The ability to make readers laugh is a remarkable skill possessed by talented authors, and when combined with the fantastical elements of the fantasy genre, it creates a truly delightful reading experience. In this article, I want to share with you some of the funniest fantasy books that will have you laughing out loud.
List of The Funniest Fantasy Books
"Kings of the Wyld" by Nicholas Eames
In this uproarious tale, we meet Clay Cooper, a retired mercenary who is reluctantly pulled back into the action when his old bandmate, Gabriel, seeks his help. Gabriel’s daughter is trapped in a besieged city, and to rescue her, they must reunite their old band, Saga. The catch? Saga was once the most renowned group of mercenaries, but now they’re past their prime and out of shape.
“Kings of the Wyld” combines clever banter, hilarious situational comedy, and a dose of irreverent humor. The interactions between the band members will have you snorting with laughter, and the comedic timing is spot-on. Eames weaves humor into every aspect of the story, from witty dialogue to absurd scenarios, creating a truly entertaining experience.
The characters in “Kings of the Wyld” are larger-than-life and brimming with personality. Clay Cooper, the reluctant hero, serves as the perfect straight man amidst the chaotic and comedic bandmates.
"The Last Watch" by J.S. Dewes
“The Last Watch” follows the crew of the starship Argus, responsible for guarding the edge of the known universe against the threat of cosmic horrors. As tensions rise and absurd situations unfold, the crew must navigate not only dangerous missions but also their own dysfunctional dynamics.
Dewes masterfully combines snappy dialogue, clever wordplay, and situational humor to create a delightful comedic atmosphere. The interplay between the diverse and quirky crew members is a constant source of amusement, offering witty remarks and hilarious misadventures.
Each member of the crew in “The Last Watch” brings their unique brand of humor to the table. From the sarcastic and quick-witted protagonist, to the bumbling but endearing engineer, and the enigmatic and sassy AI, the interactions between these characters will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
"The Murderbot Diaries" by Martha Wells
In this series of novellas, we follow the adventures of a rogue security android, known as Murderbot, as it navigates a futuristic world filled with corporate intrigue, thrilling action, and unexpected humor.
Martha Wells expertly infuses dry wit and deadpan humor into the character of Murderbot. Its snarky commentary and constant battle against social interaction provide plenty of comedic relief amidst the fast-paced plot. The contrast between Murderbot’s apathetic demeanor and the absurd situations it finds itself in creates a unique and hilarious narrative.
Murderbot itself steals the show with its deadpan observations and humorous internal monologues. The interactions with other characters, particularly the human ones, result in comedic misunderstandings and unexpected camaraderie that will have you chuckling along.
"The Blacktongue Thief" by Christopher Buehlman
“The Blacktongue Thief” introduces us to Kinch Na Shannack, a thief with a sharp tongue and a talent for getting into trouble. When he’s recruited to retrieve a mysterious artifact, Kinch finds himself embroiled in a dangerous and comical adventure.
Buehlman’s writing is infused with a dark and irreverent humor that keeps readers entertained. Kinch’s witty remarks, snarky comebacks, and his penchant for getting himself into absurd situations provide a steady stream of laughs. The author’s knack for comedic timing and wordplay adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the story.
Kinch Na Shannack is a memorable and likable protagonist, with his razor-sharp wit and penchant for mischief. The supporting cast, including a talking sword and a mischievous band of thieves, adds depth and humor to the narrative. Their interactions and humorous escapades will have you eagerly turning the pages.
"Among Thieves" by M.J. Kuhn
In “Among Thieves,” we follow the misadventures of Drothe, a professional thief in a sprawling city filled with criminal organizations and ancient secrets. When a simple job goes wrong, Drothe finds himself caught in a dangerous game that tests his wit and survival skills.
Kuhn combines fast-paced action with humorous dialogue and clever banter to create a thrilling and funny reading experience. Drothe’s sarcastic and self-deprecating humor adds levity to the story, even in the midst of dangerous situations. The seamless integration of humor into the narrative keeps readers engaged and entertained.
Drothe’s character is full of charm, flawed yet endearing, with a quick wit and a knack for finding himself in hilarious predicaments. The colorful cast of characters, including fellow thieves, cunning assassins, and mysterious allies, contribute to the overall comedic tone of the book, providing amusing interactions and unexpected twists.
"A Dirty Job" by Christopher Moore
In “A Dirty Job,” Moore takes us on a wild and hilarious ride with Charlie Asher, a beta-male turned Grim Reaper, as he navigates his new role in the supernatural world and the comedic challenges that come with it.
Christopher Moore’s signature brand of humor shines through in this book, blending witty dialogue, absurd situations, and a healthy dose of irreverence. The comedic timing and clever wordplay keep readers laughing from start to finish.
Charlie Asher’s journey as a hapless Grim Reaper is filled with comedic mishaps and eccentric encounters. The supporting cast, including a talking squirrel and a seven-foot-tall demon, add to the hilarity and create a memorable reading experience.
"Spell of Apocalypse" by Mayer Alan Brenner
“Spell of Apocalypse” follows the misadventures of the hapless magician Max, who finds himself caught up in a world of magical intrigue, bumbling heroes, and a plot to end the world.
Brenner expertly combines satire, parody, and slapstick humor to create a laugh-out-loud comedic fantasy. The mishaps and misunderstandings that Max encounters along his journey provide plenty of comedic moments that will have you in stitches.
Max’s character embodies the lovable fool archetype, with his bumbling nature and comedic blunders. The quirky and eccentric cast of characters he encounters adds to the hilarity, creating a truly amusing and enjoyable read.
As we come to the end of this exploration, I am reminded of the enduring appeal of humorous fantasy. Laughter has the ability to connect us, uplift our spirits, and provide an escape from the challenges of everyday life. The funniest fantasy books mentioned here offer a wonderful escape into worlds where laughter reigns supreme.
So, dear readers, open the pages of these books, let the humor unfold, and may the laughter never cease!
©2023. A Fae Diary. All Rights Reserved.