best fantasy standalone books

A really good standalone in this genre is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It's about a young boy, Ender, who is trained in military strategy in a future where Earth is threatened by an alien race. The book is full of action and moral dilemmas. Then there's 'The City & the City' by China Miéville. It has a very unique concept where two cities exist in the same physical space but are culturally and socially distinct. Also, 'Neverwhere' by Neil Gaiman is a great standalone. It takes the reader on a journey through the hidden, magical underbelly of London.

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.

For beginners, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a great start. It's a humorous and easy - to - follow story that introduces some really interesting science - fiction concepts like interstellar travel and different alien species. Another good option is 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It's set in a seemingly utopian society but has a lot of thought - provoking ideas about individuality and freedom. 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson is also a good pick as it has a simple yet engaging plot about a man seemingly alone in a world of vampires.

One of the best is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It has a richly detailed world, a compelling protagonist in Kvothe, and a story full of magic and mystery. The way Rothfuss weaves the past and present narratives is masterful.

One of the best standalone fantasy fiction books is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It has a richly detailed world, a complex and likable protagonist in Kvothe, and a story full of magic, mystery, and adventure. The writing is beautiful and draws you into the story from the very first page.

Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale' is also a remarkable standalone in speculative fiction. It creates a dystopian society where women are subjugated in a very specific and terrifying way. It's not only a great read but also very relevant in discussions about feminism and power dynamics.

Another excellent one is 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. It weaves together a story of old gods and new in a modern - day America. It's full of unique characters, from the wily Mr. Wednesday to the various deities from different mythologies. It makes you think about the role of belief and the power of stories.

One of the best 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 crafted story that draws you in from the start. The magic system is well - thought - out and adds depth to the narrative.

One of the best is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. It has a great blend of fantasy elements like faeries and magic, and a passionate romance between the main characters. The world - building is vivid and draws you in.

One of the best standalone science fiction books is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It's a thought - provoking story about a young boy trained for battle in a future where Earth is at war with an alien race. Another great one is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It has a complex and engaging plot with diverse characters. Also, 'The Martian' by Andy Weir is excellent. It's about an astronaut stranded on Mars and his struggle for survival.