With two new adaptations recently announced, it’s clear the romantasy craze isn’t slowing down—and I know exactly which BookTok favorite should be next in line for the screen. In 2025, the romantasy genre continues to thrive on BookTok, with Amazon’s Best Romantasy Books of 2025 list highlighting the hottest new releases and series continuations that have captivated readers. And it’s not just BookTok taking notice—studios are now diving headfirst into the romantasy wave, racing to adapt some of the platform’s most beloved titles for film and TV.
Amazon may have kicked off the romantasy adaptation trend with its Fourth Wing series announcement back in 2023, but the genre truly stepped into the mainstream spotlight with the June 2025 announcements of Divine Rivals and Powerless. These high-profile adaptations signal a broader shift—paving the way for other BookTok favorites that share similar elements, like magical creatures and imaginative magic systems, to make their onscreen debut. Among them, one series stands out as the ideal next pick in the adaptation race: Rachel Gillig’s The Shepherd King duology. Its rich worldbuilding and hauntingly romantic narrative make it a perfect candidate to continue the genre’s rise beyond the pages of BookTok.
Why The Shepherd King Duology Should Be the Next Romantasy Adaptation?
Now that studios are showing a growing interest in shorter, completed romantasy series, Gillig’s The Shepherd King duology is perfectly positioned for an adaptation. The recent announcements of Powerless and Divine Rivals adaptations came just as Powerless wrapped up its story with Fearless, placing both series firmly in the realm of finished BookTok favorites. While Divine Rivals is set to receive a prequel in September, these adaptations mark a shift away from the industry’s usual focus on ongoing blockbusters like Fourth Wing or A Court of Thorns and Roses. Instead, they highlight a new trend—one that could finally give The Shepherd King its moment in the spotlight.
With its complete storyline, The Shepherd King duology is a strong contender for a screen adaptation—especially in a movie format similar to Paramount’s upcoming Divine Rivals project. Rachel Gillig’s rising popularity, fueled by the buzz around her new duology The Knight and The Moth, could further boost interest in her earlier work, drawing new readers and renewing attention from longtime fans. Add to that the duology’s blend of beloved romantasy tropes and distinctive worldbuilding, and it’s clear that The Shepherd King has all the makings of BookTok’s next big hit on screen.
If You Loved Divine Rivals, You’ll See Why The Shepherd King Needs an Adaptation Next
With its haunting magic system, gothic atmosphere, and rare focus on male protagonists, The Shepherd King duology stands out as the perfect next BookTok romantasy to bring to the screen. Unlike many romantasy series that lean on innate magical powers or bonds with mythical creatures, Rachel Gillig’s world introduces a fresh twist: the Providence cards. Each card grants a unique power—but at a cost, as prolonged use begins to harm the bearer. This high-stakes dynamic, combined with the characters’ desperate quest to secure these powerful artifacts, creates a gripping, cinematic narrative ripe for adaptation. It’s a new kind of magical drama—dark, intense, and tailor-made for the screen.
The gothic atmosphere of The Shepherd King would be a major draw for audiences, offering a fresh take on familiar romantasy elements. While Gillig’s world carries the vaguely medieval feel common in the genre, it sets itself apart with its eerie mists and lurking monsters—adding a haunting, immersive layer to the traditional alternate setting. This blend of the familiar and the unsettling allows the story to stand out visually and tonally, delivering striking imagery while still offering enough recognizable tropes to appeal to viewers new to romantasy. It’s this balance of comfort and innovation that makes the series so adaptable—and so compelling.
Naturally, a romantasy story lives and dies by its romance—and The Shepherd King delivers in spades. Ravyn Yew and Elm Rowan are compelling, emotionally complex leads whose chemistry could easily rival that of today’s most beloved on-screen couples. Both characters exude the kind of charm that fans associate with iconic book boyfriends, echoing the appeal of popular male leads like the three eldest Bridgerton brothers from Netflix’s hit series. When that romantic pull is combined with the duology’s darker, gothic twists, it creates a captivating contrast that would make the adaptation truly shine. It’s time for this hauntingly beautiful story to step into the spotlight.
