Ella Jezdikova: Building an Online Romantasy Reading Community

Hi, I’m Ella Jezdikova, a writer, reader, and die-hard romantasy fan. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to stories where romance and magic collide, where love unfolds against epic battles and sprawling kingdoms. To me, romantasy isn’t just a genre—it’s an escape, a chance to step into worlds where the stakes are high, emotions run deep, and anything is possible.

A few years ago, I realised I wasn’t alone in my obsession. Everywhere I looked online, people were gushing about morally grey villains, slow-burn romances, and the swoon-worthy moments that make you clutch your chest. I thought to myself: What if there was a space where romantasy lovers could come together to share this passion? And so, I set out to create one.

Falling in Love with Romantasy

Romantasy has always been my happy place. Stories like A Court of Thorns and Roses and An Ember in the Ashes swept me off my feet and left me wanting more. There’s something about these tales—the way they balance the grand, fantastical stakes with intimate, heartfelt connections—that feels so magical.

But it’s not just the stories themselves; it’s the tropes we can’t get enough of. Enemies-to-lovers? Yes, please. Forbidden romance? Sign me up. Found family? I’m crying already. I love how these stories make us feel seen, even when they’re set in far-off lands with impossible magic.

I realised there were so many of us out there who loved this genre, but we were scattered across platforms and pages. I wanted to create a space where we could all come together and talk about the stories we adore.

Starting My Community

What began as me sharing my own writing journey and random romantasy thoughts on Instagram quickly turned into something much bigger. People started reaching out, commenting on posts, and asking if there were places to connect with others who loved the genre just as much. That’s when I knew it was time to build a proper community.

I started with a Discord server called The Enchanted Haven. It’s become a hub for romantasy fans to gather, share recommendations, and gush over our favourite tropes. We have book clubs, writing challenges, and themed events—like “Villain Appreciation Week” (because let’s face it, we all secretly love them) and “Magical Market Night.” Seeing everyone connect, laugh, and bond over their shared love of romantasy has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Supporting Aspiring Writers

One of the things I’m most passionate about is helping aspiring romantasy writers. I’ve always believed that the best stories come from the heart, so I encourage people to write the book they’ve always wanted to read. In our community, we run workshops, share writing prompts, and even give each other feedback on drafts.

Seeing someone who’s been sitting on an idea for years finally bring it to life? There’s nothing like it. Some members have even started querying their novels or self-publishing, and knowing I played a small part in their journey is incredibly fulfilling.

The Magic of Connection

This community isn’t just about books—it’s about connection. In a world that can feel so divided, stories have an incredible way of bringing us together. Whether it’s swooning over a fictional character or debating which romantasy trope is superior (it’s enemies-to-lovers, obviously), these moments remind me why I love this genre so much.

Looking back, I never imagined that starting a small online space would grow into such a vibrant, supportive community. It’s proof that the magic of romantasy doesn’t end when you close the book—it lives on in the conversations, friendships, and inspiration it sparks.

If you’re a romantasy lover like me, I hope you’ll find your own version of The Enchanted Haven—whether it’s in our community or somewhere else. Because in the end, that’s what romantasy is all about: discovering magic, embracing love, and sharing it with the world