Previously eaten and now reconstructed post
Not sure that my first recommendations are on here.
Fantasy Magazines list survey of would you recommend to a first time fantasy reader books:
Joe Abercrombie
The First Law Series: Haven't read
Douglas Adams
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: This takes a certain sort of person. There are some great things about it, but you have to be into humor.
Richard Adams
Maia: Haven't read
Watership Down: Might have read this when I was younger, but I don’t really remember it.
Lloyd Alexander
The Prydain Chronicles: I loved these as a kid. My guess is that they are a little more simplistic, being kids books, but still a good intro to what fantasy is.
Piers Anthony
On A Pale Horse: I used to read tons of Anthony. Books and books and books. But it also is the humorous sort, which I am not so keen on now, and they are a little more simplistic than some things.
Clive Barker
Abarat: Haven't read
J.M. Barrie
Peter Pan: Haven't read
Peter S. Beagle
The Last Unicorn: This is actually quite good. It has that interesting blend of simple writing, but covering very real things. It is a bit like a fairy tale, it is both simplistic and not.
Ann Bishop
Daughter Of The Blood (first book of the Black Jewels Trilogy, didn't need to be listed separately)
Black Jewels Trilogy: These are almost more of a romance novel, a darker romance. If the person is okay with sex and with a bit of gore, then this might work.
Ray Bradbury
Something Wicked This Way Comes: Haven't read
Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Mists Of Avalon: I love this book. I have probably read it more than ten times. But it is very long, and therefore might be a bit intimidating to someone. I rank it as solidly being fantasy, but it does have some historically based stuff going on as well. There are some other Bradley books I might choose as an intro simply because this is so long. Some of her Darkover stuff (which I suppose is technically sci-fi once you realize it is an old Terran colony) is shorter and very approachable and well written.
Peter V. Brett
The Painted Man: Haven't read
Patricia Briggs
Moon Calls: Haven't read. This is one of a large number of books that are sort of supernatural romance or mystery (or some of both) that are very popular right now.
Emma Bull
War For The Oaks: This was alright. Not so well written or so fast paced that I couldn’t put it down, but it was decently done and had the appeal of being set someplace I have lived.
Jim Butcher
The Dresden books: I haven’t read these I don’t think, but a couple of other things from him. My general feel is decent writing, decently engaging, and fairly fast paced.
Octavia Butler
Kindred: Haven’t read this one I don’t think.
Wild Seed: This one is okay. But my favorite Butler is Parable of the Sower, and thus I would recommend that instead. Is Utopian/Distopian fantasy or sci-fi or both, neither?
Alan Campbell
Scar Night: Haven't read
Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Game: “Oh come now, this is sci-fi. AWESOME sci-fi, but sci-fi. I know there's a lot of argument about overlap between the genres, but still! Gateway sci-fi, absolutely, fantasy, no.” I am keeping my friend’s comment about this, it was spot on.
Jacqueline Carey
Kushiel’s Dart: I love this book and series. Yes there is some sex, but my favorite thing is the elaborate re-writing of some mythology. They do a variant of the Christ myth and then take it a whole different direction. Its only down side is that it is a first book and she gets a bit long winded with the political machinations at points.
Santa Olivia: I really loved this. It is fast paced, fairly well written, and made great plane reading. Utopian/Distopian question though, and it might be more sci-fi.
Isabelle Carmody
The Farseekers: Sounds familiar, not sure if I have read it.
Sarwat Chadda
The Devil’s Kiss: Haven't read
Susannah Clarke
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell: Okay, I have to admit that I own this, a lovely gift from a friend, have read a chapter or two, and not picked it up again. I have very limited patience for novels that are stuffed full of footnotes, sometimes appearing to be just for the sake of footnotes.
Marion Cockrell
Shadow Castle: Haven't read
John Crowley
Little, Big: Haven't read
A.J. Dalton
Necromancer’s Gambit: Haven't read
Mark Z. Danielewski
House of Leaves: Haven't read, but I know a lot of people who have.
