In the ever-expanding world of young adult literature, YA romantasy books continue to dominate bestseller lists and capture readers’ hearts. This magical blend of fantasy worlds and swoon-worthy romance creates the perfect escape for readers seeking both adventure and love stories. As we dive into 2025, let’s explore the most captivating YA romantasy books that deserve a spot on your bookshelf.
Table of Contents
- What Makes YA Romantasy Books So Irresistible?
- Best YA Romantasy Books to Read in 2025
- Top 10 Must-Read YA Romantasy Books
- 1. Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
- 2. The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae
- 3. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
- 4. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
- 5. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
- 6. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- 7. The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson
- 8. The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
- 9. Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
- 10. The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen
- Why YA Romantasy Books Are More Than Just Trends
- Finding Your Next YA Romantasy Book Obsession
- Conclusion
What Makes YA Romantasy Books So Irresistible?
YA romantasy books offer the best of both worlds: the enchantment of fantasy settings combined with the emotional depth of romance. These stories typically feature young protagonists navigating supernatural worlds while dealing with matters of the heart. The genre has exploded in popularity thanks to its ability to blend magical elements with relatable coming-of-age experiences.
Best YA Romantasy Books to Read in 2025
Top 10 Must-Read YA Romantasy Books
1. Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
This captivating YA romantasy book introduces readers to Kazi, a reformed thief turned queen’s soldier, and Jase, the new leader of a powerful dynasty. When their paths collide, mistrust and deception mark their initial interactions. However, as they navigate political intrigue and danger, their relationship transforms from hostility to something far more complex. Set in the same world as Pearson’s acclaimed Remnant Chronicles, this enemies-to-lovers tale delivers both heart-racing adventure and slow-burn romance.
2. The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae
In this thrilling YA romantasy book, Zahru lives in a kingdom where magic determines your worth. When she accidentally volunteers for the Crossing—a deadly race across the desert where the winner becomes a human sacrifice to grant the crown prince incredible power—she finds herself caught between three royal siblings with complex motivations. As Zahru forms unexpected connections with her captors, especially the enigmatic Prince Jet, she must decide who deserves her loyalty while fighting for her survival.
3. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
From the author of the bestselling Caraval series comes this enchanting YA romantasy book following Evangeline Fox. Desperate to stop the love of her life from marrying someone else, Evangeline makes a dangerous deal with the immortal Prince of Hearts, Jacks. In exchange for his help, she must complete three seemingly impossible tasks. Filled with whimsical writing and dangerous romance, this story explores the lengths we’ll go to for love and the prices we pay for making deals with fate.
4. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
This beloved YA romantasy book introduces readers to Jude, a mortal girl kidnapped to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie after her parents’ murder. Despised by many fae, especially the cruel Prince Cardan, Jude is determined to earn a place at court despite her mortality. As political conspiracies unfold, Jude and Cardan’s complicated relationship evolves from bitter hatred to something far more dangerous and intoxicating, proving that in faerie, love and hatred can be two sides of the same coin.
5. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
Inspired by “One Thousand and One Nights,” this mesmerizing YA romantasy book follows sixteen-year-old Shahrzad, who volunteers to marry Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan who takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. Intent on avenging her best friend’s death, Shahrzad plans to stay alive by captivating the Caliph with cliffhanger stories. As she unravels the mysteries surrounding the palace and the Caliph himself, her hatred gradually transforms into an unexpected and forbidden love.
6. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
This groundbreaking YA romantasy book series begins with notorious assassin Celaena Sardothien being offered freedom from slavery in exchange for becoming the king’s champion. As she competes against other warriors and assassins, Celaena navigates palace politics, mysterious deaths, and growing relationships with both the charismatic crown prince and the brooding captain of the guard. What begins as a competition story evolves into an epic tale of identity, power, and love across multiple kingdoms and magical realms.
7. The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson
In this unique YA romantasy book, magical crows once provided prosperity to the kingdom of Rhodaire—until they were destroyed by an invading army. Princess Thia, devastated by the loss of her mother and the crows, discovers a crow egg that could restore her kingdom’s power. Forced into an engagement with the enemy prince to keep peace, Thia must navigate court politics while nurturing the last crow and her growing feelings for her supposed enemy. The trilogy blends elements of political intrigue with slow-burn romance and magical creatures.
8. The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
This gripping YA romantasy book introduces Kiva Meridan, a seventeen-year-old healer surviving in the notorious death prison of Zalindov. When the Rebel Queen is captured and Kiva is chosen to keep her alive through deadly magical trials, she finds herself caught in a dangerous game of survival and deception. With mysterious notes from the outside promising her family’s safety and unexpected alliances forming within the prison walls, Kiva discovers that her heart might be as much at risk as her life.
9. Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Inspired by Chinese mythology, this stunning YA romantasy book follows Xingyin, daughter of the exiled moon goddess, who must flee her home when her forbidden magic is discovered. Seeking to free her mother, she disguises herself and trains alongside the Celestial Crown Prince. As she pursues her goal through celestial kingdoms and immortal realms, Xingyin navigates complex romances, magical competitions, and the discovery of her own power in a world of divine beings and mythical creatures.
10. The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen
This dark and compelling YA romantasy book is set in a world where plague-cleansing Crows are the lowest caste, despised yet necessary. Fie, a Crow chief-in-training, agrees to help smuggle a fugitive prince to safety in exchange for protection for her people. As she travels with the arrogant prince and his compassionate bodyguard, Fie finds herself caught between her duty to her caste and her growing feelings for someone she should despise. The trilogy explores themes of prejudice, justice, and finding love across seemingly insurmountable societal divides.
Why YA Romantasy Books Are More Than Just Trends
The enduring appeal of YA romantasy books lies in their ability to combine escapism with emotional resonance. These stories offer readers the chance to explore complex themes like identity, power, and love through the safe distance of fantastical settings. The best YA romantasy books create worlds readers long to visit with characters that feel like friends.
Finding Your Next YA Romantasy Book Obsession
When searching for your next great YA romantasy book, consider what elements speak to you most. Do you prefer academy settings, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, or perhaps folklore-inspired magic systems? The beauty of YA romantasy books is their diversity—there’s truly something for every reader.
Conclusion
YA romantasy books continue to enchant readers with their perfect blend of magical worldbuilding and heart-fluttering romance. Whether you’re new to the genre or a dedicated fan, these top 10 picks offer fresh takes on beloved tropes while delivering the emotional impact and escapism we all crave. As the genre evolves, one thing remains constant: the magic that happens when fantasy and romance collide in these unforgettable stories.
So which of these YA romantasy books will you be adding to your reading list first? The beauty of this genre is that there’s always another magical world waiting to be discovered—with a swoon-worthy romance to make the journey even more memorable.
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