10 Best High Fantasy Books for Beginners to Read in 2023

The world is evolving at a fast pace so is our reading habit. As a fantasy lover, if you are thinking of reading some high fantasy books, we are here to help. My list of best high fantasy books for beginners will let you choose your first book effortlessly. Embark on epic adventures, encounter mythical creatures, and explore enchanting realms with these captivating tales that will ignite your imagination.

Before starting, let’s know what high fantasy is.

High fantasy is a literary genre that transports readers to fantastical worlds replete with magic, mythological creatures, and epic quests. Its elaborately detailed universes, complicated narratives, and larger-than-life characters distinguish it. The location is typically crucial to high fantasy, with detailed maps, histories, and mythologies providing depth and credibility to the plot.

The presence of magic is one of the distinguishing characteristics of high fantasy. Spells, enchanted artifacts, and mystical powers are common aspects that alter the plots and assist protagonists in overcoming barriers or realizing their full potential. High fantasy magic can range from subtle and cryptic to awe-inspiring and elemental, and it frequently has its own set of rules and procedures inside the fictitious world.

The presence of mythical creatures is another distinguishing feature of high fantasy. These stories are populated by dragons, elves, dwarves, orcs, and other fantastical characters, providing a feeling of wonder and otherworldliness. These creatures might be allies or enemies to the heroes, and their interactions frequently give insights into the fantasy world’s varied societies and cultures.

Epic quests and fights between forces of good and evil are common themes in high fantasy novels. Protagonists, who are frequently regular people with amazing destinies, set out on risky missions to save their planet, battle despotic rulers, or retrieve great relics. As the characters face both external and internal issues, these quests are loaded with hardships, character tests, and moments of self-discovery.

J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, and Ursula K. Le Guin are among the renowned authors of high fantasy books. High fantasy, whether new to the genre or a seasoned reader, provides unlimited opportunities for adventure and discovery, making it a beloved and enduring genre for readers of all ages.

Here is the list of the 10 best high fantasy books for beginners:

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

In A Court of Thorns and Roses, Sarah J. Maas spins a spellbinding novel steeped in ancient tradition and packed with high-stakes epic adventure. It’s a story that reimagines the traditional fairy tale, creating a world where beauty and savagery coexist, and strength may be found in the most unexpected places.

The story revolves around Feyre, a young lady struggling to survive in the harsh and merciless conditions of the impoverished human realm. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she accidentally kills a wolf in the woods, breaking a centuries-old contract. Feyre is kidnapped and taken to the fairy realms, a beautiful, dangerous, and magical land she’s only heard about in whispered tales and fables.

She is sentenced to live with Tamlin, an enigmatic High Fae Lord with a scary mask and an even more terrifying secret. Feyre, who was initially hostile, cannot ignore the lure of the fairy world or the gradual thawing of her affection for Tamlin. As she realizes that the attractive facade of the fairy kingdoms conceals a rotten core, she is thrown into a deadly web of intrigues and power maneuvers.

Feyre must negotiate a world on the verge of conflict, caught between her heart and her obligations. With a dreadful curse looming over everyone she’s grown to care about, she understands she’s their only shot at survival. It’s no longer about her freedom; it’s for her survival.

A Court of Thorns and Roses presents a vivid vision of a magical world teeming with colorful animals and tormented by the cost of power. Maas goes deep into the human heart, building a story that is as cruel as it is beautiful, as terrible as it is hopeful-a true high fantasy masterstroke. Beginners can start with this one to have the real thrill of high fantasy books.

2. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Mist and Fury is the second novel in her high fantasy series, building on the fully constructed world and characters introduced in A Court of Thorns and Roses. It’s an excellent sequel that builds on the previous book’s basis, making it a thrilling read for both seasoned fantasy fans and beginners.

This installment takes readers on an even more astonishing adventure, with new places, intricate relationships, and enthralling story twists. Maas’s incredible world-building prowess and ability to construct bright, immersive settings are on display in The Night Court, with its compelling city of Starfall and eclectic cast of characters.