Stephen R. Donaldson
The Thomas Covenant Chronicles: These are both good, and horrid. They are well written and rather fascinating and horribly depressing. At one point I owned the whole series, but sold them, due to them being so depressing I didn’t think that I would ever manage to reread them another time.
Diane Duane
So You Want To Be A Wizard: Haven't read
David Duncan
Magic Casement: I loved these. They have just enough humor to be somewhat in that camp and not enough for me to get annoyed with them. This is book 1 of 8 in a 2 set 4 book series. I finally managed to get my hands on book 8 at a used bookstore on my recent vacation. They are out of print and sometimes hard to find. I started them probably over ten years ago.
Glen Duncan
I, Lucifer: Haven't read
Lord Dunsany
The Charwoman’s Shadow: Haven't read
The King of Elfland’s Daughter: Haven't read
David Anthony Durham
Acacia: Haven't read
David Eddings
The Belgariad: I seem to recall having read this, don’t remember good or bad.
Michael Ende
The Neverending Story: I loved this movie as a kid, not sure if I ever read the book.
Beth Fantaskey
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side: Haven't read
Raymond E. Feist
Magician: Apprentice: I read these a long time ago. I remember enjoying them but no details.
Magician: Master:
Mark Ferrari
The Book of Joby: Haven't read
Neil Gaiman
American Gods: Haven't read. Yes, yes, I know. Everyone tells me I should. Just haven’t gotten to it.
Neverwhere: This could be a good one. Neil’s approach is very different than a lot of authors, though. What part of fantasy are you wanting to introduce?
Stardust: The illustrated one could be a good thing. Once again, though, he is extremely popular, but I wouldn’t call his approach mainstream (one of his appeals, of course, but what exactly do you want an intro to?).
Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
Good Omens: It’s okay. Humor question again.
William Goldman
The Princess Bride: I have limited patience for the humor thing. That given, perhaps they have seen the movie and the tie-in helps.
Terry Goodkind
Wizard’s First Rule: I read a bunch of these, and enjoyed them, but I don’t think that they would be a first choice for a newbie.
Elizabeth Hand
Saffron and Brimston: Haven't read, though I have read other things of hers and she writes alright.
M. John Harrison
Viriconium: Haven't read
A.J. Hartley
Act of Will: Haven't read
Mark Helprin
A Winter’s Tale: Haven't read, though I think that I have looked at it several times as it sounds really familiar.
Frank Herbert
Dune: Not sure I would choose this as a gateway book, even though it is good.
Jim C. Hines
Gobllin Quest: Haven't read
Robin Hobb
Ship Of Magic: She is generally approachable, though not my favorite.
David Holland
Murcheston: A Wolf’s Tale: Haven't read
Robert E. Howard: If this is the Conan the Barbarian Guy, I read tons of his stuff with my dad when I was a kid. This is seriously old school. It is good as old school stuff goes, but doesn’t necessarily make it for everyone.
The Best of Robert E. Howard Volume 1: Crimson Shadows
The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian
Conan The Conquerer
Tanya Huff
The Blood Books: I haven’t read these, but I like her Sing the Four Quarters books. They would be a great intro. Fast paced, decently written, and fun.
Diana Wynne Jones: Decent slightly younger fantasy, not sure if I have read these three, maybe the Fire and Hemlock one.
Charmed Life
Fire And Hemlock
Howl’s Moving Castle
Rosemary Jones
City of the Dead: Haven't read
Robert Jordan
The Dragon Reborn: No. That is all that really needs to be said. Much better things are out there. Plus, don’t get someone hooked on books that get worse as they go on, and won’t ever end.
The Eye Of The World:
Katherine Kerr - Darkspell is my favorite of these and would be a good intro book. Some of the others in the series are not as well done.
