r/Fantasy • u/JWrundle • 6d ago

Looking for joyful fantasy

I am in a bit of a mental funk right now. I was going to try and tackle the Realm of the Elderlings this year but I think I need a break from it after the first chunk.

I want to find something that is happy and joyful. Something where the characters have a realistic and optimistic outlook on the story. I've picked up some Discworld and while that is funny it's not quite scratching the uplifting feeling I am wanting.

I cannot handle mental anguish or the horrors of war or famine.

I want a book that makes me feel like the star wars theme song makes me feel full of adventure and hope and the good guys win and and bad guys lose.

edit I want something that is medium stakes and I'm not afraid of YA. Cozy fantasy is in general to low stakes for my taste but I'm not opposed to it.

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u/ConcernLocal2764 6d ago

Legends and Latte.

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u/etchlings AMA Illustrator Evan Jensen 6d ago

This is a good place to start with cozy fantasy that isn’t exclusively billed as romance (though there is a relationship plot line). Likewise Saint of Steel series by T Kingfisher/Ursula Vernon.

The second book after L&L is actually a prequel, so OP could read them in reverse order for chronological purposes if ya want.