The Rise (and Possible Fall) of Romantasy on BookTok
"Romantasy’s Reign on BookTok: A Trend on the Rise or a Fading Fantasy?"
The Rise (and Possible Fall) of Romantasy on BookTok
In the ever-evolving landscape of online reading culture, BookTok has emerged as a powerhouse, turning obscure titles into bestsellers and making subgenres explode in popularity. Over the past few years, one genre has reigned supreme in the hearts of BookTokers: romantasy—a fusion of romance and fantasy that blends epic worldbuilding with swoon-worthy relationships. But as Alyssa Morris observes in Romancing the Phone, the genre might be showing signs of over-saturation. Is romantasy headed for a decline, or will it continue to dominate the digital bookshelves of TikTok users?
The Dominance of Romantasy
Romantasy has become a defining genre on BookTok, with authors like Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses), Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing), and Carissa Broadbent (The Serpent & The Wings of Night) leading the charge. These books combine the escapism of high fantasy with the emotional intensity of romance, creating stories that are both immersive and addictive.
The appeal of romantasy lies in its ability to mix familiar tropes—enemies to lovers, fated mates, slow-burn romance—with imaginative fantasy settings. Readers are drawn to its high-stakes drama, compelling love interests, and lush worldbuilding. BookTok has fueled this popularity, with users passionately discussing their favorite books, creating fan art, and posting viral reaction videos that skyrocket books to the top of bestseller lists.
The Shifting Trends in Romantasy
As Morris points out, romantasy is evolving—and not necessarily in ways that indicate long-term stability. While earlier books in the genre primarily featured fae and magical kingdoms, newer releases are incorporating a “kitchen sink” approach: faeries, vampires, zombies, and more, all mixed into a single narrative. This genre-blending can be thrilling, but it also raises concerns about whether the market is becoming oversaturated with increasingly chaotic worldbuilding.
Additionally, the tone of romantasy is shifting. Initially, romantasy books leaned heavily into lush, poetic prose and deeply emotional storytelling. Now, some authors are embracing a more action-packed, high-stakes approach, influenced by dystopian fiction and dark fantasy. While this evolution keeps things fresh, it also risks alienating readers who fell in love with the genre’s earlier style.
The Indie-to-Traditional Pipeline
One of the most fascinating trends in romantasy is the number of independent authors being picked up by traditional publishers. With BookTok acting as a testing ground for market viability, publishers are increasingly scouting self-published romantasy authors whose books have already gained traction.
This shift has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, indie authors who once struggled for recognition are now landing lucrative book deals. On the other hand, the influx of traditionally published romantasy books means the market is getting even more crowded. With so many authors competing for attention, it’s becoming harder for new voices to break through.
The “Jump the Shark” Moment?
The question remains: is romantasy at risk of burning out? When a genre becomes too saturated, its defining characteristics can start to feel repetitive. Readers who were once captivated by powerful fae princes and brooding vampire warriors might begin craving something new.
There’s also the danger of “trend fatigue.” If every romantasy book starts to look and feel the same—offering predictable love triangles, identical magical systems, and recycled worldbuilding elements—readers may begin turning to other genres for fresh experiences.
That said, BookTok thrives on nostalgia and comfort reads. Even if the current wave of romantasy fades, the genre itself is unlikely to disappear. Instead, it may evolve into something new, adapting to shifts in reader preferences while retaining its core appeal.
What’s Next for BookTok Readers?
If romantasy does eventually wane, what will replace it? Some emerging trends suggest a rise in gothic romance, paranormal mystery, and cozy fantasy. Books that blend romance with dark academia, historical settings, or contemporary magic are gaining traction, offering an alternative to high-fantasy romantasy.
However, romantasy fans shouldn’t worry just yet. As long as readers continue craving epic love stories set against fantastical backdrops, the genre will find ways to reinvent itself. The key will be balancing innovation with the tropes that made romantasy a BookTok favorite in the first place.
In the end, BookTok’s influence is undeniable. Whether romantasy remains at the top or gives way to a new trend, one thing is certain: TikTok will continue shaping what we read, how we read, and which books become the next big thing.
About the Creator
Adnan Rasheed
Author & Creator | Writing News , Science Fiction, and Worldwide Update| Digital Product Designer | Sharing life-changing strategies for success.
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