Reading Romantasy Until I Give a Book 5 Stars... or lose my mind, whichever comes first 🫠

Thank you to Parade for sponsoring this video! Click the link and use code BRIDE50 for 50% off Parade until July 5th: yourparade.com... 💫 Items sell out fast, especially during their biggest sale of the year, so shop now!
Welcome to my epic quest for the elusive 5-star Romantasy book 🙃 In this video, I dive headfirst into the world of Romantasy, determined to find a book that doesn’t make me want to hurl it across the room. Will I discover a hidden gem or just lose my mind in the process? 🫠 Who can tell!
Join me on this rollercoaster ride of swoon-worthy heroes, magical realms, and possibly questionable plot twists. I'll keep reading until I find a 5-star masterpiece... or until I completely lose faith in literature, whichever comes first! Grab your popcorn and let’s see if any quality romantasy actually exists... 📚
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe - because if I have to suffer through mediocre books, you should at least get some entertainment out of it 😂
CHAPTERS
0:00 introduction
4:44 starting book one
6:16 ...saved a demon first update
12:01 SPOILERS for ...saved a demon
18:05 SPOILERS finished
20:15 ...saved a demon full review
23:25 SPOILERS for ...saved a demon
27:42 SPOILERS finished
28:14 starting book two
31:08 a river enchanted first update
39:52 SPOILERS for a river enchanted
42:58 SPOILERS finished
45:19 a river enchanted full review
50:16 SPOILERS for a river enchanted
55:58 SPOILERS finished
56:37 starting book three
58:58 one dark window first update
1:11:35 SPOILERS for one dark window
1:15:04 SPOILERS finished
1:18:31 one dark window final review
1:35:42 SPOILERS for one dark window
1:38:00 SPOILERS finished
1:39:00 starting book four
1:41:05 an ember in the ashes first update
1:46:54 reading an ember in the ashes
1:47:40 an ember in the ashes final review
1:56:45 SPOILERS for an ember in the ashes
1:59:38 SPOILERS finished
2:00:49 final ranking
BOOKS READ
links are affiliate links - thank you for supporting me!
That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming | amzn.to/3VhvjrK
A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross | amzn.to/3VzMsym
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig | amzn.to/3KC3FAL
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir | amzn.to/3VxF1Yl
🖋️ Shop my favourite supplies here (including tabs & annotating supplies): www.amazon.com...
💛 Join the book club on Patreon:
/ plantbasedbride
📖 Add me as a friend on Goodreads:
/ plantbasedbride
📸 Hang out with me on Instagram:
/ elizabethturn
🎶 MUSIC
Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicso...
📽 MY FILMING EQUIPMENT
- Sony A6600 Camera: amzn.to/30W4GxE
- 16mm Sigma Lens: amzn.to/398gM7N
- Panasonic LUMIX GH6: amzn.to/3SFiOUp
- Lumix 25mm Lens: amzn.to/3FizE5S
SOCIAL LINKS
📸 instagram: / elizabethturn
📌 pinterest: / elizabethgturn
📖 goodreads: / plantbasedbride
🐦 twitter: / elizabethturn
🎵 tiktok: vm.tiktok.com/...
BUSINESS INQUIRIES
💌 [e-mail]
FAQs
What does your channel name mean? I picked "Plant Based Bride" for my blog when I started it back in 2015 as I was starting the process of planning my vegan wedding and wanted to document it. I have been vegan for 10+ years and married since 2016!
What's your real name? Elizabeth
Where are you from? I'm a Canadian from Toronto, Ontario, now living in the Canadian Prairies.
Are you a natural redhead? No, I'm naturally a brunette. I dye my hair using Herbatint 8R.
Are your nails natural? Nope, they're press ons and I do them myself (see how in this tik tok: www.tiktok.com... )
What nail polish are you wearing? Sandcastle by Quo

[@PlantBasedBride]

Thank you to Parade for sponsoring this video! Click the link and use code BRIDE50 for 50% off Parade until July 5th: yourparade.com/BRIDE50 💫 Items sell out fast, especially during their biggest sale of the year, so shop now!

[@CateBee]

TBH give me a romance between a 100+ year old all powerful man who looks like he's in his 20s and have him fall in love with some 70+ year old mortal woman who has all sorts of learned mystical knowledge, grey hair wrinkles and all.

[@PlantBasedBride]

OMG YES. I want this so much 😭

[@clearlyclaudiax]

you should read The Haar!

