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Cosy Fantasy Books to Read

These 16 Cosy Fantasy Books Have a Warm and Fuzzy Touch of Magic

Dec 8 2023

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"Cosy fantasy" has quickly become one of the most popular niches in the fantasy genre, and there really is a lot to love about this style. It's hard to pin down a single definition for cosy fantasy, but in general, it tends to avoid the enormous scope of epic or high fantasy while also steering clear of gritty, urban elements. Instead, these books have a vibe that's more like your favourite comfort-watch TV show or a warm and cosy sweater, with a softer approach alongside stakes that can vary from small to large. They're usually focussed on familial, friendly, and/or romantic relationships just as much as — if not more than — the actual fantasy elements.

With such a broad definition that hinges a lot on "vibes," there's a wide range of books that fall into the cosy category. Found family is a common theme, as in "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" by Sangu Mandanna or "Legends & Lattes" by Travis Baldree, while others, like "The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" by Megan Bannen or "Witchful Thinking" by Celeste Martin, lean more into romance. Grab your favourite warm drink, find your favourite reading spot, and enjoy these cosy fantasy books!

And to discover even more great genres and books, check out the 2024 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge.

Image Source: Amazon

"The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill" by Rowenna Miller

Set in the early 1900s, "The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill" (£14) by Rowenna Miller takes place in a small farming community where, according to tradition, only a thin veil separates the humans from the world of the fae. Alaine Fairborn's family still adheres to the old superstitions, so when her sister Delphine admits that her marriage is not what it seems, Alaine will do anything to save her sister. Unfortunately, deals with the fae are slippery, and they may have to sacrifice more than they ever expected.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill"
£14
from amazon.co.uk
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"Witchful Thinking" by Celestine Martin

In "Witchful Thinking" (£13) by Celestine Martin, charms and magical beings are the norm in the mystic seaside town of Freya Grove. High school teacher Lucy finds herself suddenly under a particularly tricky spell, which won't allow her to say no to anything. Complicating matters further is the return of Alex, her high school crush (and a merman) who is struggling with a hex on his own house, and he needs Lucy's help to lift it.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"Witchful Thinking"
£13
from amazon.co.uk
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"The Magician's Daughter" by H.G. Parry

A magical island and a mysterious history are at the centre of "The Magician's Daughter" (£9) by H.G. Parry. After washing up on the hidden island of Hy-Brasil as a child, Biddy has grown up there under the care of magician Rowan and familiar Hutch. When Rowan doesn't return from a trip off the island one night, it's up to Biddy to venture into the unknown outside world, where she discovers secrets and conspiracies she never imagined — including ones that put her and her loved ones right in the middle of it all.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"The Magician's Daughter"
£9
from amazon.co.uk
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"The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" by Sangu Mandanna

An isolated witch finds family and love in "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" (£8) by Sangu Mandanna. When witch Mika posts a silly video "pretending" to be a witch, it catches the attention of Nowhere House, a remote home where three young witches need help controlling their magic to avoid notice. Mika reluctantly agrees to journey to the house, where she finds herself immediately entwined in the lives of the witches and the other residents, including the prickly and protective librarian Jamie.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches"
£8
from amazon.co.uk
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"Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune" by Roselle Lim

If you prefer your cosy fantasy books to veer more towards magical realism than out-and-out fantasy, then you might like "Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune" (£8) by Roselle Lim. When Natalie returns home to San Francisco's Chinatown after her mother's death, she's surprised to see how much the neighbourhood has changed. She's even more surprised to inherit her grandmother's restaurant, and despite the prophecies of the neighbourhood's seer, she's not actually sure if she wants to revive the old restaurant or leave the tough memories behind and never look back.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune"
£8
from amazon.co.uk
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"The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" by Megan Bannen

"The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" (£9) by Megan Bannen feels like "You've Got Mail" crossed with a quirky Western-inspired fantasy setting. Hart, a marshall patrolling supernaturally dangerous territory, and Mercy, an undertaker trying to keep her family business open, rarely have a kind word for each other. What they don't realise is that they're each other's anonymous pen pals. When magical dangers threaten to encroach on their town, they'll grow closer — but the reveal of their true identities could spoil the bond that's been building through letters.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy"
£9
from amazon.co.uk
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"That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon" by Kimberly Lemming

"That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon" (£8) by Kimberly Lemming just might have one of the best titles of any book, ever! This short and sweet, cosy, and comic fantasy centres on Cinnamon, a spice farmer who accidentally saves the demon Fallon. Then, she finds out he's actually not so bad — he's trying to stop an evil witch who's targeting his people, and now Cinnamon is getting pulled along on the adventure, too.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon"
£8
from amazon.co.uk
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"The Enchanted Hacienda" by J.C. Cervantes

