In the enchanting realm of literature, where magic dances on the pages and whimsy beckons from every word, lies the delightful world of cozy fantasy books. These charming tales transport readers to idyllic villages, mystical forests, and whimsical kingdoms, where gentle magic and heartwarming adventures abound. With a focus on quaint settings, endearing characters, and feel-good storytelling, cozy fantasy books offer a respite from the everyday and a journey into realms where the impossible becomes possible. Join us as we explore a curated selection of cozy fantasy books that promise to enchant, inspire, and transport readers to realms of wonder and delight.
Grab some coffee, put on Taylor Swift’s Folklore and prepare for the ultimate cozy night in.
What is cozy fantasy?Table of Contents [CLICK HERE TO OPEN]
Cozy Fantasy Book List
Cozy fantasy books are a subgenre of fantasy that focus on warmth, low-conflict narratives, and magical, comforting settings, often highlighting themes of friendship, community, and personal growth. These tales offer a gentle escape into worlds where the magic is as much about the setting and relationships as it is about the plot.
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl’s castle.
To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there’s far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.
In this giant jigsaw puzzle of a fantasy, people and things are never quite what they seem. Destinies are intertwined, identities exchanged, lovers confused. The Witch has placed a spell on Howl. Does the clue to breaking it lie in a famous poem? And what will happen to Sophie Hatter when she enters Howl’s castle?
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.
The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.
If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.
But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
All Reyna and Kianthe want is to open a bookshop that serves tea. Worn wooden floors, plants on every table, firelight drifting between the rafters… all complemented by love and good company. Thing is, Reyna works as one of the Queen’s private guards, and Kianthe is the most powerful mage in existence. Leaving their lives isn’t so easy.
But after an assassin takes Reyna hostage, she decides she’s thoroughly done risking her life for a self-centered queen. Meanwhile, Kianthe has been waiting for a chance to flee responsibility–all the better that her girlfriend is on board. Together, they settle in Tawney, a town nestled in the icy tundra near dragon country, and open the shop of their dreams.
What follows is a cozy tale of mishaps, mysteries, and a murderous queen throwing the realm’s biggest temper tantrum. In a story brimming with hurt/comfort and quiet fireside conversations, these two women will discover just what they mean to each other… and the world.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party—or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, Shadow, and the Fair Folk to other people.
So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, muddle Emily’s research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.
But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones—the most elusive of all faeries—lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she’ll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all—her own heart.
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.
The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.
If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.
But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.
A Wizard’s Guide To Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
Fourteen-year-old Mona isn’t like the wizards charged with defending the city. She can’t control lightning or speak to water. Her familiar is a sourdough starter and her magic only works on bread. She has a comfortable life in her aunt’s bakery making gingerbread men dance.
But Mona’s life is turned upside down when she finds a dead body on the bakery floor. An assassin is stalking the streets of Mona’s city, preying on magic folk, and it appears that Mona is his next target. And in an embattled city suddenly bereft of wizards, the assassin may be the least of Mona’s worries…
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He’s tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.
Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
Ever since she was cursed by a faerie, Theodora Ettings has had no sense of fear or embarrassment—an unfortunate condition that leaves her prone to accidental scandal. Dora hopes to be a quiet, sensible wallflower during the London Season—but when Elias Wilder, the strange, handsome, and utterly ill-mannered Lord Sorcier, discovers her condition, she is instead drawn into peculiar and dangerous faerie affairs.
If her reputation can survive both her curse and her sudden connection with the least-liked man in all high society, then she and her family may yet reclaim their normal place in the world. But the longer Dora spends with Elias, the more she begins to suspect that one may indeed fall in love even with only half a soul.
The House Witch by Delemhach
When Finlay Ashowan joins the staff of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. No one knows where he comes from or how he came to be where he is, which suits Fin just fine. He’s satisfied simply serving as the royal cook, keeping nosy passersby out of his kitchen, and concocting some truly uncanny meals.
But Fin’s secret identity doesn’t stay hidden for long. After all, it’s not every day a house witch and his kitten familiar, Kraken, take to meddling in imperial affairs. As his powers are gradually discovered by the court, Fin finds himself involved in a slew of intrigues: going head-to-head with knights with less-than-chivalrous intentions, helping to protect the pregnant queen, fending off the ire of the royal mage, and uncovering a spy in the castle. And that’s only the beginning—because Fin’s past is catching up with him just as his love life is getting complicated . . .
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the strange and magical wilds of Tanria. It’s an unforgiving job, and Hart’s got nothing but time to ponder his loneliness.
Mercy never has a moment to herself. She’s been single-handedly keeping Birdsall & Son Undertakers afloat in defiance of sullen jerks like Hart, who seems to have a gift for showing up right when her patience is thinnest.
