Escapism in Fantasy Romance
How Romantasy Novels Help Us Cope with Modern Life
Slaying Dragons vs. Adulting
Have you ever been pushing the cart through Trader Joe’s or doing something so mundane and boring as paying the bills and thought to yourself, “I sure wish I were slaying dragons right now instead of adulting,”?
Yeah...so have I.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the thousands of responsibilities weighing down on me, I tend to rely on the magical comfort of fantasy novels—particularly Romantasy—to escape from my everyday life.
From the sense of hope and adventure fantasy inspires and giving readers the confidence to tackle real-world problems to idealized love and soulmate-type relationships, fantasy and Romantasy novels help readers find relief from the pressures of modern-day life.
The Appeal of Fantasy in Modern Times
Fantasy—where the impossible is possible and real-life limitations are defied on the reg.
With magic and mythical creatures, whimsical realms, and epic quests, fantasy novels allow readers to escape the restraints of real life and immerse themselves in truly extraordinary worlds (where there are no bills and the grocery shopping is done for you).
Worlds that Defy Reality
Reality-defying worlds are one of the main reasons fantasy literature is so popular.
Remember when times were bleak thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic? Businesses were shut down, hardworking people were forced out of their jobs, and people were stuck inside for days at a time. For many people, the pandemic was a strange and lonely time. Research shows that higher levels of escapism were predicted during the pandemic (Joukhi et al.)—there was a real need for distraction. People (me included) began looking for things that would make them feel better about their dreary realities.
In came BookTok—the magical online realm of all things book-related.
Around the height and craze of the pandemic, fantasy book recommendations were all the rage. Books with faeries and magic and dragons became (and remain) extremely popular, prompting viewers to pick up a book and escape to the magical kingdoms of fantasy literature.
From Velaris and Terrasen to Middle-Earth or Hogwarts, these whimsical worlds offer an immersive and imaginative escape from real life. Why do the dishes when you can read about heroes saving the day or competing in a game of Quidditch?
These “visionary worlds satisfy our longing for magic, heroism, and adventure,” (Stelarius).
The Need for Adventure and Freedom
Speaking of adventure, fantasy literature has a special knack for fulfilling our desires for freedom and experiences that are simply not possible in daily life.
I don’t know about you, but day to day, I’m stuck sitting at my desk staring at the computer for hours or taking care of things around the house, like the mysteriously immortal pile of laundry that never seems to fully get folded and put away.
When the repetitive responsibilities of being a wife, mom, student, and small business owner pile up (much like the laundry), I find myself craving an escape for adventure. Something new and exciting—something magical.
To satisfy that craving, I make myself a hot cup of tea, plop down on my couch with a fuzzy blanket, and dive into a fantasy book! It’s funny, but I always imagine myself as the heroine...you know, the one going on an epic quest to save her kingdom who just so happens to bump into her super-sexy soulmate (even though I’m already married to an amazing man).
Anyone else do that? 👀
Problem-Solving and Overcoming Challenges
Reading fantasy also offers a vicarious sense of control and empowerment as characters face insurmountable odds and extraordinary challenges.
Heroes and heroines are often thrust into complex tests and trials. From battling the dark and corrupt forces that threaten the stability of their kingdoms to navigating political intrigue or embarking on an epic quest across an unknown magical realm, managing these remarkable (and often dangerous) situations requires not only creativity but also resilience and resourcefulness as they practice impressive problem-solving skills.
When reading about these fantasy heroes and heroines taking risks and making tough decisions, “it can actually be productive in building [your own] problem-solving skills. It can encourage readers to imagine themselves in different roles and scenarios, pursuing alternate decisions and actions without experiencing any real risk,” (“The Psychology of Fantasy”).
Seeing these characters in action adapting to new realities and solving problems under an immense amount of pressure might inspire readers, giving them confidence when tackling their own real-life challenges.
There’s also a sense of control readers get as the heroes resolve the conflicts of the story and all is right in the world again, mirroring the human desire for order among personal chaos. Reading fantasy offers a cathartic sense of empowerment, fostering a belief in readers’ abilities to overcome obstacles—just like their favorite fantasy characters.
I don’t know about you, but anytime I’m faced with seemingly insurmountable odds or a complex problem, I ask myself WWAAWGD—What would Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius do?
From being immersed in reality-defying worlds to satisfying the need for adventure and gaining the confidence to tackle real-world problems, fantasy literature provides an escapist experience like no other!
The Comfort of Romance in Fantasy Literature
Romantasy (the hybrid between fantasy and romance)—a newly defined genre comprised “of stardust and soulmates”—offers readers a sort of secondhand comfort when it comes to love, romance, and relationships, allowing for the exploration of undying love and deep emotional connection.
Idealized Love and Soulmates
The type of relationships often found in Romantasy novels offers readers a way to explore the idea of perfect love. With a little bit of magic, Romantasy relationships transcend the limitations of the real world, allowing readers to experience the idea of deeply fulfilling emotional connections without the complications of everyday life.
From fated soulmates bonded by destiny and magic to love interests who would take an arrow to the heart for their other half, Romantasy relationships allow readers to escape the complexities of reality and explore the power of deep and eternal love.
Exploration of Healthy Relationships
Romantasy literature also (mostly) portrays healthy relationship dynamics, setting a comforting standard for readers when engaging in real-life partnerships.
