Summary
- Prime Video's "Fourth Wing" and Hulu's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" could pave the way for more TV adaptations of romantasy series.
- "The Serpent and the Wings of Night" and "From Blood and Ash" are strong book options for TV adaptations in the romantasy genre.
- Sarah J. Maas has multiple series, such as "Throne of Glass," that would be great picks for TV adaptations in the romantasy genre.
With Prime Video adapting the Fourth Wing series for TV and Hulu adapting A Court of Thorns and Roses, its worth considering 10 more "romantasy" series that could be next in line for an adaptation. The romantasy genre has become wildly popular in literature lately, sparking huge demand from fans for more works in this genre. Hulu's adaptation of A Court of Thorns and Roses happening around the same time as Prime Video's Fourth Wing adaptation, shows that this trend is moving into TV now as well.
Prime Video's Fourth Wing and Hulu's A Court of Thorns and Roses' success, when they eventually come out, will likely play a large role in how many other romantasy series get picked up for TV. If at least one of them is well-received, which may depend on Fourth Wing overcoming a fantasy trap, then there's a good chance that similar series will begin to sprout up across the various streaming services. With that in mind, there are 10 great romantasy book series that are perfect candidates for TV show adaptations.
Casting Elain Archeron For A Court Of Thorns & Roses TV Show
ACOTAR protagonist Feyre Archeron's soft-spoken sister Elain will be a challenge to cast because of the character's subtle complexity and growth.
10 The Serpent And The Wings Of Night — By Carissa Broadbent
Book 1 in Crowns of Nyaxia
While folks worry about casting Amazon's Fourth Wing TV show, one could argue that their time would be better spent seeking an adaptation of Carissa Broadbent's The Serpent and the Wings of Night, the first book in her Crowns of Nyaxia series. The first novel follows its protagonist, Oraya, who looks to find a place for herself in the world of vampires she inhabits. Along the way, Oraya faces untold dangers, and even develops feelings for a rival turned ally. This series has plenty of action and convincing romance, making it a strong option for a TV adaptation.
9 From Blood And Ash — By Jennifer L. Armentrout
Book 1 in Blood and Ash
With so many fantasy book series getting TV and movie adaptations, it would be great to see Jennifer L. Armentrout's From Blood and Ash, the first book in her Blood and Ash series, get an adaptation of its own. This series has an irresistible protagonist, Poppy, whose personal journey to accepting responsibility for her kingdom is one of the best character arcs in fantasy. There is also plenty of engaging romance and loads of powerful symbolism that could translate well to the screen. Blood and Ash has all the makings of a strong book-to-TV adaptation.
8 House Of Earth And Blood — By Sarah J. Maas
Book 1 in Crescent City
With Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses already getting its TV adaptation via Hulu, it would make sense for another of her romantasy series to earn an adaptation. House of Earth and Blood, the first book in Maas' Crescent City series, would be a great option for this. The novel follows Bryce Quinlan, a girl who sets out for revenge after a demon murders her closest friends. The book, and the series as a whole, is loaded with intrigue and mystery, and it would fit perfectly into the modern landscape of fantasy television.
7 Divine Rivals — By Rebecca Ross
Book 1 in Letters of Enchantment
Rebecca Ross' Divine Rivals, the first book in her Letters of Enchantment series, is another strong candidate for a TV adaptation. This series follows Iris Willow, an 18-year-old girl seeking to protect her family in the midst of a war between gods. It has a classic enemies-turned-lovers plot line to satisfy the romantics and plenty of action to appease fans of combat. The book includes fascinating characterizations, and the fantastical sets and conflicts would be epic on-screen. There's no doubt that a well-done adaptation of Divine Rivals would have massive potential.
6 Throne Of Glass — By Sarah J. Maas
Book 1 in Throne of Glass
As one of the biggest names in current fantasy literature, it's no surprise that Sarah J. Maas has multiple series worthy of a TV adaptation. After A Court of Thorns and Roses, if Maas seeks to adapt another of her series, Throne of Glass is a great option. Taking place in a world devoid of magic, Throne of Glass follows an assassin named Celaena Sardothien who seeks to gain her freedom but gets bogged down in a fight for survival. This riveting series could be just what fans need to scratch their romantasy TV itch.
5 Once Upon A Broken Heart — By Stephanie Garber
Book 1 in Once Upon a Broken Heart
Stephanie Garber's Once Upon a Broken Heart is another perfect candidate for a potential TV show adaptation. This romantasy series follows Evangeline Fox, who seeks the help of the nefarious Prince of Hearts in helping her to prevent the love of her life from marrying someone else. The Prince of Hearts agrees to help, but as always, there is a cost. This heart-rending story would make a strongly emotional TV show because of the intense moments of ion littered throughout. With a strong enough cast, Once Upon a Broken Heart could be a brilliant TV show.
4 The Cruel Prince — By Holly Black
Book 1 in The Folk of the Air
The Cruel Prince, by Holly Black, is the first book in Black's The Folk of the Air series, which is one of the most renowned romantasy book series around. The series' main character, Jude, strives to make a place for herself in the High Court of Faerie, but finds her humanity to be a major roadblock. Jude deals with the trauma of losing her parents at a young age and strives to find a place in the world where she truly belongs, making for an engaging main character arc that could properly anchor a potential TV show adaptation.
3 Powerless — By Lauren Roberts
Book 1 in The Powerless Trilogy
Lauren Roberts Powerless is the introduction to her Powerless Trilogy, which has captivated fans since its release in early 2023. The book follows the struggles of Paedyn Gray, a powerless Ordinary trying to survive by any means necessary in a land dominated by the empowered Elites. Paedyn develops feelings for an Elite prince, further complicating her life and making for a proper tangle of intrigue and romance that would fit perfectly into the current TV landscape.
2 Kingdom Of The Wicked — By Kerri Maniscalco
Book 1 in Kingdom of the Wicked
Kingdom of the Wicked, the first book in Kerri Maniscalco's series of the same, would fit snugly into today's fantasy television market. The book starts with a major shock as the main character, Emilia, discovers the brutal murder of her twin sister. Bent on revenge and willing to use any dark magic necessary, Emilia sets in search of retribution. As one might expect, violence, intrigue, and romance blanket the narrative, providing plenty of TV-worthy scenes and no shortage of engaging characters TV fans could connect with.
1 The Bridge Kingdom — By Danielle L. Jensen
Book 1 in The Bridge Kingdom
Danielle L. Jensen's The Bridge Kingdom, the first book in the series of the same name, also has the potential to be a great TV show. The book follows a warrior princess named Lara, who sets out to topple the Bridge Kingdom, only to find herself confused as to which side she should be fighting on. Especially when she begins to develop feelings for the Bridge Kingdom's King, Aren. This series is emotionally complex and full of challenging character arcs that enrich the story, making it a perfect romantasy successor to A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing.