The hottest trend in fantasy novels – in fact the hottest trend in publishing overall – is fantasy romance or romantasy. These stories take place in worlds with dragons, faeries, vampires and werewolves but the driving plot is romance with a guaranteed happy ending. For many fans of traditional fantasy novels, the fact that romantasy exists may be surprising news. But romantasy is a cultural and economic juggernaut. Dartmouth professor Marcela di Blasi and cultural critic Kayleigh Donaldson explain where romantasy came from and how it became so popular. Fantasy authors C.L. Polk, and J.D. Evans talk about why they came to romantasy and how fans have had to create their own spaces. And Katherine Zofrea gives me a tour of The Ripped Bodice, a romance bookstore with an ample fantasy section. Plus, we hear readings by actress Tanya Rich.
In the episode, we heard about some of the most famous romantasy authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros. Professor Marcela di Blasi is working on a non-fiction book about BIPOC romantasy authors, and she also recommends these books.
Anna Marie McLemore’s When The Moon Was Ours
Zoraida Cordova's Hollow Crown Duology
Analeigh Sbrana's Lore of the Wilds
Kimberly Lemming's That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes series
Gabriela Romero LaCruz's The Sun and the Void
Mikayla D. Hornedo's Blood and Brujas
Claire Legrand’s Lightbringer trilogy.
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Swept Away by Romantasy | Imaginary Worlds podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast
