Another great option is 'The Hammer'. It has a fast - paced plot and some really cool concepts. It's not overly complicated for a first - time reader to understand, but still has enough depth to keep you interested. It'll give you a good taste of what KJ Parker has to offer.
One of the best KJ Parker novels is 'The Folding Knife'. It has a complex and engaging plot with well - developed characters. The political intrigue and moral dilemmas presented in the story make it a captivating read.
Well, 'The Engineer Trilogy' by KJ Parker is also great in the realm of fantastic fiction. It delves into themes like technology in a fantasy setting, with a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. There are detailed descriptions of the engineered creations and the political intrigue surrounding them.
For a first - time reader, 'The Shattered Chain' is a good choice. It has a strong female - centered story which is quite appealing. It shows the different social structures on Darkover and how the characters navigate through them. It also has elements of adventure and a bit of mystery which makes it an exciting start to exploring the Darkover novels.
For a first - time reader, 'Raise the Titanic!' is a good choice. It's a classic Cussler novel with a straightforward yet thrilling plot. You get introduced to his style of adventure writing.
Definitely 'Dance Hall of the Dead'. It has a very captivating story that is easy to follow while still being full of depth. The way Hillerman portrays the Native American culture and the mystery within it is really something special. It'll make you want to read more of his works.
Another good one for first - timers is 'A Rake's Vow'. It has a fairly straightforward plot that is easy to follow while still having all the elements that make Cynster novels so appealing, like the dashing heroes and feisty heroines.
For a first - time reader, 'Flashman at the Charge' is also a great choice. It has a clear plot and a lot of action that can easily draw you into the Flashman universe.
I would recommend starting with 'Flashman'. It's the first in the series and gives a great introduction to the character of Flashman and the general style of the novels.
A first - time reader should start with 'Legend'. It has a simple yet captivating story that showcases Gemmell's writing style. The character of Druss is iconic and the battles are described in a vivid way. Then, 'Waylander' is a good choice. The main character is a fascinating anti - hero. And 'Echoes of the Great Song' can also be considered as it has a unique story and a richly imagined world.
You could also start with 'The Water Is Wide'. This novel is based on Conroy's own experiences as a teacher on an isolated South Carolina island. It shows his ability to write about real - life situations and the relationships he formed there. It's a shorter read compared to some of his other works, but still very impactful.