Daggerspell:
Darkspell:
Dawnspell:
Caitlin R. Kiernan
The Red Tree: Haven't read, but I have read her story collection, Tales of Pain and Wonder. The writing is amazing. It is very Lovecraftian. Be prepared to be disturbed. Not a first book for lots of people, but if they like horror, might be a good choice.
Stephen King
The Dark Tower: Haven’t read
Stephen King and Peter Straub
The Talisman: Haven’t read
Mercedes Lackey: “Haven't read, but based on other books I have read by her I'd be wary. I liked her when I was younger but didn't find her the most accessable writer for new readers.” Ditto again.
Magic’s Pawn
Magic’s Price
Magic’s Promise
Louis L’Amour
The Haunted Mesa: Haven't read
Madeleine L’Engle
A Wrinkle in Time: Really good slightly younger reader fantasy.
Ursula K. LeGuin
The Earthsea Cycle: She writes really well, but is harder to get into if you like a faster pace, haven’t read this specifically.
Fritz Leiber
The Swords of Lankhmar: Haven't read
C.S. Lewis
The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe: “Definitely. Most people are familiar with the stories already (either through the movies or just knowing the name) so that's a good thing. The series doesn't need to be read all at once or even in order, also a good thing.” Ditto.
Till We Have Faces: Haven't read
Gregory Maguire
Wicked: More lit-novel like in feel. Probably a good gateway book as people already know the characters.
George R.R. Martin
A Game Of Thrones: Amazingly well written. However, this is also somewhat difficult to reread as once you have gone through and know horrible things are going to happen it is hard to subject yourself to them again. I have read all that is available twice, but am not rereading much again til the thing is finished.
Inside Straight (editor): Haven't read
Anne McCaffrey
Dragonflight: I loved her when I was younger, but they are less engaging as I get older.
Dragonsong: This is one I still reread sometimes along with Dragonsinger. They are pretty good intro books and short as well.
Patricia McKillip
In the Forests of Serre: Haven't read this one. Her other work that I have read is very well written, though she has a bit in common with Gaiman with being a little out of mainstream, though in a different direction than him. Definitely a good first author. I would recommend Song of the Basilisk.
Robin McKinley
The Blue Sword: Haven’t read.
The Hero and the Crown: I enjoyed this when I read it. I would perhaps recommend Sunshine first instead. Fantastic, slightly different approach to a vampire novel.
China Mieville
Perdido Street Station: Haven’t read. Have friends that love it.
Walter Miller
A Canticle for Leibowitz: Haven’t read
Walter Moers: Haven't read
The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Blue Bear
Rumo And the Secrets In The Dark
Christopher Moore: Lamb is hilarious, as is his vampire book. Haven’t read these.
A Dirty Job
Practical Demonkeeping
John Moore
The Unhandsome Prince: Haven't read
Robert Newman
Merlin’s Mistake: Haven't read
Larissa Niec
Shorn: Haven't read
Garth Nix
Sabriel: Seem to remember these being good when I read them.
Wild Magic: Haven't read
James A. Owen
Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica: Here There Be Dragons: Haven't Read
Christopher Paolini
Eragon: Haven’t read
Mervyn Peake
Titus Groan: Haven't read
Tamora Pierce
Alanna: Haven't read
Elizabeth Marie Pope
The Perilous Gard: Haven't read
Terry Pratchett - used to read him some, he’s a humor guy, not my thing. A maybe.
The Color Of Magic:
Mort:
Reaper Man:
Small Gods:
Philip Pullman
The Golden Compass: Decent first fantasy book, but would recommend other things before this.
Melanie Rawn
The Dragon Prince: This series is decent. More involved than I would pick for a first book for someone perhaps.
Patrick Rothfuss
The Name Of The Wind: Amazing. I would definitely recommend this, but there is some stuff they won’t be able to appreciate yet, not knowing the tropes yet.
J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter And The Halfblood Prince:
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone: Well, I actually am not into Harry Potter. It has turned on lots of people to fantasy though. I think that I might have finished book one.
