Romantasy Realms Favorite Reads 2024
Working Title: The first annual Romantasy Realms Choice Awards 🏆
Before I begin, I want to thank you all for being here! This Substack has been so much fun to write, and it means a lot to me to have a space to talk books and writing that doesn’t involve me being on camera. I know #BookTok and #Instagram can give you tons of reading recs in a matter of seconds. But I’m not here for a quick like in the middle of your scrolling.
As an author, I know the amount of work it takes to bring a book into the world. As a reader, I know the amount of time it takes to really get involved in a story. I’d like to think this Substack is a place where we can continue to slow down and contemplate romantasy, the role of story, and the craft of writing in a bit more depth.
It is also that time of year where we are reflecting on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. It seems to me to be the perfect time to acknowledge the books I adored.
And now, dear readers, I present the first annual Romantasy Realms Choice Awards! As Queen of said realm, it is my pleasure to bestow my royal seal of approval in the following categories:
(Insert cheering crowd sounds)
RR’s Favorite Book that Came off the TBR after an Embarrasing Amount of Years sitting there Gathering Dust: The Discovery of Witches series by Deborah Harkness 🏆
Romantasy has been around well before the term was coined, and there are a number of titles that clearly inspired the genre. One of my goals is to read these and feature them here on RR to truly understand the roots of the genre I love. With that in mind, I *finally* got around to reading The Discovery of Witches, first published in 2011. All I have to say is that I’m head over heels in love with a 1,500 year old vampire named Matthew Clairmont.
This book had everything I love. It is set in England, France, and Salem, MA. The FMC is a witch who needs to uncover her powers. The MMC is one of the OG shadow daddies—a bad-ass vampire with hints of a French accent and multiple degrees to boost. Hot and overly educated? Yes please. Add in some secret societies and a timey-wimey element in book two…amazing. I devoured the three original books in the trilogy, and was thrilled to learn book five was just released.
While it reads more literary than commerical, I still could not put it down. The audio narration was also amazing for those times when I had to—ugh—drive somewhere or wash dishes.
All the stars.
RR’s Favorite 2024 YA Romantasy: Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross 🏆
I feel like this might be a bit contraversial pick, since many readers noted there weren’t a ton of fantasy elements in ‘The Divine Rivals’ duology. Some folks might consider shelving this under romance with fantasy elements due to both main leads being human. Nonetheless, I ADORED both books and was so incredibly happy that I got to read them back-to-back.
Ross’ writing is just so beautiful, and the love story between Roman Kitt and Iris Winnow was so fantastic that I considered naming my new puppy Iris. (BTW…Penelope won out because of Bridgerton).
RR’s Favorite 2024 LGBTQ+ Representation: The Fall that Saved Us by Tamara Jeree 🏆
Ok, I cheated a wee bit here because this title was published in 2023. However, it was the best LGBTQ+ romantasy I read this year, and I wanted to give it a huge shout out because:
An angel and demon fall in LOVE
The sapphic bits are messy in more ways that one
It takes place in Chicago, a city near and dear to me
Tamara Jeree is a wonderful person who offered up some writing advice that has helped me so very much in my own craft
THE COVER 😍
This is not your typical romantasy. It is a stand-alone set in the real world. However, I loved the Biblically inspired mythic elements, and was rooting for this couple to not only find their HEA, but also peace within their own hearts. Bonus points for being self-published!
RR’s Favorite Audiobook Narration: Quicksilver by Callie Hart 🏆
Not only does Quicksilver have some of the freshest worldbuilding I’ve read in a while—seriously the quicksilver itself is so cool—this audiobook is AMAZING. While the majority of the narration is voiced by Stella Bloom, the male voices are performed by Anthony Palmini.
At first I was taken aback. It is a first-person POV told from the viewpoint of Saeris, the FMC. And yet when the men spoke, I thought, “Dang, that Stella Bloom can really deepen her voice!” After another minute, I realized it was a different voice-actor altogether. Initially I wasn’t sold, but truly after a few minutes, I have decided ALL romantasy books should do this.
I only caution that you use headphones if listening to this title. The f-word is used judiciously, and some of the banter between Searis and Kingfisher might be considered cringe to some readers.
RR’s Favorite 2024 Couple: Evie Sage and Trystan in Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer 🏆
Both The Assistant to the Villain, and its second installment, Apprentice to the Villain, are very silly to the point of being sophomoric. However, as someone who enjoys a good laugh, these books have won me over. While I feel the narrative flow in Apprentice was disjointed, especially as new information about Evie’s mom was introduced, I was invested in this found family of characters.
Furthermore, Maehrer is a master at writing the grumpy-sunshine trope. Seeing all the ways Evie and Trystan, aka “The Villain” or “Sir”, fail to make good on their feelings is nothing short of delightful. While I am sure everyone thought I’d choose Kingfisher, or Bjorn, or Ruhn Dannan, or Rhysand, or Matthew Clairmont, I gotta say I love the unique vibe between Evie and the Villain. While most romantasy MMCs are bad ass, I gotta say I really love grumpy, insecure Trystan who sleeps with a nightlight.
In a genre known for some really dark moments, its no wonder fans adore this breath of fresh air.
But also, if I had to choose a book boyfriend for me, its still 100% Rhysand. Or Matthew Clairmont. Ok, I’m not sure. And this is why the “why choose” trope came to be.
And now, without further ado:
RR’s Favorite Book of 2024: A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen 🏆
This was honestly one of my favorite books ever, but that is because I am a total sucker for all things Norse. Jensen used the Norse gods in such an innovate and fresh manner. I could not put this book down. *chef’s kiss* Perfect plotting, perfect pacing, awesome character development, beautiful blend of real-world cultures and fantasy, and of course Bjorn and his battle-ax. Still hoping to find a copy with sprayed edges.
If you haven’t already, buy this book and read it ASAP. My spoiler-free review is here.
Final Thoughts:
I am so happy to say that I really enjoyed the majority of the books I read this year. While there were a few that weren’t for me, I found some new favorite authors and titles I look forward to re-reading in the future.
What were your favorite romantasy titles of 2024? Let me know in the comments!
HAPPY NEW YEAR and many blessing to you and yours in 2025 💖
When The Moon Hatched and the Legends of Thezmarr series were our favourites this year. Your list is amazing, some incredible stories in there. Aren't we lucky to have experienced these characters and worlds.