What are some great epic fantasy novels to start with?

One of the great 2018 epic fantasy novels is 'Spinning Silver' by Naomi Novik. It has a richly crafted world with a unique take on fairytale elements. Another is 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang, which combines elements of Chinese history and mythology in an epic and often brutal fantasy story. And 'Senlin Ascends' by Josiah Bancroft is also notable, with its strange and imaginative tower - setting and complex characters.

One of the great epic fantasy novels is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a vast and immersive world filled with different races like hobbits, elves, and dwarves. The story follows Frodo's journey to destroy the One Ring, which is full of danger and adventure. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. It features complex political intrigue and a large cast of characters in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. 'The Wheel of Time' by Robert Jordan is also a great one, with its detailed magic system and a long - running battle between good and evil.

One great epic historical fantasy novel is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is set in a fictional Middle - earth that has a rich history. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. It has complex characters and a vast, detailed world full of political intrigue and magic. Also, 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is an excellent choice. It tells the story of Kvothe, a young man with extraordinary talents in a world filled with mystery and danger.

Well, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis is an excellent epic adventure fantasy novel. It's a series that brings the magical world of Narnia to life, with talking animals and a great battle between good and evil. 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is also really good. It follows the life of Kvothe, a very interesting character with a lot of adventures. And 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson is a great pick. It has a unique magic system and an engaging plot full of adventure.

One great epic fantasy graphic novel is 'Bone' by Jeff Smith. It has a richly detailed world, interesting characters like Fone Bone, and an engaging story full of adventure. Another is 'Sandman' by Neil Gaiman, which weaves together various mythologies in an epic and dreamy way. Also, 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman is an important and unique take on the epic genre, using animals to represent different groups in a very powerful and poignant story.

One of the great epic novels is 'The Iliad' by Homer. It tells the story of the Trojan War and is filled with heroic deeds, battles, and complex characters. Another is 'The Odyssey', also by Homer, which follows Odysseus' long journey home after the war. 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes is a great epic as well. It humorously explores the adventures of a deluded knight and his sidekick Sancho Panza.

One great epic fantasy short story is 'The Last Unicorn' by Peter S. Beagle. It tells the tale of a unicorn who discovers she may be the last of her kind and sets out on a journey. Another is 'The Emperor's Soul' by Brandon Sanderson. It features a unique magic system and a complex plot. Also, 'The Cold Equations' by Tom Godwin has elements of epicness in a very different, more science - fictiony take on a difficult moral situation in space.

One great novel on epic books is 'The Lord of the Rings'. It's a high - fantasy epic that follows Frodo and his companions on a quest to destroy the One Ring. The world - building is extraordinary, with detailed descriptions of Middle - earth. Another is 'The Iliad', an ancient Greek epic that tells the story of the Trojan War, filled with heroic deeds and complex characters. 'Beowulf' is also notable. It's an Old English epic poem about the hero Beowulf who battles monsters to protect his people.

There's 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. This novel is an epic exploration of man's obsession as Captain Ahab hunts the white whale. It delves deep into themes of fate, nature, and the human spirit. Additionally, 'Paradise Lost' by John Milton is an epic poem in book form. It tells the story of the fall of man in a grand and complex narrative.

If you're interested in historical epic novels, start with 'War and Peace'. You can first do a bit of research on the Napoleonic Wars to have some background knowledge. Get a good translation if you're not reading in the original language. Listen to audiobooks if reading long texts seems difficult at first. This way, you can follow along and get used to the story and language. Then, as you get more comfortable, you can move on to more complex or less well - known epic novels.