Readers ask me this from time-to-time: “Be honest. Did you write Moonshifter Academy (that’s my series about a young wolf shifter who is the last of her kind, trying to save a shifter academy) as a romantasy?”
And every time, I give the same thoughtful, philosophical, deeply considered answer.
“Uhh… maybe?”
The truth is messier. I never set out to write romantasy. I was busy exploring magical architecture, blood mage conspiracies, shifting hallways, and a girl wrestling with power she never asked for. But somewhere along the way, some characters wandered in and said, “Actually, we would like to talk about feelings.”
And once they started talking, they never stopped. So in the spirit of clarity (and chaos), I sat down with my characters to settle this question once and for all.
This was a terrible idea.
First, What Even Counts As Romantasy?
Romantasy is the magical hybrid of fantasy and romance. A story qualifies if it has:
- A love story that is integral to the plot (i.e. could the story survive if you removed it?)
- A strong fantasy setting
- Emotional or romantic tension that shapes character decisions
- A sense that kissing might just save or destroy the entire known universe
There are many flavors. Slow burns. Forbidden crushes. Chaotic triangles. Geometry problems disguised as relationships.
Now let’s bring in my characters, who absolutely insisted on weighing in.
Kat Has Opinions And She Will Share Them
When I ask Kat whether the series is romantasy, she stares at me like I’m pretending not to notice a dragon perched on my roof.
“You created wolf brothers fighting for my love. And a boy with a heart bigger than his magical abilities. And a love quadrangle. And you’re confused?”
I point out that the series is also about identity, responsibility, legacy, grief, and a magical school that is constantly rearranging itself like an indecisive IKEA catalog.
“Yes,” she says. “And the romance amplifies all that stuff.”
She presses a hand to her medallion. “When my feelings get intense, so does my magic. You wrote that.”
I did. She is absolutely correct. Again.
Eddie Strolls In With His Own Rationale
“Bro,” Eddie says as he puts his feet up on my desk, “of course it’s romantasy. My relationship with Kat is literally part of her origin story. I have charm. And turntables. And emotional depth.”
I gently remind him that he also naps through serious conversations.
He waves a hand. “People contain multitudes.”
Touché.
Artemon Arrives With Maximum Dramatic Timing
Artemon leans against a doorframe like he practices this pose when no one is watching.
“The heart knows what it wants,” he says.
I tell him that his entire personality is forbidden longing.
He nods proudly. “Exactly.”
Kat groans in the background.
Donna mutters “you all need therapy” as she walks by.
This is my life.
Let’s Talk About The Romance Geometry
No spoilers here, but if you have read the series, you know the relationships are… evolving.
Romance is one of the sparks that keeps the story glowing hot. It shapes Kat’s development, challenges her morals, and sometimes makes her shift at very inconvenient times. Without romance…the story would lose its wings.
On the other hand, it never takes over the main arc. This isn’t a story where romance is the only battlefield. It is an important piece of a much bigger picture.
Yarrow Floats Into The Conversation
Yarrow appears. Her fae presence shifts the air and bells tinkle in the distance.
“Stories are living creatures,” she says. “They are never only one thing.”
Artemon stares like she just bewitched him.
She continues. “There is magic. There is danger. There is love. Trees do not separate their roots from their leaves. Why should humans separate parts of a story?”
Honestly, she solved the whole debate with one metaphor. I should probably hire her to run the blog.
So… Is It Romantasy Or Not?
After listening to my characters argue among themselves, here’s where I landed.
Reasons The Series Is Romantasy:
- Romance is integral to the journey
- Kat’s romantic feelings influence her magic
- Multiple relationships shape her growth
- Emotional tension affects major decisions
Reasons The Series Is Not Only Romantasy:
- The central arc is also about power, identity, and survival
- The villains have their own agendas
- Worldbuilding stands on its own
- The magic system and mythology lead the plot forward
So the answer is not a clean yes or no.
The Moonshifter Academy series sits in the middle.
Romantasy. But also fantasy. But also coming of age. But also mystery, danger, and emotional chaos.
A hybrid creature. Much like some of the characters.
A Final Word From Kat (Because She Refused To Let Me Finish Without One)
“Tell them I am more than who I kiss,” she says.
“You are,” I agree.
“But also tell them I can kiss people if I want.”
“Fine.”
She frowns. “You didn’t put that in italics.”
Correct.
She growls low in her throat. For a moment, I consider giving in, but that feels like a very slippery slope. I snap my laptop shut.
I am the author. I am in charge. (I am lying to myself.)
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