Ranker best science fiction and fantasy novels for beginners

Some of the top science fiction and fantasy novels include 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and immersive world with political intrigue, advanced technology, and a messianic plot. Another great one is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, which is a classic in the fantasy genre with its richly detailed Middle - earth, epic battles, and memorable characters. And '1984' by George Orwell can be considered a science - fiction classic that explores a dystopian future society.

If you're a beginner, 'Ms. Marvel: No Normal' is a great start. It has a relatable teenage protagonist, Kamala Khan, who discovers she has superpowers. The story is fun and easy to follow. Another good one is 'Spider - Man: Blue'. It's a more emotional take on Spider - Man's story, with beautiful art. And 'Hawkeye' (the Matt Fraction run) is also very accessible. It shows Hawkeye's life outside of being a superhero, which is quite interesting.

For beginners, 'A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy' is a great start. It's based on the events of the first movie but adds more details. Another good one is 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Before the Awakening'. It gives some backstory to the new characters in that movie.

I think 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is a top choice. It has a magical world full of wonder, from Hogwarts School to the various spells and magical creatures. It's not just about magic but also about friendship, growing up, and facing the forces of darkness. Also, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis is great. It takes readers to a different world through the wardrobe, with talking animals and a battle between good and evil that has a strong Christian allegory.

Well, for beginners, 'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline is a good start. It's set in a virtual reality world filled with pop - culture references. Then there's 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. The story weaves multiple tales together in a far - future, science - fictional setting. Also, 'The Martian' by Andy Weir is engaging as it tells the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars in a very accessible way.

You could also try looking on social media platforms. There might be groups or pages dedicated to fantasy novels where people share links to Ranker's best fantasy novels list. However, be careful as not all links shared on social media are reliable. It's always a good idea to double - check the source.

For beginners, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a great start. It's a humorous and easy - to - follow story that introduces some really interesting science - fiction concepts like interstellar travel and different alien species. Another good option is 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It's set in a seemingly utopian society but has a lot of thought - provoking ideas about individuality and freedom. 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson is also a good pick as it has a simple yet engaging plot about a man seemingly alone in a world of vampires.

For beginners, I'd recommend 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. It's a story about an astronaut stranded on Mars and his struggle to survive. The science is explained in an accessible way. Another good one is 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' series by Rick Riordan. It combines modern - day settings with Greek mythology in a fun and engaging way. Also, 'City of Bones' by Cassandra Clare has a great mix of fantasy elements like demons and shadowhunters in a contemporary New York setting.

For beginners, 'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet' by Becky Chambers is a great choice. It has a very accessible writing style and a heartwarming story that focuses on the relationships between the crew of a spaceship. There are several romantic sub - plots that add to the charm of the story without being too complex.

For beginners, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis is a great start. It's easy to read and has a wonderful sense of wonder and magic. The story of the children entering the magical world of Narnia through the wardrobe is iconic. Another good one is 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians' series. It combines modern - day settings with Greek mythology in a really fun way. The characters are relatable and the adventures are exciting.