Fairies, dragons, witches and wizards. But what if we throw a little romance into the mix? “Romantasy” is a genre that combines fantasy and romance. And recently it has taken off. – I have read a bit of “The Lord of the Rings”, but it quickly became boring. Romantasy has an atmosphere that makes it even more interesting to follow, says Vilde Stangeland Rostrup. Rostrup discovered the genre via TikTok. Photo: Maja Mathisen / news In 2021, she discovered “booktok”, which is TikTok’s room for book lovers. – Suddenly I found the author Sarah. J. Maas, also became the best romance I have ever read. Read over 50 books And it was to be the start of something new for Rostrup. – In one year I read more than 50 books. Not just romance, because if you read a whole series it might be okay with a light romance book in between. But then I go back to romance with its complex worlds again. – “A Court of Mist and Fury” is among the favourites. It is probably the most typical romance book that exists, but it is popular for a reason. Through the whole book you can see handwriting and neon-coloured notes. Had to expand It is noticeable in the bookshops that the genre has increased in popularity. Vibeke Viland, general manager at Norli in Langgata in Sandnes, says that they have expanded the space in the store as a result of its popularity. – I think it has become popular because the world we live in now is not so cool during the day. Then it’s nice to escape into a fantasy world and have a break from the real one. General manager at Norli in Sandnes, Vibeke Viland, will read something from the genre herself. Photo: Maja Mathisen / news She finds that it is most popular among young girls, but that adults also buy a book or two in the genre. – I have not read any of these popular books myself. But I’m thinking of trying something from Sarah. J. Maas, who is the queen of this genre, says Viland. Among other things, these romance books can be found on several booksellers’ top lists: A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015). Sarah J. Maas. Fourth Wing (2023). Rebecca Yarros. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016). Sarah. J. Maas Powerless (2023). Lauren Roberts. Iron Flame (2023). Rebecca Yarros. Long waiting lists If you want to borrow the most popular books, you should be patient. At the Deichman library they have 16 copies of “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas. There are 88 people on the waiting list. On Sølvberget in Stavanger it says “long wait” under the same title. Do you read romance? Yes, I am totally hooked! 🧝♂️🧚♀️✨ I prefer fantasy without cliche 🧙♂️🔮🌙 Don’t read fantasy or fiction 📖👀 I don’t read 🤷♀️ Show result – We don’t usually see so many people on a waiting list for a title very often, says special librarian for children’s and youth media in Deichman, Marie Alming. She became familiar with the term romance earlier this year. Marie Alming, special librarian for children’s and youth media in Deichman. Photo: Stian Hope / Deichman – I have seen the term in foreign media, and it is widely discussed on TikTok. She believes that interest in the genre can come from other popular titles and TV series. – After the TV series “Game of Thrones”, interest in fantasy may have increased. Intrigues, love relationships and family situations are also important there. It can inspire you to read such books as well. Published 10.09.2024, at 2 p.m
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Romance books have become popular – long waiting times at libraries – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
