Sometimes, we just need a break from all of the world-building and high-stakes quests. That’s what cozy fantasy is for! With a mix of adult and kids fantasy, standalone, and series, this list has some fantastic recommendations. And now that it’s fall, these books are more in season than ever. Read on to learn what books you should read with a pumpkin spice candle burning in the background.
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
Marketed by the author as Halloweentown meets Practical Magic meets Bridgerton, this story starts with Marigold Claude traveling to Innisfree with her grandmother to be trained as a witch. The Honey Witch, Marigold, has to come face-to-face with her family curse: no one can fall in love with the Honey Witch. She must also prepare for an evil Ash Witch Marigold knows will one day come for her. When Lottie, a grumpy woman who doesn’t believe in magic, enters her life, Marigold has to come to terms with her curse. Marigold is determined to change her mind about magic, but it might cost her her heart.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
This story follows Kiela, a reclusive librarian who is content to work alongside her sentient spider plant. Kiela is forced to leave her cozy life and flee to her childhood home when her library goes up in flames. While there, Kiela realizes that the town desperately needs a jam shop. So, she opens one up and eventually doubles it as a secret spell shop, all while dealing with her nosy — and hot — next-door neighbor. Complete with beautiful lavender sprayed edges and a cover that will have you selling your house to live in a cottage, this book has the ultimate cozy fall fantasy vibes.
Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
This story follows a young Clara who can make flowers grow, but her powers are wild and violent. When she harms someone close to her, Clara is forced to go to her childhood friend, Xavier, to seek his help. Xavier’s services do not come for free; if they fail, they might lose their magic forever.
The Girl Who Drank The Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Each year, the people of this world leave a baby in the forest as an offering to a witch, which they hope will keep her from terrorizing them. They do not see that this witch, Xan, is kind and gentle. She rescues the abandoned children and delivers them to families on the other side of the forest. Along the journey, she nourishes the babies with starlight, but one year, she accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead, and the child is filled with magic. Xan decides to raise this magical girl, Luna and teaches her to bury her magic deep inside. But when a young man enters the forest determined to kill the “evil” witch, Luna knows she must use her powers to protect the woman who raised her as her own.
This book recalls the live-action Maleficent movies and the relationship between young Aurora and her “fairy godmother,” Maleficent. At its heart, The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a story of unlikely bonds and the prejudice that makes us assume the worst in people.
A Psalm For The Wild-Built Duology by Becky Chambers
This story is set in a near future, post-apocalyptic world, following a war between robots and humans. In the aftermath of the war, robots are essentially extinct, and humans have decided to forgo capitalism and live in small communities that center on love and belonging. We follow our main character, Dex, a tea monk traveling from city to city, offering advice and solace to whoever may need it. One day, they decided to journey into the great wilderness, where they meet a robot and formed an unlikely bond.
At its core, this story makes you rethink our world and imagine a better place. I like to think of it as the adult version of The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, another book you should read immediately. Please and thank you.
Garlic And The Vampire Duology by Bree Paulsen
This is a series of kids’ graphic novels centering around Garlic and her adventures that make her feel more brave. Garlic is deeply afraid that she is disappointing those around her. She is content to stay home with her friend Carrot and the kind witch Agnes. But when her village of vegetables learns that a vampire has moved into the castle next door, they all agree that Garlic is the most likely candidate to embark on a quest to face the vampire. But Garlic is terrified that she won’t make it back alive.
The second addition, Garlic and the Witch is technically a standalone companion, so the two can be read in any order. Now friends with the vampire next door, Garlic loves to stay home with Carrot, the kind witch Agnes and Count. But, despite Garlic’s best efforts to make a vegetarian blood alternative for her vampire friend, the ingredient she desperately needs can only be found at the Magic Market, far from her home. Garlic sets out to find the ingredient, but along the way, she notices that she is beginning to turn into a human. Garlic is terrified of the changes happening to her and must now deal with the terrifying journey ahead of her.
Both of these stories are heartwarming and have beautiful images throughout. It is truly a delight to read, no matter your age. If you take only one suggestion from this list, let it be this one.
Once Upon A Broken Heart Trilogy by Stephanie Garber
A fairytale-esque story set in the world of Caraval, the Once Upon a Broken Heart Trilogy is everything you are looking for in a cozy fall read. It follows our main character, Evangeline, who has just gotten her heart broken. But when she seeks out the counsel of the Prince of Hearts, Jacks, a fate with a deadly kiss, she immediately regrets her agreement with him. So, Evangeline is grateful when the Empress sends her to the magical North and represents the Meridian Empire at a ball for Prince Apollo, who is seeking a bride. It doesn’t take long for the two to fall in love, but nothing is what it seems in this world of magic and intrigue, and Evangeline soon finds that fate is inescapable.
The Tea Dragon Society Trilogy by K. O’Neill
While technically kid’s graphic novels, this series is for any and everyone. The Tea Dragon Society follows Greta, a blacksmith apprentice who discovers a tea dragon one day. When she goes to return the dragon to the tea shop owners, they invite Greta to come and learn all about the art of caring for the tea dragons. As she grows closer to the tea shop owners and their shy ward, Minette, Greta begins to see how this craft enriches all of their lives. This is a story about friendship and finding your place in the world. If you are searching for a story that is as meaningful as it is beautiful, congratulations, you just found it.
Half A Soul Trilogy by Olivia Atwater
A faerie has cursed Theodora so she no longer feels embarrassed or ashamed. Needless to say, her entry into formal society leaves much to be desired, but she is determined that her cousin, Vanessa, will have a much better debut than she. This prompts Dora to meet the King’s Magician, Elias Wilder, and the two are immediately drawn to each other. This has just the right amount of regency-era balls and matchmaking family members, but it also delves a lot into deep topics, like the trauma of war. This is a cozy series that will leave you aching for more books.
The House Witch Trilogy by Delemhach
Fin is the royal cook and only wants to be left alone. But, when his identity as a witch is revealed, he is forced to take up a larger role in the court. From taking down rude knights to protecting the pregnant queen, Fin becomes more ingrained in court politics and learns to rely on others. I haven’t read this series yet, but I have heard that it is more comedic than fantasy or romance, so keep that in mind when you’re reading it.
If there is one thing I can never get enough of, it is cozy fantasy books. Nothing puts me into more of the fall spirit than stories with adorable characters and heartwarming themes. Have you read any of these books? Tell us more about them on our socials!
Looking for other cozy Fall recommendations? Click here!
Preparing for a spooky season with some horror movies? Add this one to your list!
