cozy romantasy

not included: bratty dragons, big magic cauldrons or excessive arm tattoos

I’m not a fan of this word “romantasy” but sometimes you’ve got to work with what the zeitgeist has created. This word scramble is new; spontaneously combusted¹ with the recent proliferation of all those romantic fantasy books shoved into your eyeballs on TikTok, bookstagram and the Best Seller shelf at your local bookstore. Most of you have probably heard of the big blockbuster series (lots of flames, shadows, wings and telepathy) but here I’m submitting a few alternatives in the genre for your consideration. These are all on the quaint side so no world ending cataclysms, brutal torture scenes or table fucking here. Just some medium sized quests with charming, budding relationships inside exciting magical realms with just a splash of danger to keep things interesting. These are all delightfully endearing instead of bombastically angsty and I have my eyes out for more in this vein because the mainstream genre needs to calm down. Stay tuned.

Lost? Give The Guardian’s article: A genre of swords and soulmates: the rise and rise of ‘romantasy’ novels a read for a primer.

Now, brew some tea and burrow under a blanket with one of these. No nail biting, crying or book throwing is in your future.

Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho

Set in an alternate 1800s Britain Zacharias Wythe, a freed slave, has recently become the Sorcerer Royal of the Unnatural Philosophers much to many pompous old white men’s chagrin. Tasked with discovering why England’s magic has been steadily waning, he encounters Prunella, a half-Indian orphan working as an assistant at an all girl’s school that keeps women’s magical ability curbed as their constitutions just cannot handle it. Classic. Too bad Prunella is a menace of the best sort: powerful, clever, resourceful and ready to scandalize all in her path to magical development and personal realization.

This is a comedy of manners with magical elements, but the real nemeses here are institutional racism, colonialism, misogyny and white supremacy instead of curses, witches and dragons. This has humor, heart, mystery, charming banter and wonderful characters with a few dashes of sweet romance. I adored watching Prunella consistently flout expectations, defy society and come into her power while challenging and supporting Zacharias to do the same. There are a fair amount of scenes with that delicious fusion of a man glaring at the carefree, adept woman who rollicks about with skill and panache while he is continually charmed against his will. You know you love it too.

I appreciated that our main characters were people of color, as that is so often left out of historical romance, and the all too real-life evils added a richness to the world building and stakes. This had some fun quirky side characters and though it deals with heavy themes, the author deftly combines wit, wisdom and silliness into a sparkling story that is endlessly enjoyable and had me smiling throughout.

"Your amoral ingenuity in the pursuit of your interest is perfectly shocking," said Zacharias severely.
"Yes, isn't it?" said Prunella, pleased.

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Isobel is an extremely talented human artist, much in demand by the Craft obsessed fair folk who cannot create anything tangible and lasting themselves. When commissioned by the Autumn prince, Rook, for a portrait she is moved to include the mortal sorrow she sees in his eyes, a major issue that could cost him everything. Rook absconds with Isobel back to Fairy to stand trial for this heinous crime (?) and so they embark on a treacherous journey full of mystery, danger and feelings.

Note that this is a tad Young Adult-y and its been a bit since I’ve read it, but I distinctly remember feeling enchanted² by its lovely descriptions, creepy atmosphere and the lively romantic chemistry. Visiting Fairy Land³ is always a lark because it is bizarre and beautiful, populated by abnormal rules and wonderfully creepy elements to keep our characters constantly vigilant. The bulk of the story is basically a road trip and while its merits lie with atmospheric writing more than its character development and it can be fluffy and predictable, it is also romantic, suspenseful and utterly captivating.

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher

Set in a quasi-medieval steampunk-ish world, Halla is a widowed housekeeper who has just become the surprise heiress to a relative’s estate much to the outrage of the other family members. While attempting to escape from a forced marriage to one of these insipid relatives, she accidentally releases Sarkis from the enchanted sword he’s been imprisoned inside of for many years. A warrior genie of sorts, Sarkis is now forced to guard and assist Halla as she tries to reach her goal of living in god damned peace while being pursued by her greedy, conniving relatives and encountering many other absurd obstacles in the strange and curious World of the White Rat.

This is another road trip heavy story and you can expect such glorious features as: forced proximity, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, heroic rescues, quippy comebacks and growing lust finally consummated (spoilers). The world is so wacky with creative religions, oddball inhabitants with unique cultures and wild inventions. I loved the dual POV and the way the main characters help each other identify, confront and overcome their (sometimes dark and traumatic) pasts. It is a bitttt too long and I had some minor pacing quibbles but it is still a fairly quick read and a consistent joy to observe the main characters’ shenanigans and interactions. Though it is comfy, amusing and sweet it is also quite emotionally resonant, highlighting characters with traits not typically seen in the genre.

It has no direct sequels but there are a few other enjoyable books set in the same world⁴ which is lucky for us because it is so diverting to visit.

Do you have any favorite cozy romantasy titles you’d like to share with the group?

1. dozens of people spontaneously combust each year

2. ugh, sorry

3. this fairyland is more cruel prince than acotar

4. The World of the White Rat