Pinterest Predicts 2025 has spoken: Rococo Revival is the next big thing. Inspired by the Rococo era – an opulent and ultra-feminine period of the Late Baroque – this trend celebrates lavish details, flowing gowns, ornate aesthetics, and a love of extravagance. From weddings to parties to home decor, Rococo is about embracing beauty with frills, flourishes, and grandeur.
But how does this trend translate into books? Fantasy lovers, rejoice! We’re stepping into worlds of courtly intrigue, lush descriptions, decadent magic, and stories that feel as ornate as a gilded ballroom. Here are the perfect fantasy reads to match the Rococo Revival vibe: opulent, romantic, and absolutely dazzling.
Decadent Courts and Gilded Intrigue
The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
Set in 19th-century New Orleans, this lush vampire tale is brimming with mystery, romance, and opulent settings. Celine, a dressmaker drawn into a dark underworld, finds herself navigating a city drenched in beauty and danger, perfect for lovers of decadence.
Rococo Vibe: Gilded ballrooms, crimson silk, and forbidden secrets in the moonlight.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
Set in a luxurious, alternate 19th-century Paris, this tale of treasure hunts, secret societies, and ornate artifacts is pure Rococo indulgence. Chokshi’s lush writing brings an air of elegance and beauty, even as her characters navigate danger and betrayal.
Rococo Vibe: Ornate artifacts, dazzling parties, and secrets hidden in gilded walls.
The Stolen Heir Duology by Holly Black
Holly Black’s richly atmospheric writing and detailed depictions of faerie courts make the Stolen Heir books an ideal fit for the Rococo Revival trend. The world-building is decadent, with lush, magical settings and high-stakes intrigue that reflect the opulence and drama of the era. These books embody the dark, romantic side of Rococo with their layered power dynamics and lush imagery.
Rococo Vibe: Shadowed court intrigue, delicate gilded masks, and dangerous, glittering magic.
Ultra-Feminine and Romantic Fantasy
Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton
A unique take on Victorian manners, this novel replaces high society humans with dragons but keeps all the frills, romance, and drama intact. Think ornate decor, opulent traditions, and family intrigue that will charm lovers of the Rococo aesthetic.
Rococo Vibe: Delicate finery, intricate rituals, and dragons with impeccable taste.
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
This whimsical, historical fantasy explores the story of Mozart’s sister, Nannerl, and her imagined magical kingdom. Filled with music, beauty, and melancholy, the book mirrors the Rococo love for art, romance, and elegance.
Rococo Vibe: Powdered wigs, music-filled halls, and an ethereal, dreamlike aesthetic.
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
This whimsical and cosy Regency-era fantasy combines courtly manners, magic, and romance, delivered with delightful charm and wit. The setting evokes an air of elegance and grace, while the characters navigate societal rules and magical intrigue, reflecting the frills and flourishes of the Rococo aesthetic.
Rococo Vibe: Delicate pastel dresses, elegant ballrooms, and a touch of enchantment that feels utterly whimsical.
Magical Banquets and Ornate Worlds
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
This magical tale of a mysterious game brims with decadence, colorful details, and atmospheric beauty. From elaborate costumes to glittering settings, Caraval feels like stepping into a Rococo dream where every flourish hides a secret.
Rococo Vibe: Colorful costumes, opulent performances, and high-stakes magic.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
A fairy-tale retelling steeped in atmospheric beauty and gilded winter magic. Novik’s lush prose and her depiction of courtly intrigue bring to life a Rococo-esque world, where magic and power swirl like gold leaf on delicate porcelain.
Rococo Vibe: Gilded palaces, intricate bargains, and wintry opulence.
Nettle by Bex Hogan
While Nettle leans toward darker, earthier tones, it’s perfect for readers seeking a grounded Rococo aesthetic. With its themes of power struggles and raw emotion, it mirrors the intensity hidden beneath Rococo’s frills. Hogan’s beautiful descriptions tie it to the ornate and rich vibe of the period, especially with its connections to natural beauty.
Rococo Vibe: Ornamental florals, intricate textures, and the dramatic flourish of power and nature.
Ornate Fairy Tales and Lush Descriptions
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
This enchanting tale of secret doors, other worlds, and lyrical prose feels like stepping into a storybook adorned with gilded edges. Harrow’s lush writing and intricate storytelling evoke the romanticism of the Rococo era.
Rococo Vibe: Gilded portals, flowing prose, and stories wrapped in beauty and adventure.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Set in post-war Barcelona, this richly atmospheric tale of a mysterious book, hidden secrets, and forbidden romance is perfect for lovers of lush descriptions and decadent storytelling. Zafón’s narrative wraps readers in layers of beauty, intrigue, and nostalgia.
Rococo Vibe: Candlelit libraries, intricate secrets, and a labyrinth of stories within stories.
Find Your Rococo Fantasy
The Rococo Revival trend invites you to embrace the beauty of frills, opulence, and ethereal elegance – and these fantasy books are ready to sweep you off your feet. Whether you love romantic courts, magical banquets, or intricate fairy tales, these reads deliver all the grandeur and decadence you need.
What’s your favorite Rococo-inspired book? Let me know in the comments! 🌟💖
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