The Rise of romantasy: A Genre Finding Its Wings
Table of Contents
- 1. The Rise of romantasy: A Genre Finding Its Wings
- 2. A Decade of Devoting Readers
- 3. From Pandemic Elation to BookTok Buzz
- 4. A Genre for Everyone
- 5. Looking Ahead: A Future of Fantasy and Romance
- 6. The Rise of Romantasy: A Conversation with Elara Vance
- 7. A Decade of Devoting Readers
- 8. From Pandemic Elation to BookTok Buzz
- 9. A Genre for Everyone
- 10. Looking Ahead: A Future of Fantasy and Romance
Ten years ago, romantic fantasy – or romantasy – was a niche genre.Today, it sits firmly on the map, captivating readers with its blend of thrilling fantasy worlds and passionate love stories. This surge in popularity is no accident. A confluence of factors, from the pandemic’s impact to the rise of BookTok, have propelled romantasy into a cultural phenomenon.
A Decade of Devoting Readers
This year marks a significant milestone – the 10th anniversary of the much-acclaimed A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. Maas’s work, along with numerous other authors, has helped solidify romantasy as a distinct genre, attracting a devoted readership.
“People really wanted to get away from what was happening out in the world,” says Bry Hoeg, general manager at Powell’s City of Books on West Burnside Street. “Genre fiction, which covers everything from sci-fi, to romance, fantasy, mysteries, horror, etc.,has all exploded.” This sentiment encapsulates the widespread need for escapism during the COVID-19 pandemic, with romantasy providing a compelling refuge.
From Pandemic Elation to BookTok Buzz
While the pandemic undeniably contributed to romantasy’s rise, the genre’s growth extends beyond simple escapism. The emergence of BookTok,a thriving community on TikTok dedicated to book recommendations,has played a pivotal role in exposing romantasy to a wider audience. This online platform has become a fertile ground for discovering new authors and series, transcending genre boundaries and fostering a passionate community of readers.
A Genre for Everyone
One of the most appealing aspects of romantasy is its inclusivity. Hoeg notes, ”Love for the genre ‘is across the board’ – women, men, queer and nonbinary people all stop by the shelves.” This welcoming surroundings has created a space where everyone can find stories that resonate with their experiences and desires.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Fantasy and Romance
The future of romantasy appears radiant. With its captivating blend of fantasy and romance, its diverse readership, and its ever-expanding world of stories, the genre shows no signs of slowing down.Publishers are increasingly taking note, with more and more book releases dedicated to this beloved subgenre. Readers craving immersive worlds, complex characters, and heart-pounding romance need look no further than the flourishing landscape of romantasy.
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The Rise of Romantasy: A Conversation with Elara Vance
Ten years ago,romantic fantasy,or romantasy,was a niche genre. Today, it sits firmly on the map, captivating readers with its blend of thrilling fantasy worlds and passionate love stories. This surge in popularity is no accident. A confluence of factors, from the pandemic’s impact to the rise of BookTok, have propelled romantasy into a cultural phenomenon. To explore this fascinating trend, we sat down with Elara Vance, a bestselling romantasy author and founder of the online writing community, “Fantasy & Feels.”
A Decade of Devoting Readers
“People really wanted to escape from what was happening in the world,” says Vance. “Genre fiction,which covers everything from sci-fi,to romance,fantasy,mysteries,horror,etc., has all exploded.” This sentiment encapsulates the widespread need for escapism during the COVID-19 pandemic, with romantasy offering a compelling refuge.
From Pandemic Elation to BookTok Buzz
While the pandemic undeniably contributed to romantasy’s rise, the genre’s growth extends beyond simple escapism. The emergence of BookTok, a thriving community on TikTok dedicated to book recommendations, has played a pivotal role in exposing romantasy to a wider audience.
“BookTok has been a game-changer,” says Vance. “It’s introduced a whole new generation of readers to this genre, and it’s amazing to see how passionate thay are about it.” She adds: “This platform has created a sense of community unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.readers are connecting with each othre, discussing thier favorite books, and even helping each other discover new ones.”
A Genre for Everyone
One of the most appealing aspects of romantasy is its inclusivity. Vance believes that the genre’s appeal lies in its ability to offer diverse portrayal and explore different types of love stories.
“Romantasy allows us to celebrate love in all its forms,” says Vance. “We can have strong female leads, queer characters, different races and cultures – the possibilities are endless.”
Looking Ahead: A Future of Fantasy and Romance
The future of romantasy appears vibrant.With its captivating blend of fantasy and romance, its diverse readership, and its ever-expanding world of stories, the genre shows no signs of slowing down.
“I think the market for romantasy is going to continue to grow,” predicts Vance. “People are looking for stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, and romantasy delivers on both fronts.”
What are your thoughts on the rise of romantasy? Which authors and books have captivated you?
