Whether readers are introduced tofantasybooks at a young age or later in life, there’s a broad range of series within the genre that appeal to all kinds of readers. However, it’s well-known that some of the long, complex series that are highly influential within the fantasy world aren’t the easiest or most appealing for first-time readers. When an audience member wants to take the plunge into speculative fiction but isn’t sure where to begin,these novels might do more harm than good in terms of opening the door to the magical worlds the genre has to offer.
While these series are some of the best-written and highly rated works of fantasy, that doesn’t mean they’re good to recommend. Unlike thebest fantasy book series for beginners, these novels incorporate dense world-building and dark themes into their texts. Of course, the tastes and interests of the reader influence what type of story sucks them in, but starting out with a work of fantasy that isn’t alienating or overly complicated is a wise choice.It takes a long time to get used to the necessary exposition and magic systemsthat can be a barrier to entry in fantasy stories.
10The Kingkiller Chronicle (2007–Present)
Written by Patrick Rothfuss
ThoughThe Kingkiller Chronicleis arecent fantasy book that will be a classic someday, it’s a long and winding story that requires a significant commitment on the part of the reader. Beginning in 2007 withThe Name of the Wind,Patrick Rothfuss introduced readers to the world of Kvothe, a legendary herowho tells the audience the story of his quests and epic battles on his own terms from the very beginning. As long asThe Name of the Windis,The Wise Man’s Fearis even longer.
The Kingkiller Chronicle’s Cinder Theory Brilliantly Explains 1 Name Of The Wind Detail
There are many theories about the dead king’s identity in The Kingkiller Chronicle, and this small moment might be a key piece of the mystery.
Rothfuss isn’t afraid to divert from the central thrust of the plotand give Kvothe plenty of side adventures. While Rothfuss has released a few standalone novellas within the universe ofThe Kingkiller Chronicle, the final installment of the trilogy,Doors of Stone, is no closer to being released today than it was whenThe Wise Man’s Fearwas released. Recommending an unfinished series can be a gamble, as once audiences are immersed in Kvothe’s world, they’re willing to wait for the story’s conclusion, but this wait is excruciating.
2007
2011
9The Poppy War (2018–2020)
Written by R.F. Kuang
In recent years,R.F. Kuang has established herself as one of the preeminent voices of contemporary fantasy,as she quickly followed upThe Poppy Wartrilogy with the critically acclaimed novelBabel. ThoughBabelis arguably more dense in terms of academic writing, it might be an easier window into fantasy, as it leans closer to magical realism mixed with historical fiction since the magic system is so light. However, the same can’t be said forThe Poppy War, which doesn’t hold back from pushing the audience to their breaking point.
Though the first book,The Poppy War, begins as afantasy book about a magic school,the story takes a sharp and dark turn, evolving into a violent and grim look at the cost of war.Rin, the protagonist, is a morally grey hero the reader can empathize with, but her actions grow in intensity and scale as the narrative progresses. Additionally, the magic system within the series can be difficult to grasp since Rin struggles to understand it and is frequently in hazy states of consciousness.
2018
2019
2020
8The Licanius Trilogy (2014–2019)
Written by James Islington
James Islington’sLicanius Trilogybegins withThe Shadow of What Was Lost, which establishes a world packed with history and warring factions,requiring the reader to delve into the past of this fictional world. While this is part of the fun of reading fantasy, the intensity of Islington’s explorations of his world’s records and complexities can be difficult to parse through at the top of the story. If readers are easily bored or put off by passages dedicated to world-building, theLicanius Trilogywon’t be too appealing.
While Islington’s vision of the world is clear and detailed, this does mean that his character building falls by the wayside at times.
While Islington’s vision of the world is clear and detailed, this does mean that his character building falls by the wayside at times. Though his characters are compelling and fun heroes to accompany on their journeys, his works are best for longtime fantasy fans who can appreciate the time and care put into the story’s world. More character-driven novels are a better transition for audiences that aren’t used to high fantasy.
2014
2017
7The Book Of The New Sun (1980–1987)
Written by Gene Wolfe
Science fantasy is a unique niche of both fantasy and sci-fi, and Gene Wolfe expertly crafts his world using both magic and physical sciences.The series is set in a dark dystopian future and follows a disgraced torturer,Severian, who’s exiled from his home and wanders across the wasteland of his planet. The notoriety and influence ofThe Book of the New Sunseries are far-reaching. However, beginning with authors who were inspired by Wolfe is better than diving right into book one,The Shadow of the Torturer.
Each installment of the series is a long and winding story that takes Severian all over the map and introduces many characters who become difficult to keep track of. The plot is rarely straightforward and requires the reader to engage with the world actively to find meaning in the text.It’s clear that Wolfe enjoys scattering literary and linguistic Easter eggsthroughout the text, which are enjoyable for the reader, but only if this is the type of storytelling they’re accustomed to.
1980
1981
1982
1983
1987
6The Wheel Of Time (1990–2013)
Written by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Withfourteen total books in the main series,taking onThe Wheel of Timeseries is no easy task, and many seasoned fantasy readers have struggled to finish the works. In 1990, Robert Jordan wroteThe Eye of the Worldand began to uncover the magical intricacies ofThe Wheel of Timeuniverse. Packed with witches, dragons, and misleading prophecies,The Wheel of Timehits all the marks of what readers have come to define as classic fantasy. However, Jordan intertwined complex discussions of religion and spirituality into this work.
