Bookworms take note: The romance genre has been experiencing a real boom in recent years. Andrea Heumann, Managing Director of Thalia Austria, reveals what it’s all about.
What is romance?
Romantasy is an artificial word made up of romance and fantasy and combines the two worlds. It
is about fantastic stories with a love story at the center. The emotional relationships between the characters always form the core of the plot. “Romantasy shows how strongly stories can connect our longing for love and fantasy,” says Andrea Heumann, Managing Director of Thalia Austria.
When did this trend, which is currently being pushed on TikTok, start?
Romantic fantasy has been around as a genre since the 1990s and has continued to develop over the 2000s.
also established itself in German-speaking countries. It became really popular in 2020 thanks to the dynamism of BookTok. Since then, romance, alongside new adult and dark romance, has been one of the strongest growth segments in the young adult and all-ages sector. The most recent example is the third volume of the Onyx Storm series, which broke sales records this year. “For many young people, the genre is more than just a trend. It is an invitation to immerse themselves in new worlds and experience emotions that are universal,” says Heumann.
What elements are typical of romance?
Central themes are love, self-discovery and the fight for good. Readers often accompany young protagonists on their journey through magical worlds in which they have to overcome trials and conflicts. The trope Enemies to Lovers is particularly popular: initial antagonists develop into actual love interests.
What distinguishes books in the romance category from romance novels in a fantasy scenario?
The reading motif is crucial: in romance fantasy, the love story remains the core, it could theoretically exist without fantasy. The fantastic background reinforces the emotions and conflicts. It is therefore a supplement and amplifier, not just a backdrop.
Are the authors more likely to be women or is it a male-dominated genre? genre?
Romance is strongly female-dominated, both on the author side and in the communities. Large female and queer fan communities have developed on social media in particular, which experience romance as a safe space. At the same time, everyone is welcome.
Are there still subdivisions within Romantasy?
Yes, and they are diverse:
– Urban fantasy romance: a modern world with a touch of magic.
– High fantasy romance: epic worlds in the style of “The Lord of the Rings”, but with
a great love story at its heart.
– New adult romance: stories with protagonists from their mid-20s, often somewhat more mature
and emotionally more intense.
Here are three current book tips:
Ali Hazelwood: “Mate – The unreasonable impossibility of love”
A brilliant mix of science, humor and romance – full of energy and light-heartedness.
activity.
You can find the book here: To Thalia (click)
Callie Hart: “Quicksilver – Daughter of Silver. Prisoner of the Shadows”
Dark romantic fantasy full of secrets and magical attraction.
You can find the book here: To Thalia (click)
Brittney Arena: “A Dance of Lies”
Intrigue, forbidden feelings and a strong heroine – perfect ingredients for romance fans.
You can find the book here: To Thalia (click)
Our expert
Hamburg-born Andrea Heumann has been at the helm of Thalia Austria since 2021.
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