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
Description:
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.
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
Description:
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.
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Red City
by Marie Lu
Description:
Red City is a thrilling urban fantasy debut from Marie Lu, marking her transition into adult fantasy. Set in Angel City, a world where alchemy is used in the shadows and rarely understood by the public, the story follows Ari and Sam, two childhood friends who end up on opposite sides of magical crime syndicates that sell a magical drug called salt—which lets anyone who takes it become the perfect version of themselves—and perform different types of alchemy. The book is a fresh take on Urban Fantasy, blending familiar elements with a unique magic system and deep character development. The story is full of action, suspense, and some well placed spice that incorporates the alchemy elements in really interesting way that will help ease readers into the genre.
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
Tusk Love
by Thea Guanzon
Description:
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.
BroMantasy Reader Experience:
The Priory of the Orange Tree
by Samantha Shannon
Description:
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.
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.