'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik is another great one. It has a medieval - style setting with a young girl who has a special connection to a powerful wizard. The forest in the story is full of magic and danger, and the relationship between the two main characters is complex and interesting, making it a great read in the medieval fantasy genre.
Some well - known contenders might be the 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling. It has a richly imagined magical world, complex characters, and an engaging plot that has captured the hearts of children and adults alike all over the world.
For me, 'Crime and Punishment' stands out with its intense plot and character study. 'The Idiot' is also a great one as it challenges our ideas of normalcy and goodness. 'The Brothers Karamazov' is not to be overlooked either, given its vast scope in exploring human nature, relationships, and beliefs.
Definitely 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh. It's a darkly humorous and introspective look at a young woman's decision to basically hibernate for a year. It's a unique take on modern life and mental health.
'The Dubliners' by James Joyce as well. It presents a collection of short stories that together paint a picture of Dublin life at a particular time in Irish history. Each story delves into different aspects of Irish society, such as class differences, family relationships, and the struggle for a better life.
Definitely 'The Old Man and the Sea'. The way Hemingway builds the tension as the old man battles the fish and then the sea on his way back is amazing. It also has a lot of deeper meaning about life's struggles and perseverance.
I think 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin is a great medieval fantasy novel. It has complex characters, political intrigue, and a vast world. The storylines are full of twists and turns. There are multiple POV characters which give a comprehensive view of the fictional world of Westeros and Essos.
One of the best is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a richly detailed Middle - earth filled with elves, dwarves, hobbits and more. The epic battles between good and evil, and the journey to destroy the One Ring make it a classic. Another great one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. It has complex characters and a vast, gritty world full of political intrigue and power struggles.
One contender is 'The Big Nowhere'. It has all the hallmarks of Ellroy's work - a complex plot, a seedy backdrop of Los Angeles, and a cast of characters with dark secrets. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing until the very end.
I think 'Hitchers' could also be a strong contender. It has a really cool concept about these entities that hitch onto people and the way it affects the characters' lives. The story is full of mystery and suspense, which makes it a great read and a possible 'best' in his collection.
One of the best could be 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a richly detailed medieval - like world, with different races like hobbits, elves, and dwarves. The story is epic, following Frodo's journey to destroy the One Ring. It has influenced countless other works in the fantasy genre and has a huge following even today.