Been in the mood lately for some form of light hearted fantasy. What I mean by this is something where good wins, evil is redeemed, all that business. Doesn’t have to be a traditional fantasy setting, can be urban fantasy or anything really, just nothing which is too gritty and grim in its outlook. Perhaps some romance, though not a necessity. I tend to really like stuff which has some element of fairy tale in it (The Last Unicorn is one of my favorite books of all time), though again not a necessity. Not opposed to it getting a little dark, so long as it ends up happy and without sacrifice. I don’t care if it’s children or YA, I’ve enjoyed a lot of novels which were classed for younger readers, doesn’t bother me so long as it’s good. Have been reading a lot of quite depressing novels lately so eager for a change.
To give a few examples of novels which sort of fit the vibe I’m going for in my mind: The Last Unicorn, Three Lions and Three Hearts, Howls Moving Castle, Chronicles of Narnia, Uprooted.
Thanks heaps everyone, eager to hear what people have for me!
EDIT: Should also mention I tend to have a reluctance towards reading book series, just because I don’t like the longer commitment. If I do read book series, they tend to be ones where each one is self contained rather than part of a singular ongoing plot.
by FancyMan56
9 Comments
fellow beagle fan here. a fine and private place is my own favourite.
every Tom Holt book I’ve read has been whimsical fun. The outsorcerors apprentice is a good place to start.
I will always recommend the Magic Kingdom of Landover series by Terry Brooks. It is definitely light-hearted and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Read them back in the 80s and periodically go back for a re-read.
Yahtzee Croshaw, funny author with great characters.
Differently Morphus and Existentially Challenged – Governmental agency involved in the regulation of magic and extra dimensional beings.
Mogworld – Main character is undead. Hijinks insue.
I can also recommend The 2 Necromancers series by L.G. Estrella. 2 Necromancers try to earn a pardon for past crimes by doing odd jobs for a kingdom. Strong found family vibe. The first book in the series is 2 Necromancers, A Bureaucrate, and an Elf.
The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett – funny, satirical, stakes sometimes feel high but are always resolved. Great characters and world building.
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher has some of the best banter I’ve ever read in a book. It made me laugh out loud at times, which I never do when reading. It deals with some serious topics, but the book feels light and overall has a happy ending.
The Penric and Desdemona series by Lois McMaster Bujold is a light-hearted fantasy series I really like and recommend. The good guys always win. Bujold just added a new installment this past week.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C Wrede is perfect. Hilarious, mildly heartwarming, and not scary or murdery
Hatful of Sky by terry pratchet. The graveyard book by Neil Gaiman