6 Non-Romantic Casual Fantasy Books

What should a goblin sergeant do when his soldiers are trapped behind enemy lines after an encounter with an evil wizard leaves them trapped and wounded? Well, hopefully his stupid, stinking (literally) soldiers will be brought back to his side of the Goblin War in one piece – which is easier said than done when elves and humans and wizards are standing in their way. But with the unexpected help of an animal-loving elf named Sing-to-the-Trees, they just might be able to get out of this terrible – albeit highly improbable and extremely ridiculous – situation.

It’s exactly the kind of wonderful writing and whimsical world-building I’ve come to expect from a Kingfisher novel, but along with the heart, there’s also plenty of silliness that casual fantasy fans will love. For another non-romantic cozy fantasy novel from Kingfisher, look for A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking.

A recently four-headed and now three-headed dragon have decided to put aside their pride and put on a bit of domesticity by joining the stables of an elite dragon riding academy – despite the fact that they are definitely not tamed and not at all tame. Garrodigh only plans to stay there long enough to get some healing, get some grub and maybe escape the wrath of his fellow dragons for a while. But a schoolgirl named Rania may be so desperate to ride a dragon that she’s willing to overlook Garrodigh’s less-than-desirable features. Not that Garrodigh likes him or anything, but not everything is so bad here, and when the same raiders who took one of Garrodigh’s heads return, they can’t stand the idea that someone would do the same to their human.

Tao is an itinerant prophet who travels from city to city to tell people about their future. However, she is always careful to keep her fortunes small and stay away from big cities where her abilities might come under scrutiny. It’s a lonely existence, but it’s what he’s chosen. However, when she recruits a somewhat reformed thief and an ex-mercenary in her desperate attempts to find her missing daughter, she discovers that living life with friends makes everything better, even – and especially – when danger looms.

In this comforting story from South Korea, a woman creates a magical, healing laundromat in her village where she helps her customers overcome traumatic experiences. This book is a part of development “Healing Novel” Coming from Korea and Japan is a trend in which a character or characters go on a healing journey in a fantasy setting to overcome their grief, self-doubt or difficulty, often with a mysterious guide to help them on their way. Honestly, now that I think about it, that genre could and probably should be a whole article in itself.

The chosen one is usually a courageous young hero who is willing to set out on a quest, even if he is reluctant. No one expects an octogenarian like Edna Fisher to save the day. But when Edna, who has never wielded a sword, cast magic, or killed an evil wizard, becomes the prophesied Chosen One meant to end the reign of the Wizard who rides the dragon, they have to rethink everything they thought they knew about what makes a great hero.

At a magical department store that sells dreams to customers looking for the best night’s sleep, newly-hired Penny has finally found her dream job and a purpose in life. Soon, she begins to learn the inner workings of this incredible place as she befriends customers and dream designers alike, even getting to know the shop’s intelligent and mysterious owner, Dellergut.

Want even more relaxing reading? here you go!