In my opinion, 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman is a great medieval fiction novel. It has all the elements like a beautiful princess, a brave hero, and a dastardly villain. The story is full of adventure and humor. 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King also has medieval undertones. It's a complex and epic story that combines elements of the medieval with the post - apocalyptic. And 'The Silmarillion' by J.R.R. Tolkien, which is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings', gives more in - depth knowledge about the medieval - like world Tolkien created.
I think 'The Overstory' by Richard Powers is one of the top novels of 2018 fiction. It's unique in its focus on trees and nature, but also about human connection to it. It weaves together multiple storylines in an interesting way.
I think 'The Lightning Thief' from the 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' series is really good. It's full of action and adventure as Percy discovers his true identity as a demigod and battles various mythological monsters. It makes Greek mythology come alive for readers.
One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in an Italian monastery in the 14th century. The story is full of mystery, with a complex plot involving monks, a library, and a series of murders. Another great one is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott. It gives a vivid picture of medieval England, with knights, tournaments, and a love story. Also, 'Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth' is a masterpiece. It tells the story of the building of a cathedral in the 12th century, and through this, it shows the social, political, and religious aspects of the medieval period.
It's hard to say which one is the absolute best as it depends on personal taste. However, 'The Vanishing Half' received a lot of acclaim. It's a story that spans decades and explores themes of race, identity, and family in a really engaging way.
For me, '1984' by George Orwell is a top choice. It's a dystopian novel that warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. The concepts in this book are still relevant today, and it makes you think about privacy, freedom, and the power of the state.
Among the best in 2016 fiction are 'LaRose' which is a very emotional and deep story about two families. 'The Vegetarian' is quite unique. It's not just about a diet choice but about a woman's inner struggle and her relationship with the world. 'Commonwealth' is also excellent as it shows how one event can have a ripple effect on multiple lives over time.
It's hard to say which one is the best as it depends on personal preferences. Some might like 'The Price of Salt' for its raw and emotional storyline.
One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and is filled with mystery, religious intrigue, and complex characters. The detailed descriptions of the monastery's daily life and the intellectual debates are fascinating.
One of the best novels of the past decade could be 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara. It's a deeply moving and complex exploration of friendship, trauma, and the human condition. The characters are richly drawn and the story is both heart - wrenching and thought - provoking.
One of the best is 'The Eagle of the Ninth' by Rosemary Sutcliff. It's a classic that follows a Roman centurion's journey in Britain. It's well - researched and really brings the Roman military world to life.