Matt Ruff
Fool On The Hill: Haven't read
R.A Salvatore - I read one book of his. I am not a fan.
Halfling’s Gem: Haven't read
Homeland: Haven't read
Brandon Sanderson
Final Empire: Haven't read
Mistborn: On my to-read list
Sharon Shinn - I like some of her stuff.
Mystic And Rider: Haven't read
Maria V. Snyder
Poison Study: This is aimed at a slightly younger audience, but lacks the innocence that some slightly older books aimed at a younger audience have. It was fun though, so might be a decent first book.
Bram Stoker
Dracula: “Haven't read but classics make me nervous. They can be tough to get into, I find, if only because the language is often a sticking point (for me, at least). I suppose someone who reads lots of classics already could maybe go for this one?” Ditto, again.
J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings: “Definitely too dense for a new fantasy reader. How did the Hobbit not end up on this list? Shame on you, list.” Ditto, again.
Mark Twain
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court: This wouldn’t be a first book suggestion from me, even though it is decent.
Catherynne M. Valente
The Orphan’s Tales: I have had bits of this read to me, while I was very sleepy. I would say that it might be alright as a first book, but wouldn’t be my first choice suggestion. Think lots of nested tales.
Jeff VanderMeer
City of Saints and Madmen: Haven't read
Shriek: An Afterword: Haven't read
Carrie Vaughn
Kitty & the Midnight Hour: Haven't read
Evangeline Walton
The Mabinogion Tetrology: Haven't read
Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman
The Death Gate Cycle: Haven't read
Dragons Of Autumn Twilight: Haven't read
T.H. White
The Once And Future King: Been a long time, don’t remember details.
Tad Williams
The Otherland series: “Good, but absolutely too dense and the books don't really stand alone all that well.” Ditto.
Gene Wolfe
The Book of the New Sun: Haven't read
Patricia Wrede
Dealing With Dragons: Haven’t read.
Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
Sorcery And Cecelia: Haven't read
Fantasy Magazines list survey of would you recommend to a first time fantasy reader books:
Joe Abercrombie
The First Law Series: Haven't read
Douglas Adams
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: This takes a certain sort of person. There are some great things about it, but you have to be into humor.
Richard Adams
Maia: Haven't read
Watership Down: Might have read this when I was younger, but I don’t really remember it.
Lloyd Alexander
The Prydain Chronicles: I loved these as a kid. My guess is that they are a little more simplistic, being kids books, but still a good intro to what fantasy is.
Piers Anthony
On A Pale Horse: I used to read tons of Anthony. Books and books and books. But it also is the humorous sort, which I am not so keen on now, and they are a little more simplistic than some things.
Clive Barker
Abarat: Haven't read
J.M. Barrie
Peter Pan: Haven't read
Peter S. Beagle
The Last Unicorn: This is actually quite good. It has that interesting blend of simple writing, but covering very real things. It is a bit like a fairy tale, it is both simplistic and not.
Ann Bishop
Daughter Of The Blood (first book of the Black Jewels Trilogy, didn't need to be listed separately)
Black Jewels Trilogy: These are almost more of a romance novel, a darker romance. If the person is okay with sex and with a bit of gore, then this might work.
Ray Bradbury
Something Wicked This Way Comes: Haven't read
Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Mists Of Avalon: I love this book. I have probably read it more than ten times. But it is very long, and therefore might be a bit intimidating to someone. I rank it as solidly being fantasy, but it does have some historically based stuff going on as well. There are some other Bradley books I might choose as an intro simply because this is so long. Some of her Darkover stuff (which I suppose is technically sci-fi once you realize it is an old Terran colony) is shorter and very approachable and well written.
Peter V. Brett
The Painted Man: Haven't read
Patricia Briggs
Moon Calls: Haven't read. This is one of a large number of books that are sort of supernatural romance or mystery (or some of both) that are very popular right now.
