The 8 Essential Heroic Fantasy Books with a Twist of Romance
Book RaiderWho said sword-swinging heroes and fair maidens should have all the fun in fantasy realms? It's time we added a dash of love to our dragon-slaying, mind you, not the “rescue the princess, the end” kind of tale, but genuine feelings blossoming amongst the chaos. Here's a roundup of heroic fantasy books that slide trending romance right into the brew of epic journeys and world-saving quests. Preparing to turn pages on warriors with hearts, and wizards who have more to do with love spells.
Now, we're not about replacing epic battles with candlelit dinners, oh no! We're still all about magic artifacts, hidden kingdoms, and mythical critters. But what’s nicer than reading the triumphant climax of an incredibly taxing quest, and knowing that amidst this turmoil, love managed to bloom? So, while the iron-tongued barbarian is decapitating enemies, and the enchantress is channeling her deep mystic forces, their hearts are beating for each other. Let’s explore how touching nuances of romance enrich these great adventures.
Throne of Glass
by Sarah J. Maas
Why Throne of Glass is on this list: If you're looking for a fantasy world filled with heroes, complex villains, and intricate love triangles, then 'Throne of Glass' is your ticket. It spins around a skilled assassin who also has a soft heart, making every turn in narrative both thrill-inducing and heart-tugging.
Our heroine, Celaena Sardothien, is a trained assassin pulled from the salt mines of Endovier for a shot at her freedom. To earn it, she must defeat a horde of warriors in a competition. As she navigates the delicate web of court politics, she finds love in unexpected places and realizes that the castle is far more sinister than it appears.
What readers like: Readers dig the book's fantasy environment that's paired with a kick-ass and complex heroine making her way through it. They love the unexpected relationships and the curveballs that love throws at Celaena. Moreover, the explosive mix of mystery, action, and romance keeps them up all night, turning the pages.
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The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air)
by Holly Black
Why The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air) is on this list: Brace yourself for some intense heroic fantasy sprinkled with the enticing unpredictability of romance. 'The Cruel Prince' fits like a glove in this category as it weaves together dangerous adventures in a fantastical world and tentative romantic threads that you can't help but tug at.
The story centers around Jude, a mortal girl living in the high courts of Faerie, where politics are deadlier than your average high school. Raised alongside her sisters in this tortuous realm after her parents' brutal murder, she will face treacheries and deceptions at every turn. Yet, her main adversarial relationship is with Cardan, the cruel prince himself, and the strange attraction that blooms between them might just be more dangerous.
What readers like: Readers are completely hooked by the unpredictable twists and turns, ruthless intrigue and the alluring tension between Jude and Cardan. Refreshingly, the romance takes a backseat to the political maneuvers and cunning stratagems, giving readers a full plate of fantasy with a sweet side of slow-burn romance. If you're a fan of rooting for morally grey characters, then you'll love 'The Cruel Prince'.
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Warbreaker
by Brandon Sanderson
Why Warbreaker is on this list: Warbreaker sneakily checks both boxes of being a thrilling heroic fantasy and stirring up emotions with a dash of romance, making it a perfect fit for our list.
This tale revolves around two royal sisters, their life-changing encounters, and a soul-swapping immortal who has a knack for losing his body. Been there, done that, right? But hold your horses. The world is driven by an intriguing magic system called BioChromatic Breath which adds nuances to the characters and plot. The crown jewel of the book, however, is the underlying romantic subplot that builds amidst political power plays and world-threatening crises.
What readers like: Readers appreciate Sanderson's trademark world-building brilliance, the unexpected twists in a seemingly classical high fantasy plot, and complex characters that grow on you. And not to spoil anything, but the bittersweet romance weaves in perfectly, making readers root for the couple while biting their nails as the world around them teeters on the brink of chaos.
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Red Queen
by Victoria Aveyard
Why Red Queen is on this list: Red Queen brilliantly combines the epic arena of fantasy with splashes of heart-fluttering romance, making it a perfect fit for this list. This story not only provides an adventure in a fantasy world, but also takes you into a love story that's anything but typical.
Red Queen creates a world divided not only by blood color, but the powers that come with it. Our protagonist, Mare Barrow, suddenly finds herself playing a deadly power game in the royal court after discovering she possesses a unique ability. But here's the twist: while tangled up in politics and power, she's also intertwined in a complex love triangle that adds a whole new dimension to her adventures.
