Beginner’s Guide to Fantasy—how to get started

If you're new to the world of fantasy books, it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. But don't worry - with a few key tips, you can dive into this genre and discover a whole new world of magic, adventure, and excitement. Here are five key points to keep in mind when getting started with fantasy books:

1. Start with a classic

When you're new to a genre, it can be helpful to start with books that have already proven their worth. Classics in the fantasy genre have been around for decades, even centuries, and they're often the books that have influenced the authors writing in the genre today.

For example, J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is often considered the cornerstone of high fantasy, with its immersive worldbuilding and intricate mythology. C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia" are beloved by many for their charm, whimsy, and allegorical themes. And Ursula K. Le Guin's "A Wizard of Earthsea" is a classic coming-of-age story set in a vividly imagined world.

Reading a classic can give you a good sense of the tropes, themes, and conventions of the genre. It can also help you figure out what types of fantasy stories you enjoy most, whether you prefer epic battles, intricate politics, or personal journeys of self-discovery.

2. Explore different subgenres

Fantasy is a diverse genre with many subgenres, and it's worth exploring different types of stories to see what resonates with you. Some subgenres you might enjoy include:

• High fantasy: stories set in entirely imaginary worlds with its own magic, creatures, and geography, often involving epic battles between good and evil.

"The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

"The Name of the Wind" is an epic fantasy novel by Patrick Rothfuss that tells the story of Kvothe, a legendary figure known for his magical abilities and his involvement in world-changing events. The book follows Kvothe's early life as a traveling performer, his entrance into a prestigious magical university, and his pursuit of knowledge and power. With its intricate world-building, complex characters, and beautiful prose, "The Name of the Wind" has become a beloved classic of the fantasy genre, and it has earned widespread critical acclaim and many awards. It is the first book in the "Kingkiller Chronicle" series, which has captivated readers around the world with its blend of adventure, mystery, and romance.

"The Lies of Locke Lamora" by Scott Lynch

"The Lies of Locke Lamora" is a thrilling fantasy novel by Scott Lynch that tells the story of a group of elite thieves known as the Gentleman Bastards, led by the quick-witted and charming Locke Lamora. The book is set in a vividly imagined city called Camorr, where the Gentleman Bastards ply their trade and run afoul of a powerful criminal underworld. The novel is a blend of heist story, political intrigue, and action-adventure, with a cast of colorful characters and a richly detailed world. Lynch's writing is witty, fast-paced, and full of surprises, making "The Lies of Locke Lamora" a must-read for fans of fantasy and crime fiction alike. It is the first book in the "Gentleman Bastards" series, which has garnered a devoted following and critical acclaim for its clever plotting, engaging characters, and vivid setting.

• Urban fantasy: stories set in our world but with magical elements, often featuring supernatural creatures living alongside humans.

"Storm Front" by Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files series)

"Storm Front" is the first book in "The Dresden Files" series by Jim Butcher, which follows the adventures of Harry Dresden, a wisecracking wizard and private investigator based in Chicago. In "Storm Front," Harry is hired by a woman to investigate the mysterious death of her husband, which leads him into a web of supernatural intrigue involving vampires, demons, and other dangerous creatures. The book is a perfect blend of urban fantasy and hard-boiled detective fiction, with a fast-paced plot, engaging characters, and plenty of witty banter. Butcher's writing is sharp and funny, and he creates a richly imagined world where magic and technology coexist in unexpected ways. "Storm Front" is a must-read for fans of both fantasy and mystery, and it sets the stage for a long and satisfying series of adventures featuring one of the most memorable characters in modern genre fiction.

"Moon Called" by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson series)

"Moon Called" is the first book in the "Mercy Thompson" series by Patricia Briggs, which follows the adventures of Mercedes "Mercy" Thompson, a shape-shifter who can turn into a coyote at will. In "Moon Called," Mercy is a mechanic living in a world where werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural creatures exist alongside humans. When a young werewolf comes to her for help, Mercy finds herself drawn into a dangerous conspiracy involving powerful forces in the supernatural world. The book is a fast-paced blend of urban fantasy, mystery, and romance, with a strong heroine at its center and a richly imagined world full of intriguing characters and complex relationships. Briggs' writing is sharp and engaging, and she creates a vivid and believable world that readers will want to explore further.

“Forget Me Not” by Anca Antoci (Chimera Trilogy)

Step into a world of magic and danger in "Forget Me Not," the thrilling first book in the Chimera Trilogy by Anca Antoci. Meet Rae Davis, a human with magic in her ancestry, who is suddenly thrown into a world where vampires, shifters, and witches exist alongside humans, but under strict secrecy. When Rae stumbles upon their secret, she's given an impossible choice: death or having a vampire erase her memory. But Rae isn't one to give up so easily. With a touch of forbidden romance and a lot of heart-pounding action, "Forget Me Not" is a fast-paced urban fantasy that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready for a new perspective on the origins of the supernatural world and join Rae as she fights to outsmart the very creature that could end her life.

