Young Adult (YA) romantasy—a genre that skillfully blends romance with the fantastical—has taken the literary world by storm, offering readers an escape into worlds where love is as powerful as magic. Whether you’re drawn to epic love stories set against the backdrop of otherworldly landscapes or forbidden romances that defy the rules of the realm, YA romantasy has something for everyone.
Our team selected the YA romantasty books included in this carefully curated list through a combination of their personal favorites, Goodreads and Amazon reviews, and Reddit threads centered around the genre. The top picks made it for a variety of reasons, ranging from sheer entertainment to spectacular descriptiveness and moving character development.
So without further ado, here’s a countdown of the best young adult romantasy books that you absolutely need to add to your reading list, with the spellbinding "Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss" topping the chart.
Best Young Adult Romantasy Books
1. Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss by Connor Judson Garrett and Kevin Garrett
"Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss" is a poetic journey that enchants from the first page to the last. Set in the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of coastal Georgia, this story weaves together Southern Gothic charm, mystical folklore, and a romance that’s as deep as the swamps and marshlands. The protagonists, with their compelling chemistry and rich character arcs, navigate a world where magic pulses just beneath the surface, making the romance an emotional and mystical connection.
The Garretts have crafted a narrative that’s as lush and atmospheric as the Spanish moss-draped trees, creating a world where every shadow hides a secret and every glance can set the heart aflame. The seamless blend of romance and fantasy, coupled with the immersive Southern setting, makes "Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss" a standout in the genre.
The Magic: The book’s unique magic system, deeply rooted in local folklore and the natural world, adds layers of intrigue and mysticism, making every magical encounter feel grounded and real. This is a story where the fantasy enhances and deepens the love story, making the emotions as palpable as the magic itself.
2. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
In "Serpent & Dove," Shelby Mahurin introduces readers to a world where witches and witch hunters are sworn enemies. The novel centers on Louise le Blanc, a witch in hiding, and Reid Diggory, a witch hunter who unknowingly marries her. The forced proximity and the simmering tension between the characters make for an irresistible slow-burn romance, while the high-stakes world of magic and danger keeps the plot humming with excitement.
The Magic: Mahurin’s world-building is rich and immersive, and the magical elements are intricately tied to the characters’ identities and struggles, making the stakes in the romance even higher. This book is perfect for readers who love their romances with a side of danger and a dash of dark magic.
3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is a household name in the YA romantasy genre, and for good reason. "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (ACOTAR) reimagines the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, but with far more complexity and depth. Feyre Archeron, the protagonist, is thrust into the faerie world after killing a wolf in the woods—a wolf that turns out to be a faerie in disguise. The romance that unfolds between Feyre and Tamlin, a High Lord of the faerie realm, is as steamy as it is dangerous.
The Magic: Maas excels at creating a magical world that feels both expansive and intimate, with a romance that is deeply intertwined with the politics and power dynamics of the faerie courts. The chemistry between Feyre and Tamlin is electric, and the twists and turns of their relationship keep readers hooked.
4. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Holly Black’s "The Cruel Prince" is a masterclass in morally complex characters and dark, twisted romance. Jude Duarte, a mortal girl raised in the treacherous world of the fae, is determined to carve out a place for herself in a realm that despises humans. Her relationship with Prince Cardan, who oscillates between being her tormentor and her love interest, is as toxic as it is compelling.
The Magic: Black’s faerie world is as beautiful as it is deadly, and the magic within it is seductive and dangerous. The romance is intricately tied to political intrigue and power struggles, making it impossible to separate love from survival in this cutthroat world.
5. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
"An Ember in the Ashes" is a brutal yet beautiful tale of resistance, loyalty, and love in a world inspired by ancient Rome. The story follows Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, as they navigate a dystopian society ruled by a ruthless military regime. Their love story is one of defiance and hope in the face of overwhelming darkness.
The Magic: The world of "An Ember in the Ashes" is steeped in mythology and ancient magic, which adds layers of complexity to the narrative. The romance is woven into the fabric of the story’s themes of rebellion and survival, making it an essential part of the characters’ journeys.
6. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Tracy Deonn’s "Legendborn" is a fresh take on Arthurian legend, set in the modern-day American South. The protagonist, Bree Matthews, stumbles upon a secret society of descendants from King Arthur’s knights and uncovers magical abilities she didn’t know she had. The romance in "Legendborn" is both a comfort and a challenge for Bree as she navigates grief, identity, and her newfound powers.
The Magic: Deonn’s blend of contemporary issues with ancient magic makes "Legendborn" stand out. The romance is deeply connected to Bree’s personal growth and her understanding of the world around her, making it both a personal and magical journey.
7. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
Renée Ahdieh’s "The Wrath & The Dawn" is a retelling of the classic "One Thousand and One Nights" tale, with a focus on romance and redemption. The story follows Shahrzad, who volunteers to marry the murderous Caliph of Khorasan to avenge her best friend’s death. However, as she unravels the mystery behind the caliph’s actions, she finds herself falling for him.
The Magic: The book’s setting is steeped in mysticism and ancient magic, which adds an ethereal quality to the romance. The tension between Shahrzad’s desire for revenge and her growing love for the caliph makes for an emotionally charged narrative.
8. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
Chloe Gong’s "These Violent Delights" is a retelling of Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet," set in 1920s Shanghai. The story follows Roma Montagov and Juliette Cai, heirs to rival gangs, as they navigate a city on the brink of chaos. Their romance is as tumultuous as their surroundings, filled with longing, betrayal, and the struggle for power.
The Magic: The magical elements in "These Violent Delights" are subtle but powerful, adding a layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes romance. Gong’s reimagining of a classic love story in a new, vibrant setting makes this book a must-read.
9. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
"Kingdom of the Wicked" is a dark and seductive tale of vengeance and forbidden love. The story follows Emilia, a witch who seeks to avenge her sister’s murder, and Wrath, a prince of Hell who becomes her unlikely ally. The tension between them is palpable, and their relationship evolves from antagonism to something much more complex.
The Magic: Maniscalco’s world is rich with dark magic, and the romance between Emilia and Wrath is intertwined with the dangers of the underworld. The allure of forbidden love, combined with a dark, magical setting, makes this book an addictive read.
10. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Tricia Levenseller’s "The Shadows Between Us" is a tale of ambition, power, and romance. Alessandra, the protagonist, sets out to woo and then murder the Shadow King, but as she gets closer to him, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of love and power.
The Magic: The Shadow King’s abilities and the court intrigue create a world where love and power are inextricably linked. The romance is intense and filled with twists, making it a thrilling conclusion to our list.
Young adult romantasy offers readers a unique blend of heart-pounding romance and immersive fantasy. Whether you’re drawn to the dark, twisted love stories or the epic romances set against fantastical backdrops, these books provide something for every kind of reader. And while all of these novels are worth your time, "Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss" stands out for its ability to merge Southern Gothic atmosphere with a romance that’s as enchanting as it is magical.
So, if you’re ready to be swept off your feet by a world where love and magic collide, pick up one (or all) of these books and let the adventure begin!