Emma Bull
War For The Oaks: This was alright. Not so well written or so fast paced that I couldn’t put it down, but it was decently done and had the appeal of being set someplace I have lived.
Jim Butcher
The Dresden books: I haven’t read these I don’t think, but a couple of other things from him. My general feel is decent writing, decently engaging, and fairly fast paced.
Octavia Butler
Kindred: Haven’t read this one I don’t think.
Wild Seed: This one is okay. But my favorite Butler is Parable of the Sower, and thus I would recommend that instead. Is Utopian/Distopian fantasy or sci-fi or both, neither?
Alan Campbell
Scar Night: Haven't read
Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Game: “Oh come now, this is sci-fi. AWESOME sci-fi, but sci-fi. I know there's a lot of argument about overlap between the genres, but still! Gateway sci-fi, absolutely, fantasy, no.” I am keeping my friend’s comment about this, it was spot on.
Jacqueline Carey
Kushiel’s Dart: I love this book and series. Yes there is some sex, but my favorite thing is the elaborate re-writing of some mythology. They do a variant of the Christ myth and then take it a whole different direction. Its only down side is that it is a first book and she gets a bit long winded with the political machinations at points.
Santa Olivia: I really loved this. It is fast paced, fairly well written, and made great plane reading. Utopian/Distopian question though, and it might be more sci-fi.
Isabelle Carmody
The Farseekers: Sounds familiar, not sure if I have read it.
Sarwat Chadda
The Devil’s Kiss: Haven't read
Susannah Clarke
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell: Okay, I have to admit that I own this, a lovely gift from a friend, have read a chapter or two, and not picked it up again. I have very limited patience for novels that are stuffed full of footnotes, sometimes appearing to be just for the sake of footnotes.
Marion Cockrell
Shadow Castle: Haven't read
John Crowley
Little, Big: Haven't read
A.J. Dalton
Necromancer’s Gambit: Haven't read
Mark Z. Danielewski
House of Leaves: Haven't read, but I know a lot of people who have.
Stephen R. Donaldson
The Thomas Covenant Chronicles: These are both good, and horrid. They are well written and rather fascinating and horribly depressing. At one point I owned the whole series, but sold them, due to them being so depressing I didn’t think that I would ever manage to reread them another time.
Diane Duane
So You Want To Be A Wizard: Haven't read
David Duncan
Magic Casement: I loved these. They have just enough humor to be somewhat in that camp and not enough for me to get annoyed with them. This is book 1 of 8 in a 2 set 4 book series. I finally managed to get my hands on book 8 at a used bookstore on my recent vacation. They are out of print and sometimes hard to find. I started them probably over ten years ago.
Glen Duncan
I, Lucifer: Haven't read
Lord Dunsany
The Charwoman’s Shadow: Haven't read
The King of Elfland’s Daughter: Haven't read
David Anthony Durham
Acacia: Haven't read
David Eddings
The Belgariad: I seem to recall having read this, don’t remember good or bad.
Michael Ende
The Neverending Story: I loved this movie as a kid, not sure if I ever read the book.
Beth Fantaskey
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side: Haven't read
Raymond E. Feist
Magician: Apprentice: I read these a long time ago. I remember enjoying them but no details.
Magician: Master:
Mark Ferrari
The Book of Joby: Haven't read
Neil Gaiman
American Gods: Haven't read. Yes, yes, I know. Everyone tells me I should. Just haven’t gotten to it.
Neverwhere: This could be a good one. Neil’s approach is very different than a lot of authors, though. What part of fantasy are you wanting to introduce?
Stardust: The illustrated one could be a good thing. Once again, though, he is extremely popular, but I wouldn’t call his approach mainstream (one of his appeals, of course, but what exactly do you want an intro to?).
Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
Good Omens: It’s okay. Humor question again.
William Goldman
The Princess Bride: I have limited patience for the humor thing. That given, perhaps they have seen the movie and the tie-in helps.
