The Greatest American "Fiction, Low Fantasy" Books Since 1980

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Low Fantasy

Low Fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy literature that is characterized by its grounding in the real world or a world very similar to ours, with the inclusion of magical or fantastical elements being minimal and often more subtle than in high fantasy genres. Unlike high fantasy, which transports readers to entirely different worlds or realms filled with magic and mythical creatures, low fantasy stories are set in a recognizable world where magic intrudes on reality but does not dominate it. This genre often explores the juxtaposition of the mundane with the extraordinary, focusing on how ordinary characters react to and interact with the slight, often unsettling, supernatural or magical elements that enter their world. The magic in low fantasy can serve as a metaphor for real-world issues, and the stories often delve into themes of moral ambiguity, realism, and the complexities of human nature, making them appealing to readers who enjoy nuanced storytelling that blurs the lines between the fantastical and the plausible.

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  1. 26. Angelfall by Susan Ee

    In a post-apocalyptic world where angels have descended to Earth and unleashed destruction, a resilient teenage girl embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her kidnapped younger sister. With society in ruins and danger at every turn, she allies with a mysterious angel whose motives are unclear, navigating a landscape filled with roving gangs, gruesome creatures, and celestial warriors. As she fights to survive and uncover the truth behind the invasion, she confronts the blurred lines between good and evil, and the potential darkness within herself and her enigmatic companion.

    The 8074th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

    "The Golem and the Jinni" is a novel that explores the lives of two mythical creatures, a golem and a jinni, who find themselves in New York City in the late 19th century. The golem is created by a Jewish rabbi to be a companion for a man who dies on the voyage to America, while the jinni is released from a copper flask by a Syrian tinsmith. As they navigate their new lives, they encounter other immigrants and face challenges that force them to confront their own identities and desires. The novel is a rich and complex exploration of identity, culture, and the human experience.

    The 8192nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon

    The book is the second installment in a historical fiction series that weaves together romance, science fiction, and adventure. It continues the story of a 20th-century Englishwoman who has time-traveled to 18th-century Scotland and fallen in love with a dashing Highland warrior. As the Jacobite rebellion leads to the fateful Battle of Culloden, the couple faces the threat of being torn apart by the tumultuous events of history. Interwoven with their past is the present-day narrative of their daughter, who discovers her parents' remarkable story and the truth of her own origins. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of the past on the present.

    The 8326th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Invisible Life Of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab

    The book follows the story of a young woman in 18th-century France who, desperate to escape an arranged marriage and yearning for freedom, makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious god-like figure to live forever without being remembered by anyone she meets. Her immortality becomes a curse as she moves through the centuries, leaving no mark on the world until, 300 years later, she stumbles upon a young man in a bookstore who, to her shock, remembers her name. This encounter unfolds into a tale of love, memory, and the intrinsic value of leaving one's mark on the world.

    The 8350th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Wicked by Gregory Maguire

    This novel reimagines the land of Oz, telling the story from the perspective of the misunderstood green-skinned witch Elphaba. It explores her early life, education, and complex relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch, as well as her eventual transformation into the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The book delves into themes of good versus evil, the nature of wickedness, and the societal structures that label and ostracize individuals. It provides a rich backstory to a classic tale, challenging readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about villainy and the true cost of standing against injustice.

    The 8466th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Get In Trouble by Kelly Link

    "Get In Trouble" is a collection of short stories that delve into the fantastical, surreal, and darkly humorous aspects of human experience. The narratives are populated with a diverse cast of characters, including superheroes, ghosts, and astronauts, all of whom find themselves in bizarre and often unsettling situations. The stories blend elements of magical realism, science fiction, and gothic horror to explore themes of loneliness, desire, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination. With its unique voice and inventive storytelling, the book invites readers to confront the extraordinary lurking within the mundane and to question the nature of their own troubles.

    The 8535th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Eyes Of The Dragon by Stephen King

    In a medieval realm, a tale of royal intrigue and dark magic unfolds as a malevolent king plots to secure his throne by imprisoning his innocent son on false charges of murder. The young prince must navigate a treacherous path to reclaim his rightful place, battling against the sinister forces conjured by a diabolical wizard who manipulates the kingdom from the shadows. With the help of loyal friends and the mystical power of a storied artifact, the prince embarks on a perilous quest to overcome the evil that seeks to engulf the land and restore peace to the realm.

    The 8690th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Shadow Of The Torturer by Gene Wolfe

    In this science fiction novel set in a far-future Earth, the protagonist, an apprentice in the guild of torturers, is exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. His journey outside the walls of his guild leads him through a world rich with dying technologies and ancient rituals. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters and becomes embroiled in events that hint at his larger destiny. The novel is known for its dense prose, complex themes, and the unreliable narration of its protagonist, which challenges readers to piece together the truth of his world and history.

    The 9092nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

    In this historical fiction novel, we follow the continuing adventures of a time-traveling nurse from the 20th century and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. Set against the backdrop of the looming American Revolution, the couple struggles to maintain their family and homestead while dealing with the political and social unrest of the era. The story intertwines romance, historical events, and fantasy elements as the couple faces challenges that test their bond and their ability to shape their destiny amidst the fiery cross of change and rebellion.