In this sequel, Feyre’s character matures greatly, offering a genuine representation of a person suffering from trauma and self-doubt while attempting to discover their actual identity. For newcomers to high fantasy, her journey serves as an emotional anchor, making the grandeur and complexities of the setting more relevant and intriguing.

The plot and characters gain complexity as the narrative shifts from a compelling love story to one of self-discovery and empowerment. The relationships are loaded with realistic dynamics and raw emotions, which adds to the narrative’s realism. This emphasis on a character-driven plot will be a crucial bridge between more recognized storytelling styles and the high fantasy genre for newcomers to the genre.

Furthermore, the novel combination of romance, adventure, politics, and self-discovery serves as a pointer to the potential narrative depth of high fantasy, preparing newcomers for more complex narratives in the genre. Maas’s straightforward style makes it simple to follow the convoluted plot and comprehend the elaborate world of the Fae.

A Court of Mist and Fury is a gem in sequel storytelling, with an engrossing plot that both builds on and outperforms its predecessor. It’s a riveting read for everyone, regardless of expertise with high fantasy, and it’s a great stepping stone into the larger realm of this genre.

3. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

From Blood and Ash, written by Jennifer L. Armentrout, is a fascinating high fantasy novel that seamlessly blends aspects of romance, mystery, and action into a compelling tale.

The plot revolves around Poppy, the Maiden, in a world on the verge of anarchy. She lives a life wrapped in veils and silence, locked into a lonely existence as a result of her holy mission – to wait, unspoiled, for her Ascension to celestial status. But Poppy yearns for more than just this claustrophobic existence.

She longs for independence, for the opportunity to travel the world and fall in love. When Hawke, a brash and beautiful guard, enters her life, her world is turned upside down. She begins to doubt her beliefs, her fate, and the fundamental pillars of her society as they become closer. As a deadly menace looms over their world, the story delves deeper into intrigue and peril.

From Blood and Ash is an engrossing blend of high fantasy and romance that will appeal to a wide audience. Armentrout’s world-building is vast yet approachable, allowing readers to grasp a complex culture without being overwhelmed by jargon or arcane lore. Poppy, the heroine, starts on a journey that is both physical and emotional.

This personal story, as well as the budding relationship between Poppy and Hawke, ground the high fantasy aspects in relatable human emotions, making the book more approachable for new readers.

Furthermore, Armentrout’s seamless integration of action and suspense maintains a tight tempo, ensuring readers remain immersed. This balance, combined with an engrossing tale and interesting characters, gives From Blood and Ash an excellent introduction to high fantasy.

This book is a voyage of self-discovery, rebellion, and love set against a richly imagined world. Blood and Ash is an interesting entry point into the genre’s limitless possibilities for those new to high fantasy.

4. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

Danielle L. Jensen’s The Bridge Kingdom is a fascinating high fantasy story replete with political intrigue, compelling romance, and a carefully crafted world that captivates the reader from the start.

The plot revolves around Lara Croft, a princess who has been educated since childhood to be a lethal weapon and spy. She is betrothed to the prince of the Bridge Kingdom under the illusion of peace but with a covert mission to infiltrate the kingdom, acquire the prince’s trust, and finally lead it to destruction.

However, as Lara dives deeper into her new environment, she struggles with unexpected feelings for the prince and startling facts that call her loyalty into question.

The Bridge Kingdom is an ideal beginning place for those new to the high fantasy genre. Jensen creates a unique and intricate universe that is portrayed with clarity that beginners may understand. The world-building is detailed yet digestible, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the kingdoms and their interplay without becoming overwhelmed.

Jensen expertly uses Lara’s perspective as a stranger in a foreign land to lead readers through the complexities of the world she’s built. As Lara learns, so does the reader, making for a fascinating and simple introduction to high fantasy’s more complicated components.

