Elaborate world-building, intricate magical systems, wars and mythologies, and of course, dragons, witches and faeries. In this special edition of “Bookmarked: The Under the Radar Book Club,” we’re diving into one of today’s most popular and best-selling genres taking over bookstores — and your social media feeds: “romantasy.” That’s romance plus fantasy.
Writer Celestine Martin, author of “Wishful Thinking,” “Kiss and Spell” and the forthcoming “Deja Brew,” said romantasy is the perfect genre for her cozy paranormal romance novels. In her books, Martin creates modern worlds with whimsical, magical touches.
“There had to be, like, ‘Oh, there’s a gargoyle walking down the street!’ Or, ‘There’s a mermaid out at the Jersey Shore!’” Martin said.
Romantasy relies on deeply character-driven stories. For writer Diana Gabaldon, best-selling author of the “Outlander” series, the pacing and setting of her books emerged based on her characters, starting with her female protagonist, Claire Randall.
“I don’t plan my books. I don’t write in a straight line. So, I didn’t begin with the romance at all,” Gabaldon said. “I started with this World War II nurse, and it was a straight historical novel, until she didn’t speak the way an 18th-century woman would.”
The meteoric rise of romantasy can be credited in part to its popularity on social media, making authors like Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros and Jennifer L. Armentrout global stars, alongside book influencers making content about their books. But a need for escapism cannot be discounted.
Writer Alexandra Rowland, author of several works in the “Chantiverse” series, including “A Taste of Gold and Iron,” “A Conspiracy of Truths” and “Some by Virtue Fall,” said novels like theirs can transport readers from their worlds to what is sometimes a more calming and accepting space.
“I often talk about how as authors, sometimes the job is maybe not valued as much as it could be, but we are in the business of saving lives in a very real way,” Rowland said. “How often have you been going through a really tough time and picked up just the right book, at just the right moment, that gave you that sense of peace and shelter and safety and joy?”
Guests:
Celestine Martin, author of “Witchful Thinking,” “Kiss and Spell,” and the forthcoming “Deja Brew” in fall 2024.
Diana Gabaldon, best-selling author of the “Outlander” series.
Alexandra Rowland, author of several works in the “Chantiverse” series, including “A Taste of Gold and Iron,” “A Conspiracy of Truths,” and “Some by Virtue Fall.”
