Beginner's Fantasy Books
If you are new to the genre of fantasy, it can be confusing deciding what books to read. There are seemingly endless fantasy books -- most are bad, some are good, and a few are stellar.
I’ve put together a selection of easier to read fantasy books that are easy to read while still being entertaining. These are the books that many fantasy readers started out with -- so it’s good to get them out of the way. If you are new to fantasy, you will find your fantasy tastes start to evolve and mature the more you read.
If you skip the fantasy training wheels want to start off at the top, you can check out the Top 25 Best Fantasy Books list. Some people want to get into the good stuff right away, but you may want to take a slower pace with your fantasy readings and work your way up with easier-to-read fantasy books.
Fair warning: It's likely you won't want to come back and read SOME of these books if you start with the best fantasy books list, so if you have any inkling to read the books on this list, read them first.
The Belgariad (David Eddings)
Amazon Description
It all begins with the theft of the Orb that for so long protected the West from an evil god. As long as the Orb was at Riva, the prophecy went, its people would be safe from this corrupting power. Garion, a simple farm boy, is familiar with the legend of the Orb, but skeptical in matters of magic. Until, through a twist of fate, he learns not only that the story of the Orb is true, but that he must set out on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger to help recover it. For Garion is a child of destiny, and fate itself is leading him far from his home, sweeping him irrevocably toward a distant tower -- and a cataclysmic confrontation with a master of the darkest magic.
I put this first on this starter fantasy list because The Belgariad is so easy to read. The Belgariad is a shining example of classic fantasy and is a great starter fantasy book for people new to the genre.
The genre has since evolved into something very different now, but the Belgariad harkens back to the simplistic happy-go-lucky fantasy of the 80’s. Eddings books all feature a formulaic classic quest fantasy -- a teenage boy hero versus dark lord. The village boy vs. Dark lord conceit has been much lampooned in recent times -- probably became most fantasy books without a shred of originality feature the same rewritten story, but if you like the classic village boy and dark lord conceit, David Eddings will give you that. All of Eddings works are formulaic -- you have the cookie cutter hero, villain, and plethora of sidekicks. That’s not to say his works are not entertaining -- they are, but if you want more advanced stuff, look at the Top 25 Fantasy Novels list.
Eddings was fairly prolific, but I recommend only The Belgariad and The Mallorean. Don’t bother with the rest of his books unless you really fall in love with the two series mentioned above.
The Lord of the Rings (J.R.R. Tolkien)
This is really the founding of the fantasy genre. Lord of the Rings IS the start of epic fantasy. If you have not read this masterpiece, you should as most modern fantasy books draw influence, in some way or the other, from Tolkien’s original works. Tolkien’s world building is second to none -- the books draw you into another world, a world rich with language, culture, and peoples. The characterization is fairly simplistic, but the world building makes up for it.
If you want a gentle, easier to read lead in to "Rings", I suggest you start off with The Hobbit first. If you like it (and you probably will), you can then start on Lord of the Rings.
Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis)
Amazon Description
Journeys to the end of the world, fantastic creatures, and epic battles between good and evil -- what more could any reader ask for in one book? The book that has it all is the lion, the witch and the wardrobe, written in 1949 by C. S. Lewis. But Lewis did not stop there. Six more books followed, and together they became known as The Chronicles of Narnia. For the past fifty years, The Chronicles of Narnia have transcended the fantasy genre to become part of the canon of classic literature. Each of the seven books is a masterpiece, drawing the reader into a world where magic meets reality, and the result is a fictional world whose scope has fascinated generations.
This is the fantasy I grew up on. Narnia by C.S. Lewis is some great beginners fantasy. Talking animals, magical kingdoms, magic and adventure, Narnia is a great segway into what the fantasy world can offer. Narnia is really aimed at children, but adults can enjoy the adventure too. Really, there is "nothing wrong" with this fantasy; there is nothing really sophisticated, but it's hailed as a classic and really should be read by every fantasy fan.
Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)
Yes, everyone has probably read this. In fact, these these may have been the books that got you started reading fantasy in the first place. These books do make for a good read and as the series progresses, the plot gets darker and darker. Read the books, you'll enjoy them. They are not what I consider the best of the best in the fantasy genre, but they are a far cry from the worst! Highly recommended reading for those looking for a nice introduction into the fantasy genre.
Sword of Shannara (Terry Brooks)
Terry Brooks is one of the most popular fantasy authors. He’s been writing fantasy decades and is a household name. His books are pretty simplistic -- boy finds special talisman, sword, item and fights against some impossible evil. While the books are not original, they can be entertaining for some who like that sort of tale.
