“Romantasy” is a rising subgenre that combines fantastical tales with romance, and it’s becoming wildly popular among millions of readers for its use of tropes like enemies-to-lovers, love triangles, and other spicy scenes set in new worlds.
Authors like Rebecca Yarros, Sabaa Tahir, and Sarah J Maas have achieved significant commercial success with their books taking social media by storm. And romantasy is particularly well-suited to audio, as rich world-building is brought to life even more through a narrator’s performance. From chart-toppers to trending reads to underrated picks, we have brought together a list of page-turning romantasy audiobooks to make sure you’re not late to the party.
Chart-Toppers: Bestselling Romantasy Audiobooks
The Everlasting
“As soon as I finished this I wanted to start it all over again (or maybe that time loop just got to me). The Everlasting is at once an epic, expansive journey through time, exploring the nature of nationalism, propaganda, and the power of storytelling, and a deeply personal, searingly intimate love story. I always love Harrow’s writing, but this might be my favorite yet.”
— Lily, Quail Ridge Books
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Fourth Wing
“It’s hot dragon school summertime! This wild fantasy delivers with deadly dragons, bitter rivalries, treachery, and steamy interludes! If you want engaging escapism, give this first novel in the Empyrean trilogy a ride, then [order] the next novel in the series, Iron Flame.”
— Mike, A Great Good Place for Books
View the audiobookAlso check out the dramatized version adapted from the novel, produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects, and cinematic music!
An Ember in the Ashes
Set in a brutal Rome-like world, An Ember in the Ashes is a fantasy debut that follows Laia, an orphan fighting for her brother’s life, and Elias, a soldier seeking freedom. Their intertwined destinies will reshape their empire’s future. With its masterful duo narration, the audiobook was AudioFile’s Earphones Award Winner.
View the audiobookCozy Romantasies to Warm You Up on a Cold Night
Legends & Lattes
“Cozy mysteries are a huge subgenre, but have you heard of cozy sci-fi/fantasy? If you’re new to the trend and could use something rich and sweet to warm you up, this story of a warrior orc named Viv who decides to pursue her dream of opening a cafe in a city that’s never heard of coffee is a gentle, affirming read. I especially enjoyed the community that gathers around the coffee shop – oddball customers included – the intrigue, and the romance.”
— Megan, Underground Books
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The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
“A cozy fantasy full of found family and warm and fuzzy feels, with a grumpy/sunshine romance and the perfect pinch of spice, starring an own-voices lead supported by a diverse and lovable cast of characters-this book’s got all the (potion) ingredients for a read as spellbinding as it is mood-elevating. A must-read for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea and especially those who wished it had better representation! “
— Megan, Underground Books
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Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea
“The start of a great cozy fantasy series! This sapphic story of two rebels starting a life together is fun and comforting. Opening a book and tea shop with the love of your life can never go wrong, right?”
— Sydne, Ink Cap Books
View the audiobookDark Romantasies Full of Passion and Revenge
Kingdom of the Wicked
“This series follows Emilia, a Sicilian witch, who is trying to uncover the mystery behind her sister’s death. Emilia accidentally conjures Wrath, one of the Seven Princes of Hell, and they form an unlikely alliance. This book is fun, dark, sexy, and frustrating (in a good way). Full of demons, witches, and Catholic brotherhood this is a wild ride of a series.”
— Anna, Underground Books
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For She Is Wrath
“Wonder Woman meets The Count of Monte Cristo in this sizzling historical fantasy! Dania seeks revenge on those who betrayed her, including the boy she once loved. Framed for a crime, she escapes prison and hunts for a hidden Djinn treasure. But as she uses forbidden magic, revenge and power threaten to consume her.”
— Erica, Author’s Note
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Her Soul for a Crown
“A new mythology-inspired queen is here to claim her crown! Steeped in poison and yearning, Her Soul for a Crown is everything readers want with magic woven into historical myths, burning hot romantic tension, and a fierce female lead willing to barter her very soul to claim her revenge.”
— Dani, Best of Books
View the audiobookRomantasy Tropes That Blend the Best of Both Genres
Enemies to Lovers: The Hurricane Wars
“This fantasy romance is a page-turning enemies to lovers tale set against a magical war, impending apocalypse, and dragons! Inspired by the cultures of the Philippines, the incredible and unique world building brings a freshness to all the favorite romantic fantasy tropes Thea Guanzon spins so well.”
— Zoe, Bookshop Santa Cruz
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Found Family: When the Tides Held the Moon
“A young immigrant blacksmith barely surviving in an early 1900s New York city. A merman captured from the banks of the East River forced to be the newest amusement in a Coney Island sideshow. A romance as unlikely as it is tender blossoming in a hopeless place. With a carousel of unusual characters Benny and Rio find themselves in the middle of a strange and vibrant world, both seeking impossible freedoms in an improbable place.”
