As you go through the online sources to differentiate between ‘romantic fantasy’ and ‘fantasy romance’, you find various discourses between the readers in relation to these subgenres. It is amazing to see that readers take that much interest in this discourse, as it offers a good exposure to books that lie in these subgenres.
Still, there needs to be more literature in understanding these subgenres and why they are different from each other.
So, this blog will make you aware of the actual differences between ‘romantic fantasy’ and ‘fantasy romance’ while also highlighting examples of books.
Let’s begin with short definitions of these genres!
Defining ‘Romantic Fantasy’ and ‘Fantasy Romance’
Before discussing the definitions of ‘romantic fantasy’ and ‘fantasy romance,’ readers need to know that these subgenres share a few things, including fantasy settings, romantic tension, fantasy tropes, and romantic tropes.
‘Fantasy Romance’ is a romance story surrounded by a fantasy world; however, the major focus remains on the romantic plot because the story breaks down if you remove the romance. Just like contemporary romance novels, fantasy romance books also include endings based on ‘happy for now’ or ‘happily ever after’.
On the contrary, romance is basically considered a subplot in ‘Romantic Fantasy’, which means that if one takes romance away, then there is still room in the story to make sense for the readers. Basically, the story revolves around the fantasy world and characters, and romance doesn’t play a central role, or you may say that it’s not the core of the story.
Blur Lines Between the Genres
It is crucial to give readers a distinctive subgenre so that they can choose what they like. However, the structure of ‘romantic fantasy’ and ‘fantasy romance’ is separated by a very thin line. Sometimes, readers cannot distinguish between the two genres, and they can cross the boundary between the two multiple times. There is a significant blurred line between romantic fantasy and fantasy romance that is mainly based on the focus of the plot.
Most authors classify their books into both genres because their core purpose remains to sell books; however, some intellectual authors categorize their books according to readers’ appreciation, such as not all readers are fond of romantic fantasy due to their preference for fantasy romance.
On different social media pages, you find romantic fantasy vs. fantasy romance, and readers take too much interest in explaining their point. According to one distinctive discourse, romantic fantasy is seen as a subgenre of fantasy, as the fantasy elements come first, while fantasy romance is a subgenre of romance, allowing romantic elements to come first.
Popular Sub-Genres of ‘Fantasy Romance’
As a subgenre, fantasy romance specifically focuses on the love or romance side of the story. This subgenre also has elements of world-building, and it is often softer than romantic fantasy. Fantasy romance never overwhelms the romantic storyline.
So, let’s explore some of the popular subgenres of fantasy romance.
- Alternative History: This is where speculative fiction meets romance. In this specific subgenre, some elements are taken from history.
- Contemporary Fantasy: These are modern stories based on magical creatures that exist in the real world.
- Urban Fantasy: In modern settings, this fantasy takes readers on an action-packed adventure with a grittier and moodier edge, where danger or suspense balances out.
- Epic Fantasy: This subgenre targets a story set in a fantastical world, with a plot related to a struggle between good and evil and a quest for identity and destiny.
- Historical Fantasy: In the fictional settings, historical figures and events are taken alongside magic.
Example of ‘Fantasy Romance’
In the race of romantic fantasy vs. fantasy romance, we cannot depict readers’ expectations from both genres; however, various authors follow their narratives while targeting fantasy romance as their genre. So, let’s explore a fantasy romance, “Retreads,” by Jim Blythe.
“Retreads” by Jim Blythe
“Retreads‘ is a fantastic story that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride full of romantic features from the very first page till the last page. The story surrounds the main character, Monica, and her friends, who are on a quest to find their love later in life. Many of the stations portrayed by Jim Blythe in this fantasy romance are hysterical while having charming characters.
This story is particularly based on the romantic plot, and you can’t take your eyes off the incredibly relatable sequences that are equally funny and close to reality. If you are divorced, widowed, single, and in any phase of your life, “Retreads” by Jim Blythe is for you to explore romance in the most hilarious representation. Readers will have a broader context on the single life, along with a flowing writing style, winning main characters, and also great dialogues that make this read an amazing fantasy romance for everyone.
Example of ‘Romantic Fantasy’
In romantic fantasy, the fantastical elements surpass the romantic plot while providing epic and incredibly entertaining storytelling. In a similar context, “Fourth Wing: Empyrean” by Rebecca Yarros is a great deal in this specific subgenre.
“Fourth Wing: Empyrean” by Rebecca Yarros
For all the fans of romantic and adventure-filled fantasy, Rebecca Yarros comes up with a riveting tale where dragons meet fragile humans. This book by Rebecca deserves all the hype and appreciation because it is the perfect mixture of romance and high stakes and all the vibes it carries.
From beginning to end, readers find all the romantic elements, but the fantasy game is on-point, making it one of the best romantic fantasies. The romantic sequence between Tairn and Violet is so much fun. Still, Rebecca impresses the readers with her extraordinary storytelling, such as the details of dragons and everything that anyone wants from a fantasy book.
Conclusion
Coming to the final thoughts, there is a need to repeat that romantic fantasy and fantasy romance are two different genres. However, these genres need to be addressed on the basis of their individuality.
If you’re an enthusiast of fantasy romance, don’t forget to have a look at “Retreads” by Jim Blythe; however, you can also find some great fantasy romances on Amazon.