10 Fantasy Romance Books with Magical Settings
- Joao Nsita
- 15 minutes ago
- 13 min read
Introduction
There is a particular kind of alchemy that happens when a romance novel isn't just about the couple, but about the world they inhabit. In the best fantasy romances, the setting is not merely a backdrop; it is a character in its own right. It is the pulse of the magic, the source of the conflict, and the atmosphere that makes the love story feel infinite. Whether it’s a war college perched precariously on a mountain top or a cozy, snow-dusted village in the far north where faeries lurk, these worlds invite us to step through the page and stay awhile.
In 2025 and 2026, the genre of "Romantasy" has exploded, driven by viral trends on TikTok (BookTok) and aesthetic mood boards on Pinterest. Readers are no longer just looking for a "happily ever after"; they are craving an immersive experience. They want worlds that feel dangerous, enchanting, and distinct—places that inspire fan art, cosplay, and travel dreams to fictional lands.
This curated list dives deep into 10 fantasy romance books where the setting is as magical as the romance itself. We have scoured the latest trends to bring you a mix of established titans that defined the genre and the hottest new releases of 2026 that are currently dominating the conversation. These are books where the world-building is rich, the stakes are high, and the atmosphere is palpable.
If you love getting lost in new worlds and swooning over epic love stories, you are in the right place. And if you enjoy our deep dives into romance and storytelling, be sure to check out our podcast for more discussions on love in fiction and real life.
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1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Setting: Basgiath War College, Navarre
The World: Basgiath War College
If you haven't heard of Fourth Wing, you might have been living under a rock—or perhaps in a magic-less void. But the hype is entirely justified, largely due to its setting: Basgiath War College. This isn't your typical magical school with floating candles and moving staircases. Basgiath is a brutalist, high-stakes military fortress carved into the side of a mountain in the kingdom of Navarre.
The setting is defined by its verticality and danger. The "Parapet," a narrow stone bridge that candidates must cross during a storm to even enter the Riders Quadrant, sets the tone immediately: survival is the only grade that matters. The college is divided into quadrants—Riders, Scribes, Healers, and Infantry—but the Riders Quadrant is where the glory and death await. It creates a "Dark Academia" vibe but with a militaristic, lethal edge. The architecture is cold stone, towering spires, and open-air flight fields designed for dragons to land. It feels claustrophobic yet expansive, a pressure cooker that forces the characters into proximity and conflict.
The Romance & Trend
The romance between Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson burns hot against this cold, stony backdrop. It’s the quintessential "enemies-to-lovers" trope, amplified by the setting’s "forced proximity" dynamics—sparring mats, shared dorms, and life-or-death flight simulations.
Trend Spotting: On TikTok, the "Dragon Rider" aesthetic is massive. Users create videos styling outfits with black leather, flight goggles, and daggers, mimicking the Basgiath uniform. On Pinterest, you’ll find endless boards dedicated to "Basgiath Architecture," featuring brutalist castles, storm-swept mountains, and dragon scales.
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Setting: Prythian (Specifically The Night Court / Velaris)
The World: Prythian
No list of magical settings is complete without Prythian. While the series begins in the Spring Court—a land of eternal springtime, lush gardens, and masquerade balls—it is the Night Court, revealed later, that has captured the collective imagination of millions.
Velaris, the "City of Starlight," is the crown jewel of this setting. Hidden from the rest of the world for thousands of years, it is a place of breathtaking beauty, art, and peace. Imagine a city built along a river, nestled between snow-capped mountains, where the streets are lined with cafes and art galleries, and the sky is an eternal tapestry of stars. It contrasts sharply with the "Court of Nightmares" (the Hewn City) beneath the mountain, which represents the dark, political underbelly of the court. Maas’s world-building here is masterclass in contrast: the terrifying vs. the cozy, the political vs. the personal.
The Romance & Trend
The setting of Velaris is integral to the romance. It represents safety, trauma recovery, and the freedom to be oneself. It is where the protagonist learns to paint again, to fly, and to love without conditions. The atmosphere of the city—cool mountain air, starlight, citrus and sea salt—becomes the sensory language of the love story.
Trend Spotting: "Velaris" has become a travel destination for the mind. You can buy candles that smell like "High Lord of the Night Court" (citrus and sea salt) and sweatshirts embroidered with the city's mountain insignia. The "Night Luxe" aesthetic on Pinterest often overlaps with ACOTAR content, featuring dark blues, silver sparkles, and celestial motifs.
3. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Setting: Oath and The Front
The World: Oath
Stepping away from high fantasy swords-and-sorcery, Divine Rivals transports us to a setting that feels like a magical, alternate World War I. The city of Oath is a place of cobblestone streets, gas lamps, bustling newsrooms, and tea shops, grounding the story in a tactile, historical reality. However, looming over this is a war between actual gods—Dacre and Enva—whose conflict creates a literal "Front" that slowly encroaches on the city.
The magic here is subtle and nostalgic. The central magical objects are a pair of enchanted typewriters that allow the two protagonists to send letters to each other instantaneously. This "magical realism" element transforms the setting from a standard war story into something intimate and epistolary. The trenches of the war front are described with harrowing realism—mud, chemical gas, magical beasts—contrasting sharply with the cozy, intellectual safety of the newspaper office and museums in Oath.
The Romance & Trend
The romance is a tender, intellectual rivalry that unfolds through letters. The setting emphasizes the fragility of life and the power of words. The war forces the characters to strip away their pretenses, making their connection raw and immediate.
Trend Spotting: This book single-handedly revitalized the "Epistolary" format on BookTok. The aesthetic is "Vintage Academia" meets "War Romance." Think typewriters, wax seals, trench coats, dirty boots, and tea stains. It appeals to the "Sad Girl Autumn" vibe perfectly.
4. Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Setting: Hrafnsvik, Ljosland
The World: Hrafnsvik
If you are looking for "Cozy Fantasy" with a bit of teeth, this is the gold standard. The story takes place in the fictional Scandinavian country of Ljosland, specifically the remote, snowy village of Hrafnsvik. It is a world of eternal winter, frozen forests, and roaring hearths.
Unlike the glittering high fae of other series, the "Hidden Ones" here are folkloric and strange. They are creatures of moss and bone, courtly fae who live in ice palaces, and changelings who hide in plain sight. The setting feels like a field researcher's journal come to life. You can practically feel the cold seeping through your boots and smell the woodsmoke. It blends the academic (Emily is a professor writing an encyclopedia) with the mystical, grounding the magic in a sense of scientific discovery and rural superstition.
The Romance & Trend
The romance is a "grumpy sunshine" dynamic where the grumpy one is the female protagonist and the sunshine one is her rival, Wendell Bambleby. The setting forces them together—huddling for warmth, sharing a cottage, and navigating the dangerous faerie courts.
Trend Spotting: This book fits the "Cozy Fantasy" trend perfectly but adds a "Dark Folklore" twist. On Pinterest, the aesthetic is "Cottagecore" meets "Winter Academia"—think heavy wool sweaters, leather-bound journals, snow-covered pines, and cups of hot tea by a window.
5. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Setting: The Kingdom of Blunder
The World: Blunder
Blunder is one of the most atmospheric settings in recent fantasy. It is a kingdom locked in mist and surrounded by the Spirit of the Wood. The magic system is unique: it is based on Providence Cards, a tarot-like deck that grants abilities but extracts a physical toll.
The atmosphere is overwhelmingly Gothic. The "Mist" that surrounds the kingdom infects people with magic, and the "Wood" is a sentient, dangerous entity. The setting feels claustrophobic, damp, and shadowy, filled with highwaymen, secrets, and ancient curses. The names of the elite families are all tree-based (Hawthorn, Yew, Rowan), further tying the society to the dark forest that defines their existence. It creates a constant sense of unease that makes the romantic connection feel like a desperate, necessary light in the dark.
The Romance & Trend
Elspeth Spindle has a monster in her head, and her romance with Ravyn Yew is fraught with secrets. The gothic setting amplifies the tension—every glance and touch feels stolen in a world that wants to consume them.
Trend Spotting: "Gothic Romance" is back. On TikTok, this book is often paired with "Hozier-core" music—songs that feel earthy, ancient, and slightly haunting. The visual trend includes tarot cards, dark forests, velvet cloaks, and fog-machine aesthetics.
6. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Setting: Obiara and the Kejari
The World: Obiara
Imagine The Hunger Games but set in a world of warring vampire factions. Obiara is a dark, violent world divided between the Hia (winged vampires) and the Rishan (magic-wielding vampires). Humans are essentially cattle or pets.
The centerpiece of the setting is the Kejari, a deadly tournament held by the goddess Nyxia. The arena is a character itself, shifting and presenting lethal challenges that range from physical combat to psychological torture. It is a setting of high contrast: the opulence of the vampire courts versus the gritty, bloody reality of the arena. The constant threat of death heightens every emotion, making the romance burn incredibly fast and bright. The world-building includes a unique pantheon of gods, adding a layer of mythic weight to the survival story.
