Top 5 romantasy reads, chosen by author Clíodhna O’Sullivan

One of the fastest-growing genres of recent years is romantasy, a portmanteau of ‘romance’ and ‘fantasy’. If you’re intrigued by high-stakes love stories set in fantastical worlds populated by dragons and fairies, debut author Clíodhna O’Sullivan has some recommendations for you

The Earthsea series by Ursula K Le Guin  

This will always be my favourite fantasy – first published in 1968, it is unmatched in its evocation of place and the elegance of its magic. And the slowest of slow-burn romances between Ged the archmage and Tenar the priestess. 

The Broken Earth trilogy by NK Jemisin  

Jemisin’s writing is so good it makes me wonder why I bother writing myself – I should just re-read The Fifth Season. While the series focuses on themes of trauma, Essun’s romantic relationships also explore how love can grow in the shadow of damage.  

Read more:

• Top 5 YA fantasy adventure books, chosen by children’s novelist PM Perry
• Top 5 books inspired by folklore, chosen by Scottish novelist LA MacRae
• Top 5 books about portal adventures for under-12s, chosen by Ben Miller

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros  

I listened to this on audiobook and became very invested in Violet’s relationships with the dragons Tairn and Andarna. The stakes are raised relentlessly as the story goes on and I’m in awe of the world building.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir 

I love the Roman-inspired setting and how its themes consciously echo our own world, as well as the slow-burn romance. 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 

Strictly more speculative than fantasy fiction, but I’ve such affection for Collins’ world-building – how she maintains a strong moral core in a world built on cruelty and violence, and how it’s reflected in Katniss’s choice between Peeta and Gale. 

Her Hidden Fire by Clíodhna O’Sullivan is out now (Penguin Random House, £9.99). These titles are available to buy from the Big Issue shop on bookshop.org, which helps to support Big Issue and independent bookshops.

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