When discussing famous and influential works of high fantasy, Jordan is often mentioned with similar reverence to iconic authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, and for good reason. Since 2021, Prime Video has been adapting the books into an acclaimed TV series, which has renewed mainstream interest in Jordan’s original series. Thoughthe length and breadth ofThe Wheel of Timehas contributed to its towering reputation,the nuance with which Jordan grapples with his themes is just as powerful.
5Malazan Book Of The Fallen (1999–2011)
Written by Steven Erikson
With ten books in the series, Steven Erikson’sMalazan Book of the Fallensuccessfully carved out a place for itself in the fantasy canon.The story unfolds from a litany of different perspectives over the course of several millennia,and the companion series,Novels of the Malazan Empireby Erikson’s collaborator, Ian C. Esslemont, are also considered vital additions to the world. Thanks to the dedication of Esslemont and Erikson, the Malazan universe is one of the best imagined and complex in fantasy.
While the scale of theMalazan Book of the Fallenseries is impressive,it’s certainly intimidating and doesn’t lend itself to casual reading.Like most series with as many installments asMalazan Book of the Fallen, the hardest part is getting started. Though it’s incredibly rewarding to understand the intricacies of the work, it takes a lot of time and dedication to get to this point. Trying to engage withMalazan Book of the Fallenas a first-time fantasy reader is challenging enough without tackling the many avenues that Erikson explores.
Gardens of the Moon
1999
2000
2001
2002
2004
2006
2008
2009
4The First Law Series (2006–2008)
Written by Joe Abercrombie
From the first pages ofThe Blade Itself,Joe Abercrombie throws the reader into the world ofThe First Lawserieswith little warning. While this is an exciting divergence from the typical heavy world-building that can be tough for readers of all kinds, it poses a different challenge. Abercrombie’s characters are vivid and memorable, but because they’re so fully realized, it’s a lot to ask of the reader to balance the information about the many figures in the story with the information required to push the plot forward.
10 Best Fantasy Books About Revenge
While fantasy stories are defined by their magic and mystical worlds, often they’re rooted in thrilling tales of revenge, romance, and betrayal.
Though there’s little question thatAbercrombie’s work falls into the more character-driven side of fantasy,it can sometimes take new readers a few tries to get fully immersed inThe First Lawseries. Additionally, Abercrombie was immediately heralded for his ability to take the common tropes of the fantasy genre and attempt to make them applicable and relevant in the modern era. This means many of the classic fantastical elements that help readers get acquainted with the genre are missing inThe First Lawseries.
3A Song Of Ice And Fire (1996–Present)
Written by George R.R. Martin
George R.R. Martin’s iconic unfinished fantasy epic,A Song of Ice and Fire,is one of the best-known genre franchises of the 21st century. It’s for this reason that newcomers should put off reading it until they’re used to the violence, detailed descriptions, and long wait times that have all come to define the books. Made famous thanks to HBO’s hit seriesGame of Thrones,A Song of Ice and Firehas many of the familiar beats of the show’s story. However, it’s markedly different from the screen adaptation, creating incorrect expectations.
This is a classic danger within the fantasy genre and well-known works within them, asreaders don’t pick up the books without preconceived notions.Beginning withA Song of Ice and Fire, especially for fans of the show, will demonstrate just how different the source material is and how the pacing of the literature is inherently slower. Those who have been longtime fans of Martin’s work are also all too aware that there’s little chance the next installment of the series is coming soon.
2The Elric Saga (1961–2005)
Written by Michael Moorcock
Like many older fantasy series published in different collections and in various magazines,Michael Moorcock’sElric Sagawas released out of chronological order.The book that’s agreed upon to be the final installment of Elric’s journey,Stormbringer, was one of the first written works Moorcock wrote within the world. There are many different ways to approach the novels, as they can be read chronologically or in order of publication. However, having to do this research could easily put off new fantasy readers.
Elric is an early example of a fantasy antihero, as he has no scruples about killing people and isolating himself from the world.
Spilling into other media like graphic novels and novellas, theElric Sagawill appeal to a dedicated fantasy reader looking to challenge themselves and engage with an unusual hero. Elric is an early example of a fantasy antihero, as he has no scruples about killing people and isolating himself from the world. While this is an intriguing twist on the typical hero archetype, these subversions work best when the audience is aware of the tropes that are being played with.
1New Crobuzon (2000–2004)
Written by China Miéville
It’s hard to say which book is the best installment of China Miéville’sNew Crobuzonseries, but the first,Perdido Street Station, is frequently cited as an example of a writer at the height of his power.Each of the books is a standalone that incorporates elements of science fantasy with dark themes.Perdido Street Stationis a grim and slightly steampunk take on fantasy, with significant aspects of science fiction thrown into the story.
Since Miéville takes the reader on different journeys in each book, it’s the world ofNew Crobuzonthat becomes the star of the series, as this is one of the few constants. There are few moments of happiness and hope in this grimfantasyseries, and this can be troubling for readers looking for an uplifting tale of swords and sorcery. Though Miéville is a firm believer in telling beautifully written but strange stories, it’s best to work up to his books.