Terry Goodkind
Wizard’s First Rule: I read a bunch of these, and enjoyed them, but I don’t think that they would be a first choice for a newbie.
Elizabeth Hand
Saffron and Brimston: Haven't read, though I have read other things of hers and she writes alright.
M. John Harrison
Viriconium: Haven't read
A.J. Hartley
Act of Will: Haven't read
Mark Helprin
A Winter’s Tale: Haven't read, though I think that I have looked at it several times as it sounds really familiar.
Frank Herbert
Dune: Not sure I would choose this as a gateway book, even though it is good.
Jim C. Hines
Gobllin Quest: Haven't read
Robin Hobb
Ship Of Magic: She is generally approachable, though not my favorite.
David Holland
Murcheston: A Wolf’s Tale: Haven't read
Robert E. Howard: If this is the Conan the Barbarian Guy, I read tons of his stuff with my dad when I was a kid. This is seriously old school. It is good as old school stuff goes, but doesn’t necessarily make it for everyone.
The Best of Robert E. Howard Volume 1: Crimson Shadows
The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian
Conan The Conquerer
Tanya Huff
The Blood Books: I haven’t read these, but I like her Sing the Four Quarters books. They would be a great intro. Fast paced, decently written, and fun.
Diana Wynne Jones: Decent slightly younger fantasy, not sure if I have read these three, maybe the Fire and Hemlock one.
Charmed Life
Fire And Hemlock
Howl’s Moving Castle
Rosemary Jones
City of the Dead: Haven't read
Robert Jordan
The Dragon Reborn: No. That is all that really needs to be said. Much better things are out there. Plus, don’t get someone hooked on books that get worse as they go on, and won’t ever end.
The Eye Of The World:
Katherine Kerr - Darkspell is my favorite of these and would be a good intro book. Some of the others in the series are not as well done.
Daggerspell:
Darkspell:
Dawnspell:
Caitlin R. Kiernan
The Red Tree: Haven't read, but I have read her story collection, Tales of Pain and Wonder. The writing is amazing. It is very Lovecraftian. Be prepared to be disturbed. Not a first book for lots of people, but if they like horror, might be a good choice.
Stephen King
The Dark Tower: Haven’t read
Stephen King and Peter Straub
The Talisman: Haven’t read
Mercedes Lackey: “Haven't read, but based on other books I have read by her I'd be wary. I liked her when I was younger but didn't find her the most accessable writer for new readers.” Ditto again.
Magic’s Pawn
Magic’s Price
Magic’s Promise
Louis L’Amour
The Haunted Mesa: Haven't read
Madeleine L’Engle
A Wrinkle in Time: Really good slightly younger reader fantasy.
Ursula K. LeGuin
The Earthsea Cycle: She writes really well, but is harder to get into if you like a faster pace, haven’t read this specifically.
Fritz Leiber
The Swords of Lankhmar: Haven't read
C.S. Lewis
The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe: “Definitely. Most people are familiar with the stories already (either through the movies or just knowing the name) so that's a good thing. The series doesn't need to be read all at once or even in order, also a good thing.” Ditto.
Till We Have Faces: Haven't read
Gregory Maguire
Wicked: More lit-novel like in feel. Probably a good gateway book as people already know the characters.
George R.R. Martin
A Game Of Thrones: Amazingly well written. However, this is also somewhat difficult to reread as once you have gone through and know horrible things are going to happen it is hard to subject yourself to them again. I have read all that is available twice, but am not rereading much again til the thing is finished.
Inside Straight (editor): Haven't read
Anne McCaffrey
Dragonflight: I loved her when I was younger, but they are less engaging as I get older.
Dragonsong: This is one I still reread sometimes along with Dragonsinger. They are pretty good intro books and short as well.
Patricia McKillip
In the Forests of Serre: Haven't read this one. Her other work that I have read is very well written, though she has a bit in common with Gaiman with being a little out of mainstream, though in a different direction than him. Definitely a good first author. I would recommend Song of the Basilisk.