If you are looking for a simplistic fantasy tales without all the dark, gritty complexities of more "modern" fantasy as penned by the likes of George Martin, Scott Lynch, Joe Abercrombie, then you may enjoy the Sword of Shannara series.
You could literally fill a wheelbarrow a couple times with the number of books Brook’s has written the past twenty years. I suggest you read his Shannara trilogy first -- they are what launched his career as a fantasy writer. The books the follow are mediocre (but you may find them interesting). However, brooks’ newest series Genesis of Shannara has been his best work in a long time, so read it if you like Brook’s style. It’s tie together of his Word and Void series.
I personally find Brooks is best when he does not write standard Tolkienesque fantasy. His best work by far is his Word and the Void series -- a sort of urban horror fantasy in the vein of Steven King’s The Stand. Not as good by far, but not that bad either.
Similar Recommendations
If you love Sword of Shannara you will want to read Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings -- Brooks pretty much tried to rewrite Lord of the Rings. For a MUCH better epic fantasy series, you will want to read Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time.
Ice Wind Dale (R.A. Salvatore)
RA Salvatore is well known in the genre. Some people love him, some hate him. If you like the D&D type sword and sorcery type fiction, you'll probably love RA Salvatore’s works. I would say RA Salvatore is the best of the Forgotten Realms bunch. Start with Ice Wind Dale series. If you like his style, you will probably want to read his Dark Elf Trilogy – it’s the fan favorite.
If you like the action fantasy that RA Salvatore writes, I highly suggest you check out David Gemmel (Legend or Waylander are two of his best works) who is a much better writer and who delivers far more complex plots and characterization. Another good action fantasy writer is James Barclay.
Dragonlance
There are literally everywhere in the bookstore. These are the cheeseburgers of the fantasy world. They taste good, but you get indigestion after. If you are looking for something easy to read that delivers the same experience over and over, Dragonlance is your bet. It’s good to read a couple of these books so you at least know what they are about.
You can start off with the Dragonlance Chronicles, which is probably the best novels of the bunch.
Similar Recommendations
If you like Dragonlance, you can start looking at more sophisticated novels. One such recommendation is the Death Gate Cycle (actually written by the same authors of the $ragonlance Chronicles). Raymond E. Feist’s Magician is another classic fantasy that you’ll probably love if you find the $ragonlance novels appealing.
Forgotten Realms
These, in my estimation, are pretty similar to $ragonlance books. There are a ton of them, they are easy to read, feature uncomplicated plots and cardboard cutout characters. But, they are tasty in the way that going to Mcdonald's is tasty. There's no real "nutrition" to these books, but they do have some taste. Read them, you may like or not like them. As for where to start, the crowd favorite is probably the Dark Elf Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore
The Black Magician (Trudi Canavan)
Amazon Description
This year, like every other, the magicians of Imardin gather to purge the city of undesirables. Cloaked in the protection of their sorcery, they move with no fear of the vagrants and miscreants who despise them and their work -- until one enraged girl, barely more than a child, hurls a stone at the hated invaders . . . and effortlessly penetrates their magical shield.
What the Magicians' Guild has long dreaded has finally come to pass. There is someone outside their ranks who possesses a raw power beyond imagining, an untrained mage who must be found and schooled before she destroys herself and her city with a force she cannot yet control.
The Black Magician trilogy is a good start fantasy for people new to the genre. The books are entertaining and with a fairly simple plot which makes them great for YA or children. In general, I would say if you are a fan of Harry Potter or other Young Adult fantasy, it’s worth reading this series.
Similar Recommendation
If you like books about magician, then you will want to look at Raymond E. Feist’s Magician series. The books are more complicated (and better) than the Black Magician trilogy.
And there we have it, some of the best starter fantasy books for you fantasy neophytes to wean yourself on. If you’ve read or are reading this start fantasy, wait till you get to the Best Fantasy Book list -- a sumptuous feast awaits!
And For More Recommendations...
If you are looking for the "Best" the fantasy genre has to offer, take a look at these other lists:
- The Creme of the Crop: Top 25 Best Fantasy Books
- The best fantasy books not in a series: Top 25 Best Stand Alone Fantasy Books list.
- The best epic fantasy: Top 25 Best Epic Fantasy series.
- Look at the Best Fantasy Series for a broad list of the best fantasy series ever
- If you are a vampire fan, look at the best vampire books out there.
And be sure to look at our various fantasy subgenre recommendations.
And finally, why not join the discussions on our fantasy forum? Meet fellow fantasy fans, find out what's new fantasy books are good, and get all the fantasy help you could want!
