'The Malazan Book of the Fallen' by Steven Erikson has extremely intricate world - building. It has a huge number of characters from different races and backgrounds, and a world full of ancient magic, long - forgotten empires, and complex political structures. Each book in the series reveals more and more about the world, and the depth of detail is truly remarkable. 'Dune' by Frank Herbert also has great world - building. It presents a desert planet Arrakis with its own ecology, economy based on the spice melange, and a complex feudal - like society with different noble houses and factions.
'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien has some of the most intricate world - building in adult fantasy. Tolkien created an entire world with multiple languages, detailed histories, and diverse cultures. Middle - earth feels like a real place with its own geography, races, and legends. Another one is 'The Wheel of Time' series by Robert Jordan. The world is vast, with different countries, magical abilities, and a complex system of prophecies that drive the story forward.
'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas has a captivating plot. Celaena Sardothien is an assassin competing to be the king's champion. Alongside the action - packed and dangerous trials, there are also romantic elements as she gets involved with different characters like Chaol and Dorian. The world - building and the intertwined romances make it a must - read.
In 'The Maze Runner' by James Dashner, the characters are really interesting. Thomas, the main character, wakes up in a strange place called the Glade with no memories and has to figure out how to escape the maze. The group of boys there all have different personalities and backstories. Another is 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs. The peculiar children with their unique abilities, like the girl who can float and the boy with super strength, are fascinating.
One of the novels with amazing world building is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. Middle - earth is a richly detailed world, filled with diverse landscapes from the Shire's idyllic hills to Mordor's desolate wastelands. There are various races like hobbits, elves, dwarves, and men, each with their own cultures, languages, and histories.
For unexpected twists, 'Gone Girl' is a top pick. The story completely flips in the middle, changing your perception of the characters. Another is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Just when you think you've figured it out, there are more revelations. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie also has a great deal of unexpected turns as the characters are killed off one by one in a very unpredictable way.
One must - read adult fantasy novel is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It has a richly detailed world, a complex and engaging protagonist in Kvothe, and a beautifully written narrative that draws you into the story of his life, his studies at the University, and his adventures. Another great one is 'A Game of Thrones' by George R.R. Martin. It presents a vast and brutal world filled with political intrigue, diverse characters, and unexpected plot twists. The complex web of relationships between the noble houses makes for a captivating read.
In my opinion, 'A Discovery of Witches' has an extremely intricate plot. It involves time travel, different species of supernatural beings, and a complex web of family secrets. The story weaves together historical events and magical elements in a very detailed way.
One more that is really influential is 'Mere Christianity' by C.S. Lewis. Lewis managed to present the basic tenets of Christianity in a very accessible way for the general public. It has been used as an evangelistic tool and also for the edification of believers, as it clearly and simply explains key Christian concepts.
The 'Divergent' series by Veronica Roth is also very popular. It's set in a post - apocalyptic Chicago where society is divided into factions based on different virtues. The main character, Tris, is a strong and complex character. The books are full of action, adventure, and political intrigue.
Definitely 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the consequences of a crime committed for ideological reasons. The character development is complex and fascinating. 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte is another classic that can't be missed. It has a passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors. Also, 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes is a classic that has influenced countless works with its satirical take on chivalry and the power of imagination.
I think 'Dune' has extremely influential world - building. It has a detailed ecosystem, political systems, and a unique culture. 'The Lord of the Rings' (while some may debate its pure'science fiction' status, it has strong elements) also has amazing world - building with different races, languages, and a vast geography. 'Star Trek' in its various forms has built an entire universe with different species, technologies, and moral codes.