I see many 4.5 to 5 star fantasy books. I get excited and read about them only to find out they are really just “romance” or smut type books. Grrr.
I really wish these romance novels would separate themselves from the fantasy genre. It wastes my time seeking out highly rated fantasy books only to find out they are actually romance books.
I wish I could block the romance and smut books when searching for fantasy novels.
It’s disappointing that these romance novels are masquerading as fantasy novels. I do understand these romance novels really are, for the most part, fantasy, but I wish I wish there were a separate category either for the romance fantasy or for the traditional non-romance fantasy novels so I could block them in my searches. I’ve no interest in romance at all.
People will create the most creative, awesome, fantastic worlds just to stick another love triangle in there smh.
You got that right.
Yeah I am not a fan either. I did find that if you filter out YA in general that gets rid of a huge portion of these romance masquerading as fantasy novels. It seems to be super prevalent there. But now YA is bleeding into adult fantasy as well and for that I end up having to read reviews to see if anyone specifically mentioned it.
Just read reviews?
I am only getting new books from library systems and these fantastical romances make up most of the new acquisitions. I don’t really look forward to new book notices because it’s always like 85% were-badger smut now. And then I can’t even rant about it irl because I’d have to explain were-badger porn to people. 🙁.
Do you have the ability to request new books in your library so that that way you could get things you are into? There’s also always shadow libraries.
As an option of last resort I can always find what I’m looking for. But when the product is an individual’s effort I try and walk an honest path.
I’ve requested fairly main stream stuff before, my library systems weren’t responsive. It feels like maybe that the romance fantasy novels they can buy bundled cheaper? And the audience for them are not picky. So it’s an easy way to get a bigger collection numbers and boost patron check-outs, just at the expense of better written books in the broader fantasy genre.
I mean they’re still fantasy books, just with a heavy lean towards romance. If your search criteria is just fantasy there’s no way to know whether you want romance included or not. I get it, I’m tired of YA romance but once you know the authors to look for you can get related books that generally skew towards your preferred type of fantasy
Hmm, what’s been happening is there’s been a merge of genres that’s exploded in popularity, and categories haven’t really kept up with the merging.
As a romantacy fan, I used to get so frustrated that there was never enough of a good fantady plot that balanced well with a great romance. Either it’s a ton of fantasy with barely-there romance, or it’s a romance with shitty plot.
Really, it needs to be a genre of it’s own. We’ll get there one day, but today’s not that day.
Understood. Curious your opinion on these:
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1) Book 1 of 2: The Empyrean | by Rebecca Yarros
The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia Book 1) Book 1 of 2: Crowns of Nyaxia | by Carissa Broadbent
A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 1 of 5: A Court of Thorns and Roses | by Sarah J. Maas
The Song of Achilles: A Novel Kindle Edition by Madeline Miller
I haven’t read Forth Wing yet, but it’s on my list, and I haven’t heard of A Song of Achilles, but I’ll look into that one and get back to you!
The Crowns of Nyaxia were good, in that I enjoyed the first one a lot, but felt that the second one felt flat. I liked the writing style and the characters and world building was good. I also enjoyed the way the MC was torn between the love for her father and her hatred of the thibgs he did. SPOILERS The second book was basically a rehash of the first in terms of romance, which was frustrating and boring to me. The author reset their relationship back to enemies-to-lovers, so I felt there wasn’t any growth between them, just a repeat of the same issues they conquered in the first book. I also felt like every fight scene up until the end was the same in terms of gravity. It got old quick.
ACOTAR was also great, imo. A bit slow, but I like Maas’s writing style, she’s got a good blend of internal thoughts and exterior actions, and all her characters in that series are incredibly distinct. I also enjoyed her version of the whole “trials” trope, even though the riddle was easy to guess. I will admit though, I love the second and third books over the first. They pick up the pace and yeah, im a Rhys fan through and through. I like to pretend books four and five dont exsist, though. :) SPOILERS I had issues with the ending of book 3. People almost dying but then coming back to life is fine if it’s once, but Mass keeps them all alive. Oh well.
I dunno, if you assiduously avoid anything that involves romance, you’re going to miss out on some very good books. Not necessarily high fantasy, but “Outlander” comes to mind. So does “Shadow of the Wind”.
Will keep them in mind for future reference.
I’m the other way. At the moment I’m generally not interested unless there is a good romantic plot with a HEA. It seems like a “you can have both” good fantasy and romance situation.
I don’t mind romance in my fantasy as long as it’s done well. I found a lot of terrible and extraneous “romance” in Teen/YA fiction growing up which convinced me at the time that I disliked any romance in my fantasy. Turns out what I actually dislike is clunky sex scenes written by Mormons whose only experience is being the third at a jump hump.
Had to Google that. All of my will power has been spent not downvoting you in revenge for this new cursed knowledge. Have a good day ma’am/sir/compatriot.
If you’re looking for a fantasy book right now timeline is my favorite. It starts off slow with historians as eventually a company goes to them sending them back in time (to another universe of the same time) to save the professor. It really focuses on the fantasy and medieval part and the ending is amazing. One of my favorite books.
Do you mean Timeline by Michael Crichton?
Honestly if a book has 4.5 stars it could worth a try. I have my book ‘rules’ to avoid and there’s nothing wrong not wanting read something you have no interest. Personally I like romance but I hate 16-20 old angsty stuff or even the 25+ yo ‘i’m a virgin omg’ kind … so I feel your pain :)
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I gave a try to it and its fascinating so far. It’s not nailing me ino the seat more like stays in the corner and nags me from there. :)
The writing could be a bit better but I bet by the end it will be better, leveling up with the story. :DI will put on the list, thank you! The title reminds me of the Innkeeper Chronicles from Ilona Andrews and that was really good.
Right now I’m reading Raine Benares Series from Lisa Shearin. It’s a fantasy and I believe about book 3 there is going to be some serious romancing coming up :)
Haha. I hear you.
