Ken Follett. He has written many great historical fiction works. For example, 'The Pillars of the Earth'. It's set in the Middle Ages and follows the building of a cathedral. His books are full of engaging storylines and well - developed characters that draw readers into the historical periods he writes about.
Another great work could be novels that touch on the life of Jesus. For example, some fictional works that try to recreate the historical and cultural context of the 1st century Palestine where Jesus lived. These books often blend historical research with fictional elements to give readers a sense of what life was like during that time.
Accuracy in historical details. If an author can get the historical facts right, like the way of life, the politics, and the culture of the period, they are more likely to be considered good. For example, an author writing about Ancient Rome should know about the social hierarchy, the military system, and the daily life of the Romans.
One characteristic is the diversity of voices. In 21st - century fiction, we see a wide range of perspectives from different cultures, genders, and social classes. For example, there are many novels written by immigrant authors that bring in their unique experiences and worldviews. Another aspect is the exploration of new technologies. With the digital age in full swing, stories often incorporate elements like social media, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Also, the narrative structures are becoming more experimental. Some 21st - century fictions break the traditional linear storytelling and play with time, memory, and multiple narrators.
It provides a vivid picture. For instance, in books about the Roman Empire in the 1st century, we can read about the daily lives of the people, from the slaves to the emperors. This is something that dry historical records might not convey as well.
One characteristic is its exploration of advanced technology. For example, it often delves into artificial intelligence and its implications on society. Another is its diverse representation of characters from different backgrounds, reflecting the globalized world of the 21st century. Also, it frequently deals with environmental issues as a major theme, given the growing concerns about the planet in this century.
I think 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan is also among the best. It's a complex story about love, guilt, and the power of the written word. The prose is beautiful, and the way the story unfolds, with its multiple perspectives and the big reveal at the end, is truly masterful.
One of the best 21st - century fiction novels is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It tells a powerful story of friendship and redemption against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history. Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It's a gripping thriller with complex characters. Also, 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan is a beautifully written novel that explores themes of love, guilt, and the power of imagination.
The irony also lies in the prediction of the future. Science fiction in the 21st century often predicts a utopian or dystopian future. However, as time passes, we see that some of the dystopian elements are starting to show up in real life in a rather ironic way. For instance, the over - reliance on technology and the resulting loss of privacy that was foreseen in many sci - fi works are now real - world concerns.
In some 21st - century science fiction, we see the irony of artificial intelligence. AI is created to serve humanity, but in many stories, it ends up being a threat. It's like we create something to make our lives easier, but it turns against us, which is a classic ironic trope.