Book Recs: Is Paranormal Romance Actually Dead? (Or just undying?)
A dive into the sub-genre that Romantasy allegedly "killed".
IS THIS SUB-GENRE REALLY DEAD?
A few years ago, I was thrust into the world of paranormal romance when I stumbled upon The Darkest King by Gena Showalter. It was book 15 of the Lords of the Underworld (LOTU) series - because if you know me, you know that my toxic reader trait is reading books in a series out of order.
The author was a mystery to me at the time, but the cover gave me major ‘Booth on Bones’ vibes, so I couldn’t pass it up. The book was 100% a 5-star read, and it led me on a journey all the way back to the beginning. Well, it really took me down a much broader path, where I discovered paranormal romance as a sub-genre and Gena Showalter was my guide. She was the “gateway drug” that led me to Jeanine Frost, J.R. Ward, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and others who write in this sub-genre that is often mixed in with fantasy and young adult.
By now, I’ve read pretty much every book from the aforementioned authors and more, because in my opinion, paranormal romance is the best. It’s the cross-section of everything book girlies enjoy most: a love story at the center of it all, blended with urban fantasy, suspense, and little bits of sci-fi and horror. I mean, who doesn’t love a good vampire romance?
THE REDDIT DRAMA
Last year, on a bookish Reddit thread (I know, why the heck was I there?), an adamant group insisted that the sub-genre of paranormal romance was dead. Their argument? Romantasy killed it! When I vehemently disagreed and pointed out my favorites, they proceeded to tell me my favs were the reason the genre was dead. They claimed these authors had been releasing the same type of books from the same old “tired” series using formulaic plots, and that nothing new was coming out.
Like…..whaaaaaa?? Excuse me!?!?
I was floored. Now, of course, I respect people’s opinions on what they read. No hard feelings if we don’t love the same books, but it made me question everything about a genre that single handedly sustained my reading life for years.
THE NOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
If you’ve never dipped your toes into this sub-genre, it is so worthy of your time. Think Underworld vibes (the movies) but in book form. Here are a few of my favorites to get you started:
Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter
Cursed lords attempting to break their ancient chains, protect their brothers, and find love that’s worth the pain.
Night Prince series by Jeanine Frost
A high voltage spin-off where a woman who can see the dead meets the most legendary (and lethal) vampire of all time.
Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The quintessential hottie “alien-next-door” story with explosive chemistry, government secrets, and a hero you’ll love to hate.
Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward
Six vampire brothers who live together, fight together, and have the most intense and protective romances in this genre.
House of Night series by P.C. Cast
A unique take on a “vampyre” school, where being “Marked” is just the beginning of a messy, magical coming-of-age journey.
Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
Forbidden romance, royal intrigue, and a kick-ass heroine who would do anything to protect her best friend.
Ghostwalkers series by Christine Feehan
Military experiments gone supernatural. Think super soldiers with psychic abilities finding the only women who can handle their powers.
Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer
The series that defined a generation, not sure it needs any introduction, but this is the ultimate small town meets supernatural secret romance.
BONUS: The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger
A recent discovery for me that I just had to sneak in here! It’s steampunk meet vampires and werewolves. It is more proof this genre still has plenty of surprises left.
If you have heard or read paranormal romances, let me know what you think in the comments. Is Reddit right, or are we just getting started?