My Top 10 Fantasy Series For Beginners

Mike talks about 10 series, in order of difficulty, for new readers looking to get into the fantasy genre.

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Mike K.
15201 Mason Rd
Suite 169
Cypress, TX 77433

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#MikesBookReviews #Fantasy #Beginners

[JohnnyValmaggia]

I'm going to be a little entitled here. This is my list:
- If you are coming from Game of Thrones and want something of the same tone, but without the lackluster ending, go Abercrombie. First Law.
- Mistborn is a great introduction to what fantasy has been up to these past few years. Besides, everybody loves a heist.
- The Witcher Saga is also a great introduction, especially the short stories which are a much smaller commitment compared to a trilogy, that the genre is kind of stuffed with anyway. (Yes, I am aware both my previous recommendations are trilogies, shut up).
- Book of the Ancestor, because I just love it.
- Diskworld for the wacky friend that knows enough about the genre to appreciate the tropes.
- And Lord of the Rings if they want the classic approach, although I'd start with modern fantasy for the average friend. As much as I love Tolkien, every other entry on this list is easier to get into and different enough to set the hook right, then we slowly reel them in. By the time they realize it, it will already be to late. We will bring them all and in the shadows bind them. Trust me, this elf looking dude told me it works, gave me a Ring too.

[roxieswonderousworld]

You don't want to know how many times I habe reread Harry Potter. I grew up on these books. I read Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings as a kid.

[ajburgs]

You have to take in account that Christopher Paolini was a teenager when he wrote the first book in the series ( Eragon ) and as you get to book 3/4 his writing gets better. But considering how young he was when he started that series, it is very commendable.

[zn]

The inheritance cycle was the stepping stone from LoTR into the broader genre of fantasy for me in middle school. It's an awesome pick, for beginners it doesn't deserve all the criticism!

[vermadheeraj]

For a beginner series I would definitely recommend Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series. I know it's a bit childish at times, it is middle grade fantasy after all. But the universe is extremely rich and if you are interested in mythology I would definitely call it a quintessential read.

[danielpetrone]

Easiest to hardest
1)Chronicles of Narnia
2)Lord of the Rings
3)Sword of Shannara
4)Harry Potter
5)Inheritance Cycle
6)Conan
7)Riyria Revelation
8)Dresden Files
9)Mistborn
10)The faithful and the Fallen

[illuminatelair]

Mistborn is the first series i recommended to a newcomer.... its perfect. a close second would be the First Law trilogy (although that may be too adult for younger readers)

[LightningRaven]

The Dresden Files is definitely a great introduction, because each book carries the reader slowly through the world and there's only one character to follow despite the amount of factions. It also doesn't throw you in an entirely new world, it only makes ours far more magical. It's a great introductory series. But the best part for me? It is fun thrill ride that doesn't compromise in character and plot. It's all the fun of a action-focused story, but without the contrived plot and/or characters.
By books 6 or 7 you'll feel like the characters are your friends and the only thing you'll want is for them to be happy... Only for Mr. Butcher crush your feelings. And you'll like it.

[carlwilliams]

Absolutely chuffed that Chronicles of Narnia is at the top of the list. It was my introduction to fantasy and when I have kids will be their introduction to fantasy. I would also highly recommend The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. It has a similar reading level to Narnia and is just as charming.

[maxkronader]

Dragon riders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey. It's a blend of fantasy and sci-fi, but anything where people ride dragons is far more fantasy than it is anything else. Good for younger readers.

[Remeran]

I started with Raymond Feist's Riftwar Saga. To this day I go back to it every once and a while. It's amazing!

[KofiKrules]

My love for fantasy started with John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series. The world isn’t very complex and the stories and battles are very enjoyable, as are the characters. Very good starting place for a younger audience. (10-12 years old, depending on reading level). I read these books throughout middle school and high school and it’s the very reason I still enjoy reading today. Give it a shot!

[JauntyScarecrow]

I'd recommend Discworld for everyone, but especially beginners. It's a large series of short novels that are easy to read but also full of depth and humor. There are many places you can start, and you could pick up most of the books in the series and you won't be too lost, but "Mort", "Guards, Guards!", and "Small Gods" are generally agreed to be good entry points.

[Alkemisti]

_The Gentleman Bastard Sequence_ by Scott Lynch might be a good place to start.

[Eriksheart]

When I was in high school we were required to read The Hobbit and that is what got me into the world of fantasy.

[annajohansson]

Susan Coopers The dark rising series is sadly forgotten. My favorite as a kid and I still loved it when I did a reread a couple of years ago.

[derrisreaditbefore]

An oldie but a goodie - The Belgariad by David Eddings. very accessible for young readers, and enjoyable for older ones too :)

[cmmosher]

I think I would start with stand alone books like Neverending Story or The Last Unicorn.
Dresden is probably a really good series since it's grounded in our world but you get eased into the fantastical elements that some nonfans have told my turn them off.

[derekduran]

A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony, first book in the Xanth series from of the 70’s/80’s, was my introduction into the Fantasy genre back in high school. Basic, but wonderful with everyone/everything in this world (shaped like Florida) either being a person able to cast a certain magic spell or being a magical entity themselves. This has alway been a Fantasy favorite, and have waited for a movie for 40 years!

[henrymoore]

Only thing I would add would be the Chronicles of Prydain. Great series for kids. That was my Harry Potter. Read them when was 14 and loved them all. Dragonlance could also be added.