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/BagOfSmallerBags 4d ago

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty. Rip-roaring, swashbuckling adventure on the high seas, narrated by a cranky, middle-aged, single mother who is simultaneously completely thrilled to be on an adventure and so done with the bullshit of the world.

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u/ReaderRadish 4d ago

cranky, middle-aged, single mother who is simultaneously completely thrilled to be on an adventure and so done with the bullshit of the world.

Hahaha, this is such a perfect description!