Then there's 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. It's a psychological horror masterpiece. The way the house seems to have a life of its own and messes with the minds of the characters is brilliant.
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.
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.
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 top horror novels on Ranker is 'The Shining' by Stephen King. It's a classic that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its spooky hotel setting and a family slowly being driven mad.
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.
If you're a beginner, 'Ms. Marvel: No Normal' is a great start. It has a relatable teenage protagonist, Kamala Khan, who discovers she has superpowers. The story is fun and easy to follow. Another good one is 'Spider - Man: Blue'. It's a more emotional take on Spider - Man's story, with beautiful art. And 'Hawkeye' (the Matt Fraction run) is also very accessible. It shows Hawkeye's life outside of being a superhero, which is quite interesting.