Check out the YA romantasy books Penguin employees are loving.
There is arguably no type of book that offers a greater sense of escapism than a well-written YA romantasy.
From immaculate world-building to incredible characters – and the perfect hint of romance – what’s not to adore?
The hard part is deciding which book to read first. To help you get a head start, we asked a few Penguin Random House Australia employees which YA fantasy books they’re enjoying.
Read on for their recs – your TBR is about to get some worthy new additions.
Hannah, Key Account Manager
I absolutely love YA fantasy so I’m always on the lookout for something fresh, original and addictive – The Girl With No Reflection is all of these things. It has everything you could want in a romantasy and more, including a gripping enemies-to-lovers romance, a compelling world inspired by Chinese mythology and gorgeous writing. Ying is a fantastic main character, and the parallel world she uncovers inside the mirrors of the royal palace introduces a mystery to the story that will have you reading long into the night!
The Girl with No Reflection by Keshe Chow
Tanaya, Marketing Executive
I adore the Assistant to the Villain books. They’re the perfect balance of whimsical fun with the tension of a good slow-burn romance. They feel like a fairytale brought to life and are a great starting point for those looking to get into the romantasy genre. This book, Apprentice to the Villain, is book number two in the series but it’s just as good as the first. Dare I say, I may even love it more? It’s fun, funny and totally one-of-a-kind. Highly recommend!
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Holly, Marketing Executive
Where the Dark Stands Still is a YA romantasy full of Polish folklore and dark secrets. Imagine Howl's Moving Castle set in the world of The Witcher, and this is what you get – complete with a crumbling sentient manor and snarky house spirits.
Desperate to quell the unstable magic within her, Liska Radost enters the forbidden forest, searching for the magic flower, rumoured to grant wishes. What she finds instead is the Leszy, the demon of the forest. The hot demon. He gives her two choices, make her way back through the deadly woods and go home, or become his apprentice, and after a year, he will grant her wish.
Equal parts cozy and creepy, Where The Dark Stands Still gets five stars from me.
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
Georgie, Campaign Manager
We all love an enemies-to-lovers romantasy, and Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark (coming January 2025) delivers it in the best way possible. Set in a war-torn world of demons and exorcists, it follows Jules, a battle-scarred soldier and Selene, a tough-as-nails exorcist with a dark past. It’s filled with secrets, tension and forbidden love. It’s impossible to put down once you dive in!
Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark
Cruel is the Light doesn’t come out until January 2025, but readers are already raving about it.
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