so you want to start reading fantasy: part one

The Why

Asking someone their favourite genre of book feels like a good conversation starter.

But asking someone why it's their favourite genre is far more interesting. It's like a small pathway into someones brain.

People who read self-help books are usually looking for growth. They want to uncover things about themselves they didn't know before.

People who love crime and suspense enjoy the shock of it. The twists. The pyschology of why people do terrible things.

Historical fiction readers are facinated by the past. They want to understand how the world got here, one moment in history at a time. Fantasy readers are a little different. You could actually say it's a combination of all of those things.

But for me, it's more about escape.

Not because my life is lacking—it's quite the opposite.

But because for those minutes, hours, days I get to stick my head between pages, I don't want to stay in this world.

I want my brain to go elsewhere. I want to explore places I've never been before... without leaving the comfort of my own bed, or couch, or beach towel. Places that cost $0 to get to.

And that's why I'm so obsessed with converting people into fantasy readers. Because, for a few hours, you get to disappear completely. There's nothing quite like it.

So if you're ready, but not sure where to begin, you're in the right place.

I've converted friends who swore they'd never like fantasy. Now? Those same people refuse to read anything else.

Here's just a snippet of my credentials:

Phase 1: The Gateway - ACOTAR

Where it all begins.

A Court Of Thorns And Roses - Sarah J. Maas

Start here. Consider this your gateway drug into fantasy. It's a best-seller for a reason. She's the queen of romantasy in my eyes, and to this day, after reading hundreds of books, there aren't many that compare in this genre.

If you're already a reader, I'm pretty confident you'll get hooked in the first few chapters.

If you're not, my advice is: trust your brain. The flowery language can feel intimidating at first. Focus on the story, not the words you don't know. It WILL get easier as you go.

Whatever you do... don't look the book up. Not the characters, nor name pronounciations. It will come with spoilers.

Once you finish book 1, you’ve got three more novels and one novella waiting for you. The novella is like a little Christmas bonus. A soft landing before the monster that is book 5.

Heads up: there are more books coming. If you’re just starting now, I envy you, you lucky bastard—you won’t have to wait four years for the next one.

Phase 2 - The Hangover & Palette Cleanser

The pause between worlds.

If you've gotten to this point, I feel for you. I still miss those characters every day. Even after several re-reads. Don't go searching for the feeling they gave you just yet. Let yourself mourn them.

This is the perfect time for a small standalone book to reset your mind. I'd go with a different genre all together.

A few recs:

• The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho: A shepherd goes on a journey to find his personal legend and the deeper meaning of life.

• Everything I Know About Love - Dolly Alderton: A raw, witty dive into friendship, heartbreak, and finding yourself.

• Boys Swallows Universe - Trent Dalton: A boy grows up amid chaos, secrets, and the strange magic of everyday life.

Phase 3 - The Epic Series

The story gets deeper and the stakes get higher.

Throne Of Glass - Sarah J. Maas

Same author, slightly different style. Less smut, a slower start, but the character arcs are unparalleled. The story and growth fill that ACOTAR-shaped hole in your soul.

My favourite thing about this series is how Maas foreshadows. By the end, you’ll whisper, “How the fuck did she think of that?” And it’s even more impressive knowing she started writing it at 16.

TOG 'romantic' reading order I swear by:

1. Throne of Glass

2. Crown of Midnight

3. Heir of Fire

4. Assasins Blade

5. Queen of Shadows

6. Empire of Storms + Tower of Dawn - Tandem Read

7. Kingdom of Ash

Romantic Order: places Assasin's Blade (prequel) at the point where it'll make the most emotional impact.

Phase 4 - New Worlds

Step away from the Fae

If you do need to take a little more time after TOG, I getchu. Reading the last page of the series had me sitting in bed staring into the abyss, with tears still rolling down my cheeks. So, like before, you could grab another palate cleanser from the list I mentioned. Something small, thoughtful, easy. A little fling before your next big commitment.

Otherwise, if the fantasy addiction is too powerful, dive straight in to:

Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros

This one was perfect for pulling me out of that slump. A fantasy novel with some of my favourite tropes, plus dragons. It's now a three-book series, so you've got a few to fixate on for a while.

Phase 5 - Back To The Maasiverse

Urban magic and crossover worlds

Crescent City - Sarah J. Maas

Aaaand we're back with... surprise! Another SJM book. This one’s a little different. While her other series' lean more into traditional fantasy, this one edges into urban fantasy. It’s more modern—phones, coffee, regular life—but still touched with magic.

It's why some people struggle with Crescent City at first. After all the fae worlds and dragons, suddenly there’s a mobile phone mentioned, and it hits a little too close to home. But push through. The worldbuilding, the twists, the crossover threads, they all pay off in a way only SJM can deliver.

Remember: Don’t expect it to feel like ACOTAR or Throne of Glass. Let it be its own world. Let yourself get lost in it.

Congratulations. You've survived your intiation into fantasy.

If you're wondering what's next...I've got a part two coming reaaaal soon.

If you can't wait until then, let me know what phase you're at in the comments and I'll pull you a specific recommendation. I've got hundreds.

xo