Romantasy, a genre blending romance and fantasy, is currently one of the biggest literary trends, with Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas leading the pack.
However, with new romantasy novels hitting the shelves every week, it can be a daunting task to decide which one to dive into next.
If you’re on the hunt for your next romantasy adventure, here are 10 must-reads this autumn, ranging from thrilling debuts and fresh series to eagerly awaited sequels from cherished authors. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, don’t forget to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.
1. Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
When Clara finds herself condemned to a lifetime in prison for crafting magical tarot cards, a unique ability reserved for those at the prestigious Arcana Academy, it seems her luck has run out.
But then she’s offered a lifeline by the academy’s headmaster, Prince Kaelis. In exchange for her help, she’s enrolled as a student and becomes the prince’s betrothed, reports the Express.
For those who enjoy dark academia intertwined with intricate magic systems, this is the romantasy novel to get lost in this autumn. With an abundance of romantic tension, a diverse cast of characters and a stunning cover, this is a book that deserves a spot on everyone’s bookshelf.
You can buy Arcana Academy now.
2. Thief of Night by Holly Black
Bestselling YA author Holly Black, renowned for the Spiderwick Chronicles and the Folk of the Air trilogy, is back with the eagerly awaited sequel to Book of Night, her adult debut. Charlie Hall returns, facing even more danger as she tracks down rogue shadows.
If you’re after a departure from the typical romantasy tropes and fancy a bit of urban fantasy, the Charlatan Duology is your go-to series this autumn. It’s clever, quick-paced and utterly addictive, featuring unforgettable characters and an intriguing magical system.
You can buy Thief of Night now.
3. The Ordeals by Rachel Greenlaw
Upon hearing about Killmarth, a prestigious academy for magic users, Sophia seizes the opportunity to escape the harsh control of her cruel uncle once and for all. However, each hopeful must demonstrate their worth by participating in the Ordeals, a set of lethal challenges.
To survive and break free from the blood bond with her uncle, Sophia allies herself with Alden Locke, a powerful wielder. But can she distinguish between friends, competitors and killers?
This is a rich romantasy ideal for fans of dark academia, trials and rivals-to-lovers dynamics. The magic system is captivating, and the ending will leave you yearning for the second book.
You can pre-order The Ordeals, out October 7, now.
4. Her Soul for a Crown by Alysha Rameera
Drawing inspiration from Sri Lankan mythology, this debut romantasy follows the journey of Anula as she plots to wed the raja who ruined her kingdom, poison him and seize his throne. However, when her plans go awry, she’s compelled to make an offering to a divine entity with its own agenda.
Her Soul for a Crown boasts a captivating world and ensemble of characters, along with a slow-burning romance. Although it leans more towards fantasy than romance, it comes highly recommended by bestselling romantasy author Scarlett St. Clair, making it a must-read this autumn.
You can buy Her Soul for a Crown here.
5. Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
From the acclaimed author of the Crowns of Nyaxia series comes Daughter of No Worlds, the first instalment in the War of Lost Hearts trilogy. This dark romantasy tale follows Tisaanah, a former slave on a quest for justice and to rescue the best friend she was forced to abandon.
Tisaanah embarks on a journey to the Orders, the dwelling place of the world’s most potent magic wielders. However, she must first undertake an apprenticeship with a handsome fire wielder who harbours a deep-seated hatred for the Orders.
Carissa Broadbent is a renowned figure in the romantasy genre, and whether you’re new to her work or a seasoned reader, you’ll find yourself engrossed and eager to read on within just a few pages.
You can buy Daughter of No Worlds, out October 16, here.
6. The Deathless One by Emma Hamm
Princess Jessamine’s kingdom is plagued by an incurable disease, leading her to enter a political marriage to save her people. However, she is killed for her throne by her new husband.
But death isn’t the end for Jessamine as she strikes a deal with a god of death to seek revenge. The first book in the Gravesinger series, filled with witchcraft, female rage and a morally ambiguous love interest, is the perfect romantasy read for autumn.
You can pre-order The Deathless One, out October 9, here.
7. Until the World Falls Down by Jordan Lynde
Nell’s world crumbles after a brutal betrayal leaves her heartbroken, leading her to make a desperate plea for love – offering anything in return. Her plea is answered by Enver, a cursed immortal, who gives her a choice: escape his labyrinth within 48 hours or spend eternity with him as his lover.
This tale is a spicy mix of Labyrinth meets Beauty and the Beast, with an original storyline full of unexpected twists and turns.
You can buy Until the World Falls Down now.
8. Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
Wild Reverence is a standalone romantasy set in the universe of Rebecca Ross’ bestselling Divine Rivals. Matilda, the youngest goddess of her clan with modest messenger magic, matures earlier than most.
She carries letters across realms, harbouring her own secrets, including a mortal boy she has never met but who dreams of her. A decade later, destiny reunites Matilda and Vincent when the goddess delivers a letter that changes their fates.
Whether you’re a fan of the original duology or new to the world, Wild Reverence is a beautifully immersive novel with a unique magic system and characters you’ll fall head over heels in love with.
You can order Wild Reverence now.
9. Black Hearted by Leia Stone and Julie Hall
Black Hearted is the fourth and final instalment of Cursed Fae, a series of four interconnected romantasy novels that can be read as standalones. This time, the last princess of Faerie must work with one of the dark Ethereum lords to end the curse threatening both of their kingdoms once and for all.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance reminiscent of Sarah J. Maas’ novels but without the hefty page count, this is the book for you. It’s fast-paced with high stakes and an enemies to lovers arc.
You can pre-order Black Hearted, out October 9, now.
10. House of Dragons by K. A. Linde
Fourth Wing meets Throne of Glass in House of Dragons, the new enemies-to-lovers romantasy by K. A. Linde. The first in the Royal Houses series follows Kerrigan, a half-Fae, half-human whose life changed when she was abandoned and taken into the care of the House of Dragons, an elite training programme for gifted Fae.
When she isn’t chosen by one of the 12 tribes at her seventeenth birthday, she makes a deal to find a tribe to accept her or lose her Fae heritage forever.
With unlikely alliances, slow burn romance and so many twists and turns, fans of Sarah J. Maas or Holly Black will love House of Dragons.
You can buy House of Dragons here.