Ranker best science fiction and fantasy novels

For beginners, 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a great start in the fantasy genre. It's a relatively short and easy - to - read adventure with charming characters. In science fiction, 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is a good choice. It has an engaging story about a young boy in a military - like training for an interstellar war. Another option could be 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry, which has elements of a dystopian future that are easy to understand.

I think 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is a top choice. It has a magical world full of wonder, from Hogwarts School to the various spells and magical creatures. It's not just about magic but also about friendship, growing up, and facing the forces of darkness. Also, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis is great. It takes readers to a different world through the wardrobe, with talking animals and a battle between good and evil that has a strong Christian allegory.

You could also try looking on social media platforms. There might be groups or pages dedicated to fantasy novels where people share links to Ranker's best fantasy novels list. However, be careful as not all links shared on social media are reliable. It's always a good idea to double - check the source.

I think 'Marvels' by Kurt Busiek is a top - notch superhero novel. It tells the story from the perspective of an ordinary person living in a world filled with superheroes. This unique perspective makes it stand out.

One of the best superhero novels is 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore. It deconstructs the superhero concept in a really interesting way. The characters are complex and morally ambiguous, which makes for a great read.

The ability to connect with the readers on an emotional level is important. 'My Favorite Thing Is Monsters' does this really well. It has a complex and relatable protagonist, and the story tackles themes like growing up, identity, and family in a way that makes you feel for the characters. Also, cultural significance can play a role. 'March' is a great example as it chronicles the civil rights movement and has educational value while also being an engaging read with great art.

Some of the best include 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex world with unique politics, ecology, and technology. Another great one is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, which is a classic with its detailed Middle - earth and epic battles between good and evil. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is also highly regarded, with its richly detailed future and a group of diverse characters on a pilgrimage.

One of the best superhero graphic novels is 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore. It's a deconstruction of the superhero concept. The complex characters and dark, gritty storyline set it apart. Another great one is 'The Dark Knight Returns' by Frank Miller. It redefined Batman for a new era with its aged and more brutal take on the character. And 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman, while not a traditional superhero story, uses the graphic novel format in an incredibly powerful way to tell a story of the Holocaust, and is considered a masterpiece in the medium.

Some of the highly ranked Star Wars novels include 'Heir to the Empire' by Timothy Zahn. It's a classic that expanded the Star Wars universe post the original trilogy. Another great one is 'Darth Bane: Path of Destruction' which delves into the backstory of the Sith. 'Lost Stars' is also popular as it tells a love story set against the backdrop of the Galactic Civil War.

One of the best is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic fantasy novel with a richly detailed world, complex characters, and an epic story of good versus evil. Another great one is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has amazing world - building, political intrigue, and explores deep themes like ecology and religion in a science - fiction setting. '1984' by George Orwell is also a notable work. It's a dystopian science - fiction novel that warns about totalitarianism and the loss of privacy.