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The barrier that has protected Olympus for generations has fallen, and the Thirteen are scrambling to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the city. At least, they would be if they weren’t at each other’s throats.
Hera has no intention of letting her husband, Zeus, survive the oncoming storm. But despite the hatred that burns between them, when they’re forced to work together, enmity crystalizes into something brighter. Hotter. Standing back-to-back in the ruins of Olympus, Hera may be forced to admit that she’s been wrong about Zeus…if they survive long enough to turn enemies into something more.
If there’s one thing humans like to do with stories, it’s retell them. Every fairytale and fable has a million different versions, passed down through oral tradition and treasured storybooks. Creativity inspires new ways to imagine our favorite stories.
Naturally, with the heightened popularity of fantasy and romantasy, beloved tales are used as the premise for new tales. Romantasy is the perfect avenue for retellings because we already know the bones of the story.
Romantasy retellings bring readers into these unique, magical worlds for a closer look. In romantasy retellings, our favorite characters get to expand. We get to see our favorites fall deeply in love and explore new possibilities.
Now,let’s dig into some of the best of the romantasy retellings!
A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
Inspired by Norse mythology, this novel tells the story of Freya, a divine shield maiden, who is trapped in an arranged marriage. The jarl believes Freya’s divinity could be the key to uniting the fractured nations of Skaland and Nordeland. Freya is forced into another marriage with the jarl, while his son, Bjorn, is ordered to protect Freya. As Freya learns to harness her powers, a forbidden romance between Bjorn and Freya begins to spark.First in the Saga of the Unfated, this novel is packed with political intrigue and magic.
A Treachery of Swans of A.B. Poranek
In the land of Auréal, magic has been banned everywhere. To bring magic back, Odile has been preparing for the heist of a lifetime since she was a child. The sorcerer who raised Odile has trained her to impersonate the princess and steal the enchanted crown. When the King is suddenly murdered, Odile’s plan is in shambles, and she needs help from the real princess, Marie d’Odette. The web of lies spread out in front of Odile complicates her mission, as do her growing feelings for the princess. Enchanting and atmospheric, this Swan Lake retelling is a sapphic slow burn.
Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen
When her father is imprisoned in the fae realm, bookish Rosalina must rescue him. Rosalina faces a bargain with the four fae princes: if she can break the curse afflicting the Enchanted Vale, she and her father can return home. Rosalina agrees to help the princes find their true mates to break the curse.Inside the castle, Rosalina is drawn to the four princes, tensions building day by day. Convinced that she might be meant for the princes, Rosalina is determined to save the realm from the devilishly handsome Prince of Thorns. This why-choose Beauty and the Beast retelling is a compelling and sexy read.
Never Ever After by Sue Lynn Tan
Taking inspiration from Chinese mythology and Cinderella, this YA romantasy is the first in a new series. Yining uses her skills as a liar and thief to survive after the death of her uncle. When Yinming finds an enchanted ring, it’s stolen by her step-aunt. To retrieve the ring, Yining must travel to the imperial city. At the palace, Yinmingcatches the eye of the prince, who promises her a world of riches. Yinming is caught in a web of deceit and power play, with only the royal advisor as an ally. Yinming must find the truth for herself to save her future.
Now Comes the Mist by Julie C. Dao
Lucy Westenra hides beneath a mask of beauty and flirtation. Haunted and fascinated by death, she finds companionship in the mysterious Vlad during her nightly walks. Despite her deep connection with Mina, Lucy finds herself opening up more to Vlad. Agreeing to cheat death with Vlad, Lucy joins him on his ship of death. When Vlad is violent, Lucy must fight to save herself before it’s too late. Dao’s queerDraculareimagining is dark and romantic.
The Floating World by Axie Oh
Oh reimagines the Korean legend of theCelestial Maidensin this YA romantasy. Former soldier Sunho lives in the Under World. After his memory loss, he scrapes by with odd jobs. When a bounty is offered for any mercenary who can capture the girl who wields silver light, Sunho sets out to win his treasure. Far to the east, Ren performs as an acrobat with her adoptive family. During a show, the village is attacked by a demonic creature. Ren suddenly releases the power she’s hidden for years, killing the demon and injuring her uncle. Determined to save her uncle, Ren travels towards the source of the monster and her own powers. When Sunho and Ren cross paths, their celestial destinies collide.
A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, has never quite lived up to her title, with flowers wilting at her touch. In New Athens, Persephone hopes to make it as a journalist instead. Then, a chance encounter with Hades, God of the Dead, changes everything. Persephone is now contracted to create new life in the Underworld or lose all of her freedom. Persephone’s struggle becomes more apparent as Hades’s forbidden affections strengthen.
Which tales and fables would you like to see retold as a romantasy next? Step into new romantasy worlds withA Beginner’s Guide to Romantasyor explore romantasy magical systems withRomantasy Novels With Compelling Magic.
