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⭐️ Fantasy Books to Start With If You’re New to Fantasy

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If you’ve always wanted to get into fantasy but feel overwhelmed by huge worlds, complex magic systems, or endless series, this list is your soft landing. These beginner-friendly fantasy books are addictive, immersive, and approachable — whether you ...
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💘 1. Romantasy (Fantasy + Romance — Very Beginner Friendly)

Perfect for readers coming from romance or contemporary fiction. Worldbuilding is gentle, pacing is quick, and the tension is chef’s kiss.
 
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High-stakes magical war college + dragons + irresistible rivals-to-lovers tension. An instant fantasy gateway book.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
 
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A Beauty-and-the-Beast style setup with fae courts, magic, and romance that evolves beautifully. Easy to follow for beginners.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
 
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A magical typewriter, a war between gods, and a slow-burn romance that will emotionally ruin you in the best way.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
 
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Fast-paced, spicy, and incredibly bingeable. The world unfurls slowly — perfect for beginners.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
 
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A Hunger Games-style competition in a vampire kingdom. Addictive and atmospheric with clear worldbuilding.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

🔥 2. YA Fantasy (Fast, Accessible, Great for Beginners)

YA fantasy is usually quick to read and easy to understand — perfect for dipping your toes into the genre.
 
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Light worldbuilding, straightforward magic system, and a story that’s incredibly easy to jump into.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
 
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A beloved heist story with unforgettable characters. The world feels big, but the plot is tightly focused and accessible.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
 
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Starts approachable, then grows in scale. Assassins, magic, found family — everything beginner fantasy readers love.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
 
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Faerie politics, drama, twists, and sharp writing that is super easy to fall into.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
 
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Fast, intense, and gripping with a world inspired by ancient Rome.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

🏙 3. Urban Fantasy (Fantasy Set in the Real World)

For readers who want magic but aren’t ready for big worldbuilding yet.
 
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Classic hidden-magic-in-our-world vibes. Dramatic, fun, and wildly bingeable.
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Series #1) by Cassandra Clare
 
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Greek mythology meets modern adventure. Hilarious, heartfelt, and perfect for literally any age.
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series #1) by Rick Riordan
 
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Moody, atmospheric, magical, and rooted in a contemporary setting.
The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle Series #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
 
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Dark academia + magic at Yale. Grittier but still very readable.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
 
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Magic school meets contemporary fiction. Literary, immersive, and surprisingly beginner friendly.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman

🍵 4. Cozy or Low-Stakes Fantasy (Soft Magic, Warm Vibes)

For readers who want gentle fantasy without high stakes or dense plot.
 
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A retired orc opens a coffee shop — the ultimate cozy fantasy comfort read.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
 
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Uplifting, magical, full of found family, and easy to love.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
 
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Warm, witchy, romantic, and incredibly comforting.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
 
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Cozy academia meets fae field research. Grumpy/sunshine perfection.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

⚔️ 5. Dystopian / Fantasy-Adjacent (Fast, Cinematic)

Perfect for beginners who want high stakes but simple worldbuilding.
 
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Fast, emotional, and one of the most accessible speculative worlds.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
 
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Simple faction-based system that’s easy to understand.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
 
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High-stakes mystery with quick pacing — great for reluctant fantasy readers.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
 
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Royal intrigue + superpowers + accessible writing.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

🌙 6. Magical Realism / Light Fantasy (Contemporary with a Sprinkle of Magic)

Perfect if you want “mostly normal world” with just a hint of magic.
 
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Dreamy, atmospheric, and one of the most accessible fantasy novels ever written.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
 
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A woman cursed to be forgotten. Lyrical, emotional, and beautifully magical.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
 
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A time-travel café story that is gentle, meaningful, and very beginner friendly.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
 
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Short, poetic, mystical, and absolutely perfect for easing into fantasy.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

🧙‍♂️ 7. Gateway High Fantasy (Bigger Worlds, Still Beginner Friendly)

For readers ready to try classic fantasy without getting overwhelmed.
 
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Charming adventure with simple worldbuilding and cozy vibes.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
 
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Surprisingly easy to understand magic + incredible plot.
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
 
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A big book, but incredibly readable and full of dragons, magic, and political intrigue.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
 
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Lyrical, atmospheric, and perfect for readers who love character-driven stories.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

📚 8. Dark Academia Fantasy (Moody, Atmospheric, TikTok-Beloved)

Great for readers who want magic, secrets, and elite academic settings.
 
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Morally gray characters, secret societies, and very accessible worldbuilding.
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
 
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Not full fantasy, but gives magical academia vibes. Drama + obsession + atmosphere.
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
 
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Magical linguistics, historical academia, and a deeply immersive world.
Babel by R.F. Kuang