The love triangle, a staple of the romantasy or romanticfantasygenre, often walks a tightrope between drawing in readers and alienating them with predictablefantasy book tropes. When executed well, however, it can elevate a narrative, adding layers of emotional complexity and driving reader engagement.
There are several series that have successfully navigated love triangles, with authors like Sarah J. Maas, Cassandra Clare, and others employing this trope to create genuinely excitingfantasy plots that still need TV shows. These stories, often coinciding with theprotagonist falling for a villain trope, demonstrate the power of a well-crafted love triangle to deepen character development and heighten the stakes, proving that when done right, this trope can be a potent tool in the romantasy writer’s arsenal.
1A Court Of Thorns & Roses
By Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns & Roses’central romance is not strictly a love trianglein Sarah J Maas’ iconic series, but in retrospect, Feyre and Rhysand’s relationship is foreshadowed as early as the first book, while Feyre is in love with Tamlin. When Feyre first sees Rhys on Calanmai, she remarks,“Standing before me was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen”.
In addition, at the end of the novel, there is a moment when Rhys looks shocked and abruptly vanishes when they are saying their goodbyes before leaving Under the Mountain. In retrospect, it seems this is the moment the realization that they are mated snaps into place for Rhys. At this point, Feyre is still committed to a life with Tamlin.
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However, Sarah J Maas does not let it fall too neatly into a love triangle -she makes it very easy for the reader to leave Feyre’s romance with Tamlin behindwhen Rhys spirits her away from her confined situation in the Spring Court. This being said, she is not above alove triangle inACOTAR- arguably, Elain, Azriel, and Lucien are a triangle in the later books, but it raises interesting questions about Fae mating bonds and female agency.
2The Infernal Devices
By Cassandra Clare & Joshua Lewis
The Infernal Devicesseries (Clockwork Angel,Clockwork Prince, &Clockwork Princessby Cassandra Clare) features a love triangle with two male love interests being in love with one female within its magical Victorian London setting.It excels in its love triangle by crafting deeply compelling characters, Will, Jem, and Tessa, where genuine affection exists on all sides.
Unlike predictable YA tropes, Clare ensures both Will and Jem are equally worthy of Tessa’s love, amplifying the emotional stakes.
Unlike predictable YA tropes, Clare ensures both Will and Jem are equally worthy of Tessa’s love, amplifying the emotional stakes. Their profound friendship further complicates the situation, creating a poignant and unique dynamic. This complexity, along with the authentic portrayal of Tessa’s feelings, distinguishes the trilogy from others, where one love interest often feels like a mere plot device.
Instead of a single, definitive choice,Tessa experiences love with both men at different times. This exploration of multiple soulmates is refreshingly unique. While other series often push their endgame couples,The Infernal Devicesuses the trope to keep readers guessing, fostering genuine investment. This unpredictable nature, combined with the strong character development, makes the trilogy stand out with its memorable love triangle.
3The Lightlark Saga
By Alex Aster
Alex Aster’sLightlarksaga, a TikTok sensation winning a movie deal with Universal, has a major love triangle at its center - however, it is perhaps the most compelling aspect of the books. It is a particular focus in the second book,Nightbane.One major decision Isla has to grapple with in the novels is choosing between Oro and Grim.
Aster makes the love triangle work by making the relationships distinct from each other.Isla and Grim have more chemistry, while Oro is seen by some readers as the healthier choice. Aster’s engaging novels excel at keeping the reader guessing about who Isla will choose - while she gives more attention to Grim, there is no clear endgame. The compelling relationships, coupled with the high-stakes world of Lightlark, ensure that the love triangle remains a potent and unpredictable element of the saga.
4Shadow And Bone
By Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’sShadow and Boneseriesfeatures a complex love triangle. While the Netflix adaptation softens Mal’s character, portraying him as Alina’s devoted childhood friend, the books depict him as aloof and insensitive, earning him the nickname"Malfunction.“Despite other romantic interests, including the manipulative Darkling and the charming Nikolai Lantsov, Alina ultimately chooses Mal.
Their journey involves overcoming obstacles, including the Darkling’s treachery and Nikolai’s honorable proposal. The show enhances Mal’s appeal, aligning with the books' ending where he and Alina find peace together. Alina’s romantic path includes the Darkling, who initially seduces her with promises of power, but reveals his exploitative nature.
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Nikolai Lantsov, introduced inSiege and Storm, offers an alternative, embodying kindness and bravery. He proposes marriage, becoming a beloved figure among readers. However, despite Nikolai’s appeal,Alina’s enduring connection with Mal prevails. After facing war and loss, they establish a quiet life, running their childhood orphanage. This ending emphasizes their shared history and resilience, offering a sense of closure after a tumultuous journey.
5The Lost God Series
By Sheila Masterson
The Lost Godsaga by Sheila Masterson centers on Cecilia, a memory witch, and her protector Rainer, as they embark on a perilous quest to liberate their realm by conquering the Gauntlet and awakening the titular deity. Their journey is fraught with cryptic divine intervention, the romantic pursuit of a charismatic hunter, and a transformative magical exchange that forces Cecilia to question her deepest loyalties. Her pivotal decision ignites a long-standing conflict, highlighting the dual nature of memory – its capacity to unite or destroy.
