We’re still snowed in around here, so today feels like a perfect time to talk novels that deliver a strong sense of cozy. You’ve probably heard of cozy mysteries but are you familiar with cozy fantasy? It’s a burgeoning genre and I’m here for it. The plots are low-to-no-stakes; the vibes are heartwarming and, well, cozy. These novels are about an immersive experience, not about an exciting journey: you get to experience a real slice of the (fantastical) characters’ lives and can trust that nothing too bad will happen to them.

Some of us like to distract ourselves from our own Stuff with stories of other people’s messy drama (raises hand), but reading realistic depictions of stress and turmoil are too much for other readers. Enter cozy fantasy: while the emotions in cozy fantasies feel real, the worlds they take place in don’t, which makes this genre feel perfect for readers seeking a comforting, peaceful escape.

I hope you enjoy checking out this starter list of cozy fantasies. What’s your relationship with this genre? Do you have any favorites to share? Please tell us in comments!

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At a small Tokyo café, patrons sip coffee at seemingly normal tables, taking breaks from their seemingly normal lives—but this café is far from typical, as it serves as a portal for time travelers. Heartwarming and quirky, the story follows four customers who enter the café hoping for a unique travel experience. The most important rule they learn: your trip through time only lasts as long as your coffee stays warm. Their reasons for time travel vary, and we learn about these characters in gentle, quiet detail. At just over 200 pages, this Japanese novel in translation makes for a super quick audiobook listen, with delightful narration by Arina Ii. If you enjoy this, you’ll be happy to know the series is now four books strong. More info →

What’s an orc to do after they retire from the mercenary life? Why, open up the very first coffee shop in Thune, of course. Viv is ready for a fresh start but she’s going to need help from new friends, whether that’s introducing people to coffee for the first time or handling rivals. This high fantasy/low stakes combo has worked well for many, many readers, who have also enjoyed the interesting combination of fantastical characters and coffee shop details. If you enjoy this, don’t miss the prequel Bookshops & Bonedust. More info →

If you’ve ever knocked on the back of a wardrobe in hopes of finding Narnia, this novel is for you. Best friends Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell went missing for six months as children before reappearing without explanation. Fifteen years later, investigator Jeremy is tasked to help Emilie Wendell find her sister who disappeared in the same Virginia forest as Jeremy and Rafe. Rafe has no memory of those missing months but Jeremy remembers their time in a magical realm and he believes that’s where they’ll find Emilie’s sister. But first he and Rafe will have to confront their past and risk reentering that magical world. More info →

This delightful cozy YA fantasy features a 17-year-old baker’s apprentice named Aurelie who gets caught up in a quest with bounty hunter Iliana, troll Quad, and Prince Hapless. Aurelie doesn’t know what to make of her new companions, nor does she expect all the adventure, palace intrigue, and magic that awaits them. Perfect for anyone who enjoys good banter and seeing how an unlikely crew becomes a found family. More info →

This one is a real crowd-pleaser! I’ve heard rave reviews from everyone from my daughters’ teenage friends to readers my mothers’ age. This warm hug of a fantasy novel features a strong romance arc. Mika Moon is used to being alone; as an orphan and a witch, she has to hide her magic and avoid other witches, lest they draw unwanted attention. When she receives a message asking her to teach three young witches to control their magic, she heads to the remote Nowhere House, even though it breaks all the rules. She quickly falls for her charges and the other employees…except for grumpy librarian Jamie, that is. A story of belonging, found family, and believing you matter. (Open door.) More info →

In this warm debut fantasy, Tao, an immigrant, travels from village to village telling “small” fortunes. Big fortunes have consequences so she sticks to sharing about things like next week’s weather. Her life is upended when ex-mercenary Mash and reformed thief Silt ask her to help them find Mash’s lost son. Along the way, they’re joined by Kina the baker and a slightly magical cat. Tao’s lonely world expands thanks to these new friends, even as secrets from her past threaten to catch up. (This title was included in our 2024 Fall Book Preview.) More info →

A mysterious clinic prescribes cats as the cure for whatever ails their patients in this interconnected short story collection. The Nakagyō Kokoro Clinic for the Soul is not open to just anyone; only people who genuinely need their help. They may not expect to be prescribed a cat but these cats wind up transforming their lives in unexpected ways. A novel of healing, hope, and magical realism. Translated from the Japanese by E. Madison Shimoda. (This title was included in our 2024 Fall Book Preview.) More info →

What are your favorite cozy fantasy novels? Please share in the comments.

P.S. Science Fiction/Fantasy for beginners and Science Fiction and Fantasy that is fabulous on audiobook.