BookTok Is Ignoring These 2 Book Boyfriends (Despite Them Being Better Than Xaden & Rhysand)

BookTok is ignoring a pair of great book boyfriends even though the two are, in some key ways, better than Xaden from The Empyrean Series and Rhysand from A Court Of Thorns & Roses. While Rebbeca Yarros and Sarah J. Mass' series are some of the most popular books on BookTok, they are not the only books that have captured audiences' attention. Various other smaller series, duologies, and standalones play with similar tropes to these two works, creating strong narratives and characters audiences who love romantasy can easily get invested in.

Of course, one of the reasons both The Empyrean Series and A Court Of Thorns & Roses are so popular is due to the romances woven into their fantasy plots. Many of the best romantasy books, especially recently, have attempted to replicate the engaging and tender moments Rhysand and Xaden are responsible for in their respective series. However, one set of book boyfriends who do this have largely gone undiscussed by the platform despite the fact that they have aspects of them that are even more alluring: Ravyn Yew and Elm Rowan from The Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig.

Ravyn Yew & Elm Rowan From The Shepherd King Duology Are Just As Swoonworthy As Rhysand And Xaden

Gilig's two love interests in The Shepherd King Duology are just as swoon-worthy as A Court Of Thorns and Roses and The Empyrean Series' ​​​​​​main male characters and are able to be so without as many issues. Rhysand is one of Sarah J. Mass' best love interests, but his infringement on Feyre's mind in the beginning and his lack of communication when it comes to their plans add complications Ravyn does not share. Ravyn respects Elspeth's boundaries, such as with the Nightmare Card, and always includes her in his planning, allowing her the chance to make an informed decision.

Elm, meanwhile, mirrors Xaden's wit and desire to help Violet by pushing her. That being said, Elm is also considerate of what Ione has been through at Hauth's hands and makes his feelings apparent as they grow closer, unlike Xaden, who attempts to shield himself. Elm also willingly opens up to Ione as he attempts to help her, strengthening their emotional bond with much less back-and-forth. Though they have these advantages, The Shepherd King Duology is not as widely discussed on BookTok as A Court Of Thorns & Roses and The Empyrean Series, limiting audiences' exposure to these rich characters.

Why BookTok Could Be Ignoring These Two Book Boyfriends

The Shepherd King Being A Complete Series Could Be Affecting Their Popularity

BookTok may be ignoring these two alternatives to A Court of Thorns & Roses' and The Empyrean Series' book boyfriends due to the length of the work they are in, minimizing the conversation surrounding them. As mentioned, Gilig's work is a duology that was completed back in 2023 with the publication of Two Twisted Crowns. Ravyn and Elm, then, may not be discussed as much due to them being a part of a completed, relatively short, romantasy work over an ongoing series like Rhysand and Xaden are.

Audiences who love these characters are able to formulate new arguments and theories because Rhysand and Xaden's arcs are not yet complete, with their authors constantly dropping new pieces of information. The latest Onyx Storm reveal surrounding Xaden highlights this, letting audiences speculate on what could unfold in the next book for the main couple, something Ravyn and Elm cannot inspire as their story is done. As a result, A Court Of Thorns & Roses and The Empyrean Series can keep their characters in the spotlight, even with just as fascinating options like Ravyn and Elm being available to enjoy.