas, Queen of Shadows
3. The Nightborn Duet by Carissa Broadbent
Summary: As the human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya strives to establish her worth in a world that views her as nothing but prey. Her only chance to rise above this perception lies in competing in the Kejari, a brutal tournament hosted by the goddess of death. To navigate the treacherous competition, Oraya reluctantly teams up with Raihn, a mysterious and ruthless vampire who is also her fiercest competitor and an enemy to her father’s throne.
Impact: The Nightborn Duet series does a wonderful job of following the perspectives of two compelling protagonists, embroiled in a world of vampires, magic, and power struggles. Set in the vibrant and dangerous realm of Nyaxia, the story explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and self-discovery as the characters navigate their complex relationships and face formidable challenges. In a beautifully crafted world where the stakes are high, and love can be both a weapon and a salvation, the characters are deeply flawed and incredibly relatable, making their decisions resonate with me on a personal level. There are also a handful of other books that Broadbent has written following the stories of many of the characters we meet in The Nightborn Duet if you fall as in love with Nyaxia as I did.
Favorite Quotes: “This was the stare of a creature who understood she was confronting death itself, and still chose to spit in its face.”― Carissa Broadbent, The Serpent and the Wings of Night
“Fear is a collection of physical responses, I told myself. Fear is accelerated heartbeats and rapid breaths and sweaty palms. Fear is a doorway to anger, and anger is a doorway to power.”
― Carissa Broadbent, The Serpent and the Wings of Night
“I’d spend a lifetime at the tip of your blade, and it would have been worth it.”
― Carissa Broadbent, The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King
4. Once Upon A Broken Heart Series by Stephanie Garber
Summary: The Once Upon a Broken Heart series follows Evangeline Fox, a romantic at heart whose life changes dramatically when she seeks the help of Jacks, a fate dealer known for his charm and danger. As she enters a magical world filled with enchantment and peril, Evangeline navigates complex relationships, particularly with Jacks, whose dark past and motives challenge her perceptions of love and trust. The series explores themes of sacrifice, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing one’s agency. With rich world-building and compelling characters, it captivates readers and emphasizes the strength found in vulnerability and determination.
Impact: Evangeline Fox stands out as a protagonist who actively pursues her desires and challenges the expectations placed upon her. She navigates a magical world fraught with danger while remaining true to her values and aspirations. Evangeline stands out as a strong female character who defies the typical mold of an overly talented or invulnerable protagonist. Unlike many strong female leads in fantasy, she is portrayed as relatable and human, facing insecurities and struggles that I really resonated with. She isn’t an expert in magic or gifted in combat. She relies on her resourcefulness, emotional intelligence, and determination to navigate the challenges she encounters. Evangeline’s strength lies in her unwavering hope and resilience. She demonstrates that vulnerability can coexist with strength, and that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. And it’s honestly just refreshing to find a FMC that is genuinely a bit average.
Favorite Quotes: “I believe there are far more possibilities than happily ever after or tragedy. Every story has the potential for infinite endings.”― Stephanie Garber, Once Upon a Broken Heart
“She used to think love was like a house. Once it was built, a person got to live in it forever. But now she wondered if love was more like a war with new foes constantly appearing and battles creeping up.”
― Stephanie Garber, The Ballad of Never After
“He’d never heard her curse properly before. She wasn’t very good at it, but she was trying furiously.”
― Stephanie Garber, A Curse for True Love
5. The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black
Summary: The Folk of the Air series follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl determined to make her mark in the treacherous realm of Elfhame. Raised among faeries, she navigates a world filled with politics and betrayal while developing a complicated relationship with a prince of Elfhame. Jude’s journey is characterized by her resilience and cunning, exploring the complexities of identity and the struggle for agency.
Impact: The tension between love and betrayal in this series kept me on the edge of my seat. It was refreshing to see Jude grapple with her feelings while navigating her pride and stubbornness. As someone who often struggles with holding back instead of speaking my mind, I appreciated how Jude faced the consequences of her actions. Her journey of growth and learning stood in stark contrast to the typical female protagonist who always seems to have all the answers.
Throughout the series, Jude faces betrayal, heartbreak, and moral dilemmas. Rather than relying on physical strength or inherent talent, she relies on her wits and strategic thinking to assert her place in a world that seeks to undermine her. Jude’s journey emphasizes the importance of agency and the ability to shape one’s destiny, showing how true power is often forged through hardship and determination.
The slow burn of Jude and Cardan’s romance in the Folk of the Air series is particularly enticing, as it masterfully straddles the line between cruelty and passion. Their relationship is filled with tension and complexity, making every interaction charged with emotional depth (and sexual tension). Watching Jude navigate her feelings for Cardan while grappling with his unpredictable nature creates a compelling dynamic. It emphasizes that love is not always straightforward. It can be messy, fraught with challenges, and often painful. The slow build of their romance makes the eventual moments of intimacy all the more rewarding, as I was more and more invested in their story.
Favorite Quotes: “What could I become if I stopped worrying about death, about pain, about anything? If I stopped trying to belong? Instead of being afraid, I could become something to fear.”― Holly Black, The Cruel Prince
“The three of you have one solution to every problem. Murder. No key fits every lock.” Cardan gives us all a stern look, holding up a long-fingered hand with my stolen ruby ring still on one finger. “Someone tries to betray the High King, murder. Someone gives you a harsh look, murder. Someone disrespects you, murder. Someone ruins your laundry, murder.”― Holly Black, The Wicked King
Parting Thoughts
Fantasy romance transcends mere smut and fluff, offering readers impactful emotional experiences and thought-provoking themes. This genre intertwines fantasy and romance, creating relatable characters who face extraordinary challenges that resonate with readers’ own struggles and aspirations.
By delving into complex relationships, fantasy romance explores the intricacies of love, showcasing that it can be both beautiful and painful. Themes of sacrifice, trust, and vulnerability remind us that true love often comes with challenges, encouraging readers to embrace the complexities of their own relationships.
Moreover, fantasy settings allow authors to tackle societal issues like gender roles and power dynamics, empowering readers to challenge conventions. Through strong, multifaceted protagonists, these stories promote individuality and resilience.
In conclusion, fantasy romance offers more than escapism; it invites readers into rich worlds filled with emotional depth and meaningful themes. By exploring the transformative power of love, the genre fosters connection, empathy, and introspection, leaving a lasting impact that enriches our understanding of ourselves and the world.
If you haven’t already delved into the captivating world of fantasy romance, now is the perfect time to start! What draws you to this genre? Are you more interested in intricate plots, relatable characters, or the exploration of love’s complexities?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on your favorite fantasy romance books or any recommendations you have. Embrace the magic and challenge the conventions—your next favorite read is just a page away! Share your insights in the comments below!