[@Laura8Kath]

If you ever wonder if you should keep making videos that are this long... DON'T DOUBT YOURSELF. JUST. DO. IT. I graded all of my classes while watching this and it just makes me so productive. THANK YOU.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha thank you so much for this validation of my inability to shut up 😂

[@heabooktubes]

I don’t even want to know why this video is two hours long. 😂😂😂

[@PlantBasedBride]

lol because I can’t stop talking even if I have to edit it all later 😂

[@taskeenshaik]

The real question is how am I able to listen to it all? My husband thinks I’m crazy but I love your videos so much, that I can sit through the length of it🥰💕

[@aquarianfog]

@@taskeenshaik Me too! It makes some very tedious work tasks so much more bearable :) Yay for multiple screens lol

[@WittTiger09]

As someone who suffered through the audiobooks of One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns, the takedown in the middle of this video was the thing I didn't know I needed.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha I’m happy to oblige 😂

[@meid3801]

I wish Cruel Prince would stop getting classified as Romantasy.

[@trulygreg3103]

Agreed. The romance is a subplot

[@_SilverAsh_Eve]

Yes.....Its definitely not a romantasy though I read it thinking it was one.

[@isabellelucyberry7642]

It is tho…maybe not what you’d classify as a Romantasy but certainly a fantasy romance which is more Romantasy than what people have been writing, reading, and promoting

[@heatherbocks]

“It certainly is a book” 😂 I haven’t read One Dark Window, but watching you rant about it was still so much fun.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha I’m glad my pain could be entertaining, at least 😂

[@Julia-lc7bo]

The way I get every single point you made about One dark window while at the same time giving the book 5 stars 😶 I really have no standards haha

[@PlantBasedBride]

LOL 😭😂 the self awareness is amazing haha

[@lukasmorrow8255]

Same lmao although I didn't rate it or anything. The "romance" was basically an annoying obstacle I pushed out of my mind bc my low standards were for the pokemon cards and simple rhymes

[@Julia-lc7bo]

@@lukasmorrow8255 same!! didn’t care about the romance, stayed for the cards 🃏

[@jamiestark80]

I agree! I was asking myself, what did I miss? I loved One Dark Window. 😂

[@texmax888]

I would just like you to know how much I appreciate your thoughtful and thorough book discussions. I am 65 years old and have been reading my entire life. You have brought such depth to my reading and I am forever grateful. I never annotated or journaled before I discovered your channel. Please keep up your standards, they are immensely appreciated. Thank you!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Oh wow, thank you! I’m truly humbled to learn I’ve helped people I’ve never met to find new depths to reading they’d never explored ❤️ as a lifelong lover of literature, it’s honestly a dream come true 🥺

[@brittanyhoward1741]

I always find that Rebecca Ross almost always has what I like to call “Frankenstein Plots” in which the first half and second half of the books are almost two separate stories that somehow combine in the middle. Most of her books are like this, and it was especially evident when I was reading RIVER ENCHANTED when we were gearing up to tackle the missing children with Sidra and her husband, and then all of a sudden we have a marriage of convenience with Jack and Adaira😂 Also it was very evident that Sidra’s story was the best out of all of the character’s and I wish the entire Duology was about her

[@PlantBasedBride]

Oh that’s so interesting! I hadn’t thought of it that way, but I think you’re right. I LOVED Sidra and would have loved a version of this story with her at the centre ❤️

[@brittanyhoward1741]

@@PlantBasedBride It's especially evident in DREAMS LIE BENEATH as well as her debut THE QUEENS RISING so if you happen to do a Reading Rebecca Ross style video or if you happen to read more of her backlist, keep that in mind so that it doesn't blindside you like it did me when I was reading her backlist 😂😂🩷

[@jenny-wc8cb]

Awww the little kitty cuddling up with you while you were reading😭🥹

[@PlantBasedBride]

Cuddles from both Yoda and Chewy this week! I was feeling the love 🥰

[@clearb100skies]

Ember in the Ashes was Sabaa Tahir’s debut, so that could be part of why you hadn’t seen anything from her prior! Her other big book was a contemporary YA so quite different but very good! The Ember quartet is BEAUTIFUL and now I want to relisten to it. You get more of the other characters the deeper it goes too, with additional narrators, so I can recommend it!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Oh wow, a debut?? Damn Tahir has talent! I’m very excited to read on in the series 🙏

[@michellecgb]

2 HOURS? What a blessing ❤ perfect while I work

[@PlantBasedBride]

Enjoy! ❤️❤️

[@TheReadingRambler]

I fully DNFed one dark window after like...30 pages because I just knew in my heart it would be a waste of my time lol

[@PlantBasedBride]

😂 if only time travel were possible and I could do the same lol

[@user-bg4ig7rl3d]

I love being able to just get immersed for 2 hours at a time to watch/listen, feels like such a treat to myself - keep em coming!❤

[@PlantBasedBride]

Aw thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it ❤️❤️

[@TheReadingRambler]

Ooooh that whole "only counts if they speak English/human language" is literally the subject of my doctoral dissertation haha.

