Some of the well - known works in best mfa fiction could be 'The Great Gatsby' which is often lauded for its exploration of the American Dream and its beautiful prose. It's a classic that has influenced many writers.
Another great one could be 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. It deals with themes of racism and justice in a small Southern town. The story is told through the eyes of a young girl, Scout, which gives it a unique perspective. The characters are vividly drawn and it has a strong moral message.
One more example might be '1984'. It's a dystopian novel that warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. The concepts it presents, like Big Brother and thoughtcrime, are very thought - provoking and it has had a huge impact on literature and popular culture.
Toothless from 'How to Train Your Dragon' is a top choice. He's not just a fearsome beast but also a loyal friend. His design is really cool, and the way he interacts with Hiccup is heart - warming. Another one is Drogon. His size and strength are intimidating, and he's a symbol of power in 'A Song of Ice and Fire'.
One of the top picks in 'best of spy fiction' is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. It's a classic that shows the gritty and morally ambiguous world of espionage.
Another excellent work might be 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. It's a really strange and captivating exploration of an area called Area X, where nature seems to be taking on some very abnormal and terrifying forms. It challenges the readers' perception of what is normal in a science - fiction context.
In 'A Song of Ice and Fire', the Valyrian steel armor is a top contender. It's extremely rare and strong, with the added bonus of being able to withstand magic to an extent. Only a few characters in the series are lucky enough to possess or even have access to it.
'Leah on the Offbeat' is a great addition to LGBTQ teen fiction. It's a follow - up to 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' and focuses on Leah, Simon's best friend. It's about her own journey of self - discovery as a bisexual teen, dealing with friendship, love, and high school drama.
There's also 'The Nickel Boys' by Colson Whitehead. It tells a heart - wrenching story about a boys' reform school in the Jim Crow South. The writing is superb, and it sheds light on a dark period of American history.
Well, 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir is also among the best 2021 fiction. It's an exciting science - fiction story about a lone astronaut on a desperate mission. 'Matrix' by Lauren Groff is a historical fiction that reimagines the life of a 12th - century nun. These books are all great reads from 2021 in the fiction category.
Well, 'Neuromancer' might be a top pick too. It's a cyberpunk classic that really defined the sub - genre. It explores concepts like artificial intelligence and the blurring of lines between humans and machines in a really engaging way.
One notable top MFA fiction could be 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. This novel delves into the harrowing experiences of slavery and its aftermath. Morrison's use of language is masterful, creating a haunting and unforgettable story. The characters are multi - dimensional, and the exploration of memory and trauma makes it a significant piece of MFA - level fiction.
One great book from 2017 science fiction is 'The Collapsing Empire' by John Scalzi. It has an interesting premise about an interstellar empire starting to fall apart. The world - building is really well - done, with different cultures and political systems across the stars.