Bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair names her 5 favourite romantasy books

There's nothing better than sitting back after a long day and unwinding with a good book. But choosing your next read is sometimes easier said than done; do you opt for the latest big release everyone's talking about online, try something recommended to you by a friend or just pick something at random?

If you like reading fantasy or romantasybooks, it can be even harder to choose, thanks to a never-ending supply of recommendations on TikTok. Luckily, number one New York Times bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair is on hand with five of her own favourites, perfect for any romantasy fan.

Scarlett's own books include the Hades X Persephone Saga, the Hades Saga and the Adrian X Isolde series. Her latest book, Terror at the Gates, is a feminist retelling of Lilith's story, marking the start of an all-new fantasy series, Blood of Lilith.

Without further ado, here are Scarlett's top five romantasy recommendations. And for more book reviews and news, click here to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.

1. Master of Crows by Grace Draven

"Grace Draven was writing romantasy before it had a name and let me tell you, she is a QUEEN. I was honestly torn between Master of Crows and Radiance for this list, but Master of Crows was my first romantasy and is, therefore, sentimental.

"The book follows Martise, a woman with an orgasmic voice (my words but we all know the MC is thinking it), who is sent to spy on Silhara of Neith. Silhara, Master of Crows, is under attack from Corruption, a god with immense power who wishes to use Silhara as a vessel to take over the world.

"I think I loved this book so much because there is nothing extraordinary about these two main characters. Despite magic, they feel like normal people struggling with everyday challenges. Silhara is grumpy... and Martise has the patience of a saint. Watching them fall for each other is frustratingly entertaining."

You can buy Master of Crows on Amazon.

2. The Winter King by C.L. Wilson

"The Winter King by C.L. Wilson is the first in the Weathermages of Mystral Series. It’s unfinished, but each book can be read as a standalone.

"In The Winter King, we are introduced to Wynter Atrialan who has just conquered the land of Summerlea and is tricked into marrying one of its princesses, the fierce Khamsin Coruscate whose storm magic makes for some tense scenes and passionate encounters. At its heart, this book is a romance set in a vibrant and chilly fantasy world—and, yes, the puns are intended."

You can buy The Winter King from Waterstonesor Amazon.

3. Her Soul for a Crown by Alysha Rameera

"Her Soul for a Crown is a debut romantasy by Alysha Rameera. Inspired by Sri Lankan mythology, this tale follows Anula, a fierce and determined heroine who has every intention of marrying the raja who destroyed her kingdom—all so she can poison him and take this throne.

"When things don’t exactly go as planned, she’s forced to make an offering to Reeri, the Blood Yakka, a divine being who has goals of his own. Her Soul for a Crown was inspired by one line Alysha read in a book about a Sri Lankan queen who poisons six of her husbands for the throne.

"Unlike my previous two recommendations, I’d say Her Soul for a Crown leans heavier on fantasy than romance, though the slow burn is burning for sure. My favourite thing about Alysha’s writing is her vibrant and meticulous world-building. This one is a must read and out August 12!"

You can pre-order Her Soul for a Crown from Waterstonesor Amazon.

4. The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard

"Amalie Howard wrote one of my favourite regency romances, The Beast of Beswick, so when she announced a romantasy inspired by Persian and Indian mythology, I said gimme! The Starlight Heir follows Suraya Saab, a bladesmith with dreams bigger than her small forge. When she receives an invitation to participate in a set of trials to become the prince’s bride, she sees it as a chance at adventure. The only issue is the prince isn’t actually looking for a bride, he’s looking for the Starkeeper, a girl with the magic of stars in her blood.

"Amalie manages to weave a fast-paced plot with a slow burn romance that leaves you breathless and yearning for more. If you are looking for something familiar and fantastical, this one is for you!"

You can buy The Starlight Heir from Waterstonesor Amazon.

5. For Ever by Jenny Hickman

"Jenny Hickman is in her cosy fantasy era and I am obsessed. For Ever is about a young woman named Kerris who is on the hunt for a husband, but most importantly, love.

"She has no lack of potential suitors—among them, the Prince of Rosehill—but all of these handsome Seelie men are sidelined when Kerris lays eyes on Everett Gathin, a brutally sweet Unseelie warrior. What follows is a whimsical tale of forbidden love best enjoyed with a cup of tea, a soft blanket, and a roaring fire."

You can buy For Ever from Waterstonesor Amazon.

Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair is out now (Bloom Books, £18.99 hardcover)