The world of romantasy has taken the literary scene by storm, with Sarah J Maas's series "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (Acotar) leading the charge. The series has sold over 13 million copies, with all five books of the series ranking in the top ten bestselling fantasy titles of 2025 to date. This phenomenal success highlights a growing interest in the romantasy genre, which uniquely blends elements of romance and fantasy, drawing in a largely female audience aged 18 to 44.
At the heart of the Acotar series is Feyre Archeron, an impoverished hunter-gatherer whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is abducted by Tamlin, a high fae and high lord of the Spring Court. Despite her physical prowess, Archeron's journey out of poverty is intricately tied to the men she encounters. This dynamic raises intriguing questions about gender roles, as the series often reverses traditional expectations, with female characters portrayed as beautiful hunters and male characters depicted as bookish hunks.
The series' appeal is partly rooted in its depiction of societies as chaotic as our own, resonating with readers who find themselves drawn into its complex world. The strong connection between the series and its readers is evident, with many experiencing deep emotional responses to its narrative.
"I feel like my family is dying."
A young woman expressed how deeply the story moved her, highlighting the emotional impact of Maas's writing.
While women dominate the readership, representing around 70% of the fiction-buying market, men sometimes find romantasy threatening. This genre challenges traditional gender roles and offers a fresh perspective that can be both intriguing and unsettling.
"In reality, they are far stupider than you imagined."
A romantasy fan working in theatre remarked, pointing out the contrast between the idealized worlds within these novels and the realities of everyday life.
The protagonist Feyre Archeron's story captivates readers with her strength and vulnerability. Despite her inability to read, she navigates a world where her survival depends on both her physical abilities and her interactions with powerful men. This struggle against societal constraints resonates with many readers who find themselves rooting for Archeron as she seeks to carve out her own path.
Sarah J Maas, the author of the series, focuses more on friendship than romance in her storytelling. This emphasis provides a refreshing take on interpersonal relationships, offering readers a narrative that explores complex connections beyond conventional romantic tropes.
The success of Acotar is emblematic of a broader trend within romantasy. By blending romance with fantastical elements and challenging traditional gender roles, the genre attracts a diverse readership eager for stories that reflect their realities and aspirations in a chaotic world.