[@PlantBasedBride]

!!! Omg really? Can I read your thesis?? I’m being so serious right now 😂

[@nyxlune3752]

omg i would read that so hard 😭

[@TheReadingRambler]

@@PlantBasedBride youtube keeps autodeleting my comments but I'd be more than happy to share...somehow...

[@TheReadingRambler]

@@nyxlune3752 i mean...if you really want to haha

[@PlantBasedBride]

@@TheReadingRambler you can email it to me, if you’re willing! [e-mail] ❤️

[@lizbennington]

So happy my friend and I finally have someone in our corner of not having liked One Dark Window (because of the exact same reasons). Feels like everyone's raving about it (and as you said: good for them!!) and we just keep thinking "Did we read the same book?" whenever it comes up on social media 😅

[@Cheezwizzie]

You have me too. I was so confused at all the praise. Elspeth was one of the worst MC's I'd read in a while.

[@jinphany.]

They're ravyn about it 💀💀

[@Sportsgirl128]

On goodreads, Rebecca Ross wrote that A River Enchanted was originally going to be YA, but her characters "Sidra and Torin's most certainly fell beneath the adult category." She even mentions her first draft was more "50/50" and she "wasn't sure what to do with it after the first draft." She then decided she wanted it to lean more towards adult. I like that she left that comment and it helped me make sense of the story more.

[@PlantBasedBride]

That makes sense! I wish she’d just focused on Sidra and Torin, personally, but I still enjoyed it ❤️

[@Sportsgirl128]

@@PlantBasedBride you're not alone, I've seen lots of people saying the same. I am still enjoying the book so far as well and I'm glad you ended up liking it!

[@spencer7151]

I'm sry but how the heck is your cat sooo cute? The way he (or she) snuggled up on you while you were reading (at about 20min) is absolutely adorable! 🥰😍

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha aw yeah, Yoda is a very snuggly girl! Chewy is less of a cuddler but I did get one snuggle from him in this video 😂❤️

[@annalyssastradling1037]

I have never watched such a long form and thorough book review and I throughly enjoyed it! Also glad to finally hear someone enjoying and analyzing ember in the ashes as much as I did!!

[@bree8762]

Daughter of the Forest is incredible! It definitely feels like more mature writing than the YA romantasy out there but is so lovely and magical and cosy and the romance is the best

[@xedra]

YES!!!

[@bethanylaurenreads]

It’s my FAVE!!!

[@valarya]

HOLY UPLOAD!!! Gonna grab a coffee and sink in 💜

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha my computer was not happy with me exporting this one 😂 I hope you enjoy it!!

[@KatiesCraftStudio]

I just finished the first two Ember in the Ashes books and I'm really enjoying the series. I wouldn't really call them romantasy but I understand the desire to finish this video on a successful note. You went through a lot!

[@PlantBasedBride]

It’s definitely on the cusp, but you’re right I was just so relieved to find a great book that I was happy to call it Romantasy and call it a day lol

[@Cafe_Scribbles]

I also loved the entire Ember in the Ashes series. Glad you’re enjoying it.. whew!

[@ChemicalPenguinn]

Immediately liking just for the title alone!

[@PlantBasedBride]

lol thanks 😂 I hope you enjoy the video!

[@mally6101]

An Ember in The Ashes is one of my all time fav series! Not sure I would classify it as "romantasy" the way we know it now though. Def has romance but I found the other plot points to be larger than the romance. Still, I'm so glad you loved it 🥰

[@athenasbibliotheca8099]

As soon as I saw you were going to read One Dark Window I knew it wasn't going anywhere good. Then again someone suggested Iron Flame and I was like that person must not have watched your Fourth Wing video. I will say I adored One Dark Window so very much. Also I am in the same camp as Elspeth when it comes to knowing about the nightmare. I didn't see the obvious hints.😅 I'm really excited for the sequel. Hopefully this slump I'm in ends so I can get to it. I've been wanting to read Ember in the Ashes since forever. I'm really bad at getting to books I really want to read I guess.

[@johanna_st_john]

You ragging on One Dark Window had me dyingggg hhahaha I loved you calling out the terrible writing. It sounded truly awful. I want you to do a video on just hate-reading terrible books 😂

[@hannahollihan]

If you want an adult recommendation, (as a primarily Fantasy reader myself) I highly recommend the author Grace Draven for Romantasy! I really loved Entreat Me, which is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I've heard good things about her other work. I personally think she does a good job of balancing the romance and fantasy plotlines. Good luck and I hope you find other romantasy books that work for you! P.S. I LOVE Sabaa Tahir, I'm so glad you liked her work!

