Books to Read Like Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
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Legends & Lattes was the book that I never knew I needed, and my introduction to the world of cosy fantasy books.
The novel features Viv, an orc who decides to retire from mercenary work and open a coffee shop. It’s very wholesome and features some minor peril, romance, and lots of delicious baked goods.
Here are some of the other fantastic cosy fantasies that I enjoyed and recommend, plus a few from my TBR. You’re welcome!
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree
The prequel to Legends & Lattes, you need to read this one if you enjoyed the first book.
This story follows Viv when she was first starting out in mercenary work, having recently joined the famed mercenary company Rackam’s Ravens.
After getting injured during the hunt for a necromancer, she’s forced to spend her time recuperating in a nowhere town called Murk, and it’s here that she starts helping out at the local bookshop.
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
This sapphic fantasy follows Reyna and Kianthe - one a mage and the other a royal guard - as they fulfil their dream of escaping their lives to open a bookshop together.
Serving tea and cakes and stocking the finest tomes, their happiness doesn’t last long as a disgruntled Queen threatens to topple their peaceful existence. It’s super cute, cosy, and left me desperate to pick up the next book.
Originally self published, this title was later picked up by Tor and published in May 2024.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Mika Moon keeps her magical existence mostly under wraps, so she was surprised to be headhunted by a mysterious family living in a remote location called Nowhere House.
Having previously lived a life of solitude Mika begins to feel at home in the house with its quirky inhabitants, and starts to fall for a very prickly librarian.
When an outside threat begins to emerge, Mika is forced to decide how far will she go to protect this found family.
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon
If you’re looking for something with a bit of spice, this is the cosy fantasy for you. The story features Mariel Spark, a young witch who would rather spend her time baking and gardening than practising magic. She’s also prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen for generations, so things become complicated when she accidentally summons a demon who’s after her soul.
Ozroth the Ruthless is powerful, which makes it all the more entertaining when they start fake dating and accidntally fall in love.
Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
Finally we have Nevermoor, the first book in a wonderfully magical children’s series that follows eleven year old Morrigan Crow.
Whisked away from her cursed existence after meeting a mysterious man called Jupiter Crow, Morrigan must compete in a series of trials in order to join an exclusive organisation called The Wunderous Society. Passing the tests and joining the Society is the only way that Morrigan can escape her fate and stay in Nevermoor for good.
Now that we’ve reached the end of the list, here are a few other cosy fantasies that are on my TBR and I hope to read soon.
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill
This one’s a children’s book that sounds absolutely adorable. The illustrations are very cute and who doesn’t love a friendly dragon!
Synopsis:
“After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik.
As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives--and eventually her own.”
A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
What could be better than a story about a mage who specialises in baking? This one’s another children’s book and sounds fab.
Synopsis:
“Fourteen-year-old Mona isn't like the wizards charged with defending the city. She can't control lightning or speak to water. Her familiar is a sourdough starter and her magic only works on bread. She has a comfortable life in her aunt's bakery making gingerbread men dance.
But Mona's life is turned upside down when she finds a dead body on the bakery floor. An assassin is stalking the streets of Mona's city, preying on magic folk, and it appears that Mona is his next target. And in an embattled city suddenly bereft of wizards, the assassin may be the least of Mona's worries...”
Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
Flowerheart was described online as a cottagecore romance - what could be better than that?
Synopsis:
“Clara’s magic has always been wild. But it’s never been dangerous. Then a simple touch causes poisonous flowers to bloom in her father’s chest. The only way to heal him is to cast an extremely difficult spell that requires perfect control. And the only person willing to help is her former best friend, Xavier, who’s grown from a sweet, shy child into someone distant and mysterious.
Xavier asks a terrible price in return, knowing Clara will give anything to save her father.
As she struggles to reconcile the new Xavier with the boy she once loved, she discovers how many secrets he’s hiding.
And as she hunts for the truth, she instead finds the root of a terrible darkness that’s taken hold in the queendom—a darkness only Clara’s magic is powerful enough to stop.”
The Bookshop and the Barbarian by Morgan Stang
Any fantasy book that features a bookshop deserves a place on this list - I cant wait to read more about the Cosy Quill.
“Running from strife in her homeland, Maribella Waters becomes the new owner of the fabled Cozy Quill. After finding squatters on her property, she employs Asteria Helsdottir, a giant, barbarian warrior woman more accustomed to swinging an axe than opening a book.
Together, the odd couple must make a success out of the bookshop—and survive a dizzying procession of seasonal festivals.
But the local evil noblewoman has other plans in mind. Threatened with being run off the land, Maribella and Asteria must use their wits to outsmart Lady Malicent and keep their business open. Along the way, the whole town lends a hand, and friendships are forged . . . along with a few secrets revealed.”
The House Witch by Delemhach
Following a royal cook, I’m hoping that this book features lots of comforting food. It sounds super cozy and I’m very much looking forward it
“When Finlay Ashowan joins the kitchen of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. Which suits Fin just fine. He’s satisfied simply serving as the royal cook, keeping nosy passersby out of his kitchen, and concocting some truly scrumptious meals.
But Fin has secret, one that may not stay hidden for long…As his past begins to catch up with him, Fin must negotiate court politics and stay out of trouble, together with his familiar, Kraken his fluffy black kitten.
But things become even more complicated when he catches the eye of a certain lady who just so happens to be part of the royal court. Can Fin successfully hide his secret and protect his heart? Or will the chaos of the castle and its good-hearted people get the best of him?”
Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
Another children’s book, Kiki’s Delivery service is a Ghibli classic and it will be fun to read the novel that inspired the animation.
“Kiki is a trainee witch. On her thirteenth birthday she must follow tradition and leave home to find a new village. She knows she has to use only her powers to make a living, but Kiki's no good at potions or spells...can she use her flying abilities to make her own way in the world? She sets out with her beloved black cat Jiji on an exciting journey, making new friends along the way.”
Thanks for reading and make sure you leave a comment if you’ve read any of these books!
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