Robin McKinley
The Blue Sword: Haven’t read.
The Hero and the Crown: I enjoyed this when I read it. I would perhaps recommend Sunshine first instead. Fantastic, slightly different approach to a vampire novel.
China Mieville
Perdido Street Station: Haven’t read. Have friends that love it.
Walter Miller
A Canticle for Leibowitz: Haven’t read
Walter Moers: Haven't read
The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Blue Bear
Rumo And the Secrets In The Dark
Christopher Moore: Lamb is hilarious, as is his vampire book. Haven’t read these.
A Dirty Job
Practical Demonkeeping
John Moore
The Unhandsome Prince: Haven't read
Robert Newman
Merlin’s Mistake: Haven't read
Larissa Niec
Shorn: Haven't read
Garth Nix
Sabriel: Seem to remember these being good when I read them.
Wild Magic: Haven't read
James A. Owen
Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica: Here There Be Dragons: Haven't Read
Christopher Paolini
Eragon: Haven’t read
Mervyn Peake
Titus Groan: Haven't read
Tamora Pierce
Alanna: Haven't read
Elizabeth Marie Pope
The Perilous Gard: Haven't read
Terry Pratchett - used to read him some, he’s a humor guy, not my thing. A maybe.
The Color Of Magic:
Mort:
Reaper Man:
Small Gods:
Philip Pullman
The Golden Compass: Decent first fantasy book, but would recommend other things before this.
Melanie Rawn
The Dragon Prince: This series is decent. More involved than I would pick for a first book for someone perhaps.
Patrick Rothfuss
The Name Of The Wind: Amazing. I would definitely recommend this, but there is some stuff they won’t be able to appreciate yet, not knowing the tropes yet.
J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter And The Halfblood Prince:
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone: Well, I actually am not into Harry Potter. It has turned on lots of people to fantasy though. I think that I might have finished book one.
Matt Ruff
Fool On The Hill: Haven't read
R.A Salvatore - I read one book of his. I am not a fan.
Halfling’s Gem: Haven't read
Homeland: Haven't read
Brandon Sanderson
Final Empire: Haven't read
Mistborn: On my to-read list
Sharon Shinn - I like some of her stuff.
Mystic And Rider: Haven't read
Maria V. Snyder
Poison Study: This is aimed at a slightly younger audience, but lacks the innocence that some slightly older books aimed at a younger audience have. It was fun though, so might be a decent first book.
Bram Stoker
Dracula: “Haven't read but classics make me nervous. They can be tough to get into, I find, if only because the language is often a sticking point (for me, at least). I suppose someone who reads lots of classics already could maybe go for this one?” Ditto, again.
J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings: “Definitely too dense for a new fantasy reader. How did the Hobbit not end up on this list? Shame on you, list.” Ditto, again.
Mark Twain
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court: This wouldn’t be a first book suggestion from me, even though it is decent.
Catherynne M. Valente
The Orphan’s Tales: I have had bits of this read to me, while I was very sleepy. I would say that it might be alright as a first book, but wouldn’t be my first choice suggestion. Think lots of nested tales.
Jeff VanderMeer
City of Saints and Madmen: Haven't read
Shriek: An Afterword: Haven't read
Carrie Vaughn
Kitty & the Midnight Hour: Haven't read
Evangeline Walton
The Mabinogion Tetrology: Haven't read
Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman
The Death Gate Cycle: Haven't read
Dragons Of Autumn Twilight: Haven't read
T.H. White
The Once And Future King: Been a long time, don’t remember details.
Tad Williams
The Otherland series: “Good, but absolutely too dense and the books don't really stand alone all that well.” Ditto.
Gene Wolfe
The Book of the New Sun: Haven't read
Patricia Wrede
Dealing With Dragons: Haven’t read.
Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
Sorcery And Cecelia: Haven't read