Romantasy is quickly rising as a favorite genre in contemporary literature. Readers like to read romantic stories intertwined with magic and adventure.
Do you also write such books? Then, you definitely want to know how to attract readers’ attention and stand out on the market.
Today, we will reveal the secrets of romantasy book cover design, share tips, and show you 60 stunning examples. Let’s start!
What makes romantasy a unique genre?
Romantasy, also called romantic fantasy or sometimes fantasy romance, is a fantasy subgenre where the love story takes main stage and drives the plot. But it’s essential to distinguish a romantasy book from a fantasy with romance, where the romantic storyline is more of a subplot and not as central to the overall narrative.
The brightest examples of romantasy books are:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
- Powerless by Lauren Roberts
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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Romantasy book cover design elements
If you are a romantasy author and want to signal to potential readers what your books are about instantly, pay attention to the following visual design elements.
Imagery in romantasy book cover design
The imagery on such covers should show that the events occur in a magical world, the story involves a romantic line, and the characters often have supernatural powers.
That’s why we often see enchanted forests, mystical creatures, or dreamy landscapes that hint at the fantasy world inside. At the same time, there might be close-ups of characters gazing into each other’s eyes, holding hands, or standing back-to-back.
Also, romantasy covers can feature objects like a glowing sword, a mystical amulet, or an elegant crown. These objects aren’t just about magic; they also connect to romance. For example, a ring with a hidden meaning or even a rose tied to a love story.
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Color palette
As you might already know, different hues evoke certain emotions and hint at the book’s themes. More about color psychology in book cover design, you can learn from our blog post.
In the romantasy genre, we often see a mix of rich, vibrant colors that blend fantasy and romantic elements. Here are some of the most used hues:
- Purple and violet give off a mystical and magical feel. These colors evoke mystery and enchantment and have a romantic, dreamy quality.
- Blue symbolizes calmness, depth, and trust. In romantasy, it can also show a connection to the elements, like water or the sky.
- Red is all about passion, love, and intensity. When you see red on a romantasy cover, it’s a sign that the story might be full of strong emotions, dramatic events, or a fiery romance.
- Green means nature, growth, and renewal. In romantasy covers, it can represent a connection to the natural world, hinting at enchanted forests and magical creatures.
- Black is used to add depth, drama, and mystery. It can make a cover feel more intense, hinting at the dark side or evil antagonists the characters might face.
- The golden color on a romantasy book cover adds a touch of luxury, warmth, and royalty. It often symbolizes something precious, like a hidden treasure, a powerful artifact, or a noble destiny.
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Romantasy cover design typography
Typography with elegant, flowing lines is common in romantasy covers, as they evoke romance and whimsy. These fonts often have a handwritten or calligraphic quality. They can make the title feel more intimate and inviting.
Also, readers can meet more ornate or decorative fonts. They often have intricate details, like flourishes or serif edges. Such styles suggest a story with ancient magic and otherworldly settings.
Along with typography, extra effects are worth mentioning here. Embossing, gold foiling, or shadowing give words a more three-dimensional, textured look. These effects make the title and author’s name stand out. Also, designers can use glowing or shimmering to hint at magic in the story.
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Romantasy book cover design examples
Since there are never too many examples, we’ve collected some eye-catching romantasy book covers for your inspiration.
In romantasy book cover design, crowns have become a super popular element. They give off that regal and magical vibe central to the genre. Plus, from a design perspective, crowns are versatile. They can be stylized, sleek, and modern, covered in intricate details, depending on the story’s mood.
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Surprisingly, another popular element on romantasy covers is a skull. When readers see it, it instantly gives off a sense of mystery, danger, and the evil side. The skull can symbolize a lot of different things, like mortality, the consequences of power, or even a dark love story that has a bit of an edge.
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Daggers and swords bring to mind epic battles, quests, and a touch of danger. They are about high-stakes adventure, passionate romance, and maybe even a fight for a kingdom or a lover’s heart. These weapons often represent honor, bravery, and the struggle for justice.
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Ornate designs are a big hit when it comes to romantasy book covers. They usually have a lot going on — delicate borders, elegant fonts, and maybe even some gold or silver accents that make the whole thing feel luxurious.
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Flowers add a touch of beauty, elegance, and a hint of romance. They can symbolize love, growth, or even something more mysterious or dangerous. Whether the flowers are framing the cover or subtly woven into the background, they add that extra layer of charm and magic.
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Silhouettes create mystery and intrigue, giving just enough of a hint about the characters or the world without revealing too much. They can depict the main characters but let readers complement their appearances according to their imagination and wishes. It’s an excellent idea to mix silhouettes with double exposure, creating immersive scenes.
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Characters in intimate embraces immediately convey deep emotions and romantic tension, which are vital for romance books. Their poses can range from sweet and gentle to intense and fiery, depending on the story’s tone. Depicting heroes is also a way to show supernatural features and powers.
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One more sudden element seen on romantasy covers is a snake. These animals are perfect for hinting at the darker, more intriguing aspects of a story. Moreover, in many cultures, snakes symbolize transformation, power, and sometimes deception, all of which are common themes in romantasy novels.
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Summing up
Now that you have the essentials, you know how to design a captivating romantasy book cover.
You can feature striking characters or a symbolic object that ties into your story. Remember to choose a color palette that sets the right romantic and fantasy tone. When it comes to typography, consider using serif or ornate fonts to enhance the overall feel.
We hope that you found this article inspiring and helpful. Which design impressed you the most? Share with us in the comments.
