Top 5 Romantasy Books for Men
A curated list of romantasy books with strong fantasy elements for men, or anyone new to the genre
Table of Contents
- Empire of the Vampire
- Fourth Wing
- The Priory of the Orange Tree
- Tusk Love
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
These 5 romantasy books provide men and newcomers to the genre with an ideal starting point.
Romantasy has gained massive popularity though male readers often hesitate to try this genre. This list showcases five books which make perfect starting points for men (or newcomers to the genre) who usually read traditional fantasy but wish to discover stories with romantic elements. The selections contain robust fantasy elements and include romance which appears in varying degrees though it remains mostly modest.
Selection Criteria
These books were chosen based on:
- The fantasy-forward approach involves a major focus on worldbuilding and magic systems along with fantasy elements.
- The romance evolves naturally to support character growth while remaining secondary to the main story.
- Intense action sequences and political maneuvers drive the plot forward while romance remains secondary to the complex scenarios involving power struggles and combat.
- These books function as transitional works that guide readers from traditional fantasy genres toward romantasy.
- The book demonstrates literary excellence through its expertly written prose along with multifaceted character development and beautifully constructed worldbuilding.
Why These Books Matter for Male Readers
The genre of romantasy often receives criticism from male readers for focusing too much on romance while diminishing the fantasy aspects they find enjoyable. The selected works illustrate how romantasy delivers traditional fantasy’s intricate worldbuilding and magical systems along with dramatic conflicts as well as deep character portrayals through romantic relationships.
These books prove that romantic elements can blend seamlessly into fantasy narratives without disrupting the essential fantasy elements readers love. These titles help new men and readers to expand their literary horizons by serving as a bridge from known content to fresh fantasy experiences.
The Top 5 Romantasy Books with Strong Fantasy Elements
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Empire of the Vampire
by Jay Kristoff
Empire of the Vampire is a grimdark fantasy set in a world plunged into perpetual darkness called 'Daysdeath,' where vampires roam freely and humanity fights for survival. The story follows Gabriel de León, the last Silversaint, whose tale is told through a framed narrative structure weaving three timelines together. At its core, this is a story about forbidden love and the price Gabriel pays for experiencing it. The world-building is immense, featuring four distinct vampire bloodlines with unique powers, 'palebloods' (half-vampires) who serve as Silversaints, and a rich religious order with vows of celibacy. While the romance between Gabriel and Astrid is central to character development, the fantasy elements—including faith-based magic, vampire politics, and the brutal fight for humanity's survival—drive the narrative. The book balances darkness with humor and includes stunning artwork throughout, making it a masterful blend of grimdark fantasy with romantic undertones.
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Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing is set in the brutal and competitive world of Basgiath War College, where cadets are trained to become dragon riders. The protagonist, Violet Sorrengail, is forced into the Riders Quadrant by her mother, a formidable general, despite her frail body and scholarly nature. The world-building is immersive, focusing on the rigorous training, the complex bond between dragons and their riders, and the ever-present danger of death. The narrative is driven by high-stakes challenges, political intrigue, and the harsh realities of a military academy. The romance between Violet and the powerful, enigmatic Xaden Riorson develops amidst shared peril and a backdrop of war, making it a compelling subplot that enhances the main fantasy narrative rather than overshadowing it. The book's strength lies in its fast-paced action, intricate plot, and the seamless integration of romantic tension within a dark and dangerous fantasy setting.
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The Priory of the Orange Tree
by Samantha Shannon
This standalone epic fantasy is a sprawling tale of warring kingdoms, ancient prophecies, and dragons. The world is divided by differing beliefs about dragons—some worship them as gods, while others view them as demonic beasts. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including a queen who must conceive a daughter to protect her realm, a lady-in-waiting who is secretly a mage from a society that hunts dragons, and a dragon rider from the East. The world-building is immense and detailed, with a rich history and complex political landscape. While romance is present, it is a small part of a much larger narrative focused on political intrigue, the threat of a cataclysmic war, and the quest to unite a fractured world against a common enemy. The book's grand scale and focus on high fantasy elements make it a perfect choice for readers who want a story where romance is a subtle thread in a vast tapestry.
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Tusk Love
by Thea Guanzon
Tusk Love is a delightful cozy romantasy set in the world of Exandria from Critical Role. The story follows Guinevere, a sheltered merchant's daughter, and Oskar, a half-orc guard, as they travel together across the continent. What starts as a fantasy adventure with action-packed scenes quickly develops into a compelling romance built on the classic opposites-attract and forced-proximity tropes. The world-building shines with familiar fantasy elements and progressive social themes, while the elemental magic system serves character development without overwhelming complexity. The dual POV narrative allows readers to experience both characters' growth and romantic tension. While it contains spicy romantic scenes, the love story never overshadows the plot itself, making it an excellent entry point for fantasy fans new to romantasy. The book balances adventure, suspense, and intimate character moments with steady pacing that keeps readers engaged throughout.
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A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
A loose retelling of 'Beauty and the Beast,' this book introduces readers to the world of Prythian, a land inhabited by fae. The protagonist, Feyre, is a human huntress who is taken to the fae lands after killing a faerie wolf. The first book in the series establishes the world and the political dynamics of the fae courts. While romance is central to the plot, the initial volume focuses heavily on Feyre's struggle for survival, her exploration of a new and dangerous world, and the mystery surrounding a blight that is weakening the fae's magic. The story is filled with trials, riddles, and life-threatening challenges that Feyre must overcome. This book is a gateway to the romantasy genre, starting with a strong fantasy and adventure framework that gradually deepens its romantic elements in the subsequent books.
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