best stand alone fantasy novels

A must - read stand - alone dark fantasy novel is 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' by Patrick Süskind. It's a dark exploration of a man with an extraordinary sense of smell who descends into a world of murder. Then there's 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. This novel combines elements of Jewish and Arabian folklore in a dark and enchanting story set in New York City. 'The Book of Lost Things' by John Connolly is also a great choice, filled with dark fairy - tale elements.

I also recommend 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It combines elements of Jewish and Arabian mythology. The story follows a golem, a creature made of clay, and a jinni, a spirit of fire, as they navigate the human world in 19th - century New York City.

One characteristic is a richly developed and often gloomy setting. For example, in 'The Name of the Wind', the world is filled with magic and mystery but also has a sense of underlying darkness. Another is complex characters with moral ambiguity. In 'American Gods', the characters often straddle the line between good and evil. And unique magic systems are common too, like in 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' where the rules of English magic are both detailed and strange.

One of the best stand - alone spy novels is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. It's a classic that offers a gritty and realistic look at the world of espionage during the Cold War. The characters are complex and the plot is full of twists and turns.

Some of the best stand alone graphic novels include 'The Arrival' by Shaun Tan. This wordless graphic novel is an amazing exploration of immigration and the immigrant experience. 'Daytripper' by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá is also very good. It has a unique structure that follows different moments in the life of its protagonist, making the reader reflect on life and death. And 'My Favorite Thing Is Monsters' by Emil Ferris is a great example of a stand - alone graphic novel that combines horror, mystery, and a coming - of - age story.

One of the best is 'And Then There Were None'. It's a classic mystery with a unique and chilling plot. Ten people are lured to an isolated island and then start getting murdered one by one, leaving everyone in a state of paranoia. The way Christie builds the suspense is masterful.

One great stand - alone crime novel is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are well - developed and the story keeps you guessing until the very end. Another is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a dark mystery with interesting characters like Lisbeth Salander. It delves deep into the seedy underworld of crime.

For beginners, 'The Day of the Jackal' by Frederick Forsyth is a good choice. It has a straightforward plot about an assassin hired to kill the French president. The writing is clear and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

One of the best stand - alone YA novels is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. It's a heart - wrenching story about two teenagers with cancer who fall in love. Another great one is 'Speak' by Laurie Halse Anderson, which deals with a girl's struggle to find her voice after a traumatic event. 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell is also wonderful. It beautifully portrays first love and the challenges of growing up in a less - than - ideal family situation.

One of the best is 'The Dark Knight Returns'. It shows an older Batman coming out of retirement in a gritty, dystopian Gotham. Another great one is 'Batman: Year One' which details his early days as Batman and his relationship with Commissioner Gordon. And 'Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth' is also highly regarded for its dark and psychological take on Batman's world.