For a more modern take, 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs is a good choice. Jacob's first - person exploration of the strange world of the peculiars is full of mystery and unique fantasy elements. The combination of old photographs and the story makes it really engaging.
I'd recommend starting with 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien. Although it's not strictly first - person throughout, Bilbo's perspective is a major part of the story. It's a classic that introduces you to a richly detailed fantasy world with dwarves, elves, and dragons.
You could also give 'Kemono Friends: Pavilion' a shot. It has a simple yet captivating story. The art is colorful and the cat girl characters are very endearing. There are different storylines to explore, so it can keep you engaged for a while as a new fan of cat girl visual novels.
I'd suggest starting with 'The Saga of the Swamp Thing' by Alan Moore. It's a classic and really sets the tone for the character. Moore's writing is excellent and it gives you a good understanding of what Swamp Thing is all about.
Another option is 'Darkseid War' in the Justice League series. It's more focused on the battles and the immediate threat that Darkseid poses. The story is fast - paced and easy to follow in terms of understanding Darkseid's role as the main villain. The art is also very engaging, which can make it a great entry point into Darkseid's world.
I would recommend starting with 'The Catcher in the Rye'. It's a short and impactful read that really gets you into the head of a troubled teen. It gives you a sense of the first - person narrative very quickly.
If you're new, 'The Sword in the Stone' by T.H. White (which is part of 'The Once and Future King') is a good choice. It focuses on Arthur's early days and how he became king. It's a shorter and more focused read compared to some of the larger Arthurian works. It has a lot of charm and magic, which can draw new readers into the Arthurian world.
You could also start with 'Zero Year'. Since it's about Batman's origin in this new continuity, it gives you a good foundation to understand his character better in the New 52. It shows how he became the Dark Knight and what his early days in Gotham were like.
You could also begin with 'Tender Is the Night'. F. Scott Fitzgerald is a master storyteller, and this novel gives you a vivid picture of the lives of the rich and glamorous in Europe at that time. It also has a lot of emotional depth as it deals with the breakdown of relationships and the search for meaning in life.
I'd recommend starting with 'Neuromancer'. It's the cornerstone of cyberpunk. Its dark, gritty vision of a future where technology and humanity are intertwined in complex ways is both fascinating and a bit terrifying. It'll give you a great foundation for understanding the genre.
If you like a strong female lead and a world full of magic, start with 'A Court of Thorns and Roses'. It's easy to get into and the romance is really engaging.
One of the top medieval fantasy novels is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has an incredibly rich and detailed world, with various races like hobbits, elves, and dwarves. The story follows Frodo and his companions on their quest to destroy the One Ring. Another great one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. It's full of political intrigue, complex characters, and a large - scale world. 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is also highly recommended. It tells the story of Kvothe, a young man with a mysterious past and great potential.