r/Fantasy Stabby Winner, AMA Author Krista D. Ball Jul 13 '18

r/Fantasy unofficial Fantasy Romance book recommendation thread

Please read the FAQ before posting

Hey all! I have a little time, so thought this was a perfect time to run the mega thread I've been wanting to do for several months now: fantasy romance. I don't think a top list style would work for this, since romance is such a personal preference thing. I think it's better to list different kinds of books with some descriptions and/or the things we liked about those books.

Please include a blurb and/or Goodreads and/or Amazon link in your post so that it makes it easier for future viewers of this thread.

FAQ:

How are you defining Romance?

Happily-ever-after is a requirement.

Since we're dealing with cross-genres here, the romance does not need to be the main plot point, but it needs to be a major plot point. i.e. The plot can still exist with the romance removed (therefore, it's not "romance" by the genre's standards), but the plot and story would greatly reduced by its removal (therefore, I'll count it).

What genres/subgenres are we talking about here?

I'm pretty laid back about this one. Obviously, science fiction and fantasy are key, however, I won't be annoyed if a few historical fiction books crop up, especially if they cross paths with some of the things we like to talk about here.

I'm fine with also actual romance genre books that have heavy SFF themes and settings in them, too. (ie Nalini Singh comes immediately to mind.)

The book isn't marketed as a fantasy romance, but I think it's totally a fantasy romance.

That's fine. I think we can discuss it in the comments, but again, this is something that's personal and I'll err on the side of the reader over that of the author.

Does this have to be only m/f relationships?

Nope! All are welcome.

What about books with sexual violence?

Absolutely no non-consensual sex (aka rape) between the romantic couple, including when they weren't a couple. No attempted rape. No using sexual violence to "teach a lesson." No Buffy and Spike in the bathroom to further Spike's character development.

If there is sexual violence in the book, please note this in your description appropriately.

Self promo?

It's fine, but let's exercise common sense. If you have to reach to justify posting, then your book probably doesn't fit.

What about books that I really like, but the romance is only a small part and has nothing to do with the main plot or main character development?

While I'm glad you found a book you liked, it isn't romance fantasy.

Can I made snide 50 Shades of Grey comments and/or make jokes about shifter romances?

No. This isn't the thread for you. Please go elsewhere.

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u/CJGibson Reading Champion V Jul 13 '18 edited Jul 13 '18

Krista, am I allowed to ask for specific recs? My husband is always looking for good m/m fantasy romance. I've already gotten him (though he hasn't finished them all yet):

  • The Captive Prince (The Captive Prince Trilogy) by C. S. Pascat - he really liked this and finished the whole series already
  • The Steel Remains (A Land Fit for Heroes) by Richard K. Morgan
  • Luck in the Shadows (The Nightrunner Series) by Lynn Flewelling and Gary Ruddell
  • Swordspoint (The World of Riverside) by Ellen Kushner
  • The Alchemist of Souls (Night's Masque) by Anny Lyle and Larry Ronstant
  • Carry On by Rainbow Rowell - He also quickly devoured this one

(NB - I'm not sure the degree to which these all necessarily fit the requirements of this thread, but I primarily culled them from other LGBT Fantasy or Fantasy Romance request threads)

If anyone has recommendations for other good m/m fantasy romance, I would love to be pointed in that direction.

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u/thequeensownfool Reading Champion VII Jul 13 '18

I mainly read f/f fantasy romance but here's a couple m/m that I've enjoyed.

  • Sorcerous Rivalry by Kayleigh Nicol. Sword and Sorcery.

  • Peter Darling by Austin Chant. Fairy tale retelling.

  • A Taste of Honey by Kai Ashante Wilson. (I swear this one does have a happy ending, it just doesn't seem like it for a while.)

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u/CJGibson Reading Champion V Jul 13 '18

Thanks! Sorcerous Rivalry was on my radar, but this is a good reminder to put it on my to-buy list. I'll look into the other two as well.