• Fairy tale retellings: stories that take classic fairy tales and reimagining them in new and exciting ways, often with modern twists or alternative perspectives.

"Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik (based on "Rumpelstiltskin")

"Spinning Silver" is a spellbinding fantasy novel by Naomi Novik, inspired by the classic fairytale "Rumpelstiltskin". The book follows three young women - Miryem, Wanda, and Irina - whose lives become intertwined as they face supernatural threats and political intrigue in a magical world based on medieval Eastern Europe. Miryem is a Jewish moneylender who has the power to turn silver into gold, which attracts the attention of the king of the Staryk, a race of powerful and dangerous ice fairies. Wanda is a poor farmer's daughter who becomes Miryem's servant, and Irina is a noblewoman with a dark secret. The three women must work together to outwit their enemies and save their loved ones, all while navigating the complex web of power and magic that surrounds them. 

"The Bloody Chamber" by Angela Carter (collection of retellings)

"The Bloody Chamber" is a stunning collection of fairy tale retellings by Angela Carter. In this haunting and often darkly erotic collection, Carter takes classic fairy tales such as "Bluebeard", "Little Red Riding Hood", and "Beauty and the Beast" and gives them a feminist twist. Her heroines are strong and defiant, challenging traditional gender roles and exploring the darker aspects of desire and power. Carter's writing is lush and poetic, full of vivid imagery and sensory detail, and she brings new depth and complexity to these well-known tales. Whether exploring themes of violence, sexuality, or identity, "The Bloody Chamber" is a powerful and provocative collection that will leave readers spellbound.

• Mythic fantasy: stories that draw on real-world mythologies, legends, and folklore to create new stories with a mythic feel.

"American Gods" by Neil Gaiman

"American Gods" is a riveting contemporary fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman that explores the collision of ancient mythologies and modern-day America. The book follows Shadow, a recently released convict who becomes embroiled in a war between the old gods of mythological lore and the new gods of technology, media, and celebrity worship. As Shadow travels across the country with the enigmatic Mr. Wednesday, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, both human and divine, and uncovers the hidden world of gods and monsters that exists just beneath the surface of everyday life. Gaiman's writing is witty, clever, and often darkly humorous, and he weaves together a tapestry of ancient myths and contemporary culture with skill and imagination. "American Gods" is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh perspective on the nature of belief, identity, and the American experience.

"The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley

"The Mists of Avalon" is a mesmerizing and unforgettable retelling of the Arthurian legends from the perspective of the women of Camelot. Written by Marion Zimmer Bradley, the book takes place in the mystical land of Avalon, where the priestesses of the goddess worship the ancient powers of nature and magic. Through the eyes of Morgaine, the half-sister of King Arthur, we see the rise and fall of Camelot, the struggle for power between the old ways and the new, and the tragic love affair between Arthur and Guinevere. Bradley's writing is richly detailed and evocative, and she brings to life a vibrant and complex world of magic, myth, and legend. "The Mists of Avalon" is a masterpiece of historical fantasy, a book that explores the eternal themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny in a way that is both deeply moving and intellectually stimulating. 

Exploring different subgenres can also help you find new authors and series to enjoy.

3. Pay attention to world-building

One of the things that sets fantasy apart from other genres is the level of detail in worldbuilding. Worldbuilding refers to the process of creating a believable, immersive setting for a story, complete with its own history, culture, and rules.

When reading a fantasy book, pay attention to the details of the world the author has created. How does magic work in this world? What are the rules of the society? How do the different cultures interact? Paying attention to worldbuilding can help you appreciate the amount of effort that goes into creating a believable fantasy world, and it can help you become more invested in the story.

4. Don't be intimidated by series

Many fantasy books are part of a series, which can seem daunting if you're used to standalone novels. However, series can be incredibly rewarding, as they allow you to spend more time in a world you love and get to know the characters more deeply.

If you're not sure where to start with a particular series, check out the first book and see how you feel. Many series have a distinct tone or theme that becomes more apparent as you read more books. And if you find a series isn't for you, don't be afraid to move on to something else.

5. Find a community

Fantasy is a genre with a passionate fanbase, and finding a community of fellow readers can be a great way to enhance your reading experience. You can join online forums, book clubs, or social media groups to discuss your favorite books, get recommendations, and connect with other fans.

Finding a community can also help you discover new authors and series to try, and it can give you a sense of belonging and shared enthusiasm for the genre. Plus, it's always fun and you might even find some new friends along the way!

In conclusion, getting started with fantasy books can be a lot of fun if you approach it with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Start with a classic, explore different subgenres, pay attention to world-building, don't be intimidated by series, and find a community. With these tips in mind, you will discover some amazing new books and authors to love.

Happy reading!