Fiction 101: Cozy Fantasy

Snuggle up to a fantastic escape!

by Shelby D., Evening Supervisor

Hello and thank you for reading November’s Fiction 101! Fiction 101 is where we talk about all things Fiction (and sometimes non-fiction). Every month we discuss a different sub-genre or genre of fiction and give some book suggestions to go along with it.

Remember, we just launched our new Beanstack Book Club! Every month earn badges and complete challenges related to a theme. This month, earn a badge when you read anything in the Fantasy genre. To help you find something great to read, this month’s Fiction 101 will focus on a related subgenre: cozy fantasy.

Defining Cozy Fantasy

Cozy fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy. Basically, cozy fantasy is fantasy fiction with lower stakes. While fantasy often has action driven plots and large quests, cozy fantasy is often more character driven. A bigger focus is put on the relationships between characters. The world building and magic have a whimsical feeling. They are warm feel-good stories set in fantasy worlds. Perfect for a cup of hot chocolate or tea and a warm blanket on a cold day!

Here are some good stories to read as the weather gets chilly!

Recommended Books

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton
I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance. I actually picked this one up because of a negative review. The review said something like “I love fantasy, but this is far too whimsical.” I was hooked, too much whimsy? No such thing! Instantly opened Libby to check it out. If you are looking for a whimsical fantasy romance this is perfect!

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
This is such a cozy story! There is nothing more delightful than a coffee shop run by cats. Personally, if I’m ever down on my luck, I can only hope a cat wearing an apron gives me coffee and life advice.

Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
Is there a quota on how many times I can call a book whimsical in this? I can’t think of a better word for a book about a department store that sells dreams. This book follows Penny when she takes a job at a store nestled in our collective consciousness where we go to buy dreams.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This is a delightful book well worth the hype it gets. Linus Baker, a case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, travels to an island inhabited by six dangerous children and their caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. In this heartwarming story, Linus Baker finds a family.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
The book’s dedication page reads, “For anybody who could use a break,” and I think that describes the book perfectly. It’s a charming novella about a monk and a robot who travel through a unique post-apocalyptic world spreading warmth and comfort.

Cozy reads are the perfect choice for cold-weather days. Enjoy some of these suggestions! If you read any of them, be sure to log them in Beanstack for the Beanstack Book Club. Also, be sure to check out our science fiction and fantasy book club that meets the third Thursday of every month!