We’ve just enumerated 10 ways reading classic fantasy improves real life. But what is “classic fantasy”? Over time, storytelling and genre has evolved so that not every book on the fantasy shelf exhibits these valuable qualities. In this article, I recommend a few books that do fit the classic fantasy tropes. For anyone new to reading fantasy or who might want to hit the basics again, this list is for you! Check out these top choices for what to read first.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Premise:
A brave company of volunteers defends the last of the free peoples from the Dark Lord’s armies while the unlikeliest hero ventures into his lair to destroy One Ring and banish him from Middle Earth forever.
Pros:
This is the ultimate classic! Tolkien pioneered the fantasy genre and made it what is today. To get the best foundation of components that fantasy readers often take for granted—medieval-style worlds, other races of beings such as elves and dwarves, magic artifacts, epic battles, fictional languages, complex lore—this is the book for you. Many other major writers who write epic or high fantasy owe a lot to Tolkien.
Cons:
This series isn’t for the faint of heart! These books are long, and the deep immersion in the world and history can be overwhelming for readers used to fast action, modern vocabulary, and dare I say, short sentences. People new to reading fantasy might struggle to get through the whole thing. If this sounds like a concern for you, go ahead and watch the movies—while they’re no substitute for the books, they are very well done and you’ll get the idea.
Series:
Book 1: The Fellowship of the Ring
Book 2: The Two Towers
Book 3: The Return of the King
Audience/Subgenre:
Adult, Epic Fantasy
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Premise:
During World War II, four young siblings discover another land inside a magical wardrobe where they must defeat the evil witch imprisoning the country in eternal winter.
Pros:
This book by Tolkien’s contemporary, C.S. Lewis, is another major classic written for children but enjoyable by all ages. It’s short, accessible, and surprisingly deep. Normal people being transported to fantastical worlds for an adventure is another common trope in the fantasy genre. Reading the whole series is not necessary for enjoying a complete plot, but if you do like the first book, there are plenty more to explore.
Cons:
Honestly, I’m struggling to think of any unless you’re looking for something at a higher reading level. It’s had multiple movie/TV adaptations that don’t quite capture the charm of Lewis’ storytelling, but it’s easy enough that you can read it on its own merit without relying on the movies.
Series:
Series Name: The Chronicles of Narnia
Audience/Subgenre:
Children’s/Middle Grade, High Fantasy
Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Premise:
A princess divinely chosen for a great purpose struggles to find it—until an arranged marriage and kidnapping force her to the front lines of a conflict dividing her world.
Pros:
This is a more recent selection with language and pacing more in line with what modern readers expect while still being beautifully written with a rich, Spanish-influenced culture.
Cons:
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series and can’t vouch for their content. Boys may not relate as well to the internal struggles of the female protagonist. And there’s no film adaptation that I know of.
Series:
Series Name: Fire and Thorns
Audience/Subgenre:
Young Adult, High Fantasy
Conclusion
This list of classic fantasy books to read is painfully short and doesn’t begin to mention all the wonderful fantasy books out there, but I have chosen one for each age group so that no matter your age or reading level, you can begin your journey with the fantasy genre on the right foot. (They’re also well-known enough that you should be able to get them from the library. 😊) Now that you have the first step, it’s time to start reading!
What are some of your favorite fantasy books and why? Let me know in the comments!
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