Definitely 'The Lord of the Rings'. It's not only a best seller but also a cornerstone of the fantasy genre. The world - building is so immersive that you feel like you're actually in Middle - earth. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' offers a more gritty and complex fantasy world, with its constantly shifting power dynamics and morally ambiguous characters. And 'Harry Potter' has its own brand of magic. It may seem more accessible than the others, but it still has an epic scope as it follows Harry's journey to defeat Voldemort over the course of seven books.
Definitely 'And Then There Were None'. It's a masterpiece of suspense with its isolated setting and the sense of impending doom as the characters are killed off one by one. It keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.
'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang is also a great epic 2018 novel. It combines elements of Chinese history and mythology to create a complex and thrilling story. It's a story of war, power, and the cost of ambition, with a unique magic system.
One of the best - selling epic fantasy novels is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a vast and immersive world, complex characters, and an epic story of good versus evil. Another popular one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin. Its detailed world - building and unpredictable plot twists have attracted a large number of readers. 'The Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling can also be considered in a way. It has elements of magic and a hero's journey which are common in epic fantasy.
A third great best - selling fiction book in 2016 was 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It told a powerful and moving story about two sisters in France during World War II. It explored themes of love, sacrifice, and survival against the backdrop of the war, and its well - developed characters and emotional depth made it a very popular read.
Another great one was 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama. It details her life from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago, through her time in the White House, and how she has become the person she is today. It gives an in - depth look at her personal growth, her family, and her influence. The book was very popular as it allowed readers to get to know the former First Lady on a more personal level.
One must - read epic fantasy novel is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic that has shaped the entire fantasy genre. The world - building is incredibly detailed, with Middle - earth coming to life in all its glory. The story of Frodo and his quest to destroy the One Ring is full of adventure, heroism, and moral dilemmas.
One great thriller from 2010 novels is 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest' by Stieg Larsson. It's a complex and engaging conclusion to the Millennium series, full of mystery and intrigue.
I think 'Leave the World Behind' by Rumaan Alam is a great pick from 2020 fiction. It's a gripping story about a family on vacation when unexpected guests arrive, creating a sense of unease and exploring themes of race and class. Well, also, 'Transcendent Kingdom' by Yaa Gyasi is really good. It delves into the life of a Ghanaian - American family, dealing with issues like addiction, science, and faith.
One of the best thrillers in 2021 novels is 'The Plot'. It has a really engaging storyline that keeps you guessing from start to finish. The twists and turns are well - crafted, and the characters are complex enough to make you invested in their fates.
Well, 'The Chain' by Adrian McKinty is also a must - read from 2019. It has a unique and terrifying concept. A kidnapper forces parents to kidnap other children to get their own back. The high - stakes situation and the race against time make it an intense and thrilling read.