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How often does this happen to you? You’re a plain, ordinary, gorgeous heroine, who’s suddenly abducted by aliens and taken to Planet Gladiator Violence VI. There you encounter a bull-headed man with piercings in all his massive muscles, and various events ensue, and if we kept up this description the grown-ups would not let you listen to this podcast episode. And that’s probably the tamest version of what’s now called “romantasy.” These kinds of monster stories are winning legions of female fans. What manner of perversity is this?

Episode sponsors

1. Enclave Publishing: Singularity by Shannon McDermott
2. The Seekers series by J. A. Webb
3. Cultural Engagement Giveaway: The Pop Culture Parent, On Magic and Miracles, and Above the Circle of Earth

Mission update

• New at Lorehaven: new Embergold review, Monster Month returns
• Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild
• Our current book quest is This Present Darkness

Quotes and notes

• Lorehaven podcast ep. 149. Why Do Christian Fiction Fans Love So Much Romance?
• Lorehaven podcast ep. 249. What is ‘Romantasy’? | with Parker J. Cole
• Here Be Dragons: What Christians Need to Know About Romantasy, Kathryn Butler at The Gospel Coalition, Feb. 28, 2025
• Ep 1240 | TikTok’s Spicy Novels Are Warping Women’s Minds, Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, Sept. 10, 2025

Backstory: Parker J. Cole

Onscreen writer Parker J. Cole is a USA Today Bestselling author of historical romance as well as a speaker, podcast host, and CEO of the podcast network PJC Media. As an author, Parker enjoys exploring history through the vehicle of romance. Her speaking topics focus on inspiration for aspiring authors. For over a decade, she has interviewed authors from all over the world via her podcast network. Consumed with a plethora of interests that keep her life busy, she lives in Detroit, Michigan. Visit her website at ParkerJCole.com.

1. Explore romantasy’s love and monsters

• Review of the original better purposes of romantic fiction.
• Overview of the hazards of romance (like escapism and sensuality).
• Romance often hints at fantasy, and fantasy often includes romance.
• Now we see the rise of a new genre nickname called “romantasy.”
• These stories include the dark and lurid stuff we described earlier.
• Yet many Christians do this wholesomely, such as perhaps Embergold.

2. Why real women chase the worst boys

• Stephen recalls this trope in fiction (even comic books) and reality.
• Harley Quinn, originally The Joker’s lover/victim, might be most famous.
• Zack brought the news stories of women defending literal assassins.
• For example, the assassin of the United Healthcare CEO in Dec. 2024.
• Meanwhile, some fans aggressively and self-righteously defend porn.
• Even a gentle presentation of “no spice” romantic fantasy angers them.
• Parker J. Cole shares why this “bad boy” trope was already so popular.
• Now it’s further evolved from monstrous men to actual monster-men.
• Romans 1:22 may reflect this perversion involving images of beasts.
• Verse 26 further describes “[relations] that are contrary to nature.”

3. How our Lord affirms/subverts this genre

• In the real world, male/female relationships are so often dysfunctional.
• Men behave passively, women want strength, yet also undergo abuse.
• Or else either side confuses male strength for “abuse” and vice-versa.
• Readers may crave to experience power and danger but in a “safe” way.
• Christians must reflect Jesus in reality and fiction as absolutely powerful.
• However, He is real, and He is not actually safe, but He is truly good.
• We are (or were) literally dead slaves to sin, and Jesus sets us free.
• In other words, all human beings start out as monsters loved by Him.
• That means men and women are His captives or servants for good!
• Yet our purpose goes beyond carnal indulgences, thrills, and dangers.
• He sets us free to serve Him, join His Church, and await eternal joys.

Com station

Top question for listeners

• When have you seen real or fictional monsters actually redeemed?

Next on Fantastical Truth

In all the wildness of this year, you may have missed a stunning bonus feature. Even more professional military men have been sharing testimonies on Capitol Hill about their witnessing unknown aerial phenomena blasting through the laws of physics. These sightings are not going away, forcing us to reckon with some truly potential scenarios. If aliens really invaded Earth, how would they do it? And how we discern these invasions and fight back?