Rare photo reveals an unexpected obsession among men behind bars - and Aussies can't get enough
Aussies were shocked by a bizarre detail in a photo of burly, tattooed inmates.
By CAITLIN POWELL - NEWS REPORTER
Published: 06:13 GMT, 30 December 2025 | Updated: 06:13 GMT, 30 December 2025
Burly, tattooed inmates have been pictured reading romantic-fantasy novels beloved by millions of female fans worldwide, much to the delight of Aussies online.
NSW Corrections Services shared photos on Facebook this week of men reading books from the 'romantasy' genre — a portmanteau of romance and fantasy.
Titles included globally popular books such as Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean franchise and Sarah J. Maas' two series: Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
'When it comes to inmates, images of tough, tattooed men often come to mind. They're not typically pictured armed with books, perusing the pages of romantasy novels,' the photos were captioned.
'But even if the men don't want to admit it, the latest CSNSW library data doesn't lie…Romantasy rules the prisons yards and our state's inmates want to read tales about faeries and dragons!'
Maas' books usually revolve around young women falling in love in realms dominated by 'fae' - or fairies - while Yarros writes about lustful dragon riders.
The corrections service said it recorded a 'huge surge in romantasy requests' in 2025 and that it was easily the most popular genre behind bars.
'When it comes to escaping through books, this is the only kind of breakout we allow,' the caption continued.
'Romantasy' - romantic fantasy books - was the most popular genre requested by inmates in NSW Corrections Services institutions
The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros was widely read
Two series by Sarah J. Maas were also popular among the men
'Here's to books being a powerful tool for literacy, learning, and rehabilitation.
'Most borrowed classics? Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, The Hobbit.'
Australians have applauded the inmates for exploring the genre, including former NRL player and reality TV star Luke Bateman.
The personality, who went viral for his love of fantasy, said it was 'incredible to see'.
NSW Corrections responded: 'Let us know if you have a top recommendation for the inmates, or if you want to host a prison book club when your novel comes out.'
Another Aussie opened up about their own experience behind bars.
'Over the two decades I was locked up, I (did) heaps of reading. The first book I ever read from start to finish was in prison,' they wrote.
'Reading in prison and outside is good for your mind. It's an escape.
'(It) also helps you sleep.'