Fantasy Books to Read this Christmas

It always surprises me when December comes around but I love how cozy this month is with reading in front of the fire and making lots of hot drinks and belly-warming soups. The air always smells so much fresher too! And nothing is better than draping yourself in a blanket Jedi-style after a walk in the brisk, winter air.

December is wonderful for writing and reading, and I was thinking about what types of books I grab for the cold season. Allison Carr Waechter and I, on one of our worldbuilding talks over on Instagram, tried to come up with fantasy holiday books we loved and the only book that immediately sprang to my mind was Hogfather by Terry Pratchett. It’s seasonal and funny (Death has to take over for Father Christmas) and if you’ve never visited Pratchett’s Discworld within the pages of one of his books, I recommend doing so if you want a good laugh.

Here’s a list of fantasy books I’d enjoy reading during December. Maybe you’ll find one you like too. :)

Hogfather by Terry Pratchett — Funny, irreverent, Pratchett’s characters are always so much fun to read about especially Death.

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan — I’m putting this on here because I love sprawling epic stories in winter when I’m more likely to be curled up in a chair somewhere than running around outside. It’s fun to let my imagination wander, and there are a TON of books in this series so lots of reading time! (There is also a Wheel of Time show right now on Prime, so if it bothers you when shows or movies differ from the book, maybe save this one for later.)

I’d also say The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss would be a good one, as I love Kvothe’s time at the University with his friends (what’s cozier than a good group of friends?), but it’s the second book, so you should first read The Name of the Wind…and keep in mind that there are really big gaps between Rothfuss’ book releases. I am impatiently waiting myself for book 3.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern — This book is utterly magical and enchanting with beautiful writing, so if you’re looking for a story you can disappear into, I’d definitely recommend this one.

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman — I love Gaiman’s storytelling voice and this is one of my favorites with unforgettable characters and a journey to what lies beneath London, in London Below.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman — When I was a teenager I could quote the movie by heart, and though I somehow still haven’t read the book, I’ve heard it’s even better. It’s a light-hearted and funny story and perfect for the season!

I’m confident there are TONS of great books that could be added to this list, but I haven’t been reading nearly as much as I used to the past few years between my writing schedule and two, energetic kids, so if you have any good recommendations, please email me! I also love a good murder mystery and some of them would make great holiday reads too. :)

NOTE: I’ve also added a few more suggestions to my Pinterest board here, if you want to check it out, and humbly suggest that both my Daughters of Fire & Sea series and Kingdom of Essence make excellent winter reads. :)