It’s useful to draw a distinction between light fantasy and low fantasy. The latter involves stories in which magic intrudes on a world that is otherwise recognizably ours. High fantasies are set in entirely magical worlds and realms. By that token, a light fantasy book could be either high or low.
The Old Guard of Light Fantasy
Two authors stand out among those who write light fantasy novels. Terry Pratchett was the beloved and prolific author of the Discworld series. If you’re looking to dive in, you should read up on the different inroads to Discworld. Likewise, Dianna Wynne Jones is well known for her brand of whimsical fantasies, perhaps most notably Howl’s Moving Castle, adapted into an animated movie by Hayao Miyazaki. She, too, was quite prolific and has more than one entry point for new readers. Both of those authors are no longer with us. So we look to newer works to find authors who have taken up the mantle of light fantasy. Our journey through this light-hearted genre takes us across all around the bookish realm, from middle grade and young adult books, from romance to graphic novels. A delightful journey indeed. There may be low stakes, but here there be dragons!
23 Fun and Delightful Light Fantasy Novels
This list is by no means exhaustive. Check out our list of feel-good fantasy books for even more recommendations. And if you are looking for a recommendation that is personalized to your exact tastes and specifications, check out TBR: Tailored Book Recommendations!
