The Rise of Romance: Why Young Readers Are Drawn to Steamy Fantasy Novels
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The "romantasy" subgenre, which merges elements of romance and fantasy, has gained significant traction on social media platforms, particularly with the hashtag #BookTok highlighting provocative reads often referred to as "fairy porn." Titles such as A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros are captivating the attention of Gen Z and millennial audiences through their intricate fantasy settings and enticing, explicit scenes. These works provide a tantalizing escape that is both blush-inducing and irresistibly engaging.
The Allure of steamy romance and complex characters
The appeal of passionate romance and multifaceted characters has made these books a trending topic online, with readers lauding their engrossing narratives and character development. An anonymous reader in their 30s described the experience to The Telegraph as “the literary equivalent of a guilty pleasure—a blend of indulgence, a hint of guilt, and an irresistible invitation to immerse oneself after a demanding day.”
What distinguishes these stories is their depiction of male characters, which combines traditional masculinity—strength, authority, and passionate encounters—with unexpected layers of vulnerability and emotional richness. "It's something about the wings," the reader remarked, alluding to the fantasy elements. Works like Fourth Wing have been compared to a combination of "The Hunger Games" and 50 Shades of Grey, as highlighted by the Daily Mail, while A Court of Thorns and Roses (often abbreviated as ACOTAR) has been openly referred to as "smut" by some critics.
How Internet reacts
The online response has been enthusiastic. "These books are delightfully smutty, and I'm obsessed. I was late to the party, so now I have a whole stack to binge-read … it's perfect," expressed a TikTok content creator with excitement. A particularly provocative excerpt from A Court of Mist and Fury, the sequel to ACOTAR, exemplifies its appeal: “With one long claw, he shredded through silk and lace, and my undergarment fell away in pieces.”
Indeed, women are boldly engaging with this explicit content in public spaces. One TikTok user humorously remarked, "Reading 'ACOTAR' in public is a true challenge for maintaining composure." The allure of such literature is unmistakable. As noted by The Guardian, "It is more affordable than travel and more enjoyable than therapy." Another enthusiast expressed to The Telegraph that the series offers a complete escape: "It is thrilling and entirely fantastical—nothing akin to my own existence. I find myself somewhat captivated."
Numerous TikTok readers admit to feeling disoriented after completing the series, uncertain about how to proceed. Even reality television personality Chloe Burrows, known from Love Island, confessed to having "fallen in love" with the character Rhys, revealing that she experienced feelings of "depression" upon finishing the narrative.