[@PlantBasedBride]

I had Grace Draven on my list!! If I do part two I’ll have to try one of her books ❤️

[@joyceheinen3660]

I never read One Dark Window, but had the best time watching you review it 😂😂😂

[@solar1913]

Ok, I am sorry that you read One Dark Window but your reading of all the parts that annoyed you was pure gold😂

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha I’m glad it resulted in some entertainment for y’all 😂🫠

[@aliciar4715]

If you feel like continuing your quest, I suggest the t. J. Kingfisher romantasy books. Great characters, great humor, a bit of unsettling happenings and great wordbuilding

[@sydneypryor5117]

wow hearing your thought on “one dark window” i’m genuinely wondering if we read the same book. i have the exact opposite opinion of everything you said 😂

[@PlantBasedBride]

Interesting! I’d be curious to hear what you liked about it 🤔

[@sydneypryor5117]

@@PlantBasedBride yeah! well i thought that the aspects that you described such as the writing, the poetry, the descriptions of fog all worked together pretty well. It felt kind of like a dream in that sometimes the descriptions had to be abstract in order to be understood properly and personally i love books like that, that rely on conveying abstract concepts in order to help the reader visualize whats truly happening. Same with the poetry maybe i’m just very bad at coming up with rhymes but i thought they were pretty clever at times lol and the refrains didnt irritate me, but the way they were able to depict history and magic i thought was pretty well done especially since that couldve been very boring exposition if done differently. and highlighting details such as the fog and the crumbling castle when paired with all the other factors, to me, completely transported me! as for elspeth her character wasnt super memorable to me either, the importance was more on her relationship with the nightmare which i found intriguing, especially since it evolved to something akin to a sibling relationship where they quipped constantly but also care immensely for each other, thats also why i didnt really see her as an asshole, it was more like the dynamic that they had, they would be rude to each other on purpose lol. also when you said it felt very YA i was shocked, i’m usually pretty sensitive to that and have given popular books low ratings bc of how juvenile they feel (such as powerless and the renegades) but i loved one dark window so that was interesting to hear. but all of this is from an avid fantasy reader! so i’m naturally inclined to love stuff like this and from what i can tell thats one of your least favorite genres lol so its completely understandable that a VERY fantastical book would not be a favorite, but for people who already love fantasy i always recommend this book for all of these reasons 🥰

[@PlantBasedBride]

@@sydneypryor5117 thank you for sharing! It’s interesting how differently we reacted to it 😂 it really is all a matter of taste/preference! Fantasy is probably my most read genre, and I adore it, but Romantasy has been more of a struggle for me to enjoy because of the popular trends/tropes.

[@sydneypryor5117]

@@PlantBasedBride yes i love discussing these things and hearing other opinions and it is very taste-based thats part of the beauty of reading! love your vids!! ❤️

[@squidwardtentacles7144]

You're so funny! And I love how eloquent and meticulous your book reviews are.

[@gingerholloway9264]

Loved this video. Your commentary on One Dark Window was so entertaining! I just can’t bring myself to read Romantasy, but if I do, I think I will start with Ember in the Ashes. I trust your judgment.

[@ekatherinah.lycael]

I read the entire An Ember in the Ashes series and I can't consider it romantasy or with a strong focus on romance 😅. But I'm glad you liked the first one so much and I hope you continue the series! The books three and four are my favorites. The book All My Rage (by Sabaa Tahir too) has the potential to please you (given the themes, the execution leaves a little to be desired in my opinion) 😊.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Yeah I might have just been so relieved to like a book that I softened the definition a bit 😂 it definitely has some classic romance tropes, though!

[@joellesaislire]

I read Half a Soul and i do think you would like it. At least i loved it and i thought the other themes were really well explored ! So if you feel like doing pt2, don’t hesitate to try this one !

[@melodienajarro]

Ok, girl I want to recommend the Duskwalker Brides series by Opal Reyne to you SO BAD. In my humble opinion, the character development and world building from the very first book on is *chef's kiss*. The writing style in the beginning is not amazing, but it does get better throughout the series!

[@EmmaHacker-kj9un]

Oooo thanks for the recommendation!

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’ll check it out! ❤️

[@gabsa1977]

I am begging you to read paladins grace, its such a comforting palate cleanser as the characters are so dorky and lovable. Im so interested to see whether you like it or not and your review!!

[@solar1913]

Whenever Chewy appeared I got the « what a distinguished gentleman » sound running in my head and, I mean, you don’t have a choice but spend hours reading if this is what happens when you do! I’m a fan of fantasy and a fan of some romance (fluff can be a great escape, a bit like a summer blockbuster movie). Did not know romantasy was a thing. Will have to check it out for de-stress type of read options. Thanks for another great video

[@Kdmud]

Thank you so much Elizabeth for these deep dives videos! I love hearing your thoughts on this genre, which I gave up on years ago, for the very same reasons you discussed. I appreciate your search and laughed so hard as you read back the writings that still haven’t changed to this day😅 Your videos always make my day!!🎉❤

[@PlantBasedBride]

Aw thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the dramatic readings 😂

[@pierre-francislefoutre6131]

What a work you put in this video, i'm halfway through and i love it. 2 hours, i'm in ! Good job !

