Ten Tips for Reading High Fantasy Books for Beginners

1. Start small.
Starting with solo books or shorter series can be beneficial for individuals new to high fantasy. These books typically have fewer characters and simpler world-building, making them less overwhelming for first-time readers. For example, Neil Gaiman's Stardust offers a delicious taste of high fantasy without the commitment of a full series. This precursor to The Lord of the Rings succeeds as an engaging fantasy novel with a manageable cast and a basic plot. These volumes can serve as a foundation for more comprehensive and complex series. You can also attempt several YA High Fantasy books or series, such as An Ember in the Ashes and the Grisha Trilogy.An Ember in the Ashes and the Grisha Trilogy, for example, are excellent books written for young adults that incorporate all of the aspects of high fantasy while remaining easy to read.

2. Select something you are familiar with.
If you've enjoyed a high fantasy film or television series, such as Game of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings, reading the literature that inspired such works can help you transition into the genre. Your familiarity with the universe and primary characters will make it easier for you to follow the plot. Furthermore, you'll likely discover a plethora of additional material, characters, and context in the books that were not provided in the film adaptations, which will enhance your comprehension of the story and keep it entertaining.

3. Read or browse spoiler-free reviews.
Before beginning a new book or series, I would look for spoiler-free reviews on YouTube or Goodreads and read them to become acquainted with the characters and the universe I was about to enter. It makes jumping into the plot much easier, and I don't have to learn about the characters and the large world from scratch. Although I no longer do this after reading literally hundreds of books over the years, if you are new to the intriguing and intricate world of high fantasy, you should try this advise.

4. Accept the glossaries and maps.
Most high fantasy novels include extras such as glossaries, maps, and appendices. For example, The Lord of the Rings' elaborate map of Middle Earth and A Song of Ice and Fire's extensive glossaries can help you navigate the realm and clarify the concepts employed. Because they are designed to increase your reading comprehension and pleasure, don't be hesitant to refer to them while you read.

5. Keep notes.
I did this on the advise of a buddy while reading the First Law Trilogy. It had a huge globe and a diverse cast of people, and I was still fresh to the high fantasy genre at the time. Given the complexity and large cast of high fantasy, keeping track of important individuals, places, and events can be beneficial. This simple action will allow you to keep track of everything in the plot. You may take notes on character interactions in the Wheel of Time books or significant political events in the First Law trilogy. Keeping a reading journal can help you remember crucial details, especially if there are extended periods between reading sessions.

6. Read daily (even if it's just a little).
Because high-fantasy literature are often lengthy, regular reading can help with continuity and memory recall. Even making a daily commitment to read a few pages or a chapter can have a significant influence. By connecting with the tale on a frequent basis, you may stay immersed in it while also keeping the plot, characters, and location fresh in your mind. When I first bought the five-book boxed set of the Song of Ice and Fire (GOT) for my Kindle out of excitement, I was overwhelmed by the volume of chapters and texts, and I thought, 'How can I ever finish this?' - but I kept reading a few pages per day, and now I am almost finished with the fourth book! There is only one book remaining to complete all of the published installments. You may do the same thing; read a few pages every day when you have time, and one day you'll realize you've finished a wonderful book or series!

7. Join a book club or online community.
When you first start reading high-fantasy books, joining a book club at your local library, an online community like the Fantasy Subreddit, or a Facebook group like Fantasy Book Discussion will be quite beneficial. The members of these forums are extremely helpful to one another, and you will have all of your questions answered on any book, character, or genre in general. These book clubs or online communities allow readers to debate, interpret, and share their opinions with one another. Viewing the same thing from several perspectives can help you grasp it better and often reveal insights you missed.

8. Have patience and give it time.
Even after reading hundreds of books over the years, I still struggle to understand a new high fantasy book's setting and everything else. Every single epic fantasy introduces a new realm, society, and even new animals. You must allow time for it to take effect. Always remember that high fantasy typically begins slowly before presenting its universe, protagonists, and conflicts to you. It's acceptable if you don't understand everything right away; some things may only make sense later in the story or in subsequent novels. When dealing with high fantasy, patience is a virtue.

9. Listen to audiobooks.
High fantasy literature can be frightening because of their vastness, but audiobooks may be a more accessible option. They can also help with comprehension, especially if the narration is done correctly. For example, Nick Podehl's engaging and dynamic narration of Patrick Rothfuss' audiobook, The Name of the Wind, is widely commended.

10. Reread.
High fantasy is complicated, and it may take two or three readings to completely comprehend the meaning or relevance of a chapter.If a chapter or passage appears particularly perplexing, do not be afraid to read it again. Rereading the narrative can improve your understanding of it.