One must - read is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a masterpiece with a richly detailed world of Middle - earth, filled with hobbits, elves, and dark forces. Another is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll. It's a surreal and imaginative journey into a strange world. And 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis is also great, taking readers into the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe.
Definitely 'The Lord of the Rings'. It has an epic scope with battles between good and evil that are truly captivating. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is also a classic. Its absurd and dream - like plot makes it unique. For something a bit different, there's 'Gormenghast' by Mervyn Peake. It's set in a vast, decaying castle and has a very gothic and strange atmosphere.
Well, 'Sherlock Holmes' is definitely on the list. It has been so influential that it has shaped the image of the detective in many people's minds. Then there's 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, which is often considered one of the first detective novels in the English language. And 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin. His character, Inspector Rebus, is a complex and engaging detective dealing with modern - day crimes in Edinburgh.
Among the top 10, 'Conan the Barbarian' stories are a must for those who like a more savage and action - filled fantasy. 'Elric of Melniboné' for its different take on the hero concept. And 'The Dark Tower' series for its blend of different genres. All of these offer something special that makes them worth reading in the heroic fantasy genre.
For me, 'The Lord of the Rings' is a must - read. Its influence on the fantasy genre is immeasurable. The story of the Fellowship's journey to destroy the One Ring is both exciting and deeply meaningful. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. The complex web of politics and the constant threat of war make it a page - turner. And 'The Chronicles of Narnia' is great for all ages, with its simple yet profound stories of good versus evil in a magical world.
Definitely 'Harry Potter'. It's a classic that has captured the hearts of millions with its magical world, memorable characters, and exciting plots. Another must - read is 'The Hunger Games'. It makes you think about society and survival. 'Percy Jackson' is also essential. It's a great way to introduce Greek mythology to a new generation.
A top female fantasy novel is 'Graceling' by Kristin Cashore. Katsa, the main character, has a special ability and she uses it to fight against injustice. 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss also has some great female characters within its rich fantasy world. Another good one is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. The story has a magical forest, a young woman with a special connection to it, and it's full of Slavic - inspired magic and mystery.
Some of the top YA fantasy novels include 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's a thrilling dystopian story set in a world where teens are forced to fight to the death in an arena. Another great one is 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling, which follows the adventures of a young wizard at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' by Rick Riordan, which combines modern - day settings with Greek mythology.
Another notable 2017 thriller novel was 'Final Girls' by Riley Sager. It played with the concept of the 'final girl' from horror movies. The story follows a woman who was the sole survivor of a massacre years ago, and when similar killings start happening again, she has to face her past and figure out what's really going on. The plot was filled with suspense and unexpected revelations.
A great 2018 thriller novel was 'The Outsider' by Stephen King. King is a master of the genre, and this book was no exception. It had a supernatural element to the mystery which made it really engaging. The story follows the investigation of a seemingly impossible crime, and the characters are well - developed. It keeps you guessing until the very end.
Well, 'The Dark Knight Returns' is definitely up there. It reinvented Batman for a new era. It shows an older, grittier Batman coming out of retirement. Also, 'Persepolis' is a great one. It's a coming - of - age story set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution, giving a very personal and eye - opening view of that time and place.
One great thriller from 2010 novels is 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest' by Stieg Larsson. It's a complex and engaging conclusion to the Millennium series, full of mystery and intrigue.