Top 10 heroic fantasy novels - Which ones are must - reads?

For me, 'The Lord of the Rings' is a must - read. Its influence on the fantasy genre is immeasurable. The story of the Fellowship's journey to destroy the One Ring is both exciting and deeply meaningful. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. The complex web of politics and the constant threat of war make it a page - turner. And 'The Chronicles of Narnia' is great for all ages, with its simple yet profound stories of good versus evil in a magical world.

Definitely 'Harry Potter'. It's a classic that has captured the hearts of millions with its magical world, memorable characters, and exciting plots. Another must - read is 'The Hunger Games'. It makes you think about society and survival. 'Percy Jackson' is also essential. It's a great way to introduce Greek mythology to a new generation.

A top female fantasy novel is 'Graceling' by Kristin Cashore. Katsa, the main character, has a special ability and she uses it to fight against injustice. 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss also has some great female characters within its rich fantasy world. Another good one is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. The story has a magical forest, a young woman with a special connection to it, and it's full of Slavic - inspired magic and mystery.

Some of the top YA fantasy novels include 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's a thrilling dystopian story set in a world where teens are forced to fight to the death in an arena. Another great one is 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling, which follows the adventures of a young wizard at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' by Rick Riordan, which combines modern - day settings with Greek mythology.

A great 2018 thriller novel was 'The Outsider' by Stephen King. King is a master of the genre, and this book was no exception. It had a supernatural element to the mystery which made it really engaging. The story follows the investigation of a seemingly impossible crime, and the characters are well - developed. It keeps you guessing until the very end.

Well, 'The Dark Knight Returns' is definitely up there. It reinvented Batman for a new era. It shows an older, grittier Batman coming out of retirement. Also, 'Persepolis' is a great one. It's a coming - of - age story set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution, giving a very personal and eye - opening view of that time and place.

Well, 'Before the Fall' was also a great thriller in 2016. It combined elements of mystery, drama, and a bit of conspiracy. The story unfolds in a very interesting way as it jumps between different time periods and perspectives, making it a very engaging read.

Among the top 20, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is a remarkable one. It's not just about a man's pursuit of a whale but also a profound exploration of obsession, fate, and the human condition. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger gives a unique look into the mind of a disillusioned teenager. Also, 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, with its passionate and complex love story set on the moors.

One of the top thrillers from 2015 novels was 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It had a gripping plot with an unreliable narrator which added to the mystery and suspense. Another great one was 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. Although it's also a science - fiction thriller, the story of a man stranded on Mars and his fight for survival was truly thrilling.

Some of the top Western novels include 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It's a classic that explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which deals with racial injustice in the South. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is also a great one, with its complex exploration of obsession and the sea.