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If you’ve been craving a little magic in your reading life—but not the kind that requires a 10-book commitment, a glossary of invented kingdoms, and a battle to save the universe—welcome. Cozy Fantasy has become my comfort genre, especially after the past few years. It’s whimsical, warm, and full of heart… like a hug in book form.

I fell in love with cozy fantasy because it gives us magic without the mayhem. Low stakes, high vibes, soft worldbuilding, and characters who feel like new friends. During my interview with Emily Krempholtz, author of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore, we talked about why so many readers (including both of us!) are seeking gentler stories today.

Whether you’re new to the genre or already in your cottage-core fantasy era, this guide will help you understand what cozy fantasy is, why it’s booming, and where to start.

What Is Cozy Fantasy?

Think of cozy fantasy as the opposite of epic or high fantasy. You’re not trekking across dangerous lands or battling dark lords. Instead, you’re:

Opening a flower shop after retiring as a villain
Starting a magical coffee cart
Running an inn with an undead chicken
Healing old wounds with the help of a familiar
Building community in a magical small town

Cozy fantasy is all about low stakes, high comfort, often featuring:
✨ Found family
✨ Small-town vibes
✨ Baking, books, gardens, tea
✨ Gentle magic
✨ Light quests
✨ Emotional healing
✨ A dash of romance

Cozy Fantasy = Cottagecore meets slice-of-life vibes… with magic.

Emily said it best during our chat: readers want stories that explore life after the big battles are over. What happens to the townsfolk, the minions, or the villains who survive the war? Cozy fantasy zooms into their everyday world.

Why Cozy Fantasy Is Booming Now

Cozy fantasy existed long before we named it (hello, Howl’s Moving Castle), but the pandemic and the rise of Legends & Lattes made the genre explode.

Readers want escape—but a gentle, soothing one. Cozy fantasy gives us:

Magic without stress
Whimsy without war
Transformation without trauma
Worlds that feel safe to enter

Like Emily told me, cozy fantasy also allows authors to use magic to explore real emotional journeys in soft, approachable ways—identity, healing, power, and self-worth.

And honestly? Sometimes I just want to read about a witch making pastries and figuring out her life without also defeating an immortal demon made of shadow fire.

Latest Podcast on Cozy Fantasy

Cozy Fantasy Starter List

Below are some essential Cozy Fantasy reads—including books Emily recommended on the podcast. Each entry follows your blog format:

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

Violet is a former villain trying to turn over a new leaf—literally—by opening a flower shop in a small magical town. But when a mysterious blight threatens her new home, she’s forced to confront her past (and her grumpy alchemist landlord).

Why You’ll Love It: Cottagecore vibes, magical gardening, cozy romance, and a redemption arc that feels deeply human. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes and character-driven fantasies.

This Princess Kills Monsters by Ry Herman

A hilarious, queer, irreverent fairytale retelling based on the lesser-known Grimm tale The Twelve Huntsmen. It flips classic tropes while embracing found family, adventure, and big-hearted magic.

Why You’ll Love It: Laugh-out-loud banter, clever worldbuilding, and cozy fantasy energy with fairytale charm.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

A witch running a magical inn with her aunt must reconnect with her lost powers while navigating quirky guests, emotional healing, and a zombie chicken you will absolutely fall in love with.

Why You’ll Love It: Soft romance, heartwarming themes, whimsical magic, and a cast of unforgettable side characters.

Latest Author Interview

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar

A lush, lyrical novella about two sisters living at the edge of the Fae world. Filled with magical trees, folklore, and exquisite prose.

Why You’ll Love It: For readers who love fairytale vibes, stunning writing, and tight emotional storytelling.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

A lonely witch finds community, magic, and romance while teaching three chaotic young witches.

Why You’ll Love It: A warm-and-fuzzy found family story perfect for fans of Practical Magic meets The House in the Cerulean Sea.

If you read and LOVED The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, check our list of what to read next.

How to Start Your Cozy Fantasy Reading Journey

If you’re new to the genre, here are a few gentle entry points:

✨ Love character-driven emotional arcs?

Violet Thistlewaite is your match—especially if you’re exploring identity or reinvention.

Cozy Fantasy has become my comfort corner of the book world. It’s soft, whimsical, and full of emotional truth in the gentlest way. These books helped me reconnect with my reading joy, especially when I needed stories that felt safe and nourishing.

If you’re craving magic without chaos, I hope this guide helps you discover your next cozy read.

Let’s Chat!

Have a favorite cozy fantasy I should add to the list? Drop a comment on the blog or come chat with me on Substack!

And if you want more reading guides like this, make sure you’re subscribed to my Substack:

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The Ultimate Guide to Cozy Fantasy: Low-Stakes Magic, Comfort Reads & Where to Begin

What Is Cozy Fantasy?