Through characters who support each other’s strengths and navigate challenges together, we—as readers—get a glimpse of healthy boundaries, encouragement for growth, respect, and honest communication in relationships.
‼️ WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!‼️
This is your warning to skip this part if you haven’t read the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Let’s take Rhysand for example—one of my all-time favorite book boyfriends.
At first, I was a little skeptical of him. He’s the morally grey, dark, and broody character in book one of ACOTAR who comes off as a d-bag and forces Feyre to make a deal with him that would require her to live with him for two weeks every month in exchange for some first-aid after her trial with the Middengard Wrym.
Through their eventually realized soulmate bond, however, we see how Rhysand values and encourages Feyre, always including her in important decisions, pushing her to grow stronger and smarter, and placing her in positions of high importance.
The relationship and romance between Rhysand and Feyre is one that readers can easily get lost in.
Okay, you can come back now!
But reader, beware. While “romance novels often depict idealized relationships with perfect partners and extravagant gestures,” (“How Do Romance”) these “perfect” relationships may develop unrealistic expectations about love and partnership.
While engaging with these flawless relationships can be helpful in the exploration of love, it’s important to remember that no human man or woman could possibly measure up to the expectations set by fictional characters.
The characters in fantasy novels might be perfect, but your boyfriend, husband, girlfriend, or wife is not—no human is. So, proceed with caution, and don’t let your “perfect” fantasy books lead to real-life dissatisfaction.
Psychological Benefits of Escapism Through Reading
Did you know that there are actually psychological benefits of reading? Escaping to a magical world through a good book is good for you and can significantly improve your mental health!
Stress Relief
What do you do when you’re out-of-this-world stressed? Do you meditate? Journal? Scream into the void?
While those all sound like reasonable outlets, I pick up a new fantasy book and engulf myself in magical realms and epic quests. And guess what!? It actually works to relieve my stress.
A 2009 study conducted by the University of Sussex concluded that “reading can reduce stress by up to 68%,” (“Why Reading”). How incredible is that!?
Another study conducted by Dr. David Lewis found that “losing yourself in a good book has been shown to reduce your levels of stress...Reading as little as six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by 60% by reducing your heart rate, easing muscle tension, and altering your state of mind,” (Timmins). That’s a significant reduction in stress if you ask me!
So, the next time you’re stressed out about school, work, kids, or life, try picking up a new fantasy book! Your body and mind with thank you.
Emotional Release
Reading fantasy stories also offers an outlet for emotions!
If you’ve ever read the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas and the culminating novel of the series, Kingdom of Ash, you can probably attest to the wide range of emotions felt while reading.
I don’t know about you, but I sobbed like a baby. Like ugly, messy sobbed. It wasn’t pretty, but it was needed.
Sometimes in real life, finding emotional release can be hard. Fantasy and Romantasy novels have always had a knack for helping me find the sort of emotional release I find difficult to achieve in real life.
Criticisms of Escapism and a Balanced Approach
Though there are clear benefits to participating in escapism through reading fantasy, critics argue otherwise, believing that “indulging in fantasy stories can shift a person’s focus to less productive matters...[and] tempt[ing] readers into avoiding the realities of life by putting off real-world responsibilities and evading personal issues,” (“The Psychology of Fantasy”).
While I might not wholeheartedly believe that reading fantasy is completely counterproductive, I can recognize and acknowledge that reading has the potential to take up a great deal of time. On more than one occasion, I’ve found myself binge-reading for 10 hours straight. I was so engrossed by the world and the characters that I forgot I had an actual life and actual responsibilities.
So, friends, it’s imperative to find a balanced approach. Perhaps that means setting a timer for 20 minutes to an hour, or only reading when the kids are asleep.
After all, you can’t spend all your time reading. There are still groceries to be bought, bills to be paid, and laundry to do. 😉
Final Thoughts
Overall, escapism through Romantasy literature is a fun way to engage with the complexities of reality. With little to no risk, readers can pick up a Romantasy book and escape to magical realms as a way to cope with the complications and challenges of real life. If you’re longing for adventure, need the confidence to face personal obstacles, or feel like having a really good cry, maybe try picking up a fantasy book! You never know what world you might find yourself in.
If you’re looking for your next Romantasy read, look no further! I’ve curated a list of 203 BookTok-Approved Romantasy books just for you! Check it out!
Works Cited
“How Do Romance Novels Affect Real-Life Relationships.” The Times of India, 30 June 2023, timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/love-sex/how-do-romance-novels-affect-real-life-relationships/photostory/101391689.cms?picid=101391832. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Jouhki, Hannu, et al. “Escapism and Excessive Online Behaviors: A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study in Finland during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 19, no. 19, 30 Sept. 2022, p. 12491. National Library of Medicine, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9565969/#:~:text=Research%20conducted%20among%20adolescents%20during,levels%20of%20escapism%20%5B46%5D., https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912491. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Stelarius. “The Power of Fantasy: How Imaginary Worlds Shape Our Reality.” Medium, 9 Oct. 2023, medium.com/@stelarius/the-power-of-fantasy-how-imaginary-worlds-shape-our-reality-f677e6c70b79. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
The Psychology of Fantasy.
Timmins, Sydney. “Why Reading Can Be Good for Mental Health.” MHFA Portal, MHFA England, 4 Sept. 2018, mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/reading-good-mental-health/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
“Why Reading Is Good for Mental Health.” NAMI California, namica.org/blog/why-reading-is-good-for-mental-health/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.