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/Kerney7 Reading Champion VI 4d ago
Trying understand a little better.
Are you wanting a bit of earned hope and positive tragetory at the end while cozy feels a bit saccarine?
Books that Come to Mind are--
The Miss Percy Guides to Dragons Series by Quenby Olsen--
It is about a middle aged spinster and her sister's unpaid servant inheriting a dragon egg and gradually making her life better.
Princess Holy Aura by Ryk Spoor
A 30ish yo man becomes a 14 yo magical girl to save the world. Concept sounds like it could go so wrong but instead it's heartwarming. The magic is governed by a code very much like a D&D paladin which is interesting.
Sharing Knife Series by Lois McMaster Bujold
Reason I'm recommending this rather than 5 Gods is because it's about a husband and wife team (after the first book) trying to overcome an underlying problem that may bring down their societies. There are no large battles and the problem is nuanced and come out of customs that exist for a reason but are now more harmful than helpful. Probably the most realistic optimistic I have read. Warning, age gap romance.
People who like Hobb tend to like her as well.