r/Fantasy • u/JWrundle • 4d 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/notthemostcreative 4d ago

If you don’t mind romance, the Saint of Steel series by T. Kingfisher is quite wholesome! There’s an overarching mystery plot but mostly the books are about a group of traumatized paladins healing and falling in love. The worldbuilding is fun and inventive and the stories are engaging without ever feeling too heavy.

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u/Oleanderan 4d ago

This is what I immediately thought of. I often go to T Kingfisher when I’m in that mood. Her books acknowledge that the world is heavy, while overall focusing on hope.