Can you recommend the best urban fantasy standalone novels for beginners?

Sure. 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a great start. It has a simple yet engaging story about Bilbo Baggins' adventure with dwarves to reclaim their homeland from a dragon. It's full of interesting characters like Gandalf. Another is 'The Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan. It combines Greek mythology with modern - day settings in a fun, action - packed story that's easy to follow. 'Ella Enchanted' by Gail Carson Levine is also good for beginners. It's a retelling of the Cinderella story with a magical twist that makes it unique.

Sure. 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is an excellent choice. It's a classic that's relatively easy to read compared to his 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. It has a simple yet engaging story about Bilbo Baggins' adventure with dwarves to reclaim their homeland from a dragon. The world - building is great but not overly complex for newbies.

Sure. 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker is a great choice. It's an accessible story that blends elements of Jewish and Arabian mythology. The characters are well - developed and the plot is engaging.

Sure. 'The Westing Game' by Ellen Raskin is a fun and accessible standalone detective novel for beginners. It has a group of characters all vying to solve the mystery of a will. 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie is also very suitable. It's set on a train and has a cleverly constructed mystery. And 'The Secret of Chimneys' by Agatha Christie is a great starter. It has an international flavor with lots of suspects and a convoluted plot.

Sure. 'The Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan is a great start. It has elements of urban fantasy as it sets Greek mythology in modern - day America. It's easy to read and really engaging. Another good one is 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman. It's about a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard, which is a really cool urban fantasy concept.

Definitely start with 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. It's an accessible yet deep exploration of the concept. The story is engaging and the characters are vivid, which makes it easy for new readers to get into the world of gods in a modern American setting.

One of the best is 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. It weaves together modern and ancient mythology in an urban setting. The story follows Shadow as he gets caught up in a battle between the old gods and the new gods. It's a masterful exploration of belief, identity, and the power of stories.

For beginners, I'd recommend 'The Mortal Instruments' series by Cassandra Clare. It's set in a modern - day world filled with shadowhunters, vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. The story follows Clary as she discovers this hidden world and her own place in it. It has a great mix of action, romance, and mystery.

I'd recommend 'Locke & Key' for beginners. It has a very accessible story that hooks you from the start. It's about a family and their new home filled with secrets. The mystery element makes it exciting. Also, 'Mouse Guard' is a good choice. The idea of mice having their own society and adventures is easy to understand and the art is really detailed and beautiful.

I would recommend 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman. It has a simple yet engaging story about a young man who ventures into a magical land to find a fallen star. The writing is easy to follow and the world - building is charming. It has elements of fairy tales and fantasy that are easy for new readers to get into.