7 Romantasy Series That Need a Live-Action Adaptation ASAP

Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most captivating genres in contemporary fiction is “romantasy”. This genre, fueled by acclaimed series such as Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses and Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean novels, alongside BookTok’s encouragement, has seen a remarkable growth. The romantic fantasy book realm is now teeming with intriguing and layered tales.

From mythical creatures like dragons and the mystique of magic to apocalyptic scenarios and bloodthirsty vampires, this genre offers something for virtually every reader. It’s a world where romance, mystery, and adventure are woven together, limited only by the writer’s creativity… and perhaps the agonizing wait for the next book in the series!

Given the vast array of engaging romantic fantasy stories that have garnered significant popularity, it’s no surprise that they are prime candidates for live-action adaptations. Some series, like Yarros’ Empyrean series (comprising Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, with the latter being the latest release), are in line for a live-action television adaptation. However, there are numerous other romantic fantasy series that we believe would be equally captivating on screen. In fact, we’ve compiled a list of seven such series.

Red Queen

I’ve had the pleasure of immersing myself in Victoria Aveyard’s captivating “Red Queen” series, which comprises the novels “Red Queen” and “Glass Sword,” along with the novellas “Queen Song” and “Steel Scars.” Excitingly, this intriguing saga is slated for a television adaptation, with Peacock spearheading its development. In 2021, it was revealed that Elizabeth Banks would be taking on multiple roles in the series, serving as executive producer, director, and also making an appearance in a significant supporting role.

The “Red Queen” universe unfolds in a dystopian America where society is divided into two groups: the Red-blooded commoners and the Silver-blooded elite. The Silvers possess supernatural abilities and reign tyrannically over the Reds. However, when an impoverished thief named Mare Barrow is thrust into the Silver court, she uncovers a shocking revelation – she too has powers. This discovery challenges the Silver’s narrative of Red inferiority, placing Mare at the forefront of a revolution and at the heart of a personal mystery: how she came to possess these extraordinary abilities in the first place.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’m excited about the potential adaptation of the series, with Beth Schwartz, who previously worked on Arrow, and Aveyard contributing to the pilot script. However, since 2021, there have been no new developments or updates regarding this series that I’ve been eagerly waiting for.

The Bridge Kingdom

Danielle L. Jensen’s “The Bridge Kingdom” series, which includes four books (with the fifth, “The Twisted Throne,” set to be released in April), has garnered much anticipation from readers, who are eagerly waiting for a live-action adaptation. The narrative revolves around Lara, a warrior princess who initially views King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom as her adversary but later starts to harbor feelings for him. Deceived into going to the Bridge Kingdom under the pretense of peace, Lara gradually begins to doubt her beliefs and question the true intentions behind events. Rich with intrigue, romance, and action, “The Bridge Kingdom” resonates with fans of series like “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon.

The Four Horsemen Series

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm for the potential live-action adaptation of Laura Thalassa’s “The Four Horsemen” series. This gripping four-book saga delves into each of the Biblical Four Horsemen – Pestilence, War, Famine, and Death – as they make their chilling arrival on Earth with a mission to bring about its end.

The first book, “Pestilence,” introduces us to Pestilence himself, as he embarks on his destructive quest against humanity. However, things take an unexpected turn when he encounters a resilient young firefighter named Sara, determined to thwart his plans. Pestilence captures Sara and continues his mission, but as she persists in her efforts to stop him, an intriguing dynamic unfolds. Pestilence begins to gain insights into humanity, while Sara’s feelings towards him undergo a remarkable transformation. This thrilling tale of doomsday, interwoven with unforeseen romance and a reversal of perspectives is exactly the kind of story that has me counting down the days!

Beautiful Quartet

It’s hard to compile an authentic list of romantic fantasy series for live-action adaptations without including some vampire elements, isn’t it? Written by Renee Ahdieh, the Beautiful Quartet – The Beautiful, The Damned, The Righteous, and The Ruined – revolves around Celine, a dressmaker who escapes 1870s Paris for New Orleans. After settling in the Ursuline convent, she becomes intrigued by the underworld and its mysterious leader, Sebastien, the undead. However, complications arise when one of the nuns is found dead, leading Celine to suspect Sebastien’s involvement. What makes this a captivating tale is that not only does it involve a murder mystery, but also an enchanting underworld inhabited by vampires. This spellbinding narrative seems tailor-made for a high-end television production.

Gods and Monsters

At present, Amber V. Nicole’s “Gods and Monsters” series consists of three books: “The Book of Azrael,” “Yet to be titled second book,” and “The Wrath of the Fallen,” due in May. Readers who started with “The Book of Azrael” became instantly captivated. The narrative revolves around Dianna, who pleaded to the cosmos to save her ailing sister. However, instead of help, she received an answer from Kaden, a malevolent being transformed from a human into a beast. He saves her sister but demands Dianna obey his commands, one of which is the hunt for the relic, “The Book of Azrael.” Abducted by Liam, a former World Ender, Dianna finds herself compelled to collaborate with Liam to save the world. The tale incorporates elements reminiscent of “Indiana Jones” or “Tomb Raider,” but when you add the high-stakes of saving the world and dealings with demons, it creates a screen-worthy story that promises an exhilarating spectacle.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Sure thing!

We’ve included the Sarah J. Maas series on our list as a gentle reminder of how eagerly we’re waiting for its adaptation, given that it’s been quite some time since we heard any news. The first book, “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” introduces us to three sisters: Feyre, Nesta, and Elain Archeron. Their lives become intertwined with the mystical realm of Prythian when Feyre accidentally kills a faerie wolf in the woods, leading her to be drawn into the intricate political dynamics that are set in motion by an ancient treaty requiring a life for a life. Following “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” there are also “A Court of Mist and Fury,” “A Court of Wings and Ruin,” “A Court of Frost and Starlight,” and “A Court of Silver Flames” in the series.

Although the announcement for the Hulu adaptation of the series was made as early as 2021, there hasn’t been any visible progress yet. However, back in February, it was clarified that the project was indeed still under development.

Kingdom of the Wicked

The captivating book series by Kerri Maniscalo, titled Kingdom of the Wicked, consisting of Kingdom of the Wicked, Kingdom of the Cursed, and Kingdom of the Feared, would be a fantastic addition to the fantasy television genre. The story begins as Emilia uncovers the gruesome killing of her twin sister, an incident that propels her on a relentless mission for justice and retribution. This quest leads Emilia to employ any dark magic required along the way. She eventually teams up with Wrath, one of the princes of Hell, who claims he is investigating the slayings of women. A blend of mystery and adventure, this tale is filled with tension and intrigue, making it ripe for adaptation into a captivating television series.

2025-01-25 19:10