[@PlantBasedBride]

Aw thanks! 🥰

[@chriscze6153]

Yeah I was gonna read after work and dinner. Thanks for ruining my plans 😂 ngl I personally hope you rage and rant over some of these books!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Hahaha I’m sorry 😂 but I hope you enjoy the video! ❤️

[@manonguinchard5829]

I haven't read one dark window but when you talked about the author describing Ravyn's eyes way too many times it reminded me of fourth wing with Xaden's "onyx eyes" lol. I'm never trusting goodread's average rating ever again, especially with romantasy xD

[@laurendenae5045]

I’m so grateful someone else finally feels the same way about one dark window, literally everyone raves about it and I dnf’d it 250 pages in 😭😭😭

[@lauragdc5319]

finally someone giving an ember in the ashes the credit it deserves

[@nyxlune3752]

i just read "the fatal kiss" (as an arc) and it's such a good romantasy/cozy fantasy, it's definitely very romanced focused but I feel like it lacks the things that typically make a romantasy a bit boring. The plot isn't very high-stakes but it makes sense, theres a bit of mystery/intrigue and the characters are amazing, their banter is so cute and the magic is very folkloric

[@kindredspirit617]

You've finally put into words why I don't like romantasy, even though fantasy and romance are the only genes I read! (I only read this stuff because trauma sucks, and fantasy helps me to escape reality, while romance is usually focused on happy endings.) The inane tropes, the mind-numbingly repetitive and basic AF descriptions, the utterly predictable plots (among everything else) bores me to death! I don't mean this in a snobby way, but I actually need the books I read to be a least a little challenging/difficult to read, and romantasy really doesn't seem to be a genre that supports that! (My requirements here actually have more to do with my neurodivergence needing something to keep me mentally engaged, so I can focus on what I'm reading.) What frustrates me the most with this is that I've been a big reader most of my life, and have been desperately hoping for over a decade that my friends would get into reading books that I like (so we can share recs), and FIIIIIINALLY one of my friends starts reading books I think I'll like, only to discover that she only likes reading romantasy (in terms of our shares gene interests)! 😅 I've been trying so hard to try and enjoy this genre, and it's only by watching this video that I've been able to put this stuff into context and give myself permission to not force myself to read this stuff, unless I'm really interested!

[@fralou_sind_kreativ]

Dear Elizabeth, thank you for enduring all these bad novels so we don't need to. I'm happy the last book was as good as you hoped it would be. When it comes to finding out if a book is good and worth buying you are the person to go to

[@marijevanderveen0504]

Sometimes I feel like everything nowadays gets called romantasy without having the focus on fantasy, while also there are just many fantasy books in general that have a romantic plot without it being the focus so why call everything romantasy?🤔Looking forward to reading One Dark Window and A River Enchanted! I feel like I'm the only person who hates An Ember in the Ashes and especially the characters haha but glad you enjoyed it! ☺

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha oh how interesting! I really enjoyed the characters but I’m curious what you didn’t like about them 👀 I could see them not being everyone’s cup of tea!

[@marijevanderveen0504]

@@PlantBasedBride It's been years honestly since I read it! I remember being mostly irked by the characters' constant misogynistic and out of context romantic/sexual thoughts. Also not a fan of love squares lol. I also mainly hated the way Elias treats women (especially Helen) and does not know what he wants, I just despise indecisive characters. I did however like the world and trials, so I might try Sabaa Tahir again in the future!

[@EmmaHacker-kj9un]

The fever series by Karen Marie Mooning is my favorite of the genre. I love the character development and world building. I was equally invested in the overall plot as I was the romance(s). I have reread the first 5 books many times. The author had to shift the narrator at book 6 for personal reasons, which was not the original plan. It leaves the rest of the series feeling a bit disjointed but still an excellent story.

[@racheld.6736]

Someone else who hated One Dark Window! THANK YOU! (Also I love this video- I love the idea of romantasy but am also having a hard time finding books that are genuinely good)

[@kimmiem453]

I am just now finishing this video due to my work schedule, but I was completely delighted to find that the 5 star review was given to my favorite fantasy series in the last few years. I actually listened to the audiobooks and loved the voice actors and what it added to the story.

[@CityGirlWriter]

😈💖🃏🗡💘- I read That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon in February and really enjoyed it. It doesn't have the best writing style or the most well thought out world-building, but I had a lot of fun following the characters on their fantasy adventure. I was worried I would not like the romance because of the dubious consent (dubcon) and light BDSM since I am not used to those things in romance. Thankfully, it didn't bother me too much to ruin my enjoyment. I understand how for other people it will not be their cup of tea, but I am glad that you gave it a chance anyways. - Your rant for One Dark Window solidify for me to not pick it up, thanks for saving me the trouble. Your praise for An Ember in the Ashes made me more intrigued to pick up sooner than later, especially since it is a completed series. I also have not read anything by Saaba Tahir, and I am really excited to read that quartet.