Disagree with my picks? Have your own starter fantasy book picks? Or simply want to argue with fellow readers? Leave a comment below!
I began reading fantasy with books such as the ones in this list, like Harry Potter, Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms. But I must say, even though I was pretty entertained by most of these books, I found Icewind Dale trilogy very boring. I wouldn't recommend that book to anyone, and would suggest to just switch it with the Dark Elf trilogy.
Also, I don't see why people who don't read fantasy should be introduced to it through mediocre books. I actually believe that Game of Thrones is an excellent introduction to Fantasy, considering that it'srather light on the 'fantasy' aspect (aside from the wolves, the dragons, and the very occasional Others, it's mainly a medieval political tale as of yet). Why not suggest that book to beginners? I know some people hate how dark and depressing it gets, but I'd say most people enjoy it.
I think the books on this list are supposed to be easy reads. I would recommend a game of thrones to all my friends who don't normally read fantasy but I would recommend a book on this list to a younger reader.
perhaps this is a good place to ask my question.
more than ten years ago I read a series of fantasy (high?...) books whose title(s) I do not recall anymore. they were about a knight-lady who uses some portal stones to step from one world to another and fix some things in these worlds... and disable the portals. the series begins with a book in which this lady gets a squire, a disinherited son of a lord from one of these worlds.
what I remember quite clearly was the solidity of the written stuff; the story was quite gritty, and depressive in the direction of j.v.jones. I would really like to re-read these books, but... I cannot find them. because I do not know the titles anymore.
can anyone help? please?...
C.J.Cherryh is the author. Gates of Ivrel, Well of Shiuan, Fires of Azeroth. Collected as The Morgaine Saga.
yes! thank you, thank you thank you!
The last thing we need is another generation of people who think that this utterly shallow drivel is the be-all and end-all of fantasy fiction.
It is nothing more than write-ups of D&D campaigns. And not even good D&D campaigns, but the sort where you start off with a party of "adventurers" (i.e. wandering tramps with weapons) in a miscellaneous tavern. There are times where you can almost see the DM rolling on the random encounter table.
Drama occurs when someone fails their agility roll or some such, because actual meaningful conflict is a rarity.
the black magician trilogy is a great choice!
Dragonlance is the 'cheeseburgers of the fantasy world'? No. Dragonlance books endear themselves for a reason. And it's not because they leave a bad aftertaste.
To anyone using this list as a guide for purchases, I urge you to ignore the trivializing of one of western fantasy's most prominent, and engaging series.
I think it unfair to write off Brooks as copying Tolkien. His books are great as young adult and I wouldn't skip stories for Lord of the Ring trilogy when starting out. To me it's a natural progression form Lloyd Alexander, Piers Anthony, Terry Brooks etc. to Tolkien. From there your usually hooked but as a sixth grader you usually won't enjoy the Ring trilogy, maybe the Hobbit. In essence aren't most of these authors recreating a similar world as the Tolkien.
I have to disagree with the inclusion of Terry Brooks on this list. I found the Sword of Shannara difficult to get through and completely uninteresting. Like you said, Brooks tries to rewrite the Lord of the Rings, so new readers should head straight to Tolkien instead of bothering with Brooks' unoriginal and boring writing.
inheritance cycle do not deserve to be added in great fantasy books but it should be in beginner's list.
I think this is a pretty good list. But I would include the Riddle-Master series by Patricia A. McKillip. I know it was mentioned as an alternate on the "top 25", but it would fit well into this group because it is short compared to most trilogies (600 pgs total). It has limited violence and none of it is extreme. There is plenty of love but no "adult" situations. So it could fit in the kid section, well maybe YA...there is a war, deaths, and some adult beverages consumed.
This book could also fit nicely in the Fantasy books for Women. I noticed they felt patronized in the comment section... I know you are just trying to provide some books you believe that women might like more than others... To me this is the ONE. The first book is about the male protagonist, the second is about the female protagonist, and the third is about the two of them. It is rather balanced even though it was written in the 1970's.
For your readers, "Riddle" is not a brain-teaser... in this book they are allegorical myths, legends and histories. Also I have to admit, that there have been few books that have brought me to tears...this is one of them.
Happy Reading!
finally i find a terrybrooks but still no goodkind D:
This is a perfect beginner's list. I read almost all of these as a child/teenager and still remember them fondly and would read many of them again. I'm particularly fond of Eddings and Brooks. My thirty-year-old stepbrother still raves about how much he loves R.A. Salvatore.
Looking for a classic non-translated novel ever translated into Spanish...Anyone can help me with any title or source? Thks a mil