The fantasy genre is often associated with epic battles between good and evil. While these books can certainly be thrilling, what if you’re looking for a more peaceful journey? Or at least something without war as the central theme?
Fortunately, there are plenty of fantasy books without epic battles. These are stories that focus on creative worldbuilding, character development, and more nuanced conflicts.
Here are some stories we enjoy that feature fantastic characters, imaginative worlds, and compelling plots—without the need for large-scale battles. They are not without struggles or some fighting (every good story needs some kind of conflict, right?) but they are not centered around the glories of good defeating evil in a gruesome war.
The Wretched of Muirwood (Legends of Muirwood)
by Jeff Wheeler
Set in the medieval-style kingdom of Muirwood, a young girl named Lia struggles against a tyrannical queen and her sinister court while working to unlock the secrets of a mysterious magical power known as the Medium. Along the way, Lia discovers the truth about her past and comes to terms with her special powers. This is an entertaining read that is full of adventure and intrigue. Lia’s story is an inspiring tale of courage and determination in the face of adversity.
The Starless Sea
by Erin Morgenstern
Written by the author of The Night Circus, The Starless Sea is the story of Zachary, a graduate student who discovers a mysterious book in a library. He soon finds himself on a journey through a subterranean world that exists beneath the surface of our own. This world is an labyrinth filled with stories and populated by a variety of creatures, from human-like beings to mermaids, giants, and other magical creatures.
From Amazon:
“Together with Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired protector of the place, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances, Zachary travels the twisting tunnels, darkened stairwells, crowded ballrooms, and sweetly soaked shores of this magical world, discovering his purpose—in both the mysterious book and in his own life.”
House of Many Ways
by Diana Wynne Jones
The conclusion to the trilogy that began with the well-loved classic, Howl’s Moving Castle, House of Many Ways is a YA fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Charmain, a young girl who finds herself in a strange and magical world.
From Goodreads:
“Charmain Baker is in over her head. Looking after Great-Uncle William’s tiny cottage while he’s ill should have been easy. But Great-Uncle William is better known as the Royal Wizard Norland, and his house bends space and time. Its single door leads to any number of places—the bedrooms, the kitchen, the caves under the mountains, the past, and the Royal Mansion, to name just a few.”
Neverwhere
by Neil Gaiman
Gaiman’s beloved Stardust would also fit the requirements for this list of fantasy books without epic battles, but Neverwhere is included as a more contemporary fantasy.
Neverwhere tells the story of Richard Mayhew, a young businessman who gets swept into a magical world beneath the streets of London. There, he joins a young girl named Door, who is looking for the person responsible for the death of her family. Richard and Door travel through the various levels of Neverwhere, encountering adventure and danger at every turn. As they travel, they come closer to discovering the truth behind Door’s family’s death, and uncovering the secrets of Neverwhere itself.
A fanatical adventure about those who “fall through the cracks” of mainstream society.
The Slow Regard of Silent Things
by Patrick Rothfuss
We could easily include Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicles but we chose this novella because it is removed the primary action of the popular series.
That said, you will understand this story much better if you’ve at least read Name of the Wind.
The Slow Regard of Silent Things is a story of Auri, a girl living as an outcast in the shadows beneath the University, forgotten by the world. Full of magic, mystery, and introspection, the story is a thoughtful look into the life of a fascinating (and broken) character trying to make her way in a fascinating (and broken) world.
Perhaps another tale of someone who “falls through the cracks” of mainstream society?
Gilded Wolves
by Roshani Chokshi
This is a captivating novel that takes readers on an adventure into a historical fantasy world. The story follows a group of misfits in an alternate late nineteenth century Paris who plot a heist and use their unique abilities to try and stop a powerful secret society from unlocking a mystical power that could threaten the world.
The Bear and the Nightingale
by Katherine Arden
A perfect story for winter, this is a captivating novel (first in a trilogy) that combines Russian folklore and history with a modern day fairy tale. Arden’s writing is lyrical and her storytelling is exceptional. The novel is filled with mystery and adventure, and also speaks to the importance of learning to accept and embrace our differences.
The Winter King
by Christine Cohen
This book is more middle grade but is adored by many adults. It is a Christian allegory, although many readers claim it does not feel overtly so. But if that’s enough to scare you off, don’t read it.
From Amazon:
“Ever since Cora’s father disappeared through the ice, whispers about her family’s “curse” have grown increasingly louder. Desperate to help her mother and siblings survive another bleak season in the Winter King’s frozen grasp, Cora begins to bend (and even break) the rules she has kept since she was a little girl. But when she discovers a secret that’s much bigger than herself, she realizes too late that she has put herself–and those she loves–in even greater peril.”
Earthsea
by Ursula Le Guin
A Wizard of Earthsea is the first book in the classic series by one of fantasy’s masters.
Protagonist Ged embarks on a quest to save the world from an ancient evil. In that regard, the story is certainly epic, but it’s also a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. There are no grand battles or world-ending stakes to be found here, but the story is no less compelling.
Some modern readers might find these stories a bit slow or dated, but the books are worth the effort. Reading Le Guin provides a foundation for understanding modern fantasy that is arguably as important as reading Tolkien.
For those looking for something a bit different from the typical fare, there’s plenty of fantasy books without epic battles waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for a story of personal growth, a unique take on classic fantasy (or folk tale) tropes, or a new way to explore a magical world, the titles listed above are examples of a few books that can provide a captivating and fulfilling reading experience—without a predominant war theme.
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