During a period where literacy rates are falling, new trends and genres are gaining traction and drawing in new readers. For the past few years, the Romantasy genre, a coming together of Fantasy and Romance, has taken the forefront in literary sales across the world. This is also proving to be true in a place like Portland, Maine. 

While plotlines and stories differ from book to book, certain elements of fiction remain the same for readers: a want for adventure and relatability. An epic fantasy tale may be one that checks the boxes in an adventure novel, but relatability comes from connection. The fusion of Romance and Fantasy provides an “entry-level point for new readers and people looking to get back into reading,” says Emily at Back Cove Books here in Portland. The genre is gaining such great attraction that some stores have created specific sections to help readers navigate and find what they’re looking for within the store. 

A recent article published by The Guardian details that after a drop in readers over the course of twenty years, the US saw a rise in book sales last year after a two-year decline. The popularity of the genre has had a clash in opinion among the public. In an article from the Cornell Daily Sun, Blanchard writes, “Spicy Booktok romantasy readers seem to think they have discovered the new Golden Age of literature.” Buzzwords like ‘spice-level’, referring to the book’s sexual content, are common on TikTok and other socials, aimed to give readers the preferred adventure and relatability they’re looking for. Classic authors like Jane Austen, whose novels were a foundational point in the romance genre, received criticism for their writings not being of a ‘weightier issue”. A quote from BBC speaking on Romantasy’s rise, “Sometimes they are just a really fun read and sometimes they are a beautiful exploration of grief.”

Among other local bookstores, top-selling genres include poetry, non-fiction, and autobiographies, though the market leaders have routinely been Romantasy and Romance. Josh Christie, one of the owners of Print: A Bookstore in downtown Portland, Maine, noted that popular platforms like TikTok, and the community of “Book-Tok” within it have sent new readers into his store excited to pick up trending titles and books by authors with rapidly rising popularity like Rebecca Yarros and Sarah J. Maas. Yarro’s book Fourth Wing spent over nine months on the New York Times bestseller list, selling over two million copies. 

While the controversy around the genre and its aptitude in literature exists in conversation, the number of readers is on the rise, with the genre making a considerable contribution. A new wave of readers is escaping into words and worlds that are both easily approachable and immersive. Romantasy may just be your next read for the engaging adventure and relatability that is taking others by storm.