After yet another exasperating run-in with Mercy, Hart finds himself penning a letter addressed simply to “A Friend”. Much to his surprise, an anonymous letter comes back in return, and a tentative friendship is born.
If only Hart knew he’s been baring his soul to the person who infuriates him most—Mercy. As the dangers from Tanria grow closer, so do the unlikely correspondents. But can their blossoming romance survive the fated discovery that their pen pals are their worst nightmares—each other?
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
When a reaper comes to collect Wallace from his own funeral, Wallace begins to suspect he might be dead.
And when Hugo, the owner of a peculiar tea shop, promises to help him cross over, Wallace decides he’s definitely dead.
But even in death he’s not ready to abandon the life he barely lived, so when Wallace is given one week to cross over, he sets about living a lifetime in seven days.
Hilarious, haunting, and kind, Under the Whispering Door is an uplifting story about a life spent at the office and a death spent building a home.
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill
From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes The Tea Dragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.
After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives — and eventually her own.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
It’s been centuries since the robots of Panga gained self-awareness and laid down their tools; centuries since they wandered, en masse, into the wilderness, never to be seen again; centuries since they faded into myth and urban legend.
One day, the life of a tea monk is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of “what do people need?” is answered.
But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. Their elderly aunts almost seemed to encourage the whispers of witchery, with their musty house and their exotic concoctions and their crowd of black cats. But all Gillian and Sally wanted was to escape. One will do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they share will bring them back—almost as if by magic…
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Rosemary Harper joins the crew of the Wayfarer, an aging spaceship, with modest expectations. Despite its worn condition, the ship promises a bed, new horizons in the galaxy’s distant corners, and a much-needed escape from her past. As an introspective young woman accustomed to solitude, Rosemary finds the diverse crew intriguing—especially the exotic reptilian pilot Sissix, the chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks, and their noble captain, Ashby.
Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit fond of his quiet, unambitious life, finds his routine disrupted when the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves arrive unexpectedly. They recruit him for an adventure to reclaim a treasure hoard from Smaug the Magnificent, a formidable dragon. Reluctantly, Bilbo joins their quest to the Lonely Mountain, where he encounters a magic ring and a mysterious creature named Gollum, setting the stage for an epic journey.
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
With ailing family to support, Evie Sage’s employment status isn’t just important, it’s vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.
Just as Evie adjusts to the dungeon’s macabre decor—severed heads hanging from the ceiling and the occasional squish of an eyeball underfoot—she suspects there’s a huge rat in the dungeon, and not just a literal one. Something rotten is festering in the kingdom of Rennedawn, threatening to topple the Villain and his dark empire.
Now, Evie must resist her attraction to her boss while unraveling who is sabotaging his sinister plans. She’s determined to identify the culprit and make sure they face the Villain’s wrath.
Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
Clara’s magic has always been wild. But it’s never been dangerous. Then a simple touch causes poisonous flowers to bloom in her father’s chest.
The only way to heal her father is with a complex spell that demands perfect control. The only person willing to assist is her former best friend, Xavier, who has transformed from a sweet, shy child into someone distant and mysterious.
Xavier demands a steep price for his help, knowing Clara will do anything to save her father. As Clara grapples with Xavier’s changed demeanor, she uncovers the many secrets he hides. During her search for the truth, Clara discovers the source of a terrible darkness afflicting the queendom—a darkness that only her magic can stop.
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker
“Mooncakes is spellbinding. It combines inventive magic, characters that feel like friends, and a truly authentic romance. Finishing it left me longing for more, but thankfully, it’s a book I can revisit.” —Tillie Walden, creator of Spinning and On a Sunbeam
“Mooncakes transported me to a beautiful magical realm I never want to leave, introducing lovable characters who lingered in my thoughts. This graphic novel is the joyful fantasy romance we need, potentially restoring your faith in magic.” —Charlie Jane Anders, author of All the Birds in the Sky
Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg
Rhode Island, 1846. Estranged from his family, writer Merritt Fernsby is surprised when he inherits a remote estate in the Narragansett Bay. Though the property has been uninhabited for more than a century, Merritt is ready to call it home—until he realizes he has no choice. With its doors slamming shut and locking behind him, Whimbrel House is not about to let Merritt leave. Ever.
Hulda Larkin of the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms has been trained in taming such structures in order to preserve their historical and magical significance. She understands the dangers of bespelled homes given to tantrums. She advises that it’s in Merritt’s best interest to make Whimbrel House their ally. To do that, she’ll need to move in, too.
