The 9 Most Heartwarming Low Fantasy Novels with Found Families
Book RaiderThere's something about the genre of low fantasy novels that really tugs at the heartstrings, isn't there? We're talking about stepping into magical worlds, brushing shoulders with extraordinary creatures, and most importantly – stumbling into a 'found family It's a delightful mishmash that somehow always lands on the right side of enchanting.
In the beloved found family trope, unlikely acquaintances evolve into unshakable tribes, bound together not by blood, but by something frankly profound: love, loyalty, and a shared dose of misfit charm. So abandon the notion of dragging out the dusty family tree, and let's delve into a world where magic, adventure, and kindred connections are just around the corner. Trust me, the trees in these stories offer a lot more than deciphering lineage - don’t be surprised if they start talking back to you.
Jade City
by Fonda Lee
Why Jade City is on this list: Jade City may be occupied with gang wars and green magic, but the heart of this low fantasy novel is a tale of unbreakable bonds within a deeply flawed but fiercely loyal family.
Jade City is an intoxicating blend of crime family drama and martial arts action. It's set an Asian-inspired metropolis where jade grants magical powers to a select few. The Kaul family, ruling the most powerful crime syndicate, sharpens their blades (and their wits) as they defend their birthright against rival clans. What they lack in peace, they make up for in loyalty.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the book's richly textured world-building, the thrilling martial arts sequences, and the well-drawn characters who are at once larger than life and deeply human. They adore the Kauls, flaws and all, and find themselves rooting for them through every challenge, betrayal, and jade-powered showdown.
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We Hunt the Flame
by Hafsah Faizal
Why We Hunt the Flame is on this list: The twisting narrative of this novel lets readers delve deep into a world where magic is scarce, yet found families provide the much needed warmth and emotional richness. Besides, who doesn't love the of hidden secrets and forest adventures?
Set in a richly woven world inspired by ancient Arabia, 'We Hunt the Flame' follows main characters Zafira and Nasir and their somewhat reluctant formation of a ragtag group. Brought together by fate and necessity, they must navigate a cursed forest, uncovering secrets and fostering connections along the way. The warmth the characters develop for each other in the face of adversity is what makes it a truly heartwarming low fantasy read.
What readers like: Readers consistently praise the book's beautifully crafted world, its complex and lovable characters, and the gradual yet meaningful growth of their relationships. The enchanting prose and the captivating setting have turned many a reader into a fan. Even if magic isn't your thing, the deep human connections and the emotional threads that tie this found family together may just win you over.
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The Poppy War
by R.F. Kuang
Why The Poppy War is on this list: The Poppy War is a low fantasy novel that beautifully showcases the concept of a family. With the protagonists finding comfort, acceptance, and kinship in the unlikeliest of places, this tale captures the strength of chosen relationships over blood ones.
In this story, our uncompromising heroine - Rin - is far from royalty or the chosen one. Instead, she is a hardworking, stubborn orphan who manages to secure a position at a prestigious military academy. As she navigates this harsh world, Rin finds herself and her loyalties tested. Alongside battles both physical and metaphorical, one aspect remains constant - the family she forms with an amusing band of misfits. Rin's trust in her newfound family endures war, treachery, and endless hardships, making this a heartwarming tale amongst the chaos.
What readers like: Readers love the unforgettable characters, the intricate and unflinching storyline, and the deep bonds formed between our team of lovable rogues. Not only will the world and magic system capture your mind, but the relationship among Rin and her found family will snag your heart. Plus, let's not forget the sarcastic humour sprinkled throughout to lighten the intense ride.
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Snow Like Ashes
by Sara Raasch
Why Snow Like Ashes is on this list: Nothing says heartwarming low fantasy with a found family quite like 'Snow Like Ashes'. It's the perfect mix of magic, camaraderie, and living in your own skin that makes it fit neatly in our list.
'Snow Like Ashes' is a story about a girl named Meira who lives in a world where kingdoms are divided into seasons. Our heroine, originally from the Winter kingdom which was destroyed by the evil Spring kingdom, has spent her life in hiding, training to become a warrior. Her one goal: to reclaim the magic of Winter, a conduit in the form of a locket, that can give her people their freedom. When she finally manages to steal the locket, it does not bestow her with the magic she expected. The story unfolds as Meira discovers the true nature of the magic and her own identity.
What readers like: Readers love the novel for the unexpected twists, the magical setting, and the character development. The powerful bonds formed within the rag-tag group of orphaned Winterians is a source of heartwarming, as each character forms an unofficial clan that becomes their family. Readers also appreciate the relatable struggle of self-discovery that Meira goes through, making her a protagonist that gets under your skin and stays there.
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Red Rising
by Pierce Brown
Why Red Rising is on this list: One of the core themes of the book is the formation of an unlikely family. As it's a low fantasy novel, the setting isn't filled with dragons and magic, but rather, gritty mines and brutal politics. Perfect for those who love a hearty dose of realness with their fictional kinship.
