HBRW 2026 - The Romantasy Phenomenon

Romance, fantasy, forbidden powers and epic adventures – romantasy has captured the imaginations of readers around the world. But what makes this hugely popular genre so irresistible? Meet three New Zealand authors putting their own spin on romantasy. Ivy Cliffwater introduces The Shadow Weaver, blending romance with forbidden powers and epic battles. Isabelle Taylor brings sweet and spicy monster romance to the mix, while international bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to her hugely popular Guild Hunter series with Archangel’s Eternity. Led by Catherine Robertson, the conversation explores the appeal of romantasy, creating compelling fantasy worlds and characters, and why readers can’t seem to get enough of the genre. About the Authors Nalini Singh is the internationally bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series, as well as contemporary romance and New Zealand-set thrillers. Her books have sold more than eight million copies worldwide and been translated into over 20 languages. Ivy Cliffwater is an Auckland-based debut author and the writer of The Shadow Weaver. Isabelle Taylor writes sweet and spicy monster romance and holds a Master’s in Creative Writing from the International Institute of Modern Letters. Catherine Robertson is a bestselling author of novels for adults and children and a regular book reviewer on RNZ’s Afternoons.