Last Updated on January 1, 2026 4:09 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Our Correspondent / NEWS DESK
Books have the power to transport us across eras, continents, and emotions, each page a doorway to another world and into someone else’s story. And when you stumble upon truly remarkable fiction books, they don’t just entertain you; they shape the way you see the world.
If you love stories that linger long after the final chapter, then this curated list of fiction books is for you.
Here, we celebrate fiction that moves you, surprises you, challenges you, and gently nudges you into new corners of imagination. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or someone rediscovering the joy of reading, this collection embraces depth, beauty, and unforgettable storytelling.
Why These Fiction Titles Stand Out
Diverse backgrounds, eras and storytelling styles
Great fiction isn’t confined by borders or periods; it stretches across centuries, mythologies, magical realms, and everyday reality. The fiction books in this collection take you from ancient mythological kingdoms to wartime Europe, from enchanted libraries to murder-mystery islands. Together, they showcase the breadth of human imagination, proving that there’s no one way to tell a story. You’ll find magical realism, mythological retellings, historical fiction, fantasy adventures, and razor-sharp mysteries.
Emotional depth and timeless themes
The novels in this list deal with human emotions and themes that resonate no matter who you are or where you come from. These are fiction books that don’t shy away from exploring the complexities of being human. They remind us that, across time and cultures, we are all asking similar questions: What does it mean to be good? How do we love? Why do we fight for what we believe in? And how do we find meaning in the chaos?
A mix of comfort, challenge and imagination
The joy of reading fiction often lies in the contrast. Sometimes you crave comfort in the form of an absorbing story that lets you forget the real one. Other times, you want a thought-provoking read that nudges you into deeper reflection. This list is intentionally balanced: you’ll find sweeping fantasy epics, emotional historical dramas, mythical reimaginings, and philosophical tales of second chances.
What You Should Read Next: Our Fiction Book Picks
Shiva Trilogy (Special Collectors Edition Box Set)
A blockbuster phenomenon in Indian publishing, Amish Tripathi’s Shiva Trilogy reimagines Lord Shiva not as a god but as a human hero whose choices shape a civilisation. This special collector’s edition is a treat for lovers of mythological fiction, offering a gripping blend of legendary lore, political intrigue, romance, and spiritual depth.
Why it stands out: Rich world-building, cinematic battles, unforgettable characters.
Who will enjoy it: Fans of epic sagas, mythological retellings, and grand storytelling.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Arguably Christie’s most chilling masterpiece, this novel traps ten strangers on an isolated island, each hiding a secret, each accused of a crime. One by one, guests begin to die in a pattern that mirrors a sinister nursery rhyme.
Why it stands out: A perfectly plotted mystery that keeps you breathless until the final revelation.
Who will enjoy it: Readers who love suspense, psychological tension, and tight, clever thrillers.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
The second instalment in the beloved Harry Potter series delivers classic charm, talking letters, mischievous elves, flying cars, mysterious creatures, and a dark secret lurking within Hogwarts’ walls.
Why it stands out: It deepens the magical universe while exploring courage, friendship, and belonging.
Who will enjoy it: Readers craving wonder, nostalgia, adventure, and the timeless spirit of childhood imagination.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death itself, this novel follows young Liesel Meminger, who steals books to make sense of a collapsing world. The stories she clings to become her lifeline, and, in many ways, her quiet rebellion against tyranny.
Why it stands out: Poetic prose, emotional power, and a perspective on war unlike any other.
Who will enjoy it: Fans of historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and books that leave you profoundly moved.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A landmark classic exploring racial injustice in the American South, this novel follows young Scout Finch as she watches her father, Atticus, defend a Black man wrongfully accused of a crime.
Why it stands out: It’s compassionate, wise, humorous, and deeply humane. An enduring call for empathy and justice.
Who will enjoy it: Readers drawn to powerful moral themes, courtroom drama, and richly drawn characters.
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
A reimagining of the Mahabharata told through Draupadi’s fierce voice, the novel reveals the untold desires, betrayals, and emotional battles that shaped the fate of the Pandavas. It offers a deeply personal view of a war often told only through its heroes.
Why it stands out: Feminist perspective, lyrical writing, and a fresh take on an ancient tale.
Who will enjoy it: Lovers of mythological fiction, strong female narratives, and poetic storytelling.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A modern, soul-soothing novel that imagines a library between life and death where every book represents a different version of your life. When Nora Seed enters this space, she gets the chance to explore all the lives she could have lived.
Why it stands out: Hopeful, healing, and deeply philosophical, perfect for moments of self-reflection.
Who will enjoy it: Readers who love introspective fiction, gentle inspiration, and stories about second chances.
How to Choose Which Book to Read First
Match your current mood or need
Feeling drained? Pick something comforting like Harry Potter.
Craving excitement? Dive into And Then There Were None.
Looking for emotional resonance? The Book Thief or To Kill a Mockingbird will meet you there.
Desiring escapism with meaning? The Shiva Trilogy or The Palace of Illusions is perfect.
Mix genres to broaden your perspective
Alternate between genres, so your mind stays engaged: A mythological epic, followed by a historical drama and balanced with a philosophical contemporary novel. Switching genres will keep your reading habits fresh and fuel curiosity.
Let These Stories Stay With You
These fiction books offer more than entertainment; they open windows into new worlds and perspectives. They remind us why reading is a lifelong love affair: it’s emotional, enriching, and endlessly surprising.
So go ahead and pick your first title, open the cover, and let the story take you somewhere unforgettable.