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Abby Chung
Culture

The Best Books to Read For New Fantasy Nerds

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Alexandra V. Ramos
Allie Bausinger
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

When it comes to fantasy, there are so many books for people to read that it might be hard to figure out where to start. As someone who spent a good portion of her life reading fantasy, I’m here to tell you the best books to get into for beginners,and why you should.

 

And honestly, this is based on my own love for fantasy, so if I sound a little biased — it’s cause I am and I love my little magic boys.

Harry Potter

You didn’t think I’d make it through a list without mentioning “Harry Potter,” did you? “Harry Potter” is the reason I got into fantasy in the first place and is an excellent way for first-time fantasy readers to get a taste of what magic is like.

 

It’s meant for young adults, but anyone can read about the adventures of Harry, Ron and Hermione, no matter how old. Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.

Anything by J.R.R Tolkien

I can’t go through a list without mentioning probably one of the kings of fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien.

 

He wrote such an intensely insane set of novels that even one of the movies they were based on, “The Return of the King,” won Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2004.

 

It’s very detailed and you surely will find something new with each readthrough.

The Hobbit

This novel is considered more of a prequel to “Lord of the Rings,” but it still a beloved book all the same. You might recognize the name from the most recent movies that have been made, but nothing compares to actually sitting down and reading the book.

 

Besides, who wouldn’t want to learn about the adventure of Bilbo Baggins?

The Dark Tower by Stephen King

This is probably a weird suggestion to some people who have never heard of it.

 

These series of books are written by Stephen King, who is normally known for horror novels. These provide a good intro into common fantasy for people who are a fan of his writing but also want to experience a little magic.

 

It’s actually also a western at the same time if you can believe that, about a gunslinger who’s quest is to go towards a tower, which is almost a fantasy in itself.

 

There are eight novels in the series, so if this sounds like your cup of tea, give it a shot.

A Song of Ice and Fire

Otherwise known as “Game of Thrones,” the book series that the TV show is based on is the ultimate fantasy series for anyone who wants magic, dragons, sex and everything involved.

 

George R.R. Martin has painted a world where the king is dead, and now, multiple people are claiming and fighting for their title for the throne.

 

But that’s not all. There’s blood magic, war, incest, magic creatures and many more crazy situations that you don’t find in your normal everyday book.

 

This series is not for the faint of heart. Your favorite characters will die and you will be heartbroken. But if you want fantasy, this is probably the most fantasy you’re ever going to get. And, the series isn’t even done yet, so you have even more heartbreak and fire to look forward to!

Hope these samples might spur you on with your reading! Fantasy really is one of the best book genres to get into and trust me, you won’t regret it.

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Alexandra is a senior at Penn State majoring in Digital-Print Journalism in the College of Communications. She is the assistant editor for Her Campus and loves everything else PSU has to offer her. She is involved with the Onward State, and would like to somehow benefit THON. Alex loves to write, sing, bake, and dance around like no one is watching. Alex is known to love her animals, including her cat, Grace, who isa little devil at the same time. Oh, and pizza. She loves pizza like it's her world. Follow her on Instagram for her craziness: allieramos1698
Allie Bausinger is a Penn State University graduate who majored in Print/Digital Journalism with a minor in English. She is from "outside Philadelphia," which in her case is Yardley, Pennsylvania. Allie is looking for full-time employment in writing, editing, fact-checking, podcasting, and other areas of the journalism and writing fields.