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⭐️ Fantasy Books to Start With If You’re New to Fantasy
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items 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 ...
Sections
8
💘 1. Romantasy (Fantasy + Romance — Very Beginner Friendly)
🔥 2. YA Fantasy (Fast, Accessible, Great for Beginners)
🏙 3. Urban Fantasy (Fantasy Set in the Real World)
🍵 4. Cozy or Low-Stakes Fantasy (Soft Magic, Warm Vibes)
⚔️ 5. Dystopian / Fantasy-Adjacent (Fast, Cinematic)
🌙 6. Magical Realism / Light Fantasy (Contemporary with a Sprinkle of Magic)
💘 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.
High-stakes magical war college + dragons + irresistible rivals-to-lovers tension. An instant fantasy gateway book.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
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
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
Fast-paced, spicy, and incredibly bingeable. The world unfurls slowly — perfect for beginners.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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.
Light worldbuilding, straightforward magic system, and a story that’s incredibly easy to jump into.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
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
Starts approachable, then grows in scale. Assassins, magic, found family — everything beginner fantasy readers love.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Faerie politics, drama, twists, and sharp writing that is super easy to fall into.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
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.
Classic hidden-magic-in-our-world vibes. Dramatic, fun, and wildly bingeable.
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Series #1) by Cassandra Clare
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
Moody, atmospheric, magical, and rooted in a contemporary setting.
The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle Series #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
Dark academia + magic at Yale. Grittier but still very readable.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
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.
A retired orc opens a coffee shop — the ultimate cozy fantasy comfort read.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Uplifting, magical, full of found family, and easy to love.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Warm, witchy, romantic, and incredibly comforting.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
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.
Fast, emotional, and one of the most accessible speculative worlds.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Simple faction-based system that’s easy to understand.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
High-stakes mystery with quick pacing — great for reluctant fantasy readers.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
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.
Dreamy, atmospheric, and one of the most accessible fantasy novels ever written.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
A woman cursed to be forgotten. Lyrical, emotional, and beautifully magical.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
A time-travel café story that is gentle, meaningful, and very beginner friendly.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
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.
Charming adventure with simple worldbuilding and cozy vibes.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Surprisingly easy to understand magic + incredible plot.
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
A big book, but incredibly readable and full of dragons, magic, and political intrigue.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
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.
Morally gray characters, secret societies, and very accessible worldbuilding.
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
Not full fantasy, but gives magical academia vibes. Drama + obsession + atmosphere.
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Magical linguistics, historical academia, and a deeply immersive world.
Babel by R.F. Kuang