Well, 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King is a significant contemporary fantasy. It blends elements of Western, horror, and high fantasy. The story follows Roland, the last gunslinger, on his quest to reach the Dark Tower. 'His Dark Materials' by Philip Pullman is also a great one. It features parallel universes, daemons which are manifestations of one's soul, and a young girl named Lyra who embarks on a great adventure. And don't forget about 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It's set in a seemingly utopian society but has elements of a different kind of fantasy world where memories are controlled.
Some contemporary fantasy novels that are well - liked include 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard. This book has a unique concept of a society divided by blood - red and silver - blooded people. 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo is also popular. It has a diverse cast of characters and a complex heist plot set in a fantasy world with magic and political unrest. And 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik, which combines elements of Slavic folklore with a captivating story of a young girl and a powerful wizard.
Some great contemporary fiction stories include 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It has an unreliable narrator and a mystery that keeps readers hooked. 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty is also popular. It delves into the lives of a group of women in a coastal town, with secrets and drama aplenty. And 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini is a powerful story about friendship, guilt, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan.
One popular contemporary scary story is 'Bird Box'. In this story, people must avoid looking at a mysterious entity outside, as seeing it drives them to insanity and self - harm. Another is 'The Haunting of Hill House'. It tells about a family haunted by a malevolent force in an old mansion. And 'A Quiet Place' is also quite well - known. In this world, making any sound attracts deadly creatures.
One popular contemporary dark fantasy novel is 'A Darker Shade of Magic' by V.E. Schwab. It features a multi - dimensional London and a complex magic system. Another is 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern, with its dreamy and mysterious circus setting filled with magic and intrigue. Also, 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman is great. It tells the story of a boy raised in a graveyard among ghosts.
One popular contemporary office fantasy novel is 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue'. It combines elements of fantasy with the modern office setting in a very unique way. The main character's long - lived experiences in different time periods, including those related to work and office - like situations, add a touch of mystery and wonder.
There's 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. Although it's an older work, it has had a huge influence on contemporary gothic short stories. It's about a man's descent into madness over an old man's 'vulture - like' eye. In more recent times, Kelly Link's 'Some Zombie Contingency Plans' has a contemporary gothic feel, with its strange, otherworldly events and dark undertones.
One popular contemporary romance short story is 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang. It features an autistic woman who decides to hire an escort to teach her about sex and relationships, and of course, love blossoms between them.
One popular one is 'A Discovery of Witches' by Deborah Harkness. It combines elements of magic, history, and a passionate romance set in a modern, urban world. The story follows a witch and a vampire, and their relationship unfolds against a backdrop of a hidden magical society.
Neil Gaiman is quite popular. His works like 'American Gods' blend modern and mythological elements in a really engaging way. Another is J.K. Rowling, who is known for the 'Harry Potter' series. It has brought the world of magic to a global audience. Patrick Rothfuss is also well - liked, with his 'The Kingkiller Chronicle' being a great example of contemporary fantasy with a unique storytelling style.
Another popular one is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a classic that explores themes of racism and justice. It's widely loved for its powerful message and well-developed characters.