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Marra, a shy, convent-raised third-born daughter, is relieved to avoid a marriage solely for her parents’ throne. Unlike her, her older sister suffers under an abusive and powerful royal husband. From the convent’s safety, Marra wonders who will rescue her sister and end the abuse. After years of observing their families and kingdoms ignore the issues, Marra understands that if a hero is needed, it must be her.
If Marra completes three impossible tasks, a witch will grant her the necessary tools. However, as often happens in tales of princes and the impossible, these tasks are merely the start of Marra’s strange and enchanting journey. She aims to save her sister and topple a throne.
The Bookshop and the Barbarian by Morgan Stang
Running from strife in her homeland, Maribella Waters becomes the new owner of the fabled Cozy Quill. After finding squatters on her property, she employs Asteria Helsdottir, a giant, barbarian warrior woman more accustomed to swinging an axe than opening a book. Together, the odd couple must make a success out of the bookshop—and survive a dizzying procession of seasonal festivals.
But the local evil noblewoman has other plans in mind. Threatened with being run off the land, Maribella and Asteria must use their wits to outsmart Lady Malicent and keep their business open. Along the way, the whole town lends a hand, friendships are forged, and mysteries are revealed.
The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa
Bookish high school student Rintaro Natsuki is about to close the secondhand bookstore he inherited from his beloved bookworm grandfather. Then, a talking cat appears with an unusual request. The feline asks for—or rather, demands—the teenager’s help in saving books with him. The world is full of lonely books left unread and unloved, and the cat and Rintaro must liberate them from their neglectful owners.
Their mission sends this odd couple on an amazing journey, where they enter different mazes to set books free. Through their travels, the cat and Rintaro encounter various characters. They meet a man who neglects his books, letting them perish on a shelf, and an unwitting book torturer who cuts pages into snippets for speed reading. They also encounter a publishing drone focused solely on creating bestsellers. Their adventures culminate in a final, unforgettable challenge—a daunting maze that leads Rintaro into a realm reserved for the bravest.
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft
When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.
Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist—yet. He’s been fired from every apprenticeship he’s landed, and his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret. She begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.
Although they make an unlikely team, they soon find themselves drawn to each other.
Other Genres To Try
Readers enchanted by cozy fantasy books’ whimsical charm and heartwarming adventures will find a world of literary genres waiting. Each offers its own unique blend of magic, mystery, and charm. Whether you prefer cozy fantasy’s quaint settings or seek new realms of imagination, several genres are sure to pique your interest.
- Fantasy Mystery: Fans of cozy fantasy books may find fantasy mysteries appealing for their light-hearted tone. These novels feature charming settings and engaging puzzles. Often starring amateur sleuths and set in small towns, they include a touch of magic. This makes them perfect for readers seeking cozy escapism with a hint of mystery.
- Urban Fantasy: Explore the intersection of the ordinary and the extraordinary with magical realism. This genre blends fantastical elements with everyday life. Novels in this genre weave subtle magic into the fabric of reality. They create a sense of wonder and enchantment, mirroring the cozy charm of fantasy books.
- Historical Fantasy: Transport yourself to bygone eras infused with magic and myth through historical fantasy novels. These books blend fantasy elements with real-world historical settings. They offer a rich tapestry of adventure, intrigue, and romance against a backdrop of historical events.
- Pirate Fantasy Books: Embark on a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas with pirate books. Daring buccaneers navigate treacherous waters, seek buried treasure, and engage in thrilling battles. Filled with action, romance, and tales of camaraderie, these books offer an exhilarating escape into adventure and exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cozy fantasy?
Cozy fantasy is a subgenre that emphasizes stories set in magical, safe settings with low-conflict narratives and a focus on community and personal growth. These books often exclude dark themes, favouring instead themes of friendship and everyday magic.
Who are some popular authors of cozy fantasy?
Notable authors include Patricia A. McKillip, known for her lyrical storytelling, T. Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon), who blends humour with warmth, and Juliet Marillier, who incorporates folklore into her narratives.
What elements define a cozy fantasy setting?
Cozy fantasy settings often feature idyllic, pastoral landscapes, small communities, or quaint villages where magic seamlessly blends into daily life. These settings create a comforting, nurturing environment that invites readers to relax and escape into the narrative.
How does cozy fantasy differ from other fantasy genres?
Cozy fantasy differs from other fantasy genres primarily in its tone and conflict level; it focuses on warmth and community rather than high stakes or epic battles. The stories are more about personal growth and the magic of everyday life, providing a comforting and gentle reading experience.
As you explore the enchanting world of cozy fantasy, immerse yourself in tales that celebrate the magic of simplicity and the power of community. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, these books offer a comforting retreat into worlds where kindness reigns and adventures await around every corner. Happy reading!