[@BeckyGlinka]

The Captain of the Destriers portion of this is killing me. LOL

[@RaptorsCantSwim]

May I recommend that you read Joanathan Young and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. It's not “romantasy” in the least, but it is fantasy and it has romance elements and it is incredible. Yes, it is a thousand pages long, literally, but it is incredible and worth it through and through!

[@Danycrumble]

my god, when you read those phrase repetitions, that alone was insufferable. can't imagine what it was like to read the actual book!

[@anushkadesh]

I actually like the whole “good girl” thing 😭

[@rosestormwolf]

Watching you roast these books is just making me shove my (admittedly very juvenile) fantasy WIPs deeper into their dark closets lol

[@trayvixk4642]

I don't have luck with Romantasy either. Like you, I love romance books and have enjoyed some fantasies novels with whenever they go together, it hasn't been good compared to their standalone genres.

[@EmmaHacker-kj9un]

Romantasy is my favorite genre right now after burning out on historical and contemporary romance. I agree that much of the category is not great. I read for escapism so I’m less picky. I haven’t read An Ember in the Ashes yet. I’m looking forward to reading a well written romantasy for a change.

[@PlantBasedBride]

I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try! It’s not as romance heavy as some others in the genre, but it does have quite a few romance tropes and the two love triangles ❤️

[@TheAlobear]

I love 'reading until you find a 5-star book videos' so would definitely like to see more - and not even just for romantasy. I have such trouble finding 5-star books - I've only had one so far this year, and only had two the whole of last year... (Though I've had nearly thirty 4-star reads so far this year, so I'm not lacking in enjoyable reading experiences!) I haven't read any of the books from this video, though An Ember In The Ashes has been on and off my TBR multiple times in the last few years - perhaps it's time to put it back on again! Thanks! 😄📚👋

[@squidwardtentacles7144]

Same! I've only had one so far this year too! It's been tough out here.

[@TheAlobear]

@@squidwardtentacles7144 Mine was The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett - what was yours?

[@erikaskaar]

In a very gray way😂 Thank you, I would love to watch another. I have not read these, not normally my genre. I am so glad you saved me the pain and agony of reading one dark window....gaaah, I felt pained just by listening through the gray eyes and Captain of the Disasters....whatever.😅

[@aquarianfog]

I actually had just read a note from Rebecca Ross about why she ultimately decided to classify A River Enchanted as Adult instead of YA. It sounds like the book was super borderline in terms of Adult or YA, but because of some of the more adult themes (especially related to Sidra's life experiences that you touched on, etc.), Ross and her publisher felt that the book needed more room to breathe, thus taking into an Adult designation instead of YA. Anyway, I enjoyed the book (maybe 3.75 stars?) but also super agreed with your review!

[@aquarianfog]

I will say, the audiobook for that one was fantastic. The narrator did an incredible job!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Oh interesting! That definitely makes sense. I hope she’ll continue to move in a more adult direction, because I really enjoy her prose and plots ❤️

[@aquarianfog]

@@PlantBasedBride So do I! Her writing is beautiful, and she's definitely gotten much stronger at it as she goes, IMO. I've read (almost) all her books in reverse chronological order of publication - ultimately I had to DNF her first duology (Queen's Rising) because I just really couldn't relate to it. To be fair, as a 30 y/o woman I'm not exactly the target audience 🙂 I'm new to your channel and am really enjoying your content!! 💕

your comment on power imbalance is exactly how I feel about so many mainstream fantasy romances. it's not that difficult to make your female protagonist the millenia-old mythical creature, but I suppose it makes her "less relatable." definitely hasn't stopped me in my novel where the romantic subplot is between a mortal (adult) man and 1500+ year-old female pseudo-deity.

[@hannahloftus8385]

I’m about halfway through the third book of the An Ember in the Ashes series and I’d say it’s still much more fantasy than romance! The relationships have evolved, but it’s still very much about the plot and the characters. . . . the spoiler section of the vid about an ember in the ashes: i think the thing with marcus is also because it was seen as pre-ordained/inevitable, and the uncertainty of the future of the empire if marcus was killed (a matter of civil war). i think in book two there are more comments about how everything that has happened was “destined”, from the declaration of the new emperor to the blood shrike’s role/actions

[@PlantBasedBride]

Hmm yeah that makes sense, I suppose, but maybe it was preordained that he would have the opportunity to take him out 🤔😂

[@emmjayy]

An ember in the ashes is so good! I’ve never got around to finishing the series though…

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’m excited to jump into the next book!

