You could also start with 'Scandal's Bride'. It's not too complex and has a great balance between the romance and the family - centric storylines that are characteristic of the Cynster novels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some of the highly regarded Cynster novels include 'Devil's Bride'. It's a great start to the series, with a strong-willed heroine and a devilishly charming hero. The story is full of passion and mystery.
A great one for a first - time hpff reader could be 'The Lost Years of Harry Potter'. It gives an interesting take on what Harry might have been doing during the summers that we didn't get to see much in the books. It's easy to follow and really draws you into the world of hpff.
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.
For a first - time reader, 'Empire of the Sun' is a great choice. It's based on Ballard's real - life experiences, so it has a very personal and emotional touch. It's also relatively easier to understand compared to some of his more complex works. You can really get a feel for his writing style through this novel.
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.