— Jericha, Northshire Bookstore
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Forbidden Love: A Fate Inked in Blood
“Dark, gritty, bloody, inspired by Norse Mythology, and desperately romantic, A Fate Inked in Blood is an exciting new addition to the romantasy genre that combines the high-octane action, epic world-building, magical elements, and brutality of war with a romantic, forbidden love story written by the fates of the gods. The audiobook is incredible!”
— Anna Rose, The Well-Read Moose
View the audiobookWitty Romantasies With Irresistible Banter
Assistant to the Villain
Evie Sage takes a job as an assistant to a notorious villain, managing unexpected office duties and her crush on him. As she uncovers sabotage threatening his empire, she must balance loyalty and attraction in a darkly comedic adventure. This is a fantasy novel blended with humor and romance that will have you laughing every other moment on audio.
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The Starlight Heir
“Suraya, an ordinary commoner, receives an invitation to the palace to compete for the prince’s hand in marriage. Nothing is as it seems. As chaos unfolds, loyalties are tested, and magic lurks at the heart. The world-building is stunning and the witty characters are delightful. Throw in a steamy forbidden romance and you have the perfect book to consume in one sitting.”
— Anna, The Underground Bookstore
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A Marvellous Light
“Whip smart historical fantasy with one of the most unique and clever magic systems around. A centuries-old mystery threatening to unravel magical society and upset a deeply entrenched balance of power. A beautifully drawn and diverse supporting cast of friends and foes alike. And, as if that wasn’t enough, top it all off with some of my favorite things: a yearning-filled love story, and some truly marvelous sex.”
— Sarah, Powell’s Books
View the audiobookCan’t Stop Listening: Romantasy Narrators To Look Out For
Rebecca Soler narrating Caraval
The story follows two sisters escaping their cruel father to join a legendary game. Scarlett must find her kidnapped sister, Tella, within five nights in a world of love, heartbreak, and magic. Caraval was selected to be the best audiobook of 2017 by Publishers Weekly, as they describe “Actor Soler’s lively narration swiftly draws listeners into the magical spectacle at the center of Garber’s YA novel”.
View the audiobookMore romantasy audiobooks narrated by Rebecca Soler:
- The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer
- Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Emily Woo Zeller narrating Foul Lady Fortune
In 1930s Shanghai, an immortal assassin Rosalind and her husband Orion pose as a married couple to investigate an unusual series of brutal murders. Of Emily Woo Zeller’s portrayal of Rosalind, AudioFile says: “Especially strong, with her voice perfectly matching the character’s world-weary nature to a tee. Zeller keeps the performance intense and engrossing throughout this fast-moving story.”
View the audiobookMore fantasy audiobooks narrated by Emily Woo Zeller:
- This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone (narrated with Cynthia Farrell)
- Strange Beasts of China by Yan Ge
Stina Nielsen narrating From Blood and Ash
In From Blood and Ash, Poppy, a chosen Maiden, grapples with her duty to usher in a new era while yearning for freedom. As she encounters a new guard, Hawke, desire complicates her fate amidst a kingdom facing rising darkness. Highly praised by AudioFile, the narrator “Nielsen employs a wide range of inflections, from the warm, breathless tone of the heroine to the appealing accent of Hawke, the love interest, combining them in the sensual scenes they share.”
View the audiobookMore romantasy audiobooks narrated by Stina Nielsen:
- Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward
- A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Discover New Favorites: Underrated Romantasy Picks That Will Have You Hooked
Champion of Fate
Aristene are mythical female warriors who guide heroes to victory. Raised by the order, Reed must shepherd her hero, Hestion, to glory or face expulsion. Their growing bond forces her to choose between her hero and her order. Kendare Blake herself mentioned the story is “very allies-to-lovers-to-absolute trainwreck”, giving more dynamics to the love plot.
View the audiobook
The Jasad Heir
This Egyptian-inspired debut with rich world-building follows a fugitive queen, Sylvia, to bargain with her enemy in order to resurrect her scorched kingdom or risk leaving it in ashes. Their deadly game forces Sylvia to choose between her hidden identity and her people’s future. “The type of mythological and romantic tale you would bargain your last breath for… A book that coils you into its serpentine grasp,” says Observer.
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Lore of the Wilds
“Not only is the cover gorgeous, but the story is rich with characters of color and an unassuming young woman who ventures into the unknown with the fae known only to be enemies in search of power of her own to save the ones she loves. There’s romance, there’s a brooding handsome fae male, there’s a sweet protective fae guard, there’s secrets, danger, and deception!”
— Keeley, Ink Drinkers Anonymous
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Listen to Romantasy audiobooks with Libro.fm
From chart-toppers to trending reads to underrated picks, we have brought together a list of page-turning romantasy audiobooks to make sure you’re not late to the party.
These are just a handful of the best romantasy audiobooks available! If you’re a fan of romantasy books…
Tell us which audiobook is your favorite in the comments.