2024 is almost at its conclusion and 2025 is ready to barge in, which is incredibly insane. 2024 feels like it flew by in a blur of screaming children and intense deadlines of my own creation. I’ve also heard, as you get older and children grow up, the years seem to go faster and faster. . . I can only hope this isn’t true.
It also feels like 2024 was the year of “romantasy”, the year that this genre blew up all over the place. Suddenly, it’s cool to read fantasy, as long as there are some sexy faeries in the storyline. As a long-time reader of romance and fantasy and the genre where the two meet in perfect harmony, I’m here for it!
There are 11 days until 2024 ends, and that sounds like plenty of time to squeeze in a few more books before the ball drops on New Year. So, which of 2024’s best romantasy books have you missed out on? This Book Beauty has a top 5 list for your consideration.
5 Romantasy Novels to Read Before 2025:
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas (Goodreads Winner)
If you’ve lived under a rock, you may not have heard about Sarah J. Maas and her worlds of fantastical fae and fearsome creatures. This author has taken the romantasy world by storm and her famous series, A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass, have literally changed my life (not to be dramatic or anything). House of Flame and Shadow is the third book in her Crescent City series.
Fans of strong fantasy world development and magical systems as well as a healthy dose of smut and romance, should definitely check out House of Flame and Shadow, but if you haven’t read any of Maas’ work yet, definitely start with ACOTAR or TOG.
When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker (Amazon Editor’s Pick)
This New York Times bestseller is the first book in The Moonfall series (Book 2, The Ballad of Falling Dragons, release date October 2025). This one is definitely on my list and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it will come wrapped under the Christmas tree at our house. First of all, dragons. Why say more? Ah but also, assassins, romance, fantasy, adventure, and a 4.1 rating on Goodreads with over 135,000 ratings! Don’t let its size scare you off; When the Moon Hatched is praised for its writing style and quality.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (2023 Goodreads Winner)
Another book series that you may have missed if you’ve been living under a rock or off the grid, is Fourth Wing. The first book in The Empyrean series has some of my favorite tropes from my YA days including academy/college, dragons (again, you CANNOT go wrong with dragons), and romance so steamy it’ll curl your toes. The second book, Iron Flame was much anticipated and has left readers hanging off of the edge of their seats as they await the third book’s release in January 2025. If you want to be sure you’re ready for the release of Onyx Storm, now is a great time to start this captivating series by Rebecca Yarros.
The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen (Goodreads Nominee for Favorite Romantasy 2024)
I have yet to hear a single negative thing about this book and I’m excited to read it! The second book has an early fall 2025 release date. Even though we aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, let’s be honest, we totally do. The Games Gods Play has an absolutely enchanting cover and was one of the first books I ever saw with sprayed edges. As a huge Percy Jackson fan, the fact that this slow burn combines romance with the Greek gods at Hunger Games-type stakes ensures an action-packed adventure with every page. Plus, like I said, the book is gorgeous (Goodreads)!
Ruins and Redemption by Erin P.T. Canning (This Book Beauty Choice Award, 2024)
Ruins and Redemption is the first book in the Aerytol Saga by Erin P.T. Canning and was one of my top reads outside of the Maasverse for 2024! This book gave me such Outlander, Lord of the Rings, and Divine by Mistake vibes that it was a blast to read and go through every motion with Adeline. This is a slow-burn romance with fantastic world-building and magic system. Books 2 and 3 are available for reading so you don’t have to worry about any cliffhangers . . . at least, right away you don’t. The story picks up pace as it moves through the series, gaining some pretty intense spice too.
These books are currently undergoing a cover redesign and while I’m partial to the original covers, I’m excited to see what’s to come.
What was your top read of 2024? Is there one that you haven’t gotten to read yet that you want to try to squeeze in before the new year? Let me know!
Happy Reading!
