Collider recommends accessible, influential fantasy novels as entry points for readers new to the genre, arguing that they provide escapism and introduce familiar fantasy conventions without being overly difficult. The article focuses on books with straightforward stories, memorable characters and distinctive settings.

– ‘Eragon’ (2002): Christopher Paolini’s dragon-rider adventure is described as clichéd but simple and effective for learning modern fantasy tropes.
– ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ (2018): Tomi Adeyemi’s YA novel, inspired by Nigerian heritage, follows efforts to restore suppressed magic in a West African-inspired empire.
– ‘Northern Lights’ (1995): Philip Pullman’s first ‘His Dark Materials’ novel offers an accessible alternate Earth story that expands into a multiverse-spanning adventure.