[@Cafe_Scribbles]

Thank you for suffering through that one **ahem** book so that I know I can take it off my TBR 😅🤣

[@bazookajo94]

I'm crying I hated One Dark Window so much I'm so glad u agree thank u 🙇😭💗

[@connypaniagua1872]

I 100 % agree with the one dark window review and thoughts .. I was so disappointed and after this I am done with romantasy 😭 NEVER AGAINNN

[@aurora4847]

13:19 not exactly a romantasy book, but I have to seize the opportunity to recommend "Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End". PLEASE

[@angelekay3843]

Parade has a massive summer sale right now, just placed my first order ever!! Thank you for making me aware of this awesome company. They have affordable payment plan options at checkout, too❤

[@PlantBasedBride]

They do! I’m so glad you’re trying them out ❤️

[@aimeekessell5022]

I can’t believe I watched this full video even though I have absolutely no interest in romantasy. 😂 The closest I’ve gotten to that genre is Legends & Lattes and Nettle & Bone. But I consider those more cozy fantasy with a hint of romance.

[@JulesIsWatchingStuff]

Thank you for your dedication ! We appreciate the fact that you took the time to make such a long video and took it upon yourself to finish One dark window 😂 ! Great as always. 🖼😈💧💎🔥

[@breneworld]

Really enjoyed this long video.😊 Thank you for the thorough review of the books. I recently read the Ember in the Ashes series and really enjoyed it all. It’s the only book series I have purchased because every book is just that good. I would not consider it romantasy but definitely fantasy with some romance. Sabaa Tahir’s writing style and world building is my favorite.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Yeah it’s definitely on the cusp for me - but it had enough little romance tropes that I thought I’d let it slide haha I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! ❤️

[@brookem9865]

I definitely wish there were more queer romantacies out there so I could give the genre a go myself as a lesbian who has no interest in m/f romance. It seems to be such a heterosexually dominated genre right now unfortunately!

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’d love more as a bisexual woman! Her Majesty’s Royal Coven was almost my pick for the fourth read of this video and I *believe* it has wlw romance 🤔

[@brookem9865]

@@PlantBasedBride oooo I will be looking into that one, thanks!

[@rosarodriguez8984]

Oh. My. God. Two hours of Elizabeth talking about books ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚

[@BhanuChandrasekaran]

2 hours! I was painting and listening to this like it’s a podcast😂 I agree with one dark window, it is so predictable that you would think that Elspeth is so stupid😅 and Ember in the Ashes is one of my absolute favourite series❤

[@lunawarren6913]

YESSS you read my mind!! i have been such in the mood for some new romantasy recs! alsoooo your notes about the first book you read made me think-i would looove to see a reading vlog of yours about books about veganism! either non-fiction or even fictional books that play with the ideas behind veganism would be really cool. plus as someone who’s principally plant-based but not 100% vegan, i’m very open to books or perspectives that could expand my way of thinking regarding ethical and/or dietary veganism. thank u as always!! 💞

[@PlantBasedBride]

That could be a super interesting video! I haven’t read many books with veganism as a theme, but that could make for an intriguing reading vlog 🤔

[@elementeight8]

@@PlantBasedBrideI am also an ethical vegan. I have found most genre fiction shines a negative light on veganism and vegans. Being kind to animals other than humans is somehow portrayed as being strange and even evil in many books.

[@ferndropsart]

This is a really cool idea! I think the only time I’ve seen veganism mentioned in media is actually in the newest season of Bridgerton lol. I’d love to find more mentions of it!

[@taliabasma6120]

Ember was a LIFE changing book for me as a Muslim too! IDK why but when I would write, I would write White Americans and after reading specific Ember it was like a HUGE lightbulb so I'm really happy you also enjoyed it!!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Oh I love this ❤️ I’m looking forward to continuing on in the series!

[@mirrojas]

I just finished A River Enchanted & I liked it a lot. I enjoy RR’s writing. I think she surprises people with her stories & style. Especially since she’s always categorized romantasy. The romance is more of a motivation for the characters in the story while battling other aspects of the fantasy world. I have read Letters of Enchantment & I can see a pattern in her writing & I agree, I wish I could sit longer with the endings. I felt that way with Ruthless Vows but I believe like you said, it’s YA coded. So I’m not mad about it lol. I would love her to write an adult book. I still want to read all her books! She’s a comfort author for me.

[@sarahb4615]

You are the hero I was waiting for - ive been intrigued by One Dark Window for a while. Thank you for making that reading sacrifice for me. All intrigue has ceased 😂

[@tyghe_bright]

Haven't yet watched the whole video. I picked up That Time I Got Drunk on a whim, thinking it was cozy. Was surprised by the spice, which was fine, just a LOT when I wasn't expecting it... but was also surprised by the adventure, which was a fun romp. But yeah, lots of boring and sorta problematic tropes in the romance. Which is why I rarely read the genre. I have found a couple of romance books I love, but have had far more misses. I love fantasy, so hope you find a couple of worthy reads I can pick up!

