Inspired by Norse mythology, this novel tells the story of Freya, a divine shield maiden, who is trapped in an arranged marriage. The jarl believes Freya’s divinity could be the key to uniting the fractured nations of Skaland and Nordeland. Freya is forced into another marriage with the jarl, while his son, Bjorn, is ordered to protect Freya. As Freya learns to harness her powers, a forbidden romance between Bjorn and Freya begins to spark. First in the Saga of the Unfated, this novel is packed with political intrigue and magic.

In the land of Auréal, magic has been banned everywhere. To bring magic back, Odile has been preparing for the heist of a lifetime since she was a child. The sorcerer who raised Odile has trained her to impersonate the princess and steal the enchanted crown. When the King is suddenly murdered, Odile’s plan is in shambles, and she needs help from the real princess, Marie d’Odette. The web of lies spread out in front of Odile complicates her mission, as do her growing feelings for the princess. Enchanting and atmospheric, this Swan Lake retelling is a sapphic slow burn.

When her father is imprisoned in the fae realm, bookish Rosalina must rescue him. Rosalina faces a bargain with the four fae princes: if she can break the curse afflicting the Enchanted Vale, she and her father can return home. Rosalina agrees to help the princes find their true mates to break the curse.  Inside the castle, Rosalina is drawn to the four princes, tensions building day by day. Convinced that she might be meant for the princes, Rosalina is determined to save the realm from the devilishly handsome Prince of Thorns. This why-choose Beauty and the Beast retelling is a compelling and sexy read. 

Taking inspiration from Chinese mythology and Cinderella, this YA romantasy is the first in a new series. Yining uses her skills as a liar and thief to survive after the death of her uncle. When Yinming finds an enchanted ring, it’s stolen by her step-aunt. To retrieve the ring, Yining must travel to the imperial city. At the palace, Yinming catches the eye of the prince, who promises her a world of riches. Yinming is caught in a web of deceit and power play, with only the royal advisor as an ally. Yinming must find the truth for herself to save her future.  

Lucy Westenra hides beneath a mask of beauty and flirtation. Haunted and fascinated by death, she finds companionship in the mysterious Vlad during her nightly walks. Despite her deep connection with Mina, Lucy finds herself opening up more to Vlad. Agreeing to cheat death with Vlad, Lucy joins him on his ship of death. When Vlad is violent, Lucy must fight to save herself before it’s too late. Dao’s queer Dracula reimagining is dark and romantic.

Oh reimagines the Korean legend of the Celestial Maidens in this YA romantasy. Former soldier Sunho lives in the Under World. After his memory loss, he scrapes by with odd jobs. When a bounty is offered for any mercenary who can capture the girl who wields silver light, Sunho sets out to win his treasure. Far to the east, Ren performs as an acrobat with her adoptive family. During a show, the village is attacked by a demonic creature. Ren suddenly releases the power she’s hidden for years, killing the demon and injuring her uncle. Determined to save her uncle, Ren travels towards the source of the monster and her own powers. When Sunho and Ren cross paths, their celestial destinies collide.  

Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, has never quite lived up to her title, with flowers wilting at her touch. In New Athens, Persephone hopes to make it as a journalist instead. Then, a chance encounter with Hades, God of the Dead, changes everything. Persephone is now contracted to create new life in the Underworld or lose all of her freedom. Persephone’s struggle becomes more apparent as Hades’s forbidden affections strengthen. 

Which tales and fables would you like to see retold as a romantasy next? Step into new romantasy worlds with A Beginner’s Guide to Romantasy or explore romantasy magical systems with Romantasy Novels With Compelling Magic.