Well, 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a modern day novel that stands out. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns about a marriage gone wrong. Then there's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' which, although set in the past, is still highly relevant today. And 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins, a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Some great modern day novels include 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It tells a powerful story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's history. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin is also very well - known, with its complex political intrigue and diverse characters. Also, 'The Martian' by Andy Weir, which is an exciting science - fiction novel about an astronaut stranded on Mars.
A great modern day Chinese novel is 'Folding Beijing' by Hao Jingfang. It presents a unique view of a future society where Beijing is divided into three different 'folds' with different living conditions for different classes. 'Big Breasts & Wide Hips' by Mo Yan is also famous. It depicts the life of a mother and her family through different historical events in China. And 'Shanghai Baby' by Wei Hui, which is a story about a young woman's search for love and self - identity in modern Shanghai.
In the realm of modern day detective novels, 'Before the Fall' by Noah Hawley stands out. It combines elements of a detective story with a deep exploration of human nature. 'The Woman in Cabin 10' by Ruth Ware is another great one, with a claustrophobic and mysterious setting on a cruise ship. 'The Dry' by Jane Harper is set in rural Australia and has a detective trying to solve a series of murders, which is a great example of modern detective fiction with a regional flavor.
Well, 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss can be considered in this category. It has a richly detailed world where magic plays a crucial role. The protagonist, Kvothe, is a complex character with a deep connection to magic. Another one is 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke. This novel is set in an alternate version of 19th - century England and is full of magic, from the practical to the mysterious. Also, 'Red Sister' by Mark Lawrence features a world of magic and a strong female lead in a convent - like setting.
Some modern day swashbuckler novels worth mentioning are 'Temeraire' series by Naomi Novik. It combines the swashbuckling adventure of Napoleonic - era naval battles with the addition of dragons. The main character, Laurence, and his dragon Temeraire go on many thrilling adventures. Also, 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' is a great example. Set in a fictional city, it has Locke and his gang pulling off elaborate cons and getting into all sorts of dangerous situations that require quick wits and sword - skills.
One popular modern day reincarnation novel is 'The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage'. It tells the story of a woman who is reborn and gets a chance to take revenge and change her fate. Another is 'Full Marks Hidden Marriage: Pick Up a Son, Get a Free Husband', which involves the female lead being reincarnated and having a new life full of twists and turns.
Some great modern day spy novels include 'A Most Wanted Man' by John le Carré. This novel is set in the post - 9/11 world and explores themes of international terrorism and the role of intelligence agencies. Vera Caspary's 'Laura' is another interesting one. It combines elements of mystery and spying. And 'Our Man in Havana' by Graham Greene is a satirical take on the world of spies, showing how things can get absurd in the spying business.
One popular modern day love novel is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. It tells the story of two teenagers with cancer who fall in love. Another is 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes, which explores the relationship between a caregiver and a disabled man. 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell is also well - liked, it's about two misfit teenagers and their first love.
One popular modern day fiction novel is 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's set in a dystopian future where children are forced to fight to the death in an arena. Another is 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling, which follows the adventures of a young wizard in a magical world. 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green is also well - liked. It tells a poignant love story between two teenagers with cancer.
One popular modern day Cinderella novel is 'Ella Enchanted' by Gail Carson Levine. It puts a new spin on the classic tale with a girl named Ella who has been cursed with obedience. Another is 'Cinder' by Marissa Meyer, which is a science - fiction take on the Cinderella story, where Cinder is a cyborg. And 'The Selection' by Kiera Cass also has elements of the Cinderella story, with a girl from a lower class getting a chance to be part of a selection process for a prince's bride.
Some great modern day fantasy novels include 'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas. This series follows the story of an assassin in a world full of magic, political intrigue, and powerful beings. 'The Darkest Minds' by Alexandra Bracken is another. It features a post - apocalyptic world where children have developed special powers. And don't forget 'An Ember in the Ashes' by Sabaa Tahir, which has a richly detailed and complex world, with a story of a slave girl and a soldier in a brutal, fantasy - inspired empire.