6 Cozy Fantasy and Sci-Fi Novels to Calm Your Nervous System
Far from boring, these books feel like a warm hug and are great for bedtime or any time you need to escape reality.
Dear friend,
Is the world feeling a little much right now?
Do you long to escape into a book that feels like a warm bath?
I’ve got some recommendations for you!
I’ve been devouring novels in the “cozy sci-fi fantasy” realm lately and I’ve put together a list so you can join me by the fire.
These six books will feel like a warm hug. There are stakes, but not too high. There is a plot, but it’s not too harrowing. And the endings are as comforting as sitting in a big fluffy chair with a cup of tea.
Ready to get cozy?
Let’s go.
The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
I will always and forever start lists of comfort reads with this book. It is the book I go to when life feels rough and I need some laughter and hope. I even listened to it as I was wheeled into surgery – twice.
It is especially great on audiobook, with the amazing Daniel Henning bringing the characters to life in such vivid ways.
If you haven’t read The House on the Cerulean Sea yet, I HIGHLY suggest grabbing it right this second. Your whole body will thank you.
Grab a copy of The House on the Cerulean Sea:
From Bookshop.org – a way to support local independent bookstores
On Libro.fm – an independent alternative to Audible
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Baby mermaids.
Do I need to say anything else?
Okay, fine, I’ll add that this story discusses overthrowing unjust rulers, saving books from being burned, and has baby mermaids.
Yes, they’re worth mentioning twice because they’re so darn cute.
More than anything, this book – and the sequel The Enchanted Greenhouse – is a nervous system balm. I don’t know how Sarah Beth Durst did it, but the minute I step into her world, I feel safer in my own.
If you need the book equivalent of a bedtime hug, get a copy of The Spellshop today.
Grab a copy of The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst:
From Bookshop.org – a way to support local independent bookstores
On Libro.fm – an independent alternative to Audible
Shard of Glass by Emily Deady
I don’t know about you, but I’d love a fairy godmother to come BibbideeBobbideeBoo my life right now, and introduce me to a cute femme or non-binary royal with a shoe fetish to sweep me off my feet.
Emily Deady’s retelling of Cinderella has
While I haven’t yet read this Cinderella retelling, its 4.5 star rating out of 905 reviews is pretty telling for how great it is. And, best of all, it’s written by my friend Emily, who is such a lovely human being who gives the greatest hugs.
There are five books in the series – with rumors of more coming soon – so you’ll have plenty to devour if you love this world.
I just started the first one today, join me in reading it?!
Grab a copy of Shard of Glass by Emily Deady:
Kindle, audiobook, and paper copy all sold through Amazon only right now
The Monk & Robot Duology & The Wayfarer Series by Becky Chambers
Two for one here, ya’ll! (Actually, it’s six for one, but who’s counting?)
When I sat down to write this post, I couldn’t decide between including the Monk and Robot books by Becky Chambers, or the Wayfarer series. So, I’m including both!
If you want to get lost into a series of interconnected but separate stories set in space that will have you appreciating humanity among aliens, pick up a copy of A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, the first book in the Wayfarer series.
If you’re looking for a short but powerful, heartfelt weekend read, grab A Psalm for the Wild-Built. You can get it on its own, or combined into one book with the sequel A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.
Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Grab a copy of the Monk & Robot books, starting with A Psalm for the Wild-Built:
From Bookshop.org – a way to support local independent bookstores
On Libro.fm – an independent alternative to Audible
Grab a copy of The Wayfarer Series, starting with The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet:
From Bookshop.org – a way to support local independent bookstores
On Libro.fm – an independent alternative to Audible
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Do you ever feel like running away from your life with a magical, hot, lesbian lover and starting a tea shop in a tiny town with cranky neighbors that eventually become your besties?
Maybe that’s just me…
But the popularity of this series shows I’m not alone.
I love how much this book made me feel safe in an unsafe world, worthy of love, and as cozy as a cup of tea by the fire.
If you like people who love tea and hate tyranny, this book is for you.
Grab a copy of Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea:
From Bookshop.org – a way to support local independent bookstores
On Libro.fm – an independent alternative to Audible
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by C.B. Lee
Confession: I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s high up on my TBR list for three important reasons.
First, C.B. Lee came to my book launch for Because Fat Girl and since then we have become friends. I love that they came out to support a fellow queer without us ever having met, and that shows you how wonderful of a heart they have.
Second, that heart obviously shines through in their other work, so I know this novel is full of joy and comfort as well.
And three, this book is on every list I see about cozy fantasy novels and has high ratings, so I have a feeling it’s going to be good.
My copy is on my shelf and this feels like a great excuse to pick it up and finally start reading it. Want to join me?
Grab a copy of Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by C.B. Lee:
From Bookshop.org – a way to support local independent bookstores
Not currently available on Libro.fm
BONUS: Because Fat Girl by Lauren Marie Fleming
My favorite cozy read, for obvious reasons. It’s not technically in the fantasy genre, but it is my personal fantasy played out.
Think a queer Cinderella story set in modern day Hollywood.
It’s fun, it’s heartfelt, it’s deep, and that ending will have you crying tears of joy.
If you’re needing hope in life right now, this is the perfect book for you.
Grab a copy of Because Fat Girl by Lauren Marie Fleming:
From Bookshop.org – a way to support local independent bookstores
On Libro.fm – an independent alternative to Audible
What are you favorites that I should add to this list?
I’m constantly looking for more cozy books, so I’d love to know your favorites below!
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Keep reading.
Keep creating.
Keep going.
Because the world needs your story now more than ever.
With love and a mug of tea to go with your new books,
Lauren
Required disclaimer: The content above contains some affiliate links. Buying through these links helps support both my company School for Writers® and this Substack. Thanks for that support! Rest assured, I only suggest items I love, regardless of affiliate status.
I've recently discovered a trilogy about tea shop, baby dragons, princessea finding their authentic selves, magic and cozy relationships called the Tea Princess Chronicles by Casey Blair.