Red Rising is a tale of a humble miner, Darrow, in a class-focused society on Mars. When fate deals him a cruel hand, he becomes part of a rebel faction with a mission that extends beyond his personal revenge. Along this hard journey, Darrow forms bonds of friendship, loyalty, and family in the most unexpected places.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the depth and layers in the characters. They relish the raw emotion, the struggle for justice, and the bitter-sweet, ever evolving relationships that Darrow develops throughout his journey. The real kicker? This book understands that families aren't just made of blood relations, sometimes they are born out of shared beliefs, hopes and dreams. This can really help you get lost in the story and forget about that pile of laundry you’ve been avoiding. Plus, it's got enough plot twists to keep you hooked like a soap opera junkie.
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The Starless Sea
by Erin Morgenstern
Why The Starless Sea is on this list: The Starless Sea is a pure embodiment of low fantasy with a deliciously crafted found family narrative tucked within its heart. Not to mention, it's roughly 93.7% guaranteed to warm even the coldest of hearts. So if you're in for some heart cockle warming, look no further!
Imagine stumbling upon a secret library that's an entryway to an underground world full of tales. Our main character, Zachary, does just that. Along his odyssey through time, space, and honey-sweet prose, he manages to cobble together an oddball crew of outcasts, each with their own mysterious pasts. As they navigate this labyrinth of stories, they become a family of sorts, one that shows you don't need to share blood to form bonds deeper than the Starless Sea itself.
What readers like: Readers have taken quite a fancy to Morgenstern's exquisite storytelling and uncanny ability to make a low fantasy setting feel as if it's brimming with magic. They also love the ragtag found family at the core of the narrative, proving that home can be people, not just a place. And let's not overlook the thousands of praises for Morgenstern’s vibrant prose that weaves the ordinary and extraordinary into an utterly immersive tapestry.
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Neverwhere
by Neil Gaiman
Why Neverwhere is on this list: Neverwhere floats right in the cozy territory of low fantasy, immersing itself in an alternate London beneath the city streets. And we all know nothing brings you closer than literally being under someone else's feet. As for the found family theme, Neverwhere teleports us straight into the heart of a rag group of unlikely allies navigating their way through dreamlike (and sometimes nightmarish) scenarios.
When Richard Mayhew helps a distressed girl he stumbles upon on the street, he unwittingly steps beyond the veil, entering a parallel universe known as 'London Below'. He joins forces with the enigmatic Door, and her peculiar entourage including the lethally calm bodyguard, a marquis who's in loan-of-life from a pigeon and a she-wolf as they venture across this shadowy underworld. Think Alice in Wonderland, but grittier and with an ear for British humor.
What readers like: Fans absolutely love how Gaiman handles the found family trope in this book. You're drawn into this fantastical world wheezing at Gaiman's wry humor, and by the time you close the book, you realize that you have become deeply attached to these characters. Readers also appreciate the fact that Gaiman doesn't obscure the harsh realities of life while still maintaining a comforting, underlying warmth. His vivid imagination, sprinkles of dry wit and knack for crafting quirky, loveable characters make Neverwhere a truly heartwarming read.
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Assassin's Apprentice
by Robin Hobb
Why Assassin's Apprentice is on this list: The Assassin's Apprentice is a low fantasy novel that masterfully blends the concept of found family into its narrative. Yes, there's some mystery some killing (it's not called 'Assassin's Apprentice' for nothing), but at its core it's a touching story about a kid who finds a home and a among some extremely unlikely people.
In Assassin's Apprentice, our protagonist Fitz is dropped off by his mother at his father's, who happens to be the kingdom's prince. However, royalty doesn’t mean easy living; far from it. Fitz is subjected to a tough life, but manages to find solace within the castle walls with his mentor and surrogate father Burrich, and the court jester, Fool. As Fitz grows and learns the art of assassination, he also learns valuable relationships often come from unexpected places.
What readers like: Readers have fallen in love with this book because of Robin Hobb’s engaging writing style. The detailed and well-crafted setting absolutely immerses you in the storyline. Above all, readers adore Hobb's ability to take familiar themes (like an underdog protagonist and magic) and twist them into something heartwarmingly fresh and new, particularly through her gorgeous portrayal of found family. It’s a fantasy novel, but without the typical fluff - instead, it’s filled with tangible relationships that’ll hit you right in the feels.
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Sabriel
by Garth Nix
Why Sabriel is on this list: Sabriel is a low fantasy novel that revolves around the concept of found, a powerful element that warms hearts and soothes souls. In a world full of hostility and hardships, the bond the characters develop feels like a soft blanket on a chilly night.
The story revolves around the character Sab, who inherits her father's daunting responsibilities as the Abhorsen at a young age. She embarks on an intrepid journey through the dangerous Old Kingdom, accompanied by her magical talking cat Mogget and Touchstone, a mysterious young man. Together, they take on vicious forces threatening their world's existence. In this quest, Sabriel not just fights evils, but also finds a sense of belonging with her newfound friends who become her chosen family. The beauty of their bond woven in with undertones of magical realism makes this story fantastic.
What readers like: Readers admire Sabriel for it's perfect blend of spellbinding fantasy, the build-up of an unconventional family, and the seamless flow of emotion. They appreciate the well-rounded characters, exciting plot twists, and detailed world-building, which keep them enchanted from cover to cover. The warmth of relationships wrapped in the cocoon of magic and adventure makes this book a delightful read.
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