I’m a Fake Romantasy Reader – Recommendations Needed!

I’m a Fake Romantasy Reader. It’s a popular genre right now. I’ve dipped my toes into the genre with Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series. However, my read and readalong of that series is very quickly going to come to a close. I’m reading the last book now, so the question is… what next? 

So, I’m here to ask your help. I want to try more of the genre, but I confess there are elements of Throne of Glass and others I am less keen on. If you are a huge fan and are well-read in the genre, I would love a recommendation from you on what to pick up next! 

What I’m Looking For

I find books that are too character-driven and lack action don’t engage me. I like there to be a REASON a character is going on their journey. Likewise, I don’t like a book that is too busy. I’ve DNF’d fantasy books in the past like Gardens of the Moon because it jumps around too quickly and we don’t get any chance to invest in any character or subset of characters. 

What I’d Like in Romantasy 

• Plenty of action to keep the plot moving and exciting
• I love magic systems and complexity to a fantasy world
• Characters to spend time with and get invested in
• The more epic the fantasy, the better. Think multi-perspective, action spanning the whole map kinda deal
• Overlap with another loved genre would be great – historical, sci-fi are examples

What I Wouldn’t Like in Romantasy

• I’m not a big romance fan or reader, something light-touch on the romance would be preferred
• Reading anything to explicit or graphic will make me cringe – it will be a reason I DNF a book
• I’m not hugely fussed on Fae/supernatural character types, though not a deal-breaker

So… give me recommendations! 

Do you know a book that fits this brief, wholly, in part, or a book that you think might challenge my perspective? 

If so, drop me a recommendation in the comments and tell me why you think I’ll enjoy it. I’m open to try and push my boundaries, so let me know what I can read to reverse my fake romantasy reader status! 

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