Summary
One particular book in theDiscworldseries by Sir Terry Pratchett is perfect for romantasy readers, despite the fact that it makes fun of our favorite tropes. As an avid romantasy reader, I have devoured and enjoyed many of thepopular romantasy books on BookTok.Fourth Wing,A Court Of Thorns & Roses,and several others have gripped me with their sharp romantic drama and ingenious world-building. That being said,one book by the late, great Sir Terry Pratchett continues to amaze me with how it tackles aspects of this newer genre with every reread.
Pratchett’sMen at Arms,the second book of his City Watch section ofDiscworld,is one of thebest fantasy booksI have ever read.Pratchett’s story of a group of bumbling knights who defend the city of Ankh-Morpork is spectacular,as it took many of my favorite parts of the fantasy genre and lovingly poked fun at them. Even with that satirical veil, the characters ofMen at Armswere still engaging, even if they did not react to things as expected. This is especially true for the main couple, who are the antithesis of many romantasy tropes.
15 Most Anticipated Romance Books Coming Out The Rest Of 2024
There are many exciting romance books coming out throughout 2024, and some of the most-anticipated new releases haven’t even hit shelves yet.
Men At Arms' Main Couple Is The Antithesis Of Several Romantasy Tropes
Carrot And Angua Avoid The Drama And Angst Of Many Romantasy Couples
The main couple of theDiscworldnovelMen at Armsare the antithesis of many romantasy tropes, creating a unique dynamic for the couple and larger story. One thing I have noticed about many romantasy couples is the heavy use of miscommunication, secrecy, and the angst of one of the two being the Chosen One.Men at Arms,however,avoids that in clever ways, adding to the satirical lens of the series.One example is Angua’s lycanthropy, which normally is a source of character angst, is played more for humor hereas she discovers clues no one else can.
Men at Armswas published on June 10, 2025.
Her dynamic with Carrot is full of tension because of this secret, but Carrot’s naivety keeps the tension to a minimum, as he simply does not understand a lot of her reasonings.Carrot is also fine with her secrecy, as seen when he reveals he suspected she was a werewolf and that she would be okay after being attacked with the mysterious weapon they had been chasing.While Carrot is the Chosen One, he simply refuses to heed that call, taking a lot of that tension out. These subversions make theDiscworldbookperfect for romantasy readers, despite this satirizing.
Terry Pratchett’s Discworld Book Is Perfect For Romantasy Readers (Despite Poking Fun At Our Tropes)
Men At Arms' Worldbuilding And Twists Can Keep The Most Seasoned Readers Engaged
Men at Armsby Terry Pratchett is perfect for romantasy readers even though it makes fun of our favorite tropes because its twists and subversions are so refreshing. I have read plenty ofbooks that blend fantasy and romancewell, but there were times when I could see what was coming a mile away. But when I was readingMen at Arms,Carrot and Angua’s relationship was refreshing because it had those subversions while still keeping that romantasy sweetness.They are just one example of how Pratchett’sDiscworldsubverts expectations, which can be difficult in these genres.
Discworld, then, is great for romantasy readers who need to reset and remind ourselves that, once in a while, poking fun at the things we love about this genre is okay.
Pratchett’s worldbuilding and humor for this series serve two purposes.The first is to satirize many of these long-held fantasy tropes, but the second is to establish a rich world grown from that satirization.As a result,Men at Armshas the same amount of adventure and mystery as the novels it makes fun of, which can keep even longtime fantasy lovers engaged.Discworld,then, is great for romantasy readers who need to reset and remind ourselves that, once in a while, poking fun at the things we love about this genre is okay.
