What are the top epic fantasy novels for beginners?

A good beginner - friendly epic fantasy is 'The Wizard of Earthsea' from 'The Earthsea Cycle'. It has a clear story arc and a simple magic system to start with. 'The Lightning Thief' which is the first book in the 'Percy Jackson' series is also great. It has a fast - paced plot that will keep readers interested. Also, 'The Secret of Platform 13' by Eva Ibbotson. It has a similar concept to 'Harry Potter' but in a more light - hearted and less complex way.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic with its detailed world - building and epic battles between good and evil. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin which has complex characters and a vast, intricate plot. Also, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis is quite popular, taking readers into a magical world full of talking animals and adventures.

Some of the top ones could be 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic with its rich world - building and epic battles. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin, known for its complex characters and political intrigue. 'The Wheel of Time' by Robert Jordan is also up there, with its vast magic system and diverse cultures.

Well, 'The Lord of the Rings' is surely up there. It has influenced so many other fantasy works. The detailed lore, from the languages to the different races like elves and dwarves, is amazing. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' stands out for its gritty realism in a fantasy setting. It doesn't shy away from showing the dark side of human nature. 'The Wheel of Time' is a huge epic that takes you on a journey through different cultures within its world. 'The Name of the Wind' draws you in with its beautifully written prose and the enigma that is Kvothe. And 'Mistborn' offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre with its innovative magic system.

For beginners, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' is a great choice. It's easy to read and the stories are full of adventure. You get to enter a world where animals talk and there are magical battles. Another good option is 'A Wizard of Earthsea'. It has a simple yet engaging plot about a young wizard's growth.

The 'Chronicles of Narnia' series is another excellent option for those new to epic fantasy. C.S. Lewis takes readers to the magical world of Narnia, where animals can talk and there are epic battles between good and evil. It has a strong moral and religious undertone but is still a great adventure story.

One of the top rated epic fantasy novels is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's renowned for its detailed world - building, complex characters, and epic battles between good and evil. Another great one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin. It has a huge following due to its gritty and unpredictable plotlines. 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is also highly rated. It tells the story of Kvothe, a young man with a mysterious past and great magical abilities.

For beginners, 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a great choice. It's a shorter and more accessible work compared to 'The Lord of the Rings' but still has the same elements of epic fantasy. It tells the story of Bilbo Baggins' adventure with a group of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug.

Some of the best are 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling. Although it may be more widely known as a children's series, it has all the elements of epic fantasy like a large magical world, a hero's journey, and a battle against the dark forces. 'His Dark Materials' by Philip Pullman is also great. It explores deep themes within a fantasy setting. And 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch. The city of Camorr where the story is set is a character in itself, and the story is full of twists and turns.

A good starting point for beginners could be 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones. It has a unique and charming story about a young girl who gets cursed and ends up in Howl's moving castle. The story is full of magic and interesting characters. 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman is also great. It's a fairy - tale - like story set in a magical realm. And 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman, which has a wonderful blend of adventure, romance, and humor in a fantasy setting.