Top 10 Best Classic European Romance Novels of All Time: Immerse Yourself in the Royal World!

1

Yona of the Dawn (Yona of the Dawn / Akatsuki no Yona)

Details

• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Harem (light), Shoujo.
   
• Age: Teenagers (13+).
   
• Author: Mizuho Kusanagi.
   
• Number of chapters: Ongoing (as of June 2025, there have been 46 tankōbon volumes).
   
• Status: Ongoing.

Main character name:

• Yona: The female protagonist, the only princess of the Kouka Kingdom, initially naive and weak but gradually becomes strong and resilient.
   
• Son Hak: Yona's guardian and childhood best friend, known as the "Kouka Tiger", very strong and loyal.
   
• Soo-Won: Yona's cousin, whom she secretly loves, but later betrays and usurps the throne.
   
• Yoon: A smart boy, talented in medicine and cooking, known as the "Handsome Genius".

Four Dragon Warriors:

• Kija (White Dragon): Has dragon arms with extraordinary strength.
   
• Shin-Ah (Blue Dragon): Has dragon eyes with the ability to see far and cause paralysis.
   
• Jae-Ha (Green Dragon): Has dragon legs with superhuman jumping and kicking abilities.
   
• Zeno (Yellow Dragon): Has an immortal body and the ability to self-heal.

Story content: "Iron Princess" tells the story of Yona, the only princess of the Kouka Kingdom, living a carefree life in the palace, protected by her father and her best friend and bodyguard Hak. On her 16th birthday, Yona's life is turned upside down when Soo-Won, her cousin whom she secretly loves and is also Hak's best friend, betrays, kills her father and usurps the throne.

Yona and Hak are forced to flee the palace, becoming outlaws. At first, Yona was a weak and dependent girl, but after the shock of losing her father and the kingdom, she gradually matured and became determined to become strong to protect the people she loved and find a way to restore the kingdom.

Following the advice of a monk, Yona and Hak began their journey to find the Four Dragons - legendary warriors with dragon blood, believed to be descendants of the Four Dragons who once served the Red Dragon King. On this journey, they met and convinced Kija (White Dragon), Shin-Ah (Blue Dragon), Jae-Ha (Green Dragon) and finally Zeno (Yellow Dragon). Each of them had their own stories and burdens, but were all attracted to Yona's will and resilience.

Together with Yoon - a smart young man with talent in medicine and management, Yona's group began their adventure throughout the Kouka kingdom. They witness the injustice, poverty and corruption of the royal court under Soo-Won, but also meet kind-hearted people and potential allies. Yona not only seeks the power of the Four Dragons, but also learns to fight, lead and understand the suffering of the people. The series not only focuses on the romance between Yona and Hak, or the complicated relationship with Soo-Won, but also deeply explores political and social issues and the maturity of the characters. Yona goes from a weak princess to a symbol of hope, a potential leader, ready to face any challenge to bring peace and justice to her kingdom.

2

Queen of Egypt (Ouke no Monshou/Crest of the Royal Family)

Details

• Genre: Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel, Shoujo.
   
• Age: Suitable for teenagers and up.
   
• Author: Chieko Hosokawa.
   
• Number of chapters: Ongoing (as of July 2025, there have been more than 69 tankōbon volumes released in Japan, with a very large number of odd chapters and still not finished).
   
• Status: Ongoing since 1976. This is one of the longest-running manga series in history.

Main character name:

Carol Rido: The female protagonist, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed American girl, daughter of a millionaire family who loves Egyptian archaeology.

Pharaoh Menfuisu (Memphis): The young Pharaoh of ancient Egypt, Carol's lover and husband.

Ismir (Izmir): Prince of the Hittite Empire, who is infatuated with Carol and tries to possess her by all means.

Ryan Rido: Carol's brother, who always tries to protect and bring his sister back to modern times.

Story content: "Queen of Egypt" is about Carol Rido, a beautiful and intelligent American girl, passionate about ancient Egyptian archaeology. While exploring the tomb of Pharaoh Menfuisu with her family, she accidentally broke an ancient curse. As a result, Carol was pulled back to the past, to ancient Egypt around 3000 BC, when Pharaoh Menfuisu was still alive.

