New to Fantasy? These 8 Series Are Your Perfect Gateway

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Yes, it’s the obvious one—but for good reason.

If you never read it growing up (or want to revisit with fresh eyes), it’s a warm, nostalgic entry point into fantasy. You follow Harry as he’s pulled from his dull, difficult life into a world of magic, mystery, and found family. The early books are lighter, but the series grows darker and deeper over time.

👉 Why it’s essential: It redefined modern fantasy for a global audience and turned an entire generation into lifelong readers.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

This is the literary version of comfort food. Bilbo Baggins is dragged out of his cozy little life for an adventure with dwarves, a dragon, and one very persuasive wizard. It’s whimsical, smart, and has that classic fairy-tale-meets-epic-journey energy.

👉 Why it’s essential: It laid the groundwork for nearly every quest-based fantasy that followed—and remains the blueprint for classic adventure stories.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Originally aimed at younger readers, but honestly? Still hits as an adult—especially if you’re into mythology. Percy finds out he’s the son of a Greek god and gets pulled into a world of monsters, gods, and dangerous quests. It’s fast, funny, and surprisingly emotional.

👉 Why it’s essential: It brought mythology into the modern world and opened the door for a wave of accessible, fast-paced fantasy for all ages.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

If you’re in the mood for something a little grittier, this dystopian series holds up remarkably well. (And is lightyears better than the movies.)

It’s tightly written, with sharp commentary on media, power, and survival. Katniss is a compelling lead—not perfect, not always likable, but incredibly real.

👉 Why it’s essential: It reshaped the YA fantasy landscape with its dystopian edge, complex heroine, and social commentary.

Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson

In a world where ash falls from the sky and ruled by an immortal tyrant, a street-smart girl named Vin discovers she can wield a rare metal-based magic. Recruited by a crew of rebels, she becomes key to a daring plan to overthrow the empire—and unravel hidden truths that hold the world together.

👉 Why it’s essential: It revolutionized magic systems and proved epic fantasy can be both intellectual and wildly entertaining.

The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

You might recognize this series from its first installment, Eragon. This series is a “farm boy turns hero” story with dragons and ancient prophecies. Paolini wrote this as a teen, and while it’s a bit raw in places, the scope and sincerity land.

👉 Why it’s essential: It inspired a new generation of fantasy writers and readers with its accessible epic scope and youthful passion.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Imagine four versions of London—some magical, some mundane—and a guy who can travel between them. The vibe is sleek and moody, with high-stakes adventure, dark magic, and flawed characters.

👉 Why it’s essential: Sleek pacing, alternate-world premise, and morally complex characters.

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

This one starts like a whimsical adventure, but it unfolds into something much deeper and more philosophical.It’s beautifully written and challenges a lot of traditional fantasy (and religious) ideas.

👉 Why it’s essential: It pushed the boundaries of children’s fantasy with its philosophical depth, literary ambition, and emotional weight.