The Romance & Trend
Oraya, a human adopted by a vampire king, must ally with Raihn, a rival vampire. The "forced alliance" in a death game is a beloved trope. The setting creates a "us against the world" dynamic that is irresistible.
Trend Spotting: This book taps into the "Vampire Renaissance" we are seeing in 2024/2025. The aesthetic is "Dark Fantasy" with a focus on blood red, black armor, wings, and sharp teeth. It appeals to fans who grew up on Twilight or The Vampire Diaries but want something more adult and lethal.
7. When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
Setting: The Bleakness
The World: The Bleakness
This 2024 release has taken the fantasy world by storm with its incredibly unique setting. The world is defined by the "Moonfall"—a catastrophic event where moons fell from the sky, creating a landscape dominated by massive, crystalline moon shards.
The world is gritty and high fantasy. There are dragons that are essentially manifestations of the elements, soaring through a sky that feels fractured and ancient. The magic system involves "beads" that signify a connection to the gods' voices, creating a visible hierarchy in society. The setting is described as "The Bleakness," implying a harsh, unforgiving environment where survival is a daily struggle. It creates a moody, atmospheric backdrop that feels distinct from the typical medieval European fantasy setting.
The Romance & Trend
The romance is dark, complex, and rooted in a history the characters are slowly uncovering. The setting’s focus on "broken things"—fallen moons, fractured societies—mirrors the broken pasts of the protagonists.
Trend Spotting: This book is currently defining the "High Fantasy Romantasy" trend for 2025. The aesthetic is ethereal yet jagged—think glowing crystals, dark skies, dragons, and intricate maps. It’s "Dragon Age" meets lyrical prose.
8. A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
Setting: Skaland
The World: Skaland
Norse mythology is the bedrock of Skaland, a rugged, fjord-filled land of shield maidens, jarls, and runic magic. This setting is cold, brutal, and visceral. It smells of salt water, pine, and blood.
The world-building introduces the concept of "unfated" vs. those blessed by the gods. The magic is tied to blood and tattoos (ink), creating a physical, visual representation of power. The setting is not a polished castle; it is longhouses, muddy battlefields, and rocky coastlines. It feels historical and grounded, giving the magic a raw, elemental quality. The "shield maiden" culture offers a refreshingly capable heroine who fits perfectly into her harsh environment.
The Romance & Trend
The romance between Freya and Bjorn is fueled by the "forbidden bodyguard" trope. The harshness of the setting makes the moments of tenderness between them feel earned and precious.
Trend Spotting: "Viking Romance" and "Norse Fantasy" are having a major moment, likely influenced by media like Assassin's Creed Valhalla and The Northman. The aesthetic on TikTok involves braids, furs, axes, and rune tattoos. It’s a "Warrior Romance" vibe that empowers female readers.
9. The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard
Setting: Kaldari
The World: Kaldari
Moving away from the cold and the dark, The Starlight Heir (a 2025 release) transports us to the shimmering, sun-drenched Kingdom of Kaldari. This setting is inspired by Persian and Indian mythology, offering a lush, vibrant alternative to the Euro-centric fantasy norm.
Imagine a desert oasis city, "gold-dusted" and opulent, filled with silks, spices, and star charts. The magic system is celestial, tied to the constellations and the zodiac. The setting feels like a heatwave—sultry, mysterious, and dazzling. It is a world of royal courts, intricate political maneuvering, and ancient star magic that feels fresh and dazzlingly bright.
The Romance & Trend
The romance is a sizzling "prince and the commoner" dynamic with a twist. The heat of the desert setting mirrors the heat of the relationship. It feels like a summer night—full of possibility and danger.
Trend Spotting: "Celestial Fantasy" is a rising trend. Readers are looking for non-Western settings that offer new mythologies. The aesthetic is "Gold and Starlight"—think zodiac motifs, rich jewel tones (gold, sapphire, emerald), and desert landscapes.
10. Alchemised by SenLinYu
Setting: Paladia
The World: Paladia
Originally a viral fanfiction (Manacled), this story has been reworked into an original novel, Alchemised, set in the world of Paladia. It is a necromantic dystopia—a world broken by war and ruled by "The Undying."
