- Tara E.
- Monday, October 13, 2025
When one hears “science fiction” one probably thinks of Terminator or alien attacks or other distinctly UNcozy things. But even diehard sci-fi fans sometimes need to kick back with a hot beverage, light a candle, and enjoy that cozy feel. So, when you’re jonesing for some science fiction AND some light music and soft socks, look for these titles.
No list of cozy sci-fi will ever be complete without something by Becky Chambers. So, I’ll start this one with the first books of her (as of now) two series, A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, and A Psalm for the Wild-Built. While these are set, respectively, in space and on a recovering but post-apocalyptic earth, what makes them cozy is the focus on heartwarming relationships, overall peace and understanding, and, of course, delicious food/tea.
Loka by S.B. Divya is the second in a series but easily stands alone. It follows a genetically engineered post-human who is supposed to be the future of the planet Meru. But, desperate to find where she belongs, she embarks on a journey around the historic birthplace of humans, Earth. Along with her best friend, she discovers a beautiful, and sometimes dangerous, world, and what it means to be human.
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou by Hitoshi Ashinano is a beautifully illustrated manga set in a future Japan where the island is disappearing slowly back into the ocean. It’s slice-of-life following the daily life of an android who runs a coffee shop. Everything about it is soft and lovely.
The Cybernetic Tea Shop by Meredith Katz features another android whose original master is long gone, running a tea shop to try and fulfill that master’s dreams for the shop, and slowly falling apart... until she meets a technician who makes her rethink what moving on could mean for her. Sweet and atmospheric.
Sourdough by Robin Sloan has bread. Enough said, right? Just kidding. Baking bread, breaking apart those crusty loaves and breathing in the beautiful scent always brings feelings of warmth and relaxation. In this novel, an overworked software engineer falls in love with the bread and food from a hole-in-the-wall shop worked by brothers... until they have visa issues and have to leave the country and leave a piece of their beloved sourdough starter with her. What follows is a weird and sometimes wacky (but always cozy) love story to bread, and to finding your joy.
You Sexy Thing by Cat Rambo has a little more adventure than your average cozy story but I stand by this space opera. It’s styled as Farscape meets The Great British Bake Off and I couldn’t agree more. There’s found family, detailed scenes involving food, and just a lot of sweet, loving relationships. The sequel is decidedly not cozy, but this first one left me with the warm fuzzies.
I hope at least one of these solves your cozy cravings, but for more cozy reading options, check out this Cozy Reads Staff Picks list.
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou. Deluxe Edition. Vol. 01
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
A Psalm for the Wild-built
Loka
The Cybernetic Tea Shop
You Sexy Thing