Initially, Carol was considered an enemy and imprisoned by Menfuisu, a young, arrogant but brave Pharaoh. However, with her knowledge of history and modern medicine, Carol gradually proved her worth and intelligence, helping Egypt overcome many difficulties. Her beauty and intelligence made Menfuisu fall in love, and Carol gradually developed feelings for this Pharaoh. They married, and Carol became a beloved princess, known as "Daughter of the Nile Goddess" by the Egyptian people.

Carol's life in ancient Egypt was not peaceful. Her beauty and uniqueness attracted the attention of many kings and princes from neighboring countries, especially Prince Ismir of the Hittite Empire. Ismir was so infatuated with Carol that he would stop at nothing to kidnap her, causing Carol to be constantly involved in dangerous adventures, being taken to other countries such as Hittite, Assyria, Babylon, and even ancient Greece.

Every time she is kidnapped, Carol faces life-and-death challenges, but she always finds a way to escape thanks to her intelligence and the help of new friends, or is rescued by Menfuisu and her brother Ryan (who lives in the present day but also has strange experiences related to the past). The relationship between Carol and Menfuisu deepens through the events, but at the same time, she also has to face jealousy, conspiracies from concubines, courtiers and power struggles between empires. The series stands out with dramatic plots, power struggles, sinister conspiracies and above all, the love story that transcends time and space between Carol and Menfuisu. Although it has lasted for decades, the series still retains its appeal thanks to its unsolved mysteries and Carol's relentless journey in the ancient world full of danger but also full of humanity.

3

The Ancient Magus' Bride (The Ancient Magus' Bride / Mahoutsukai no Yome)

Details

• Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life, Mystery, Drama, Seinen (although it has romance elements, it is aimed at a more mature audience).
   
• Age Range: Teenagers (13+) to Young Adult (16+).
   
• Author: Kore Yamazaki.
   
• Chapter Number: Ongoing (as of July 2025, there are 21 tankōbon volumes).
   
• Status: Ongoing.

Protagonist Name:

• Chise Hatori: The female protagonist, a 15-year-old Japanese orphan who has the ability to see and is attracted to supernatural creatures (Sleigh Beggy).
   
• Elias Ainsworth: A mysterious ancient wizard with a skull shape who has acquired Chise as his student and future "bride".
   
• Silky: A house fairy (Banshee) who lives in Elias' house, taking care of the house and cooking.
   
• Ruth: A black dog spirit who has become Chise's guardian and companion.
   
• Angelica Barlei: A magical craftsman, Elias' friend.
   
• Lindel: Elias's master mage, living in the land of dragons.
   
• Story: "The Mage's Bride" tells the story of Chise Hatori, a 15-year-old orphan girl living in Japan, who has lived a life full of misfortune and abandonment. She has a special ability to see and be attracted to supernatural creatures, which often gets her into trouble and is shunned by everyone. Desperate and without a place to go, Chise decides to sell herself at a slave auction.

At the auction, she is bought by Elias Ainsworth, a mysterious mage with a skull appearance and not quite human nature. Elias takes Chise to his home in the English countryside, a place filled with magic and mythical creatures. Elias declares that Chise will become his apprentice, and eventually, his "bride."

Chise begins her new life under Elias' guidance, learning about the world of magic, fairies, dragons, and countless other magical creatures. She gradually discovers her special nature as a "Sleigh Beggy" - a person who has the ability to naturally absorb and create magic, but this also causes her to have a short lifespan.

The relationship between Chise and Elias is central to the story. Elias, an ancient being who does not understand human emotions, gradually learns to love and care for Chise through their daily interactions. Chise, once a hopeless girl, gradually finds meaning in life, belonging, and love in this fantasy world. Not only does she learn magic, but she also learns to face her painful past and accept herself.

The series has a quiet, sometimes sad, but also very romantic and hopeful atmosphere. It explores themes of loneliness, self-discovery, love and acceptance. With beautiful and detailed drawings, "The Magician's Bride" takes readers into a unique fantasy world where the line between humans and gods becomes blurred.

4

Red River (Red River / Anatolia Story)

Details

• Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel, Adventure, Shoujo.
   
