There's 'Overlord'. It's about a powerful player who gets stuck in a game world where he has to navigate his way through different challenges. The story is full of dark fantasy elements and interesting power dynamics. Another great one is 'No Game No Life' where two siblings are transported to a world where everything is decided by games.
I'd recommend 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch. It's set in a fictional city filled with thieves, con - artists, and nobles, much like the different factions in 'Game of Thrones'. There are elaborate schemes and a great deal of political and social maneuvering. 'A Song for Arbonne' by Guy Gavriel Kay also has elements of courtly intrigue, love, and power politics in a medieval - like setting, similar to 'Game of Thrones'.
Some common novels include 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. The story of the eponymous character, an orphaned governess, and her relationship with Mr. Rochester is both romantic and a study of a strong - willed woman. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is another common one. It's about a teenager's alienation and his search for meaning in a world he often finds phony.
Well, 'The Nickel Boys' by Colson Whitehead is really good. It's based on a real - life reform school and tells a tragic and important story about race and abuse in America.
The 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is extremely popular and highly recommended. It follows the adventures of a young wizard and his friends in a magical world, full of magic, friendship, and the battle between good and evil. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a masterpiece. It delves into the Jazz Age, wealth, love, and the American Dream. 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien is a must - read for fantasy lovers. It has an epic story of a quest to destroy an evil ring.
There are many great novels in the top 20. 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding is an important one. It shows how human nature can turn savage when there are no rules. 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy is a massive and detailed exploration of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars. Also, 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is well - loved for its portrayal of teenage angst and alienation.
One great 60s novel is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a classic that deals with themes of racial injustice in the South. The story is told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl, which gives it a unique perspective. Another is 'Catch - 22' by Joseph Heller. It's a satirical look at the military and bureaucracy during World War II. It's known for its dark humor and complex narrative structure. A third one could be 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath. It's a semi - autobiographical novel that delves into the main character's struggle with mental illness and the constraints of society on women at that time.
For beginners, 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry is excellent. It makes you think about a seemingly perfect but actually very controlled society. 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle is also good. It's a science - fiction adventure that takes the characters across different dimensions. 'The Lightning Thief' is a great start too. It's easy to read and introduces Greek mythology in an exciting way.
One such extremely graphic novel is 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman. It tells the story of the Holocaust in a very unique and powerful way, using animal characters to represent different groups. The graphics are simple yet extremely effective in conveying the horror and tragedy of that time.
One classic psychological novel is 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It delves deep into the mind of the protagonist, Raskolnikov, as he commits a murder and then struggles with his conscience. Another is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson, which explores the duality of human nature. Also, 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert is a great one, showing the discontent and psychological turmoil of the main character in her search for something more in life.
One famous light novel is 'Sword Art Online'. It has an exciting story set in a virtual reality world where players are trapped and have to fight to survive. Another is 'Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World', which follows the protagonist Subaru as he experiences a time - loop in a fantasy world. 'Overlord' is also well - known, where a player gets stuck in a game world as his powerful in - game character.