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submitted 1 month ago by cannedtuna@lemmy.world to c/books@lemmy.world
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[-] dogslayeggs@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago

Ngl, this post reminds me of the backlash that seems to follow anything coded for women that becomes really popular.

I don't fucking hate that romantasy is being made, just that the percentage of fantasy that is centered on anything other than love is so low I have a hard time finding anything new I like. Just like I'm sure you were frustrated that your only option for romance was from the ripped bodice section and wanted more branching out. I'm upset that the fantasy genre has swung so hard. I've read fantasy books that were pretty decent that had romance as a large section, but most of the time it's either men writing women badly or writing wish fulfillment porn, or women writing toxic and/or angsty shit.

If you want a recommendation of what NOT to read when choosing new romantasy, avoid the Clocktaur set of books. Not only is the romance both angsty AND toxic, but the author switches between first and third person while also switching who the first person character is mid-chapter. Also, all of the characters constantly pinch their noses in consternation. It was really promising world building ruined by bad writing. A much better romantasy set of books was the Shepherd King set (One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns). It isn't great, but the romance part was better written, and the magic system was very unique and interesting.

this post was submitted on 29 Jun 2026
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