Dungeons and Dragons, colloquially known as DnD or D&D, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. First published in 1974, this tabletop role playing game (RPG) is an enduring example of collaborative storytelling. Groups of players create characters and, led by a Dungeon Master (DM), these characters go on daring adventures that are all decided by a roll of the dice.

So if you enjoy playing D&D, consuming actual play D&D content, or just want to see what all the fuss is about, here are some books to get you started.  If any of this is making you interested in D&D, you’re in luck! I’ll be running a teen D&D campaign starting on January 14th that you can sign up for here! (Don’t worry adults, there will be an adult campaign soon)

Player's Handbook by James Wyatt, Robert J. Schwalb, and Bruce R. Cordell

There have been several different editions and updates on the game over the years but if you want to get started now, most people play 5th edition. This book is the perfect place to begin if you want to start playing. It provides a guide to creating characters and the basics of how to play the game. 

The Forgotten Realms Novels by R.A. Salvatore

There have been a huge number of books set in one of the published Dungeons and Dragons settings, The Forgotten Realms. Drizzt Do’Urden, a dark elf/drow ranger, is meant to be sacrificed to the spider queen, as per his communities tradition, but when his older brother dies unexpectedly, Drizzt is released from tradition. Disdained by his family, Drizzt masters his swordsmanship and leaves home to become a hero, standing against everything his family and community taught him growing up. 

Personally I would recommend starting with The Dark Elf Trilogy by R.A. Salvatoe. (The first book in the series is the one linked/described above!) 

The Adventure Zone Graphic Novels by Clint McElroy

Based on a podcast where three brothers and their dad play D&D. This graphic novel series is based on their first adventure. An elf wizard, dwarf cleric, and human fighter are hired to guard a wagon and stumble into being recruited by a secret organization (on a secret moon base) where they hunt down powerful artifacts in an attempt to save the world.

What seems to just be a funny and non-serious take on the popular game, turns into a beautiful story that made me cry the first time I listened to the finale. 

Choose Your Own Adventure books

Choose Your Own Adventure books have been a classic for ages and, of course, I couldn’t leave them off this list. Similar to D&D, in these books you determine what happens to your characters. The classic Choose Your Own Adventure series of books is targeted at younger children but never fear! There have been more books like this for teens and middle schoolers. I would recommend the Iron Magicians graphic novels by Cetrix with art by Yuio and the Knights Club graphic novels by Shuky.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Frodo Baggins is entrusted with an evil ring that his older cousin acquired during his own adventuring days.

Charged by a great wizard (Gandalf, a family friend who loves fireworks), Frodo sets off with his gardener and two cousins on a mission to destroy it. Along the way, the party grows to include dwarves, elves, long lost and hidden royalty, and jealous heirs. The trilogy is an epic work that spans the entirety of Middle-earth, from a sleepy hobbit shire community to an abandoned underground dwarven outpost to elven cities to talking trees, wizard towers, and the gates of Mordor.

This classic trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien exemplifies the stories that D&D likes to tell. This epic fantasy is perfect for anyone who loves D&D or wants to know more about what it can all be about. 

Six of Crows by Leigh Burdugo

On an Amsterdam-inspired fantasy island, a master criminal plans a never before attempted heist. He gathers a crew of unlikely thieves: a sharpshooter with a gambling addiction, a former prostitute turned spy, a runaway with a hidden secret, a Heartrender using her magic to heal instead of harm, and a revenge hungry convict. The only thing that can stop them from pulling it off and becoming rich beyond their wildest dreams? Themselves.

Featuring found family, banter, and hijinks, the energy of this book perfectly encapsulates the energy of a D&D adventure. 

Dragon Age series by David Gaider

After escaping from his mother’s murderers, rebel prince Maric must take up the mantle to free his country from the foreign tyrant on Ferelden’s throne. Untested, scared of command, and overshadowed by a commoner commander who saved his life, Maric has no choice but raise an army to fight to return his bloodline to its promised throne.   

Song of the Lioness  by Tamora Pierce

Identical twins Alanna and Thom are being separated. Thom is supposed to learn to be a knight while Alanna is supposed to learn to be a lady. However, Thom would rather learn magic and Alanna wants to be a knight. They switch places, Alanna disguising herself as Alan, determined to be the first female knight in over 100 years. Full of adventure and magic, the Song of the Lioness is a quartet that starts a massive universe of incredible writing. 

It wouldn’t be a booklist from me without a Tamora Pierce book on it. Alanna is a textbook female warrior who breaks barriers and is chosen by the Goddess to advance her agenda. I first read this book in fifth grade and I still love it. Pardon, the technical terms but Alanna is a classic multi-classing fighter/paladin and I love her. 

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

A young teenager apprentices herself to a villain who wants to show the world that the heroes aren’t who they say they are. Unwanted as his apprentice at first, Nimona’s powers soon outgrow Blackheart’s, and he realizes maybe she is more dangerous than he thought.

Charming tale by one of my favorite content creators! Heavy on the themes of identity and moving beyond your past. 

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

Convicted assassin Celaena Sardothien has her sentence of hard labor cut short by the prince who wants her to compete as his champion to become the royal assassin. Things soon spiral out of control as fellow competitors begin dying outside of the competition. In her investigations Celaena soon discovers a destiny that will change the world.

The first book in an epic high fantasy series that feels like a YA version of The Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, and The Grishaverse. 

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!