The setting is bleak, gothic, and horrifyingly clinical. It features a regime that uses reanimated corpses ("necrothralls") as a labor force. It explores the intersection of magic (alchemy) and technology/medicine in a way that feels like "Frankenstein" meets "The Handmaid's Tale." It is a world of trauma and survival, where the environment itself feels like a prison. The "moral thorniness" of the setting forces the characters into impossible choices, creating a high-stakes backdrop for a romance born in darkness.
The Romance & Trend
This is a "Dark Romance" in its truest form. It explores themes of memory, trauma, and redemption. The romance is intense, complicated, and inextricably linked to the oppressive setting.
Trend Spotting: This is the most anticipated "Dark Fantasy" release of 2025. The aesthetic is "Grimdark" and "Medical Horror." Think vintage medical diagrams, alchemy circles, dark stone cells, and a muted, desaturated color palette. It appeals to readers who want a cathartic, emotional heavy hitter.
Conclusion
From the star-dusted streets of Velaris to the blood-soaked arenas of the Kejari, these 10 fantasy romance books prove that a setting is more than just a map in the front pages. It is the soul of the story. These worlds offer us an escape, yes, but they also offer us a mirror—reflecting our desires for adventure, connection, and a little bit of magic in our own lives.
As we move through 2025, the trend is clear: readers want immersion. They want to smell the pine in Blunder, feel the heat in Kaldari, and hear the dragon wings in Basgiath. Whether you are a fan of cozy faerie tales or gritty war epics, there is a magical setting on this list waiting to welcome you home.
So, which world will you travel to next?
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10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is "Romantasy"? Romantasy is a portmanteau of "Romance" and "Fantasy." It refers to a genre of books where high fantasy elements (magic, world-building, creatures) and a central romance plot are equally important. Unlike traditional fantasy where romance might be a subplot, in Romantasy, the love story drives the narrative just as much as the quest.
2. Which of these books is best for beginners to Fantasy Romance? Fourth Wing or A Court of Thorns and Roses are the best entry points. They have accessible writing styles, addictive pacing, and clearly defined magic systems that aren't too overwhelming for new fantasy readers.
3. Are these books suitable for Young Adults (YA)? It varies. Divine Rivals and One Dark Window are generally considered YA or "New Adult" and are less explicit. A Court of Thorns and Roses, Fourth Wing, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and When the Moon Hatched contain explicit sexual content and are definitely for adult readers (18+). Always check content warnings.
4. What is "Cozy Fantasy"? Cozy Fantasy is a subgenre that focuses on low stakes, comfort, and "slice of life" storytelling rather than epic wars or world-ending threats. Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a prime example—it focuses on academic research and village life rather than a battle for the throne.
5. Can I read Alchemised without reading the fanfiction Manacled? Yes, absolutely. Alchemised is a reworked, original novel published traditionally. While it shares DNA with the fanfic, it stands completely on its own with a new world (Paladia) and original characters (Helena and Kaine).
6. What are the "spicy" levels of these books?
Low/Fade-to-black: Divine Rivals, Emily Wilde, One Dark Window.
Medium/High (Open Door): Fourth Wing, A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, A Fate Inked in Blood.
Very High: When the Moon Hatched, Alchemised.
7. Are there audiobooks available for these titles? Yes, all of these popular titles have high-quality audiobook productions available on platforms like Audible and Libro.fm. The audio versions of Divine Rivals and Fourth Wing are particularly praised for their narrators.
8. Do I need to read A Court of Thorns and Roses in order? Yes. It is a linear series. You must start with the first book (A Court of Thorns and Roses) to understand the world and character arcs before reaching the setting of Velaris in the second book (A Court of Mist and Fury).
9. What is "Dark Academia" in fantasy? Dark Academia is an aesthetic and subgenre that romanticizes higher education, classic literature, and the pursuit of knowledge, often with a dark, secret, or gothic twist. Fourth Wing fits this with its war college setting, as does Babel or The Atlas Six (though not on this list).
10. Where can I find the "special editions" mentioned in the trends? Publishers like FairyLoot, Owlcrate, and The Broken Binding often release special editions with sprayed edges and custom covers. You can find them on their subscription sites or secondhand on sites like Mercari or eBay (though often at a markup).
Ready to start reading? Get your Kindle Unlimited Subscription here to read many of these titles for free!
Selected YouTube Video: Top 10 Fantasy Romance Books for Beginners This video is relevant as it provides a visual guide and further recommendations for readers looking to dive into the fantasy romance genre discussed in this article.
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