I want to get more into the fantasy genre, but I don’t know where to start. From what I’ve heard, some of the best series (besides LoTR, which I’ve already read) are ones like Discworld or Malazan. My hesitation is that people say these either set the bar so high they ruin other series, or they work best as subversions or commentaries on the genre, which are things you’d better appreciate after reading widely within it. So where should I begin? I’m looking for a series that’s genuinely worth my time, something that's a bit more accessible without compromising quality.
by Lucky-Loxodrome793
6 Comments
“The Wheel of Time” written by Robert Jordan and completed by Brandon Sanderson.
Although I completely agree that the wheel of time is right up there as a sort of platonic ideal of fantasy, if you want some other starting places that aren’t 14 novel epics , but still aren’t as much subversions of the genre. The first law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie, the soldiers son trilogy by robin hobb, the painted man by David Brett, or if you want super accessible Legend by David Gemel
All of them aren’t as completely traditional fantasy as Robert Jordan or Tolkien, but they are all good starting points that won’t take 9 months out of your life.
Would not recommend Malazan as “starting fantasy” because it is dense and “doesn’t hold your hand”.
Perhaps something like the original Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson, starting with [The Final Empire], if you like it then you can continue on the next book [The Well of Ascension].
Raymond E Feist’s [Riftwar Saga] is another good place to start.
There are a lot of books in the Riftwar Cycle series, don’t worry about them for now, have a look at [Magician], the very first book in the series.
A Game of Thrones and The Name of the Wind
But, yeah.
I definitely would not start with Malazan.
Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings is super accessible for a beginner, beautifully written and some of the best fantasy out there. I’d start with that (the first trilogy can stand alone so it’s not super overwhelming).
I’m new to fantasy as well, other than having read Harry Potter and Hunger Games as a teen.
My gateway into the genre was Red Rising. I’m taking a break between the first and second trilogies, but since finishing the first trilogy, my interest in fantasy as a genre has just exploded. It’s been so fun!
I’ve now read the first two books of the Broken Earth series and Piranesi, and have an ever growing collection of books to be read such as Babel, Blood Over Bright Haven, Black Sun, The Rage of Dragons, The Poppy War. I eventually plan to purchase the Mistborn trilogy and explore some Robin Hobb as well.