Fantasy doesn’t have to be all swords, prophesies, and saving the world. If you’re wanting to wind down and relax with a wonderful world, then one of these stories are waiting to whisk you away.
The Cat Who Saved Books
The Cat Who Saved Books, by Sosuke Natsukawa, is a lovely book featuring a talking cat and a bookstore.
Rintaro Natsuki, whilst suffering the grief from the passing of his grandfather, meets Tiger, the talking tabby, and together, they embark on soul-filling adventures to save books. By “saving” books, Rintaro and Tiger liberate them from owners who have mistreated them.
The Cat Who Saved Books serves to be a delight of a magical adventure that combines two of the coziest things known to humanity: cats and books.
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea, by Rebecca Thorne, follows Reyna and Kianthe who want to put their intense lives behind as bodyguards and mages to open a bookstore that serves tea and cakes. Naturally, it isn’t that easy to escape from their past lives.
Despite the mysteries, tyrant queen, and dragons, this story has an inherently cozy atmosphere thanks to the bookstore that Reyna and Kianthe open together. Squeaky floorboards, a warming fire, as well as sweet treats and good books.
For a warm story with a side of romance and standard fantastical hijinxs, make sure to check out Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea.
Fred, the Vampire Accountant
Fred, the Vampire Accountant is a series of novels by Drew Hayes that begin with “The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant” – and the tale is anything but uninteresting.
Hayes takes an interesting spin on dark fantasy tropes by having the protagonist a rather regular and boring man who happened to become a vampire. Upon reunion with someone in his past life, he gets thrust into the world of the supernatural.
For a fun story about a “boring” vampire, you won’t find any better than Fred, the Vampire Accountant.
Small Miracles
Small Miracles, by Anne Booth, is a lighter modern fantasy story about three nuns trying to keep their beloved convent in face of numerous problems. All seems glum until one of them plays the lottery…
This story is the epitome of sweet and cozy. The three nuns’ winning lottery leads them to Italy in search of a miracle, and you get to accompany them as they learn more about friendship, love, and life. There’s no “big evil,” or “chosen ones,” just three dear friends and their commitment to their convent.
If you’re ready for a delightful and warming time with Sisters Margaret, Bridget and Cecilia, then Small Miracles is ready for you.
Beware of Chicken
Beware of Chicken, by Casualfarmer, is a novel series that focuses on a farmer in the body of a martial arts master. In search of a fulfilling and relaxing life, Jin Rou escapes to the country expecting to find this life.
With such a wacky premise, Beware of Chicken serves as a delightful read with vibes both calming and joyful. The casual narrative voice will lure you in and the bizarre plot will keep you. Despite the humor and ridiculousness of the story, the cozy and satisfying feeling will make it great for a bedtime read.
If you wish to get caught up in a martial artist framer’s pursuit of a quiet life, then make sure to Beware the Chicken…
Tress of the Emerald Sea
Tress of the Emerald Sea was initially a secret project by Brandon Sanderson for his wife – but after considerable support, it’s now available for all to read.
If that isn’t wholesome in its own right, then the story will be sure to satisfy. Tress must disembark from her quiet and peaceful life to help save her friend. The island that Tress calls home is delightful and cozy, and despite the dangers she faces – the story remains a relaxing and satisfying one.
If you wish to experience island and beyond with Tress, then the Emerald Sea calls to you.
The Dragon’s Banker
The Dragon’s Banker, by Scott Warren, is a high fantasy story set in the sidelines of the epic fights and kings and queens. Instead of following a great hero, we follow accountant Sailor Kelstern that comes across two new revelations: that dragons exist, and that they need accounting.
A terribly fun and low-stakes story, The Dragon’s Banker is a tale about dragons, capitalism, and the economy, providing a very fresh take on what fantasy stories can offer us. A slice-of-life and a thrilling tale, The Dragon’s Banker will provide something new for everyone.
If you wish to lay back and watch Sailor scramble to account for a dragon, then you better have a hot drink ready.
Legends and Lattes
Legends and Lattes, by Travis Baldree, has had a huge boost in popularity, and many readers are recommending and talking about it.
This story will see a retiring orc barbarian set up the first coffee shop in the city – not that anyone knows what coffee is. This low-stakes yet high fantasy story is a hilarious and warming tale that focuses on life after the adventuring.
If you’re ready to see Vic try to give up the sword for good and peddle coffee, then make sure to have some coffee yourself on standby.
The Starless Sea
The Starless Sea, by Erin Morgenstern, is the magical tale of Zachary Rawlins as he finds a mysterious book that contains details from his own life.
When reading this story, you’ll be taken on an enchanting journey as Zachary follows the book. You’ll visit incredible locations, namely the library, a grand and gorgeous place that is far more than a place to store old books.
Get lost in the winding halls with Zachary in The Starless Sea, but make sure to not get lost…
Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones, is a story very few know exist. So many of us have watched or just heard of the cinematic adaptation, but few of us have read the story that inspired it all. Note that the film is only loosely based on this modern classic.
Howl’s Moving Castle is one of the greatest magical fantasy stories out there, and it holds up after all this time. Howl’s Moving Castle looms over the hills above Sophie’s town. Belonging to a wizard who supposedly feasts on souls of young girls, it is the last place that Sophie should be. And yet, there she goes.
So when you’re ready, join young Sophie on her journey to Howl’s Moving Castle.
Now that you don’t have a shortage of cozy fantasy stories, all you gotta do now is prepare your most comfortable spot for some serious reading.
