10 Cozy Fantasy Books to Read Before The Year Ends
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Don’t you ever feel like everything is… too much?
Sometimes you just want to sit down, relax, pour a cup of your beverage of choice, and immerse yourself in a book. But not just any book—you’re in the mood for something cozy, heartwarming, and whimsical. A cozy fantasy book.
So today, I bring you a list of 10 cozy fantasy books to read before the year ends. (If you’re quick, that is.)
1. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (2022)
Genres: Cozy fantasy, Slice-of-life
Tropes: Found family, starting over, small business, gentle magic
Summary: Viv, a tired orc mercenary, abandons adventuring to follow her long-held dream of opening a coffee shop in a city that doesn’t even know what coffee is. As she renovates the space and experiments with pastries, she builds a circle of unlikely friends. The story focuses on community, daily challenges, and the comfort of creating something new rather than on battles or quests.
Now this sounds absolutely delightful. Just imagine the cozy DnD vibes, along with the found family trope that is an absolute must, in my humble opinion. Making a note to add it to my TBR.
2. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (2022)
Genres: Romantic fantasy, contemporary fantasy
Tropes: Found family, grumpy–sunshine, magical tutoring, cozy house setting
Summary: Mika Moon, one of the few witches in modern Britain, lives isolated to avoid exposing magic. When she’s asked to tutor three magically unpredictable girls at an old estate, she becomes entangled in their chaotic, lovable household. Her connection with the stern librarian overseeing the girls slowly grows, pushing her toward vulnerability, belonging, and love.
What’s this? More found family? Yes, please. Also, witches! Magic! And a librarian! (Why am I so excited about this last one?) I need to read this.
3. Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett (2023)
Genres: Cottagecore fantasy, historical/academia fantasy
Tropes: Grumpy–grump, slow-burn partnership, small village charm, fae folklore
Summary: Emily Wilde, a brilliant but socially awkward faerie scholar, travels to a remote northern village to document an elusive fae species. Her fieldwork becomes complicated by her charismatic academic rival and by the fae themselves, who are far stranger—and more dangerous—than her notes suggest. The novel blends research entries, folklore charm, and cozy domestic moments in the cold wilderness.
What do you mean there are research entries in this? I’m a sucker for scientific research, so of course I’m gonna be into this.
4. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune (2020)
Genres: Low-stakes fantasy, contemporary fantasy
Tropes: Found family, cozy orphanage, bureaucrat-to-hero, wholesome romance
Summary: Linus Baker, a rule-following caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is assigned to evaluate a secluded orphanage housing some of the world’s most unusual magical children. As he bonds with the kids and their caretaker, Linus begins questioning the rigid system he serves. The story unfolds gently, focusing on emotional growth, acceptance, and the meaning of home.
What is it with cozy fantasies and found family pairing up so often? I don’t know, but I’m not about to reject it. Bring it on!
5. The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill (2017)
Genres: Cozy fantasy, graphic novel, all-ages
Tropes: Healing through craft, small community, magical creatures, gentle mentorship
Summary: After rescuing a tiny tea dragon, blacksmith apprentice Greta learns about the fading tradition of caring for these creatures, whose leaves brew memories into tea. Through her friendships with the tea dragons’ caretakers and another shy apprentice, she discovers the importance of preserving traditions and the quiet magic of nurturing relationships.
This is a graphic novel, so it’s a little bit different from traditional books. But no matter, we get to not only read, but see dragons!
6. Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher (2022)
Genres: Folk fantasy, darkly whimsical fantasy
Tropes: Found family of misfits, quirky witches, magical quest, gentle gothic tone
Summary: Princess Marra, weary of court life and haunted by her sister’s suffering in an abusive royal marriage, sets out on a quest to break the curse binding her family to a cruel prince. Along the way, she gathers a strange group of allies—an ex-soldier, a bone dog, a dust-wife, and a fairy godmother. Despite its grim premise, the novel emphasizes compassion, humor, and the soft bonds that form between mismatched companions.
I have nothing to add except: bone dog.
7. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente (2011)
Genres: Whimsical fantasy, portal fantasy
Tropes: Chosen companion, surreal adventures, coming-of-age, quirky side characters
Summary: Twelve-year-old September is whisked from her mundane life in Nebraska to the fantastical, rule-breaking realm of Fairyland. Her journey takes her through bizarre landscapes and encounters with eccentric creatures, all while she confronts moral choices that challenge her understanding of bravery and responsibility. It’s imaginative, literary, and cozy despite its bittersweet undercurrents.
Don’t let the long title fool you—it’s short, childlike, and full of wonder. And yes, adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy it.
8. The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss (2014)
Genres: Quiet fantasy, atmospheric fantasy
Tropes: Solitary protagonist, meditative routine, magical realism, hidden world
Summary: This novella follows Auri, a gentle and enigmatic young woman living in the labyrinthine Underthing beneath a university. Her days revolve around caring for the spaces around her, organizing forgotten objects, and attuning herself to the delicate balance of her hidden world. With no traditional plot, it offers an intimate, introspective look at routine, ritual, and quiet magic.
Perfect if you want something atmospheric, quiet, and meditative.
9. Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg (2022)
Genres: Cozy fantasy, historical fantasy
Tropes: Sentient house, forced cohabitation, domestic magic, slow-burn romance
Summary: When writer Merritt Fernsby inherits a majestic but temperamental magical house, he finds himself effectively trapped inside. Hulda Larkin, a specialist from a magical housekeeping agency, arrives to tame the house’s unruly behavior. As they settle in, they unravel the home’s strange history and grow closer, blending domestic enchantment with mystery and warmth.
A magical house causing wholesome chaos? Sold.
10. A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher (2020)
Genres: Cozy fantasy, YA fantasy
Tropes: Baking magic, accidental hero, whimsical combat, loyal familiar
Summary: Fourteen-year-old Mona’s magic works only on baked goods—hardly the skill one needs in a crisis. But when danger threatens her city, Mona and her animated gingerbread familiar are thrust into an unexpected role. Using creativity rather than combat prowess, she must find unconventional ways to protect her community.
“Defensive” and “baking” in the same sentence? Whimsical perfection.
There you have it—10 cozy fantasy books perfect for the final stretch of 2025.
If you’ve read any of these, I want to hear everything in the comments. And if you haven’t… well, my TBR definitely doubled while making this list, so you won’t be alone.
Thank you for reading, and as always, see you in the next one. Bye!