While the romance between Lara and her prince is crucial to the plot, it does not overpower the book’s high fantasy elements. Instead, it serves as an approachable entry point for the tale, grounding the grandiose fantasy components with an emotionally gripping love story.

Jensen’s writing style is precise and descriptive, but it moves quickly enough to keep readers interested. She expertly combines political intrigue with action and romance, resulting in a well-rounded story that will appeal to a wide spectrum of readers.

Danielle L. Jensen has crafted a high fantasy tale that is as easy as it is compelling in The Bridge Kingdom, providing a seamless entrance point for newbies to the genre. It is a fascinating and intriguing adventure that will leave readers wanting more.

5. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Wings and Ruin, the third novel in Sarah J. Maas’s acclaimed series, is a thrilling tour de force of high fantasy that both live up to and surpasses its predecessors.

In this installment, Feyre, now the High Lady of the Night Court, is faced with the tremendous job of averting a war. She must battle with her own evolving talents and the deep-seated fears of those she loves as she navigates a labyrinth of political intrigue, ancient powers, and tangled alliances. The story is both emotionally complex and action-packed, which keeps readers eagerly flipping pages.

The brilliantly written blend of intricate world-building, fascinating characters, and a tightly linked plot makes A Court of Wings and Ruin a fantastic beginning place for newcomers. Feyre is now a completely fleshed-out character whose journey is easy to connect with, having matured greatly since the previous novel. This connection helps new readers find their footing in Maas’ broad world.

Maas’ world-building soars to new heights in this volume. The larger world of Prythian is presented in all its splendor, with unique cultures, landscapes, and magical systems that contribute to a rich, immersive reading experience. Nonetheless, Maas’s straightforward and engaging writing style keeps these difficult concepts accessible to newbies.

Furthermore, the character connections, notably the sexual bond between Feyre and Rhysand, have grown in depth and complexity, enticing readers and giving a familiar emotional touchstone amidst high-stakes fantastical aspects.

Finally, A Court of Wings and Ruin is an outstanding high fantasy work that highlights Sarah J. Maas’s narrative prowess. It’s an exciting trip that welcomes beginner fantasy readers to the world of high fantasy, making the genre’s dense storytelling and intricate world-building feel very approachable and fascinating. Its combination of action, romance, and character development makes it a captivating read and an excellent introduction to high fantasy.

6. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Kristin Cashore’s Graceling is an amazing piece of high fantasy that masterfully integrates adventure, romance, and personal discovery and serves as an ideal introduction for newcomers to the genre. The plot centers around Katsa, a young woman endowed with the ability to engage in a fatal battle.

Katsa feels stuck within her terrifying skills after being used as a thug by her uncle, the king. Everything changes when she meets the intriguing Prince Po, who has martial talents to rival hers and a viewpoint that challenges her worldview.

Cashore’s greatest strength is her character development. Katsa is a strong, independent, and complicated woman who struggles with inner demons and societal expectations, and her nuanced portrayal allows readers to build a strong emotional connection with her.

Furthermore, Cashore’s world-building is vivid without being excessively complex, making it excellent for those unfamiliar with high fantasy. The concept of grace-unique, superhuman abilities adds an intriguing depth to the story and fuels the action without overpowering the reader.

The romance subplot between Katsa and Po develops naturally and does not overpower the main plot. Instead, it enhances the plot and character development, making the high fantasy components more approachable to newcomers. Cashore’s clear writing style is another feature that makes Graceling ideal for novices. She is skilled at explaining complex emotions and circumstances, making the fictional world she creates approachable and delightful.

Graceling is a profound investigation of personal freedom, self-acceptance, and the human ability for transformation, as well as magical powers and political intrigue. It explores these universal topics in the context of an unusual world, making it a riveting read for anyone, especially those venturing into the high fantasy genre for the first time.

Graceling provides an exciting and thought-provoking narrative that skillfully combines the hallmarks of high fantasy with an emotional depth that is sure to fascinate newcomers while gently bringing them into the broader universe of the genre.

7. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

The first novel in Sarah J. Maas’ Crescent City series, House of Earth and Blood, is an outstanding excursion into the adult high fantasy that provides a gripping blend of magic, intrigue, and raw emotion. Crescent City, a busy metropolis where numerous magical entities coexist, is the setting for the novel. Bryce Quinlan, a half-human, half-fae living a carefree life full of parties and friends, is at its center.

But her existence is ruined when a heinous murder destroys the lives of those she loves. When the alleged perpetrator is apprehended but the crimes continue, Bryce is drawn into the investigation, working alongside the enigmatic fallen angel, Hunt Athalar. They descend into their city’s dark underbelly together, unearthing truths that could collapse their world.

Why should first-time readers read House of Earth and Blood?

To begin, the work demonstrates Maas’ talent for crafting complex, broad worlds. Crescent City is a cultural melting pot with a rich history and complicated politics. Despite its complexity, Maas introduces this world gradually, making it digestible for newcomers to high fantasy.

As a protagonist, Bryce is both approachable and encouraging. Her path through loss, self-discovery, and eventual empowerment is addressed sensitively and courageously. Because of this emotional depth, the fantasy components are more approachable for newcomers.

The plot intertwines themes of mystery, adventure, and romance, resulting in a diversified narrative that can appeal to readers of varying tastes. The partnership and growing relationship between Bryce and Hunt serve as a captivating subplot that adds a layer of emotional engagement to the high-stakes fantasy narrative.

Maas’ storytelling is compelling and well-paced to keep readers interested. She deftly reveals secrets and plot twists while retaining a sense of suspense that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

Finally, House of Earth and Blood combines a fascinating setting, interesting characters, and a compelling plot, making it an approachable and entertaining introduction to high fantasy for newcomers. It is a nuanced exploration of love, sorrow, and resilience against a backdrop of magical intrigue, demonstrating that the most intriguing stories are deeply human, even in a world steeped in magic.

8. A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The intriguing first novel in Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Flesh and Fire series, A Shadow in the Ember, is a stirring tale of high fantasy that blends romance, magic, and drama in a narrative that will capture readers from the start.

The tale is set in an apocalyptic universe where the gods are crumbling, and humans are rising. Seraphena, a young lady whose fate is closely bound to the enormous Primordial, Nyktos, is at the heart of this upheaval. As their worlds converge, a story of forbidden love, desperate conflicts, and difficult decisions develops, propelling them and the reader into an epic adventure.

Armentrout excels at creating a world that is both intellectual and inviting. The lore is huge, with divine hierarchies and mystical powers, but it’s revealed gradually and immersively, so high fantasy newcomers won’t be overwhelmed.

Why should new readers pick up A Shadow in the Ember?

There are several explanations for this. Armentrout’s character development is one of the highlights, with Seraphena standing out as a forceful yet approachable protagonist. The reader’s relationship with Seraphena, paired with the growing tension between her and Nyktos, creates a strong emotional foundation that helps to make the complex universe more approachable.

The tale is an intriguing blend of romance, fantasy, and tension, resulting in a well-rounded story that will appeal to a wide range of readers. The excellent language of Armentrout eloquently describes this high-stakes atmosphere, combining evocative details with incisive dialogue that keeps the action going.

Armentrout has a special talent for pacing her stories, unveiling secrets and plot twists that keep readers guessing. This maintains a sense of mystery that will captivate even the most cautious newcomers.

A Shadow in the Ember is an engrossing introduction to high fantasy, transporting readers to a rich and magical world via realistic characters and an emotionally fascinating narrative. It’s a testament to Armentrout’s storytelling ability and a fantastic place to start for those new to the genre, promising a story that’s as heartbreaking as it is intriguing.

9. A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

A Promise of Fire is an exciting and engaging high fantasy novel because of its combination of action, romance, and detailed world-building. Cat, a soothsayer with a mysterious history, gets lured into a war that will decide the fate of the kingdom and the mythical and magical world she lives in.

