If you know me, either personally or from perusing the various articles I have written for Her Campus, you know I have always been a life-long reader, even if I did stray away from it a bit! Picking up my Kindle to read different types of books has genuinely been a joy, and oftentimes feels like I am being whisked to another world when I am doing so.
One subgenre of fantasy that I have really come to enjoy as of late is called “cozy fantasy,” with a noticeable difference being that many of these books are “low” or “no” stakes. Still set in a world with mythical creatures, medieval-esque towns, and (most of the time) characters setting out with their ambitious goals, there are no deaths by sword fight or having everything set on fire à la Game of Thrones. Instead, they usually emphasize the “slice-of-life” aspect, focusing on everyday interactions and taking it one day at a time.
Having grown up with fantasy-themed books, games, and even wanting to be someone with magical powers as a kid, I have always appreciated being able to “go back in time” when consuming that kind of media. I also realize that, as I have gotten older, not everything has to be fast-paced or action-filled—sometimes, the mundane is all you really need!
My first foray into cozy fantasy was reading Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree, detailing the tale of Viv, who gives up being a mercenary to open a coffee-shop. Throughout the novel, various creatures come by to help bring Viv’s dream to life, and a recipe for one of the characters’ creations, “thimblets” (biscotti) is attached for readers to try out in real life. Although some action happens in the book, ultimately it is low stakes and feel-good, perfect for when you just want to unwind.
The trope of “dropping everything to open up a shop” has been increasingly popular as well, and I recommend books such as the Tomes & Tea series by Rebecca Thorne, or Cursed Cocktails by S.L. Rowland. Additional books such as A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by Ursula T. Kingfisher (which I have reviewed recently!) or any of TJ Klune’s books, such as House in the Cerulean Sea, explore certain themes such as community and family delicately, while also remaining low-stakes with happily-ever-afters.
If you are interested in medieval fantasy, or even games such as Dungeons & Dragons without the added pressure of facing enemies, cozy fantasy can be a relaxing way to enjoy the worldbuilding elements. Different books have different tropes, and if you want to dive into this genre, I encourage you to choose what writing style or premise works best for you.