Have you ever wanted a book that makes you feel at home, like you're sitting on the sofa with a blanket and a cat on your lap? Or imagined yourself on soft pillows in front of a rain-speckled window?

If you've said yes, I have something for you: "Cozy Fantasy." It's a type of fantasy that gives you exactly that: a cozy atmosphere and everyday things with a touch of magic.

So, what is Cozy Fantasy exactly? Keep reading and I'll tell you all about it!

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A Safe Place in the World of Book Genres

Cozy fantasy is a book genre that gives us a comforting reading experience. Unlike traditional fantasy, which can be darker and more violent, cozy fantasy focuses on creating a feeling of warmth and familiarity. In this genre, the pace is slow and the stories mostly focus on the characters.

In the world of cozy fantasy, you know that nothing bad can happen, and if it does, it won't be too serious or it will be resolved at some point. It's a safe space for both readers and characters, where you can escape from reality and take a breath.

Do you remember how you felt when reading your favorite book as a child? That feeling of diving into a magical world and feeling part of it. That's what cozy fantasy tries to bring back, transporting you to that special, comforting place.

For me, my safe place is in the world of Harry Potter books. Whether it's because of nostalgia or the familiarity I feel with these characters, that's where I find my home. It's like they're part of my own family, and I could walk through the halls and rooms of Hogwarts with my eyes closed. If I'm sad or unmotivated, returning to this world is a comfort for my heart. And I do it with both the books and the movies, again and again.

Cozy fantasy offers a refuge where we can escape from the worries of the real world and dive into an environment full of magic, friendship, and comforting adventures. All books can take us away from reality, but with cozy fantasy, we know that our worries will disappear.

This genre lets us relive the excitement and joy of the books from our childhood, giving us a hug when we most need it.

Characters and Settings that Inspire Comfort

In cozy fantasy books, the characters are friendly and face challenges similar to those we face in our everyday life. Like us, they struggle, learn, and grow. Watching these characters deal with their problems, work hard to overcome them, and achieve results, whether they're expected or not, gives us a sense of familiarity. Even when everything goes wrong, we can see ourselves reflected in their sadness and in their later recovery. We realize that if they can, we can too. We're not alone in this. We all have to try in our daily life, survive as best we can.

The combination of these types of characters and the peaceful environments where they live and their stories unfold creates a relaxing experience that surrounds and calms us.

In cozy fantasy, the environment is safe and restorative. From a humble farm in the middle of a forest to an impressive castle with large fireplaces and soft chairs for reading. These places give us a feeling of escaping from reality, becoming a safe haven, a place we all wanted to escape to but couldn't and now through reading, we have the chance. By diving into these settings, we can leave behind the stress and worries of daily life, finding comfort and peace in reading.

The Familiar Setting in Cozy Fantasy

Cozy fantasy usually takes place in small towns or villages, where the community plays a major role in the story. These communities are tightly bonded, and the characters relate to each other as if they were family, providing us with a comforting sense of belonging.

And this is one of the most important points. The interactions between characters are crucial to the story, and relationships tend to be kind and generous, the kind that warm the heart.

People who have issues with each other but end up realizing they can get along without fighting, for instance. Or the classic mischievous kids who tease others and play innocent pranks. All without ill intent or malice.

In this sub-genre of fantasy, the community serves as a refuge, a place where characters can lean on each other, find friendship, and form bonds. It's heartwarming to see them unite to overcome challenges and celebrate moments. These kinds of relationships, which we often think don't exist in real life, warm our hearts and remind us of the importance of friendship, family, and ultimately, love.

Magic in Cozy Fantasy

Magic is another key element in the world of cozy fantasy. Unlike other fantasy sub-genres, where magic can be spectacular or more complex, in cozy fantasy it is subtle and everyday, integrated into the characters' daily life and their surroundings. This makes the world feel more real.

In cozy fantasy, magic is everywhere: from enchanted objects that help with household chores to magical creatures that inhabit the world. It can show up in small acts of everyday magic, like making sure a cup of tea is always the perfect temperature or a lamp lights up as you walk past. These details add a certain charm to the world. Remember, magic is always in the small details.

There will be characters who know how to use magic and others who don't. And there's nothing wrong with that, those who don't have the skill are no less valid, because the importance lies in the fact that they live with magic as one more element that makes up their world. Just like electricity, water, internet, and the air we breathe make up ours. Common elements that we know are there and rarely question where they come from. Except when you have to pay a euro in the bathroom at the Barcelona train station. There you realize that soon you'll have to pay to breathe too.

Cozy Fantasy Books: Emblematic Examples

A cozy fantasy book that I highly recommend, along with its respective movie, is "Howl's Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones. Set in a magical world, we follow the protagonist, Sophie, who has been cursed to live as a ninety-year-old woman. Honestly, I would love to be like that when I reach that age. The story focuses on how she faces her life from that curse with a touch of romance and humor. What makes this book a perfect example of cozy fantasy is its slow-paced plot, its focus on the relationships between the characters, and the world they are part of. Who wouldn't want to live in a castle with a door that leads to multiple destinations?

Another wonderful cozy fantasy work is "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune. The story follows Linus Baker, a social worker who investigates an orphanage for magical children. The way the novel is narrated, slow and with lots of detail, helps to develop this genre. The novel stands out for its touching atmosphere that focuses on the relationships between characters on a charming island. This book is an excellent example of cozy fantasy because of its emphasis on community and personal relationships, the magical elements that add a touch of charm to the story, and the message it ends up conveying is that of being able to find a home to belong to, a home that feels like our own.

Cozy Fantasy: A Unique and Special Literary Genre

In summary, cozy fantasy might not be the first genre that comes to mind when you think about fantasy literature and you might even think it's not for you, but it offers something special and unique, I assure you. With its focus on small details, relationships, and a subtle but present magic, it gives you a feeling of comfort and familiarity that many readers find appealing. Give it a try, and if you don't like it, you can always leave it.

If you've never read a fantasy book, this genre can be a good start for you, as it doesn't plunge you into a very dense world from the beginning. These are books that make you feel at home, where you know you're safe and can relax.

If you're interested in exploring cozy fantasy, I recommend checking out the authors I mentioned, although really any world that relaxes and comforts you can feel cozy.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comments section. Thank you for reading and I hope you venture into the charming world of cozy fantasy.