7 Beginner Fantasy Books That Will Get You Hooked on the Genre

Start Your Fantasy Journey: The Best Fantasy Books for New Readers

So you’ve decided to dip your toes into the world of fantasy, huh? Welcome, brave traveler. Whether you’ve been curious about dragons, sword-wielding rebels, or dark magical academies—fantasy is one of the richest and most exciting genres out there. But let’s be honest: it’s huge. The worlds are complex. The books can be absolute doorstoppers. And the magic systems? Sometimes they make quantum physics look like kindergarten.

Don’t worry—we’ve got your back.

This guide will walk you through seven perfect fantasy books to get you into the genre, no matter your vibe. From magical heists and dragon-fueled vengeance to detective wizards and secret societies, there’s a little something here for every kind of newbie. Let’s begin your quest.

1. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

If you’ve ever wondered “what if the villain won?”—this is your book. In Mistborn, the dark overlord did win, and now the world is a volcanic, ash-covered dystopia. Enter Vin, a street urchin who discovers she’s part of a rare group with magical abilities fueled by ingesting metals (yes, really).

This is a fantastic entry point for fantasy because:

• It’s wildly accessible and easy to read.
• The magic system is detailed, but explained naturally.
• Sanderson eases you into worldbuilding without overwhelming you.

The Final Empire is a complete, satisfying story that opens the door to a larger trilogy. It’s everything we love about epic fantasy—without the 12-book commitment.

2. The Combat Codes by Alexander Darwin

Let’s change pace. Instead of armies clashing in massive battles, The Combat Codes introduces a world where international disputes are settled in one-on-one combat. Think: MMA meets high fantasy.

You follow Murray, a washed-up warrior recruiting talent, and Cego, a mysterious street kid with serious fighting skills. The training sequences are chef’s kiss and the Karate Kid vibes are real.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• The world is simpler and easier to grasp.
• The characters are easy to root for.
• It’s fast-paced and action-packed without being over-the-top complex.

Bonus: It feels more sci-fi fantasy than traditional swords-and-sorcery, so if you like futuristic flair, this is a great pick.

3. The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding

Craving something with classic quest vibes? The Ember Blade is your spiritual successor to The Lord of the Rings. It follows a band of rebels on a journey to retrieve a mythical weapon that could save their oppressed land.

It’s got:

• A lovable fellowship of adventurers.
• Political intrigue and rebellion.
• A beautifully written but still accessible prose style.

Yes, it’s hefty (about 700 pages), but it’s a fast read with some serious payoff. If you love long walks through fantasy landscapes with danger around every bend, this one’s calling your name.

4. Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill

This is your "farm-boy-discovers-he’s-special" story—with dragons. Lots of dragons.

It follows Calen, a humble village kid who gets swept into a wider world of war, magic, and winged beasts. There’s a magical bond with a dragon, mysterious mentors, and epic stakes.

Think Eragon, but written for adults with tighter prose and more natural scaling of plot and power.

Why it works:

• Easy to read and follow.
• Great pacing as the world expands across sequels.
• Accessible fantasy with a massive emotional payoff.

Start here if you love coming-of-age stories, ancient prophecies, and high fantasy with a warm heart.

5. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Fantasy doesn’t always mean knights and dragons. Ninth House is an urban fantasy, meaning it’s set in our world—Yale University, to be exact. But beneath the ivy-covered walls are secret societies dabbling in death magic and dark rituals.

Alex Stern, a troubled teen with a rough past, gets recruited into the Ninth House to monitor these societies. It’s like Harry Potter meets The Secret History, but for adults.

Perfect for:

• Readers who want something darker and more modern.
• Mystery lovers who like a side of necromancy.
• Anyone who wants to dip a toe into fantasy without leaving Earth.

If you love spooky academia, secret societies, and morally gray heroines—this one is a banger.

6. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter

You like vengeance? You like dragons? You’re going to love Tau.

In this African-inspired epic, society is built on a brutal caste system. One in every 2,000 women can call dragons. One in 100 men can become superhuman fighters. Tau is neither—just a “giftless” young man driven by a thirst for revenge.

Why it rules:

• Intense training montages.
• Fast-paced plot and gripping duels.
• A rage-fueled main character who will become the deadliest warrior alive.

It’s accessible but deep, brutal but emotional. If you’re ready to bring some fire to your reading list, this is your book.

7. Storm Front by Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files)

Alright, newbie wizard—you’ve got your spellbooks and magic rings, now let’s throw in a trench coat and a murder mystery. Storm Front kicks off The Dresden Files, an urban fantasy series starring Harry Dresden: Chicago’s only professional wizard-for-hire. He’s part PI, part arcane disaster, and totally unprepared for the chaos about to unfold.

This one’s great for beginners because:

• It blends fantasy with crime thriller, making the format familiar and fast.
• Each book is short and snappy, perfect if you’re not ready for 800-page epics.
• It drops you into a magical world that slowly unfolds over time—so you’re not overwhelmed on page one.

Harry’s dry humor, gritty casework, and encounters with vampires, demons, and fae make each book a pulpy joyride. If you’ve ever wished Sherlock Holmes had a staff instead of a magnifying glass, you’re gonna love this.

Bonus: There are over 15 books in the series, so once you’re hooked, you’re set for years of magical mystery marathons.

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Fantasy isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s swords and dragons. It’s magic in modern-day colleges. It’s duels to decide the fate of nations. It’s revenge, mystery, romance, dragons, and more dragons.

If one book doesn’t work for you, don’t stress. Try another. The perfect magical gateway book is out there for you—and once you find it, you’ll never look at reality the same again.

Start your fantasy reading journey with more spellbinding book lists at Land of Geek Magazine!

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