Don't Listen to the Romantasy Haters
The best-selling genre is more than just smut.
Romantasy fiction, where magical beings fall in love, is wildly popular. Sarah J. Maas, its top-selling author, has sold around 75 million copies of her works. According to Honor Jones of The Atlantic, the allure of this genre lies not just in fantastical elements, but in the deep emotional connections between characters. These characters are relatable, grappling with self-doubt and conflicts, while also experiencing desire and wit.
Readers find solace and entertainment in these stories, even if they know they don't reflect real life. While some literary critics lament that only fantasy and supernatural stories sell now, Jones suggests that embracing escapism can actually make life's hardships more manageable and make our world more interesting.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