• Age: Teenagers (13+) to Young Adult (16+).
   
• Author: Chie Shinohara.
   
• Number of chapters: 96 chapters (28 tankōbon volumes).
   
• Status: Completed.

Main character name:

• Yuuri Suzuki: The female protagonist, a Japanese high school girl who time-traveled to the ancient Hittite Empire.
   
• Kail Mursili: The third prince of the Hittite Empire, who later became Pharaoh and is Yuuri's lover.
   
• Nakia: The first wife of King Suppiluliuma I, who summoned Yuuri back in time to serve as a sacrifice for her ambitions.
   
• Urhi Shalma: One of Queen Nakia's retainers, who often causes trouble for Yuuri.
   
• Ramses: Prince of Egypt, who also has feelings for Yuuri.
   
• Story: "Red Moon" tells the story of Yuuri Suzuki, a normal high school girl in modern Japan. One day, while hanging out with her friends, she is suddenly pulled through a puddle and transported to the past, to the ancient Hittite Empire around the 14th century BC. Yuuri is summoned by Queen Nakia, an ambitious and evil woman, to be used as a sacrifice to curse the other princes and put her son on the throne.

Fortunately, Yuuri is saved by Prince Kail Mursili, the third prince of the Hittite Empire. Kail is intelligent, brave, and far-sighted. He recognizes Yuuri's uniqueness and value, not only because she comes from the future, but also because of her intelligence and kindness. Yuuri gradually becomes an important part of Kail's life and the Hittite court.

Throughout the story, Yuuri faces numerous plots and dangers from Queen Nakia, who seeks to eliminate her. She is also caught up in the power struggles between nations, especially between the Hittites and Egypt. Yuuri, with her knowledge from modern times, has repeatedly helped Kail and the Hittite Empire in wars and solve internal problems, from improving agriculture to curing diseases.

The relationship between Yuuri and Kail gradually develops from protection and gratitude to deep love. Yuuri is not only a lover but also a life partner, a trusted advisor for Kail on her path to becoming a great Pharaoh. She also befriends many people in the royal court and the people, establishing a solid position for herself in this ancient world.

The series stands out with its combination of historical, fantasy and romance elements. It vividly recreates ancient civilizations, fierce wars, and complex political intrigue. At the same time, the love story between Yuuri and Kail, along with Yuuri's journey of maturity, has created a classic work loved by many readers.

5

The Ice Wanderer (The Ice Wanderer / Kori no Mamono no Monogatari)

Details

• Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Supernatural, Shoujo.
   
• Age: Teenagers (13+).
   
• Author: Aya Shouoto.
   
• Chapter Number: 29 chapters (6 tankōbon volumes).
   
• Status: Completed.

Main Character Name:

• Aria: The female protagonist, a girl who can see spirits and supernatural creatures.
   
• Frey: A mysterious "Snowman", a creature with ice powers and seemingly no emotions.
   
• Loki: An important supporting character, with connections to the supernatural world and Frey's past.
   
• Story Content: "Frosting Snowman" is a fantasy and romantic manga set in a world where the boundaries between humans and supernatural creatures are blurred. The story revolves around Aria, a young girl with the special ability to see spirits and non-human entities. This ability often makes her feel isolated and lonely.

Aria's life changes when she meets Frey, a mysterious being known as "The Snowman". Frey is an ice-powered being with a cold appearance and seemingly without emotions. He mysteriously appears in Aria's life and gradually becomes an indispensable part of her life. Despite initially having great differences in nature and worldview, Aria and Frey gradually form a deep bond.

As Aria and Frey spend time together, Aria begins to discover Frey's mysterious past, the burdens he carries, and the true nature of the "Snowman". At the same time, Frey also gradually learns how to feel and express emotions through Aria. Their relationship is not only about love but also about understanding, accepting differences and facing challenges from the supernatural world together.

The series explores themes of loneliness, finding meaning in life, love and acceptance of oneself and others. With delicate, beautiful drawings and a magical atmosphere, "Frosty the Snowman" brings a romantic story, mixed with sadness but also full of hope, taking readers into an enchanting modern fairy tale world.