Cat has spent years hidden away in an itinerant circus, practicing her skills in relative isolation. Griffin, a ruthless warlord from a brand new kingdom, discovers her secret and drags her along on a dangerous mission. Cat’s path to fulfillment involves navigating a web of gods, magic, and her developing relationship with Griffin.

A Promise of Fire is a great entry point for readers unfamiliar with high fantasy. Bouchet’s vivid world is based on Greek mythology. The plot is full of supernatural elements, making it easy to appreciate the fantastic synthesis at work.

Cat, the main character, is a likable protagonist whose trials and tribulations are interesting to read about. The fact that she is resilient, independent, and human makes her quest for acceptance all the more compelling. The high fantasy setting benefits from the inclusion of well-developed characters going through genuine emotional turmoil.

With its mixture of romance and action, this story is sure to find fans among readers of all genres. Bouchet has a unique voice as a writer, and she tells fantastic stories. She maintains an engaging rhythm throughout the story by sprinkling in just the right amount of action, romance, and humor.

10. Radiance by Grace Draven

Grace Draven’s Radiance is a stunning high fantasy tale about an unexpected relationship between two members of widely different species, set against the backdrop of a world full of magic and political intrigue.

Brishen Khaskem, a prince of the Kai, a night-loving humanoid race, and Ildiko, a noblewoman of the human Gauri kingdom, are central to the plot. Their marriage is a political tactic to bring their two countries closer together. Brishen and Ildiko develop a friendship built on mutual respect, which eventually evolves into a deep and enduring love, despite their great physical differences and early revulsion.

Radiance is an ideal introduction for newcomers to high fantasy because of its unique approach to the genre. The story contains elements of high fantasy, like magic, magical creatures, and political intrigue, and it also gives focus on character development and relationships.

Brishen and Ildiko’s romance develops naturally and serves as the emotional basis of the plot, making the novel pleasant and accessible to readers who would otherwise be intimidated by high fantasy’s more complicated features.

Draven’s world-building is strong and innovative, but it never takes precedence over the characters or their journey. The characters’ views gradually reveal the lore of the Kai and their customs, making the process of learning about this new world gradual and enjoyable.

Radiance demonstrates Draven’s ability to merge romance and high fantasy elements. Its complex world-building, layered characters and wonderfully developed romance make it a good entry point into high fantasy for newbies.

The book demonstrates that love, in its various manifestations, can be as magical and captivating as any spell or fanciful monster, making it a great read for beginners looking for a moving love tale set in a bright high fantasy world.

Finally, the enthralling realm of high fantasy is as large and varied as it is intriguing. The genre’s hallmark elaborate world-building, sophisticated magic systems, and often vast character rosters can be intimidating for newcomers.

However, the ten books outlined here:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses
• A Court of Mist and Fury
• From Blood and Ash
• The Bridge Kingdom
• A Court of Wings and Ruin
• Graceling
• House of Earth and Blood
• A Shadow in the Ember
• A Promise of Fire
• Radiance

serve as ideal entry points into this spellbinding genre.

Each of these books, written by established authors such as Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Grace Draven, skillfully balances the key aspects of high fantasy with intriguing characters, compelling plotlines, and approachable writing styles.

Whether it’s going into the action-packed narratives of ‘A Court of Wings and Ruin’ or delving into the deep interpersonal dynamics of ‘Radiance,’ these volumes give beginner-friendly paths into the greater universe of high fantasy.

These novels not only introduce readers to exotic worlds, epic journeys, and magical systems, but they also have a deeper resonance, tackling universal themes like love, resilience, personal growth, and the struggle for freedom. This combination of features ensures that these high fantasy tales are not only approachable to new readers but also intensely fascinating and profoundly impacting.

So, while you plan your high fantasy voyage in 2023, consider starting with these ten outstanding works. They promise to not only introduce you to the awe-inspiring realms of high fantasy but also to provide you with captivating narratives that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned. Allow these stories to guide you as you embark on your trip into the never-ending world of high fantasy. Happy reading!