What are some good fantasy books to start out with for someone like me who doesn't typically read fantasy? Something that features compelling characters and plot, and doesn't feature romance as the main plot point? However, I don't mind romance as a "side plot." I already know about The Cruel Prince and ACOTAR series.
by groovydaisies
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The 13th Paladin series by Torsten Weitze. The 13th Paladin of the Gods has been sent to fight the dark god “He Who Forces”. The first book in the series is Ahren.
The Traveler’s Gate Trilogy by Will Wight. Magic is used by calling energy and creatures from other worlds called territories. People who can draw from their territories are called travelers. The first book in the series is House of Blades.
{{A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin}} is short, self-contained, beautifully written, and part of a series if you want to continue. It belong alongside The Lord of the Rings as far as great fantasy.
{{The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien}} is the beginning of the classic series that formed the foundation of 99% of modern fantasy.
Sabriel by Garth Nix
Sisters of Jade, by James Downe. Excellent fantasy. Zero romance.
*The Curse of Chalion* by Lois McMaster Bujold (and the rest of the books set in that world, the direct sequel *Paladin of Souls* and the unconnected *The Hallowed Hunt* and the Penric and Desdemona stories)
Brandon Sanderson is a relatively safe bet. Lots of world building but the prose makes it simple to understand. He has a little something for everyone in terms of fantasy. I would start with Mistborn. Violence, and while it does have romance it is mostly a side plot and VERY closed door. I don’t even think the characters kiss more than a handful of times but their bond is important. It has a cool magic system, a unique world, and some good twists. Tress of the Emerald Sea is another good one. Great protagonist, whimsical pirate fantasy, and some very fun writing that is like your eccentric grandfather is telling you a bedtime story.