Fantasy Books to Explore if You’re Tired of "Shadow Daddies"

      April 8, 2025

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      Hot take: I'm utterly tired of the so-called "shadow daddy" trope in fantasy literature. You may not recognize the term, but you're certainly familiar with the archetype. Rhysand from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series exemplifies this character. He’s tall, dark, and attractive, has dubious morals, and uses his shadow manipulation skills for both destruction and seduction. To be honest, I do like Rhys as the main love interest in the series, but after I finished ACOTAR, I began to notice that nearly every upcoming romantasy novel seemed to feature its own version of a “shadow daddy.” By the time Xaden from Fourth Wing was introduced, I had reached my limit. In fact, I'm now reading the Fourth Wing series despite Xaden, which I know isn't a popular stance.

      Truthfully, I find the term "shadow daddy" quite cringeworthy. Additionally, these types of romantic interests all seem essentially identical. They are brooding, "bad boys" with justifiable reasons for their dark pasts, and their only vulnerability is the female protagonist. I’m aware I’m not alone in this sentiment because when I asked several fellow readers for suggestions of books with love interests who don’t wield shadows, they came through. Here’s a list of fantasy and romantasy books that steer clear of the shadow daddy trope.

      Heather Fawcett

      Emily Wilde is the leading expert on faery studies. Currently, she’s writing the world’s first encyclopedia on faerie lore in the remote village of Hrafnsvik, and she certainly didn’t expect her annoyingly charming academic rival, Wendell Bambleby, to join her, become friends with the locals, mess with her research, and totally perplex her. Don’t be misled by his somewhat ridiculous name; the relationship between Emily and Wendell is filled with tender, sweet moments, and the book itself is incredibly cozy.

      Carissa Broadbent

      On the night Tisaanah attempts to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life. Eager to save her best friend whom she left behind, she seeks to join the Orders, the most powerful group of magic users in the world. Blocking her path is Maxantarius Farlione, a fire wielder who loathes the Orders and just happens to oversee her apprenticeship. Tisaanah must prove herself as a war looms and grapple with her growing feelings for Maxantarius, whose violent past might hold the key to her future.

      Elisabeth Aimee Brown

      Described as Cinderella meets Howl’s, this story centers on Hester as she leaves her farming life behind for the city. She carries with her only her superstitions, the foremost being to never accept a gift, as that’s how the Folk entrap you. Everything seems to be going well at the Commoners Ball until she captures the attention of the princes, who can’t seem to resist her. However, Hester resolutely refuses their offerings. Just because the Folk haven’t been seen in the city doesn’t mean they aren’t lurking…

      Anna Bright

      Magic is waning in Wales. Dragons have vanished. And an attack is looming. Princes Taliesin and Dafydd are charged with restoring magic, which leads to a strained rivalry between them. Ffion uses hedgewitch magic for the impoverished, not for princes, but when the power-hungry Foxhall coven takes everything from her, she agrees to assist Taliesin to regain what she lost. She is willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means making a deal with Dafydd behind Tal’s back.

      Sabaa Tahir

      In this harsh world, defiance leads to death. Laia and her family don't resist the Empire. But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, she is forced to make a choice. In exchange for help from rebels promising to rescue her brother, she risks her life to act as a spy within the Empire’s most prestigious military academy. There, Laia encounters Elias, the top soldier, who secretly yearns to escape the tyranny he’s been trained to uphold. Their decisions could alter the fate of the Empire.

      Charissa Weaks

      Raina Bloodgood is driven by one goal: to kill the Frost King and the Witch Collector who abducted her sister. On Collecting Day, she intends to exact deadly revenge, but a more sinister threat ignites chaos in her world. Rising from the ashes is the Collector, Alexus Thibault, the man she swore to kill and the only person who can assist her in rescuing her sister. Raina must set aside her