Imagine "Encanto" for grown-ups with a bit more plant magic, and you've got "The Enchanted Hacienda" (£9) by J.C. Cervantes. After an abrupt firing and a sudden breakup, Harlow returns to her family's farm in Mexico, where her family cultivates enchanted flowers that can have a whole array of magical uses. When Harlow, who has always lacked magic, is given a task of her own, she panics. But with a little time and confidence, she might unlock the power she's always had within.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"The Enchanted Hacienda"
£9
from amazon.co.uk
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"Can't Spell Treason Without Tea" by Rebecca Thorne

"Can't Spell Treason Without Tea" (£8) by Rebecca Thorne features two characters who just want to live a quiet life together. Reyna, one of the Queen's guards, and Kianthe, a powerful mage, can't quite seem to make it work to leave their current jobs and open a cosy bookshop. After Reyna is kidnapped, though, they finally decide to make it happen, moving to a remote location and opening a bookstore and tea shop, where all manner of magic still finds its way in.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"Can't Spell Treason Without Tea"
£8
from amazon.co.uk
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"A Far Wilder Magic" by Allison Saft

A legendary hunt for a mystical creature sets off the plot in "A Far Wilder Magic" (£8) by Allison Saft. Margaret spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, and knows that the famed hunt will soon follow. She's a great sharpshooter, but she needs an alchemist — someone like Wes, an apprentice struggling to find work. As they work together, they'll uncover even more magic, and perhaps some softer feelings, too.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"A Far Wilder Magic"
£8
from amazon.co.uk
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"Keeper of Enchanted Rooms" by Charlie M. Holmberg

"Keeper of Enchanted Rooms" (£8) by Charlie M. Holmberg follows Merritt, a writer in 1840s New England who unexpectedly inherits an uninhabited house — which, when he arrives, magically seals him inside. That's when he calls on Hulda, an expert on Enchanted Rooms, who advises him to try to get the house on his side. What follows is an extensive process to uncover the house's secrets, all while Merritt and Hulda grow closer to each other.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"Keeper of Enchanted Rooms"
£8
from amazon.co.uk
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"Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries" by Heather Fawcett

In "Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries" (£8) by Heather Fawcett, awkward faerie researcher Emily arrives in a new town with no intention of bonding with the locals; she just wants to get her research done. Making her job even harder is the presence of her rival, the very charming Wendell, who gets the townspeople on his side. As Emily works to unravel one of the biggest mysteries about the faeries, she also tries to figure out what Wendell wants — and what she wants, too.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries"
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

"Half a Soul" by Olivia Atwater

Regency romance meets cosy fantasy in "Half a Soul" (£9) by Olivia Atwater. As a child, Dora suffered a faerie curse that left her with only half a soul, meaning she tends to accidentally cause scandals when she fails to read a situation. During the Season, her path crosses with Elias, the controversial Lord Sorcier who is fascinated by her dilemma. Even as their connection brings up feelings that Dora never expected to experience, they're both drawn deeper into faerie secrets that could endanger them all.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"Half a Soul"
£9
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

"Legends & Lattes" by Travis Baldree

It just sounds cosy! "Legends & Lattes" (£9) by Travis Baldree focuses on Viv, a battle-weary orc who is hanging up her weapons and opening a cosy coffee shop. She's got plenty of obstacles along the way — including the fact that many would-be customers have never even heard of coffee — but with some help from a mismatched found family, she just might be able to live out her dreams.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"Legends & Lattes"
£9
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

"Witch of Wild Things" by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Sage, the heroine of "Witch of Wild Things" (£11) by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, is part of a family that was rumoured to be cursed by the gods long ago. After a terrible tragedy, Sage has been running away from her family and her magical gifts for years. When she's asked to return to use her gifts to identify some unusual plants — alongside the man who broke her heart long ago — she'll have to face her own fears and her family's trauma if any of them can have any hope of moving forward.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"Witch of Wild Things"
£11
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

"A Rival Most Vial" by R.K. Ashwick

"A Rival Most Vial" (£12) by R.K. Ashwick pits two potion-makers against each other in a cosy, romantic story of magic and not-so-friendly rivalry. Half-elf Ambrose is the best and only potion maker in town, until newcomer Elias sets up his own shop. Their rivalry quickly escalates, until the mayor commissions them to make a potion together. They'll have to work together to achieve their goals, and maybe, just maybe, their mutual loathing will turn into something else.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
"A Rival Most Vial"
£12
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

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