What readers like: Readers have fallen for Red Queen's gripping plot twists, rich world-building, and well fleshed out characters. They love being immersed in Aveyard's vividly imagined world, filled with heart-stopping intrigue and, of course, the extra spice of romance that keeps readers turning pages late into the night. Plus, who doesn't love a good old fashioned love triangle to add to the suspense?
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The Wrath & the Dawn
by Renée Ahdieh
Why The Wrath & the Dawn is on this list: This book brings the thunder - both literally and figuratively - with a heroic fantasy plot that's tinged with romance. Like a magic potion with secret love herbs, it's got just the right mixer of fantasy, heroism and emotional excitement.
This is a reimagination of 'A Thousand and One Nights', where the young heroine Sharzad volunteers to be the next bride of the murderous boy-king Khalid, planning to get revenge. But, things go all topsy-turvy and she falls in love with him. You know: in-between bouts of trying to kill him. It's all fun and mind-blowing magic, with odd sprinkles of royal romance.
What readers like: Readers love the intricate weaving of magic, revenge, love, and heroism. The characters are as complex as a Rubik’s cube, and the setting is lush and exotic. This book is like a sinfully rich dessert: it's indulgent, satisfying, and you wish you could make it last forever.
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An Ember in the Ashes
by Sabaa Tahir
Why An Ember in the Ashes is on this list: Sprinkling a dollop of romance onto a heroic backdrop, this book provides a fresh perspective to fantasy enthusiasts. It slots into our list, as its gripping narratives of heroism are entwined with a tender love story, making it a unique pick.
Set in a brutal world inspired by Ancient where defiance equates death, An Ember in the Ashes narrates a gripping tale of slave girl and a soldier boy. The girl, Laia, is on a perilous mission to save her captive brother, while Elias, the soldier, longs for freedom from the tyranny he's being trained to enforce. As their paths cross, they find that the choices they make will change the fate of their world and draw them closer in unexpected ways.
What readers like: Readers rave about the well-developed characters and rich world-building that captures your imagination from the get-go. The love story that blossoms amidst the chaos is just the cherry on top. The plot is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, making each flip of the page exciting. Oh, it’s also the first of a series, so you’ve got plenty more to devour once you're hooked.
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Circe
by Madeline Miller
Why Circe is on this list: It's hard to say no to a book that combines Greek mythology, magic, and tender romance all in one. No need to brush up on your mythology either as Miller does an amazing of not only blending Circe’s tale with those of other famous Greeks, but also making them quite easier to digest.
Circe tells the story of the misunderstood and ostracized sorceress, Circe, who made a home for herself on the island of Aiaia after being banished by Zeus. Here she honed her powers and met influential people and gods of her era. But what will truly capture your heart is her forbidden love affair with the mortal Odysseus. It’s about power, love, and finding your place in the world - even if that world is filled with capricious deities.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the detailed and vivid world-building, relatable characters, and the smooth weaving of mythology with the storyline. And of course, the slow-burning love story between Circe and Odysseus that adds a profound element of humanity and vulnerability in a world of gods and magic.
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Air Awakens
by Elise Kova
Why Air Awakens is on this list: Elise Kova's 'Air Awakens' brilliantly meshes together our favorite elements from classic heroism and the spark of romantic ties in an epic fantasy adventure. It's got all the heart-stopping action moments and that sweet, slow-burn romance, making it the ideal fit for our list.
'Air Awakens' sets the stage with a charming library apprentice, Vhalla, who unexpectedly discovers her sorcery powers and faces the grim choice of serving as a weapon in the upcoming war. The book teases out the tension, excitement and pure adrenaline rush of good versus evil, and Vhalla's quest for self-identity, all beautifully intertwined with a romantic subplot with a moody Prince that will surely keep you turning the pages.
What readers like: Readers absolutely adore 'Air Awakens' for its compellingly real characters that drive the plot along with their sharp wits and flair of intensity. And let's not forget about the palpable chemistry between our leads. It's not about their instant connection; it's the steady building of trust and emotional resilience, cloaked in a show of dramatic fantasy that really strikes a chord with fans of the genre.
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