These 7 Cozy Fantasy Books Have a Warm and Fuzzy Touch of Magic

“Cozy 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 cozy 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 favorite comfort-watch TV show or a warm and cozy sweater, with a softer approach alongside stakes that can vary from small to large. They’re usually focused 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 cozy 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 favorite warm drink, find your favorite reading spot, and enjoy these cozy fantasy books!

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

“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.

“Witchful Thinking” by Celestine Martin

In “Witchful Thinking” ($16) 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.

“The Magician’s Daughter” by H.G. Parry

A magical island and a mysterious history are at the center of “The Magician’s Daughter” ($15) 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.

“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” ($14) 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.

“Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune” by Roselle Lim

If you prefer your cozy 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” ($12) 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 neighborhood has changed. She’s even more surprised to inherit her grandmother’s restaurant, and despite the prophecies of the neighborhood’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.

“The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy” by Megan Bannen

“The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy” ($14) 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 realize 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.

“That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon” by Kimberly Lemming

“That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon” ($5) by Kimberly Lemming just might have one of the best titles of any book, ever! This short and sweet, cozy, and comic fantasy centers 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.