7 Signs You’re Definitely a Romantasy Reader, and Would Absolutely Enter the Forbidden Forest

There is a very specific type of reader who sees a dark forest, a suspiciously glowing book, and an invitation sealed by the fae and thinks:

Well, obviously I’m going in.

If that sounds reasonable to you, congratulations. You may be a Romantasy reader.

For everyone else, this might look like a collection of very questionable decisions. But readers of fantasy romance know better. That forbidden path could lead to an enchanted kingdom. That glowing book probably contains ancient magic. And the mysterious Fae invitation?

There is at least a 73% chance a dangerously attractive morally gray male is involved.

You cannot simply ignore that kind of opportunity.

So, how do you know when Romantasy has officially become more than a reading preference and turned into a lifestyle?

Here are a few signs.

1. You Would Absolutely Enter the Forbidden Forest

The sign says DO NOT ENTER.

Naturally, you enter.

A Romantasy reader knows that forbidden forests are rarely just forests. Somewhere beyond those suspiciously twisted trees, there is probably an ancient kingdom, an enchanted castle, a secret magical court, or a dragon who has been terribly misunderstood.

Will something try to kill you?

Probably.

Will you continue anyway?

Also probably.

2. A Glowing Book Is an Invitation, Not a Warning

Imagine finding an ancient book sitting alone beneath the moonlight.

It is glowing.

Possibly whispering.

Magical symbols may even appear across the cover.

A sensible person might slowly back away.

A fantasy romance reader opens it immediately.

Because we have read enough Romantasy books to understand that mysterious magical objects usually lead to one of two things:

Ancient curses.

Or attractive strangers.

Sometimes both.

Either way, we need to know what happens next.

3. You Would Accept the Fae Invitation

You already know the rules.

Do not give them your name.

Do not eat the food.

Do not drink the wine.

Do not make bargains.

Do not dance with suspiciously beautiful strangers.

And under absolutely no circumstances should you follow the brooding Fae warrior into the moonlit garden.

Excellent advice.

We'll ignore all of it.

Because somewhere between our first magical kingdom and our hundredth morally gray love interest, Romantasy readers collectively decided that being invited to a Fae court sounds less like a danger and more like a travel opportunity.

4. “Morally Gray” Sounds Suspiciously Like a Recommendation

Romantasy has changed the way some of us evaluate fictional men.

Brooding?

Interesting.

Dangerous reputation?

Go on.

Possibly cursed?

Intriguing.

Would burn down an entire kingdom for one woman?

Add to cart.

Romantasy readers understand that fictional red flags operate under a completely different legal system.

We don't make the rules.

We simply keep reading.

5. Your Ideal Vacation Includes a Magical Library

Forget the resort.

Give us an enormous enchanted library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, rolling ladders, candlelight, hidden passageways, and approximately seventeen restricted sections.

Preferably, there is also a thunderstorm outside.

Throw in a velvet chair, a cup of something warm, and absolutely no responsibilities for the next six hours.

Now that is relaxation.

The Romantasy reader lifestyle is really just an ongoing attempt to make everyday life feel slightly more like our favorite fictional worlds.

6. Staying Up Until 2 A.M. Feels Completely Justified

You were going to read one chapter.

Then there was a betrayal.

Then someone revealed a secret identity.

Then the enemies became considerably less enemy-like.

Then a dragon appeared.

Suddenly it is 2:17 in the morning, and you have 200 pages left.

At this point, going to sleep would simply be irresponsible.

You need answers.

Tomorrow you can deal with the consequences.

7. Your Love of Romantasy Has Escaped the Bookshelf

Eventually, being a Romantasy reader starts showing up everywhere.

Your phone wallpaper gets moodier.

Your Pinterest boards acquire suspicious amounts of castles, daggers, dragons, forests, and winged men.

Your coffee tastes better beside an open fantasy novel.

And your wardrobe starts needing a few pieces that quietly announce:

Yes, I read books involving dragons and dangerous fictional men. No, I will not be taking questions at this time.

That is where the fun really begins.

Welcome to the Romantasy Reader Lifestyle

Romantasy isn't only about the books we read.

It is the escape.

The anticipation.

The inside jokes.

The fictional worlds we are reluctant to leave.

And the completely unreasonable confidence that if we were dropped into a magical kingdom, we would somehow make excellent decisions.

Even though we would very clearly enter the forbidden forest.

At Dagger and Wing Studio, we create Romantasy reader apparel and lifestyle pieces inspired by exactly that kind of reader. The ones who love magical worlds, strong heroines, dragons, dangerous romance, trope humor, enchanted libraries, and just enough fictional chaos.

If your heart belongs somewhere between the bookstore and the Fae realm, explore our Romantasy Reader Lifestyle Collection.

EXPLORE THE ROMANTASY READER LIFESTYLE COLLECTION

Consider it something to wear while you wait for your own mysterious invitation to arrive.

Just remember:

If the envelope glows, we're definitely opening it.