Well, 'The Water Margin' is also quite well - known among ancient origins novels. It tells the story of 108 outlaws who gather at Liangshan Marsh. It shows the social unrest and the struggle of the common people against the corrupt officials at that time. The characters in it are diverse, each with their own distinct personalities and skills.
I think 'A Dream of Red Mansions' is very popular too. It gives a detailed look into the life of a noble family in ancient China. The complex relationships between the characters, their love, jealousy, and the decline of the family are all vividly depicted, making it a masterpiece in Chinese literature.
Some of the popular ancient origins novels include 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'. It's a classic that delves into the political intrigues, warfare, and heroic figures during the Three Kingdoms period in China. The complex characters and strategic battles make it a fascinating read. Another is 'Journey to the West', which follows the adventures of the Monkey King and his companions on a pilgrimage. It's full of magical elements, vivid descriptions of otherworldly places, and moral lessons.
It's hard to say which are the most popular without more specific information. But usually, the ones with the most engaging plots or relatable characters tend to be popular.
In my opinion, 'The Shining' by Stephen King is extremely terrifying. The isolation of the Overlook Hotel and the slow descent into madness of the main character, Jack Torrance, is bone - chilling. The sense of dread that builds as you read about the hotel's haunted past and its influence on Jack is what makes it so scary.
For me, 'Dracula' is one of the most memorable scary stories. The character of Dracula has become an iconic figure in horror. His charm and his ability to transform into different forms, like a bat or a wolf, are really cool yet scary. Then there's 'Frankenstein' which is not only a horror story but also a philosophical exploration of creation and the human condition. The image of the monster stitched together from different body parts is very memorable. Also, 'The Exorcist' is hard to forget. The idea of a young girl being possessed by a demon and the extreme measures taken to exorcise it are very intense.
Some of the popular vampire novels include 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It's a classic that introduced many of the common vampire tropes we know today. Another popular one could be 'Interview with the Vampire' by Anne Rice. It delved deep into the psyche of vampires and their eternal existence. Also, 'Twilight' by Stephenie Meyer became extremely popular, especially among young adult readers, with its unique take on vampire - human relationships.
Reviews from university - based literary journals can be highly trustworthy. These journals are often peer - reviewed, and the reviewers are usually scholars or advanced students of literature. They analyze fiction from different academic perspectives, providing in - depth and reliable evaluations.
Well, in the realm of 1920w fantasy novels, there are quite a few that stand out. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R. R. Martin is extremely popular. Its complex political intrigue, diverse characters, and unpredictable plot twists have made it a global phenomenon. Also, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C. S. Lewis is beloved. The magical world of Narnia, with its talking animals and battles between good and evil, has charmed generations of readers. Additionally, 'The Hobbit' by J. R. R. Tolkien is also a classic that many people love. It's an adventure story filled with dwarves, a dragon, and a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins.
Some of the most popular detective novels on Goodreads might include 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot and a unique protagonist. Another popular one could be 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle, which is a classic with brilliant deductions. And 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn also has a huge following due to its twisty plot and interesting characters.
I think 'War and Peace' is extremely popular. Its grand scale of depicting the war and the complex characters make it a classic that has been widely read around the world. 'Pride and Prejudice' is also very popular, especially among those interested in the social and romantic aspects of the 19th - century English society.
One of the most popular best - selling fiction books is 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. It has been highly praised for its exploration of racial injustice in the American South. The characters, especially Atticus Finch, are well - developed and the story is both engaging and thought - provoking. Another is 'The Great Gatsby'. Its vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age, with themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream, has made it a classic. 'Harry Potter' series also stands out. It has captured the imagination of readers all over the world with its magical world - building, complex characters, and themes of friendship, courage, and good versus evil.
In my opinion, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is a great mystery novel. Its complex plot full of twists and turns keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well - developed, especially Lisbeth Salander, who is a very unique and interesting protagonist. Another good one is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It has a very clever setup and the way the mystery unfolds is masterful.