Where to start reading Fantasy?

Hey!

One of my favourite genres when reading is Fantasy – it also happens to be the one I enjoy writing the most. I am not sure what it is about the genre that I enjoy, either the world-building, the characters, or the plot. But it is the one I read the most (and the genre that takes up the most room on my bookshelf).

I started reading it when I was nine, starting with YA books such as Spiderwick Chronicles and Harry Potter. These then led into some Sci-Fi – and then back to Fantasy as I got older.

If I were to try and get a new reader into the genre, it would be very different from how I started. A lot has changed, making it even easier to slowly introduce someone to Fantasy without throwing them in the deep end and expecting them to like it.

💎The Deep End: Lord of the Rings

Whilst there are other more complicated series that might compete with Lord of the Rings (see things like Malazan,) I find that it is incredibly popular. This makes it a series that people think they need to read first to get into reading Fantasy. You don't have to. Not at first.

It is like when children are forced to read classics and teachers are confused why they don't enjoy them. A personal thing coming through there, I know. Anyway, I find that recommending Lord of the Rings is a bad idea. they can come to it later once they have an appreciation for the genre, but they shouldn't start with it.

📚My recommendations

Mistborn – You may have seen this one recommended a lot, and there is a reason for it. While Sanderson's writing style isn't incredibly complex, this is for the benefit of the reader. There is no barrier to entry or understanding. You can jump right in and experience his high-stakes heist turned-fantasy epic without getting caught up in overly flowery prose.

The Lies of Locke Lamora - This is one of my favourites, I cannot recommend it enough. It reminds me of a grittier Oliver Twist, based in Venice, with higher stakes and an even bigger fantasy world. Tell that to a new reader and see if they turn it down.

The Name of the Wind – If you prefer a novel with prose that is more poetic, this may be for you. It follows a protagonist through their life, without direct world-ending threats, but a tale that is more personal. Rothfuss makes you care about the smaller things with a writing style that is something akin to song. Whilst I find the plot can be a bit flat, the characters are what make this one great to recommend.

As I said, Fantasy is my favourite genre, So I thought I would put together a list of not particularly my favourites, but rather good starting points for people to get into the genre. Hopefully, if you have a friend or loved one who is considering taking the plunge – this short and sweet list might help.

That's all from me today,
Fin :)