The world - building. Tolkien created an entire world in Middle - earth that is so detailed and immersive. In The Lord of the Rings, for example, you can almost feel like you're walking through the Shire or the Mines of Moria. Every location has its own history, culture, and inhabitants.
One reason George Eliot's best novels are great is her detailed descriptions of the settings. In 'The Mill on the Floss', the rural landscape is vividly depicted, making the story more immersive. Her understanding of human nature also plays a big role. In 'Adam Bede', she shows how people make moral choices, which is something that always interests readers. And her writing style is engaging, which keeps readers hooked throughout her novels.
The plot twists. In her best novels, like 'And Then There Were None', you think you have it all figured out, but then she throws in a curveball that completely changes your perspective. It's this element of surprise that makes her books so great.
The best Steinbeck novels are great because of their vivid character portrayals. In 'Of Mice and Men', George and Lennie are so real and complex. Also, his exploration of social issues. In 'The Grapes of Wrath', he shows the harshness of the Great Depression. And his use of setting, like the Salinas Valley in many of his works, which becomes almost a character itself.
The baseball stories probably.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is often considered among the best. It's a grand epic that takes readers on an incredible journey through Middle - earth, filled with memorable characters like Frodo, Gandalf, and Aragorn, and it has a complex and engaging plot that deals with themes of good versus evil, friendship, and sacrifice.
His unique monsters. Consider Cthulhu from 'The Call of Cthulhu' or the Deep Ones from 'The Shadow over Innsmouth'. These are not your typical horror monsters. They are ancient, powerful, and often have a connection to a greater, more terrifying cosmic order. His novels are great because they make us feel small and insignificant in the face of such horrors.
Well, the best fanfiction often has really engaging characters. It takes the existing characters from the original work and gives them new depth and development. For example, it might explore a character's backstory that wasn't fully covered in the original. Also, it usually has a unique plot. Instead of just repeating the same old story, it twists and turns in unexpected ways, making it exciting to read. And the writing style can be a big factor too. If it's well - written with good grammar and vivid descriptions, it draws readers in.
Well, in my opinion, it's often the characters. In the best novel, the characters are vivid and multi - dimensional. They feel like real people with their own flaws, dreams, and desires. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is so well - crafted. Her wit and independence make her a memorable character. Also, the plot of the best novel is usually engaging. It has twists and turns that keep you hooked from start to finish. And the writing style, it should be elegant and flow well, making it a pleasure to read.
The best crime novels often have complex and engaging plots. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the plot twists are so unexpected that it keeps you guessing throughout. They also usually have interesting characters. In 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', Lisbeth Salander is a unique and multi - faceted character. Another factor is the atmosphere. 'In Cold Blood' creates a really chilling and immersive atmosphere.
One possible order is to start with 'The Hobbit' as it provides an introduction to Middle - earth in a more accessible way. Then move on to 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. This order allows you to first get acquainted with the world, its races, and some of the main characters through the simpler story of 'The Hobbit', before delving into the more complex and epic tale of 'The Lord of the Rings'.