[@tyghe_bright]

I think right now, Romantasy is still being shaped as a genre. I think Romantasy should have romance tropes and a romance structure in a fantasy world, with some secondary fantasy tropes. It's hot, so publishers and booksellers are slapping the label on all kinds of things. There are also a lot of books that should be YA that are marketed as adult Romantasy. And books that are being rushed out with insufficient editing.

[@thewanderlustlibrarian]

This is a master class on critical reading. I need to get to your level 😂

[@PlantBasedBride]

lol thank you 😂 I just can’t help myself 😅

[@robyn3943]

I was so excited to read "One Dark Window", I'd heard nothing but good things about it, but you've made me seriously reconsider haha. I haven't watched all the way, but hoping AEITA is good for you!

[@sydneypryor5117]

personally i have the exact opposite opinions from her 😂 (and know many others who do as well) must be veryyy much based on personal preference

[@kelleydoes]

*Edit to say SPOILERS AHEAD! You were definitely kinder than I was on A River Enchanted. I ended up giving it 2.5 stars for a few reasons: Jack gave up on his years of teaching and his life on the mainland so quickly for an island he claimed never cared for him, fell in love with a woman he had hated through childhood within days, and was willing to shorten his life for a clan he never felt accepted by in the first third of the book. The magic of the island throws me too. All the beaten paths stay the same, but somehow the spirits can make 15km 5km and make one hill into three. You can say anything and the wind will carry it for anyone to hear, but people aren’t constantly going insane from constant bombardment of people talking outside or inside with a window open. I feel like a lot of this just wasn’t developed enough. I also would not classify this as romantasy and I completely agree with you on the blank slated-ness of Jack’s character. The ending was so unsatisfying, and I wish they would have done it exactly as you had said and introduced the problem of the music in the second book. Overall, there were just so many problems that even though it killed me, I had to give it 2.5 stars. I wanted to like this book so much more than I actually did.

[@BookishMandy]

Ooh, the captain of the destriers WITH grey eyes. I’m rolling and thankful you took one for the team on this book.

[@milliesantana5260]

You really hated one dark window 🤣🤣🤣 Saves me from reading it. Saw it on bookstagram so much. Love watching your reviews.

[@tillydavvers]

For anyone looking for a romantasy that is actually pretty damn good, look out for the Lucenta Chronicles by H Louise releasing later this year - I betaread it and I am not a romantasy fan and it was so good!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Thank you for the recommendation! ❤️

[@landscapesofink]

Honestly your rants about One Dark Window are the best thing about this day bahhahhahaa

[@zixaz00]

It's fantasy, not romantasy, but I would recommend Hills of Heather and Bone by K.E. Andrews as a read that subverts a lot of the typical m/f relationship tropes. The FMC is taller and stronger than the MMC, and is the grumpy one while the MMC is the sunshine. They've also been married for 10 years so it's nice to see a long-term relationship in fiction. Unfortunately it's only available on Amazon since it's self-published, but it is on KU and a fairly cheap ebook without KU.

[@shesagift1]

I feel soooo validated hearing you rant on One Dark Window. I DNF’d halfway through because Elspeth was so dramatic and whiny AND I’d guessed the ending by like 1/3 mark. Just did not care at all about the plot or the romance and nothing about the characters made me wanna hang in there haha

[@agblackness]

I love the last series. Last month in my country was published volum 4. I think volum 5 will be published in autumn. I will wait to see your review for the next volumes.❤

[@Libriecappuccini]

I will keep repeating “captain of the destriers” aaaaaall day long 😂 1:24:54

[@christina_the_reader]

Perfect time to read An Ember in the Ashes quartet. Book 1 of a spin-off duology is coming out this fall 😍

[@PlantBasedBride]

Oh how cool! That’s exciting 🥰

[@justadolphin8932]

1:26:49 LMAO why are his ~gray eyes ~ always tight or tightening too 😭

[@questionthat]

I'd love to see another one of these but strictly adult romantasy!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Oo that would be fun! Maybe I need to do a part two 🤔

[@roniinkster1578]

I did watch all the way to end, surprisingly for me because typically we do not share the same taste in books. I can’t say that I am going to look for these books to read … or not … but would be curious to see what you feel about the Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole. I resisted at first because they are YA, but once I got in there … there was no holding back. They might fit just right into this niche and I think you might enjoy them. At least more than One Dark Window 😥😊

[@EvelynHazel1]

I’m so glad someone finally agrees with all my views and predictions on One Dark Window!! 😭😭

[@alanatuttle]

lol my hopes were so low after the third book😂😢😮🎉