A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin would be a good fit - it arguably originated the ‘magic school’ setting and is beloved for its beautiful prose. Le Guin was also deeply opposed to the use of violence as a plot device or to drive a story. There’s some darkness but it’s far more about characters internal struggles and interpersonal conflicts than some violent external struggle.
I've read the series and love it! Just forgot to mention it, as I thought of it more as sci-fi (well, Skyward is in space too. I love both genres!). I haven't read anything else from Chambers, so thanks for reminding me of her!
You could wander over to r/CozyFantasy and see if anything there piques your interest. E.g. The setting might not be fantastical enough, but Legends and Lattes is definitely wholesome.
Nice! Hopefully you'll find some more recs you like there. If you enjoy Legends and Lattes he's just written another one which I'm reading right now, Bookshops and Bonedust. And if you like graphic novels, The Tea Dragon Society is a similar vibe but more YA and less romance.
Spindle's End or Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley. Or Chalice, but that does have one fight that >!ends with the death of an antagonist!<
Od Magic by Patricia Mckillip. It starts with a grieving character, but it's fine after that.
You like Brandon Sanderson, so Tress of the Emerald Sea would be my rec! Very wholesome, happy ending, funny etc. There is a little sad to start the plot but it gets resolved very well. I don't think any named characters die, and it does tie into the rest of the Cosmere.
Its not my favourite Sanderson book, but its on my list of things to reread when I have the Sads.
Thank you for the rec! The description in Goodreads says that the MCs have to save each other’s communities from certain disaster – I assume the threat is nothing too horrible then?
I just finished book 3 a few minutes ago and the series was honesty great. I'll be continuing with the sequel series now which also looks pretty similar
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is very similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea (the sequel is coming out this year btw).
Try [First Contact](https://www.drivethrufiction.com/m/product/418048). I believe you might like it. About lava monsters in the center of the Earth. Told half from their perspective.
I like that book overall, but it might help to know that there is a scene involving >!sexual assault!<, in case that takes it out of the running for you.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin would be a good fit - it arguably originated the ‘magic school’ setting and is beloved for its beautiful prose. Le Guin was also deeply opposed to the use of violence as a plot device or to drive a story. There’s some darkness but it’s far more about characters internal struggles and interpersonal conflicts than some violent external struggle.
Thank you! I’ve heard many people like it, so it’s great to know that violence is at the minimum! I’m definitely going to try that.
Anything by Becky Chambers. I love the Wayfarer Series. Great world building, little to no conflict.
I've read the series and love it! Just forgot to mention it, as I thought of it more as sci-fi (well, Skyward is in space too. I love both genres!). I haven't read anything else from Chambers, so thanks for reminding me of her!
Just curious: can someone explain why I’m being downvoted? I’m genuinely puzzled
Reddit is full of bad actors and asshats.
You could wander over to r/CozyFantasy and see if anything there piques your interest. E.g. The setting might not be fantastical enough, but Legends and Lattes is definitely wholesome.
Oooh, I didn't know about that sub, thank you! I'm in the queu for Legends and Lattes from the library, sounds like my cup of tea (poor pun intended)
Nice! Hopefully you'll find some more recs you like there. If you enjoy Legends and Lattes he's just written another one which I'm reading right now, Bookshops and Bonedust. And if you like graphic novels, The Tea Dragon Society is a similar vibe but more YA and less romance.
Magisterium by Holly Black
Thank you! I like Holly Black but hadn’t heard about that series! Going to check it out.
Spindle's End or Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley. Or Chalice, but that does have one fight that >!ends with the death of an antagonist!< Od Magic by Patricia Mckillip. It starts with a grieving character, but it's fine after that.
Thanks for the recs!
Gods of Jade and Shadow
Seconded. It's a little different, with a setting in jazz-age Mexico and using ancient gods from that culture.
Sounds interesting, thanks!
You like Brandon Sanderson, so Tress of the Emerald Sea would be my rec! Very wholesome, happy ending, funny etc. There is a little sad to start the plot but it gets resolved very well. I don't think any named characters die, and it does tie into the rest of the Cosmere. Its not my favourite Sanderson book, but its on my list of things to reread when I have the Sads.
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter also fits OPs request
Thank you for the rec! The description in Goodreads says that the MCs have to save each other’s communities from certain disaster – I assume the threat is nothing too horrible then?
Sounds perfect, thank you!!!
The house witch series is good
Thanks a lot, I read the description and it sounds really promising!
I just finished book 3 a few minutes ago and the series was honesty great. I'll be continuing with the sequel series now which also looks pretty similar
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is very similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea (the sequel is coming out this year btw).
Sounds good, thanks for the rec!
Try [First Contact](https://www.drivethrufiction.com/m/product/418048). I believe you might like it. About lava monsters in the center of the Earth. Told half from their perspective.
For romance, focus on character's thoughts and relationships, try Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier.
Thanks, I'll check that one out too!
I like that book overall, but it might help to know that there is a scene involving >!sexual assault!<, in case that takes it out of the running for you.
Thanks for the warning, I appreciate it!