Despite its fantastical elements, the story resonates deeply, particularly through the protagonist Cece’s relatable struggles.Masterson excels in creating a love triangle marked by intense intimacy, elevating it beyond typical romantic entanglements. The author’s world-building is lauded for its portrayal of vulnerability as a source of strength, making the immersive experience both beautiful and emotionally impactful.
6Daughter Of The Moon Goddess
By Sue Lynn Tan
Sue Lynn Tan masterfully crafts a compelling love triangle inDaughter of the Moon Goddessby presenting Xingyin as a protagonist who transcends typical romantic entanglements. Xingyin’s journey from sheltered innocence to formidable warrior is central, and Tan ensures her romantic relationships, withPrince Liwei and Captain Wenzhi, complement rather than define her.
Unlike the often contentious love triangles of romantasy, Tan avoids pitting the suitors against each other, instead showcasing how each relationship fosters Xingyin’s agency and strength. This nuanced approach allows readers to appreciate the unique dynamics between Xingyin and each man, creating a sense of emotional investment without resorting to contrived conflict.
Tan’s success lies in the organic development of these relationships. Prince Liwei, portrayed as a gentle and supportive figure, contrasts with the seasoned and resolute Captain Wenzhi. Tan’s ability to create a love triangle that enhances the protagonist’s journey, rather than detracting from it, marks a refreshing departure from conventional romantasy tropes.
7Kiss Of The Basilisk
By Lindsay Straube
Lindsay Straube’s romantasy seriesSplit or Swallowis certainly not for the faint of heart, and the love triangle is hardly the most stand-out element compared to the snake aspect of this delightfully bonkers narrative. Nonetheless, Temperance Verus’ love triangle could destroy kingdoms, with the protagonist torn between a prince and her basilisk trainer in the smut-filled series.
Tem’s path to marrying the prince requires mastering the basilisk’s seductive power through rigorous training. Paired with Caspen, the formidable Serpent King, she discovers an unexpected connection that challenges her initial goal. However, escalating conflict between humans and basilisks forces Tem into a difficult position.Her growing affection for Caspen clashes with her connection to the prince, creating a complex emotional dilemma.
8The Crimson Moth Duology
By Kristen Ciccarelli
Kristen Ciccarelli’sThe Crimson Mothduology, comprised ofHeartless HunterandRebel Witch, presentsa romantic fantasy narrative centered on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, exploring the evolving relationship between a witch and her hunter adversary. Its enemies-to-lovers aspect is more prominent than its love triangle, but the way Ciccarelli treats the former sets the tone for how she approaches writing. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is actually convincing, rather than having faux enemies.
There has perhaps not been a love triangle featuring brothers this good sinceThe Vampire Diaries.
The love triangle of the duology, too, does not disappoint. The central love triangle in Kristen Ciccarelli’s duology features Rune, a vigilante witch, entangled romantically with both Gideon, a captain dedicated to hunting witches, and his brother, Alex. Set against a backdrop of witch persecution, the narrative delves into the complexities of love and loyalty, forcing characters to make difficult choices between their hearts and their allegiances. There has perhaps not been alove triangle featuring brothersthis good sinceThe Vampire Diaries.
9The Elf Queen Series
By J.M. Kearl
In J.M. Kearl’sElf Queenseries, Layala faces a romantic conflict between her present love, the Elf King Thane, and the Black Mage Hel, who asserts a divine connection and claims her as his wife. Layala is drawn to both Thane and Hel in this medium-spice romantasy featuring a powerful protagonist and fated mates.
Kearl’s series ties in inspiration from both Greek and Norse mythology, which elevates its love triangle and increases in tension throughout the series.The narrativeamplifies the intrigue by layering in elements of revenge and divine conflict. While Thane is Layala’s fated mate, Layala is Hel’s wife Valeen reborn, creating a divine bond between the pairing. Throughout Kearl’s series, the love triangle is not merely a personal dilemma but a catalyst for larger, cosmic events.
10The Legacy Series
By Melissa K. Roehrick
For those who find love triangles offputting, it may at first feel like a curveball when reading Melissa K. Roehrick’sLegacyseries. However, these books are unputdownable even for readers who do not usually like reading love triangles or“why choose”approaches.The seriesthrives on the compelling tension in Tessa’s relationshipswithTheon and Luka.
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This is a central driving force of the narrative, sparking intense speculation about her ultimate romantic destiny. The series skillfully uses the push-and-pull of these relationships to heighten emotional stakes, leaving readers constantly questioning which suitor Tessa will choose or if there will be a polyamorous resolution. The question of whether Tessa and Theon are"mates,“a concept woven into the series' mythology, further intensifies the romantic intrigue.
Roehrick also enhances the engagement of her love triangle using character POVs in the romanticfantasy. She does this to portray Theon’s toxic characteristics but give an empathetic background to them, showing his moral gray areas.
