The Top 5 First Books in a Fantasy Series
Anyone who reads Fantasy books (From my experience) knows that the hardest part of figuring out what to read is not only finding a new series to read, but also figuring out which book is the first one in said series. The first book in a Fantasy series is crucial. If it isn’t good enough, no one will continue on to read the rest of the books in the series. Listed below are the top five “First” books I’ve ever read.
#5 Gail Z. Martin’s The Summoner
The Summoner is the first book of the Chronicles of the Necromancer series. After his brother betrays the country and murders the King, the prince must flee so that he may survive until he is ready to return and rescue his kingdom using his very special powers as a summoner.
This book intrigued me from the very beginning, jumping right into the action and setting the main character in what seemed an impossible situation right off the bat. An exciting beginning is crucial in a story and I appreciated it. The story has the feel of an epic fantasy, which appealed to me. All of the characters were surprisingly well developed, however. I found it very refreshing to have a main character who doubts himself and, though he grows stronger as he learns more about his summoning abilities, the prince constantly needs support and can’t fight everyone off by himself. In a genre dominated by what often seems like perfect heroes, it was good to see the prince and shady Vahanian as the good guys. There might even be some romance in it if you’re a sap for that sort of thing like I am.
Warning: The first two books in the series are incredible. The Blood King is an amazing sequel. After that, stop reading the series. The third book felt like a sequel just for the sake of a sequel.
#4 Robert Jordan’s Eye of the World
The Eye of the World is the first book in The Wheel of Time series, an epic that actually still isn’t finished. Though Robert Jordan died before the series was completed, Brandon Sanderson is completing it, which is fine with me. More on him later. The Wheel of Time is by far the most complex series I have ever read, and one of the most captivating as well. I was utterly absorbed into the story of Rand, Matt, and Perrin being taken from their village by the mysterious Morraine and Lan on a journey to defeat the Dark One.
The prologue of this book is incredibly dry, unfortunately. However, if the reader fights through it they will be subjected to an almost impossibly vast world. There are honestly hundreds of characters and relationships. The magic, dealing with the two sides of the One Power is incredibly well thought out and interesting to read. I highly recommend the series, I read the first eleven books, a grand total of over eight and a half thousand pages, I want to say, (I guessed) in two and a half months. I honestly lost my life to this series for that time and I would recommend that anyone wanting to read it do the same. That way you won’t forget anything. Trust me, it’s incredibly difficult to remember everything while waiting for the next book to come out…
#3 Jim Butcher’s Storm Front
Storm Front is the first book of the Dresden Files series. It follows the story of Harry Copperfield Blackstone Dresden, a wizard that practices in Chicago. He has an ad in the phone book, he practices openly, and he often helps the cops with paranormal cases. Unfortunately for him, he always finds a way to get himself in trouble, which the reader sees plenty of throughout the books.
Each book in the series, while building off the ones before them, could almost be called stand alone books, each one wrapping up nicely at the end. This book was the first fantasy title I read that could be called a comedy. The best thing the Dresden Files have going for them in my opinion is how funny they are. I won’t spoil any of the jokes, and believe me there are many, but if you want a gripping, exciting mystery tale, and love to laugh, pick up this book and you won’t regret it.
#2 Terry Goodkind’s Wizard’s First Rule
Wizard’s First Rule is the first book of The Sword of Truth series. It follows Richard Cypher as he helps Kahlan Amnell survive and retaliate against the evil wizard Darken Rahl with help from the wizard Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander, who proclaims Richard the Seeker and gives him the sword of truth.
This book is by far the best of the series. Zed is a great character, though Kahlan and Richard seem a bit stereotypical at times. The plot is great though, really creating that sense of the great journey to save the world. Denna the Mord-Sith and her time spent torturing Richard is a very interesting and well written part, (my favorite of the book if I do admit). Each book in the series wraps up nicely, though there is always an overarching problem still remaining. The second book is not very exciting or good really, I would suggest reading the first one, though if you do continue reading, the third book is also very good.
#1 Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn
Mistborn is the first book in the Mistborn trilogy. It follows the girl Vin as she fights against the Lord Ruler. It’s set in an almost post apocalyptic world where ash mounts cover the sky and make it hard to grow crops. A type of slavery exists, people working the fields under the nobility.
The writing in this book is incredible, especially when it comes to the simplicity of the magic, known as metallurgy. This magic, while simple, is extremely well thought out and carefully constructed, just like the rest of the story. I don’t want to spoil any parts of this great story. The writing and plot are incredible throughout the entire series, every single part of it carefully written and worked into the story as a whole. I count this as one of the best books I have ever read and I highly recommend it to all who are interested in fantasy.
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Thanks for the review. Some of these I've read but The Dresden Files, because of your description, is now on my B&N wish list for my next download.You also spurred me on to finally read Mistborn. I've had it on my Nook for ages and just haven't gotten around to it. Guess I need to pull that one up.