Top 5 Romantasy Books for Men (That Don’t Sacrifice the Fantasy)
Romantasy has exploded in popularity over the past few years, but many male readers (myself included) hesitate at the genre label—expecting all romance, no plot. This list proves that wrong. These five books deliver the world-building, action, and magic systems you’d expect from traditional fantasy, with romance that enhances character development instead of overshadowing the story. Think of these as gateway books: fantasy-forward narratives that happen to include romantic subplots, not romance novels with fantasy window dressing.
Selection Criteria
These books were chosen based on:
- Fantasy comes first: World-building, magic systems, and plot drive the story. Romance enhances character arcs but never hijacks the narrative.
- Action over angst: Political intrigue, combat, and high-stakes conflict take priority over relationship drama.
- Natural romance pacing: Characters fall for each other because of shared danger and growth, not because the plot demands it.
- Gateway potential: Perfect for traditional fantasy readers curious about romantasy without diving into the deep end.
- Quality writing: Strong prose, complex characters, and world-building that rivals any epic fantasy shelf.
Romantasy Books for Men to Start With
Fantasy-forward stories where magic systems, world-building, and action take priority—with romance that builds character depth instead of dominating the plot. Perfect entry points for skeptical male readers.
Empire of the Vampire
by Jay Kristoff
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: Daysdeath creates a haunting post-apocalyptic world where vampires rule and humanity fights for survival
- ★ Characters: Gabriel and Astrid's complex relationship drives incredible character growth through trauma and forbidden love
- ★ Plot & Pacing: Framed narrative structure masterfully weaves three timelines with perfect tension and reveals
- ★ Magic/Tech: Faith based magic and vampire bloodline powers create a unique and compelling supernatural system
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: A masterful grimdark fantasy with an undercurrent of romance that deserves shelf space with genre greats
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: A military academy for dragon riders with clear hierarchy but limited external worldbuilding
- ★ Characters: A physically frail protagonist who grows in confidence, magical ability, and leadership
- ★ Plot & Pacing: Fast-paced training montages and action scenes balanced with character relationships
- ★ Magic/Tech: Inconsistent magic system with specialties ranging from basic elements to mind control
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: A thrilling blend of dragon fantasy and romance that delivers despite worldbuilding limitations
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Red City
by Marie Lu
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: Los Angeles reimagined with underground alchemy syndicates creates a fresh, compelling urban fantasy setting
- ★ Characters: Sam and Ari's complex motivations and authentic relationship development drive the emotional core
- ★ Plot & Pacing: Three act structure builds from setup to explosive finale, though first act moves deliberately and may feel slow to some readers
- ★ Magic/Tech: Soul consuming alchemy with five disciplines creates unique costs and creative magical applications
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: A stellar adult fantasy debut with innovative magic, authentic characters, and compelling crime family dynamics creating a unique and engaging read
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Tusk Love
by Thea Guanzon
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: Exandria shines with familiar fantasy elements and progressive social themes
- ★ Characters: Dual POV delivers compelling character growth and authentic relationship development
- ★ Plot & Pacing: Adventure packed romance with steady pacing that balances action and intimate moments
- ★ Magic/Tech: Classic elemental magic system serves character development without overwhelming complexity
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: A delightful cozy romantasy that proves tie-in fiction can achieve genuine heart and quality
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
The Priory of the Orange Tree
by Samantha Shannon
What You'll Get:
- ★ World-Building: A breathtaking tapestry of Eastern and Western dragon myths blended with rich political and religious systems
- ★ Characters: Multiple POVs that start separately but intertwine in satisfying and unexpected ways
- ★ Plot & Pacing: A slow-burning start that explodes into a page-turning finale with masterful twists and revelations
- ★ Magic/Tech: Unique dragon mythology with wingless sea wyrms and fire-breathing Western dragons that subverts classic fantasy tropes
- ★ BroMantasy Verdict: A magnificent feminist fantasy epic that rewards patient readers with spectacular payoffs
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Why These Books Matter for Male Readers
I get it—“romantasy” sounds like a genre built for BookTok, not the crowd who grew up on Sanderson and Abercrombie. But here’s the thing: these five books prove romance doesn’t mean sacrificing world-building, action, or complex magic systems.
Empire of the Vampire delivers grimdark vampire politics with forbidden love that costs everything. Fourth Wing puts you through dragon rider boot camp where the romance develops through shared combat, not forced proximity. Red City blends urban fantasy with alchemy-powered crime syndicates where the spice actually enhances the magic system. Tusk Love gives you a cozy adventure with progressive fantasy themes and genuinely earned romance. Priory of the Orange Tree builds an 800-page epic where multiple kingdoms, dragon theology, and prophecy dwarf the romance subplot.
These books don’t ask you to give up the fantasy elements you love—they add emotional depth and character stakes through romance. If you’ve ever wondered why fantasy readers rave about romantasy, start here. These are the bridges that prove the genre has more to offer than you’d expect.