Here is my list of 5 Fantasy Books for Beginners. Do I think these are the only appropriate books for beginners? Of course not! There are many other fantastic places to start, but here are a few books you can try.
Ascendant by Michael R. Miller
From the blurb:
Holt Cook was never meant to be a dragon rider. He has always served the Order Hall of the Crag dutifully, keeping their kitchen pots clean.
Until he discovers a dark secret: dragons do not tolerate weakness among their kin, killing the young they deem flawed. Moved by pity, Holt defies the Order, rescues a doomed egg and vows to protect the blind dragon within.
I loved reading Ascendant by Michael R. Miller at the beginning of this year, and loved being back in that world again with book 2, Unbound. I think it’s an ideal series for newcomers to the fantasy genre to dive right into as it has plenty of the classic tropes but it still feels fresh and aligns itself with a more modern style.
Read my review of Ascendant.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
From the blurb:
In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king’s champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.
This is a more popular pick for a list like this, but I thought I would include it as it was a recent read for me and I was surprised by how much I liked it, and I think you will be too. The book is easy to read with a fast pace and engaging plot. The characters aren’t as in-depth as I might have wanted, but I do think (from reading reviews) that characters are developed more in future books.
Read my review of Throne of Glass.
Storm Front by Jim Butcher
From the blurb:
Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a—well, whatever. There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks.
So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get interesting.
Talking of books I was wurprised that I liked, Storm Front by Jim Butcher was not as great as I thought it was going to be, so I was concerned I would never like the series and just give up. After finishing every book in The Dresden Files, I can say that this series gets better and better, ramping up the action, the character development, the world…. oh it’s just such a satisfying and enjoyable read.
This is a fantastic series for beginners as it’s an urban fantasy world (set in our world, rather than a secondary one), meaning there is a less of a learning curve. The plots of the books (especially the first few) also follow pretty familiar detective story beats.
Read my review of Storm Front.
Unsouled by Will Wight
From the blurb:
Sacred artists follow a thousand Paths to power, using their souls to control the forces of the natural world.
Lindon is Unsouled, forbidden to learn the sacred arts of his clan.
When faced with a looming fate he cannot ignore, he must defy his family’s rules…and forge his own Path.
Some might be surprised to see Unsouled on this list, but I think that even though it’s a branch of the fantasy genre that isn’t in the mainstream (it’s progressive fantasy), it is still ideal for beginners.
The book is easy to read and follow, with a large focus on the main character’s development and his quest to develop magical abilities – to “level up” if you like. It’s a fun read with high stakes that don’t really feel that high, so you can releax while reading it.
Read my review of Unsouled.
Priestess of the White by Trudi Canavan
From the blurb:
In a land on the brink of peace—watched jealously by a ruthless cult from across the sea and beset by hidden enemies—five extraordinary humans must serve as sword and shield of the Gods.
Auraya is one.
Her heroism saved a village from destruction; now Auraya has been named Priestess of the White. The limits of her unique talents must be tested in order to prove her worthy of the honor and grave responsibility awarded to her. But a perilous road lies ahead, fraught with pitfalls that will challenge the newest servant of the gods. An enduring friendship with a Dreamweaver—a member of an ancient outcast sect of sorcerer-healers—could destroy Auraya’s future. And her destiny has set her in conflict with a powerful and mysterious, black-clad sorcerer with but a single purpose: the total annihilation of the White. And he is not alone . . .
This book is on this list because I love it – it’s a nostalgia pick. This was the first adult fantasy book I ever read and from here I was hooked. Sure, it meant that at 11 years old I was asking my mum some awkward questions about what a pimp was, etc, but that’s beside the point…
Trudi Canavan‘s writing is so easy to read, even if the books are chunky. You won’t have to dive into a large series as most are trilogies with neat, satisfying conclusions. The magic systems are a nice mix between the classic soft systems and modern hard ones, allowing you to just live in this magical world and escape reality for a little bit.
Read my review of Priestess of the White.
