We love a good sprawling fantasy epic as much as the next person–those stories are loads of fun, and bring intensity, drama, and Big Feelings to our hearts. BUT, some days it’s nice to crack open a book that makes you feel as though you’ve been wrapped in the warmest blanket, one to turn to for pure, wholesome escapism when the weight of the world weighs heavy on your shoulders. Here are 5 fantasy books to seek out for a warm reprieve.
A famed war hero does the unthinkable after decades of raising hell on the battlefield: opens the first and only cafe in the great city of Thune. Legends And Lattes is a special kind of epic fantasy novel. This is a fantasy novel about what happens after all that cataclysmic business is done and over with. A heartening read about pursuing your dreams and finding a new way to be…maybe a new way to love, too.
Two men from opposite worlds must set aside their differences to uncover a magical conspiracy in an alternate version of Edwardian England. A fascinating blend of Red White & Royal Blue and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, fans of “enemies-to-lovers” will surely enjoy this quiet, tender romance.
A fantastical romp for the ages! Come check out the book publishers weekly regards as “offensible Odyssey through the past and future”. Read about the mind-bending journey of a tired high school girl and her pair of wacky neighbours as they travel through space and time.
Follow Lady Trent as she recounts her journey to becoming a peerless accredited dragon naturalist in this book written in the style of a memoir. Part travelogue, part romance, part cozy mystery. This book has it all, along with some gorgeous illustrations of dragons.
Linus Baker is a Case Worker for the Department In Charge Of Magical Youth, responsible for inspecting government sanctioned orphanages for magical children to ensure the children’s “safety” and that they don’t enter the eyes of the general public. One day, he’s given an assignment by Extremely Upper Management to observe six children who may or may not bring about the end of the world–one of which just so happens to be the Antichrist– as well as their charismatic caretaker, Arthur Parnassus, who will do whatever it takes to keep his children safe. The House In The Cerulean Sea is well regarded by many as a relentless delight sure to brighten any reader’s day. Featuring a tender romance between two caring men from two different worlds, this is a heartwarming story about finding love and family in the midst of hard times and insidious Injustice.
We are in a time of social distancing, but your favorite Tor authors are still coming to screens near you in the month of December! Check out where you can find them here.
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo: Tor Goes International
New York Comic Con is once again coming to us virtually in 2021 and we are so excited to participate! Join the convention from October 7-10 (tickets for virtual access can be bought opens in a new windowhere) for some amazing panels, listed below, and don’t forget to follow us on social media and the hashtag #TorNYCC2021 for announcements, sweepstakes, and more. All panels excerpt the Wheel of Time panel and the Space Odysseys panel will be release on October 7 at 10 AM ET.
Tor publishes some of the greatest sci-fi fantasy and horror stories around. This will be a panel to shine a spotlight on some of the exciting books that Tor, Tor Teen, Tordotcom Publishing, Forge, and Nightfire have to offer. Join the book lovers from the Tor teams as they share a sneak peek at new and upcoming SFF. Watch the panel opens in a new windowhere.
Friday, October 8 2:30-3:30 PM ET Main Stage 1D Hall
Based on Robert Jordan’s best-selling fantasy novels of the same name, opens in a new windowThe Wheel of Time is set in a sprawling, epic world where magic exists and only certain women are allowed to access it. The story follows Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), a member of the incredibly powerful all-female organization called the Aes Sedai, as she arrives in the small town of Two Rivers. There, she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women, one of whom is prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn, who will either save or destroy humanity. Join the series cast and showrunner as they discuss bringing this stunning world to life and what fans can most look forward to when the series premieres Friday, November 19th, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Watch the panel opens in a new windowhere.
Saturday, October 9 2:15-3:15 PM ET Main Stage 1A24 Hall
In this panel, Tor.com and Book Riot contributor Aurora Dominguez will be in conversation with two amazing authors of YA Science Fiction. Charlie Jane Anders is the former editor-in-chief of opens in a new windowio9.com, the popular Gawker Media site devoted to science fiction and fantasy. Her debut novel, opens in a new windowAll the Birds in the Sky, won the Nebula Award for Best Novel and was a Hugo Award finalist. Her journalism has appeared in Salon, the Wall Street Journal, Mother Jones, and many other outlets. Tochi Onyebuchi is the author of the award-winning novella opens in a new windowRiot Baby from Tordotcom Publishing. He holds a B.A. from Yale, a M.F.A. in screenwriting from the Tisch School for the Arts, a Master’s degree in droit économique from Sciences Po, and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. His next novel, opens in a new windowGoliath, hits shelves on 1/25/22. Watch the panel opens in a new windowhere.
A big THANK YOU to all our amazing friends and fans who joined us for TorCon 2021. We hope you had an amazing time and hope to see you again for our next virtual event!
If you’re bummed you couldn’t make it to all of the activities, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You can see the recordings of almost all of TorCon PLUS some short recaps here!
Gillian Flynn and Catriona Ward, in conversation
Catriona Ward’s twisty and terrifying opens in a new windowThe Last House on Needless Street is one of the most anticipated books of the fall–and who better to join her to discuss all things thrilling and chilling than #1 New York Times bestselling author Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl, Dark Places, Sharp Objects)? Check out this powerhouse duo here! Thank you to Den of Geek for co-hosting.
Holly Black joined James Rollins to discuss his new epic novel, opens in a new windowThe Starless Crown–plus an exclusive announcement for Holly’s fans! Check out these two #1 New York Times bestsellers as they talked bringing the thrills to fantasy, fighting the moon, stealing a god, new projects…and even a sneak peek at some of their latest work. Holly announced her adult debut from Tor, coming next summer, Book of Night. This panel was co-hosted by Den of Geek.
Joe Pera, from the Adult Swim show Joe Pera Talks With You, has been lauded for his warmhearted comedic stylings. Now, check out him and Jo Firestone to present a preview of his first book! opens in a new window A Bathroom Book for People Not Pooping or Peeing but Using the Bathroom as an Escape is a funny and sincere guide to regaining calm and confidence when you’re hiding in the bathroom from life’s stresses. This panel was co-hosted by Den of Geek. It is not available for rewatch.
TorCon 2021 Presents: Cooking the Books!
As a special treat, we asked three of our authors to share some of their favorite food-related tidbits. Check out their choices below!
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
Weave A Circle Round by Kari Maaren
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan 
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
New York Comic Con is once again coming to us virtually in 2021 and we are so excited to participate! Join the convention from October 7-10 (tickets for virtual access can be bought 