    The 9094th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune

    "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a heartwarming and enchanting tale about Linus Baker, a caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who is sent on a special assignment to a remote island orphanage. There, he meets a group of extraordinary children, including a gnome, a sprite, and a were-Pomeranian, and their charming caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. As Linus gets to know the children and Arthur, he begins to question the strict rules and regulations he has always followed and learns the true meaning of love, acceptance, and family. This book is a celebration of diversity, kindness, and the power of friendship.

    The 9269th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Black Company by Glen Cook

    The book follows an elite mercenary unit, known as the Black Company, through its grim and morally ambiguous adventures on a fantasy continent. Bound by a sense of camaraderie and an unbreakable contract, the company navigates treacherous political landscapes and battles supernatural forces while chronicling their deeds through the eyes of the company's physician and annalist. As they align with powerful sorcerers and face formidable enemies, the soldiers of the Black Company must reconcile their desire for survival with the dark nature of the work they are hired to perform.

    The 9285th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. A Breath Of Snow And Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

    In this installment of the historical fiction series, the story continues to follow the lives of a time-traveling 20th-century doctor and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. As the American Revolution looms, the couple faces personal tragedies, political upheaval, and the constant threat of violence. They struggle to protect their family and their community in the backwoods of North Carolina, all while dealing with the complexities of their unique situation and the implications of knowing the future. The novel blends romance, adventure, and historical detail, creating a vivid and tumultuous world for its characters.

    The 9374th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Thomas the Rhymer by Ellen Kushner

    "Thomas the Rhymer" is a novel by Ellen Kushner that tells the story of a young man named Thomas who is taken to the fairy realm by the Queen of Elfland. There, he is gifted with the power of prophecy and returns to the mortal world to become a renowned poet and seer. However, his supernatural abilities come with a price, and Thomas must navigate the dangerous politics of both the fairy and human realms while trying to fulfill his destiny. The novel is a blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, and explores themes of love, power, and the consequences of making deals with the supernatural.

    The 9444th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Firelings by Carol Kendall

    "The Firelings" by Carol Kendall is a fantasy novel about a group of small, flame-colored creatures called Firelings who live in a hidden valley. When their home is threatened by an evil sorcerer, the Firelings must venture out into the world to find a way to save their valley. Along the way, they encounter a variety of creatures and obstacles, including a group of humans who are skeptical of their existence. With courage and determination, the Firelings work together to overcome challenges and ultimately save their home.

    The 10329th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Cards of Grief by Jane Yolen

    "Cards of Grief" is a science fiction novel by Jane Yolen that explores the aftermath of a catastrophic event that destroys Earth's moon. The story follows a group of colonists who are forced to leave their homes on Earth and settle on a new planet. As they struggle to adapt to their new environment, they also grapple with grief and loss as they mourn the destruction of their former world. The novel explores themes of grief, identity, and the human condition in the face of tragedy.

    The 10390th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Folk of the Air by Peter S. Beagle

    "The Folk of the Air" is a collection of short stories by Peter S. Beagle that explores the world of faerie and its inhabitants. From the mischievous Puck to the seductive Queen of Air and Darkness, Beagle weaves tales of love, betrayal, and magic that transport readers to a realm beyond the mundane. These stories are both enchanting and haunting, showcasing Beagle's mastery of the fantasy genre and his ability to imbue his characters with depth and complexity. Fans of faerie tales and mythology will find much to appreciate in this collection.

    The 10434th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card, Patrick Couton

    "Seventh Son" is a fantasy novel set in an alternate version of America where magic and folk beliefs are real. The story follows Alvin, the seventh son of a seventh son, who is believed to possess great magical powers. However, Alvin's abilities are not what people expect, and he must navigate a world of prejudice and danger to find his true purpose. Along the way, he meets a cast of intriguing characters, including a shape-shifting girl and a powerful wizard, and must confront his own inner demons to become the hero he was meant to be.

    The 10449th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Unicorn Mountain by Michael Bishop

    "Unicorn Mountain" by Michael Bishop is a science fiction novel set in a future where humanity has discovered a way to travel to other planets and interact with alien life forms. The story follows a team of scientists and explorers as they journey to a distant planet in search of a mythical creature known as a unicorn. Along the way, they encounter a variety of strange and dangerous creatures, as well as unexpected challenges that test their skills and their resolve. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the planet, they begin to uncover secrets that threaten to change their understanding of the universe forever.

    The 10468th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. A Woman of the Iron People by Eleanor Arnason

    "A Woman of the Iron People" is a science fiction novel that follows the journey of a human anthropologist named Elizabeth who is sent to study a race of aliens known as the Iron People. Through her interactions with the Iron People, Elizabeth learns about their culture and way of life, as well as their struggles with their own internal conflicts and the impact of human colonization on their society. As she becomes more connected with the Iron People, Elizabeth must navigate her own identity and allegiances while trying to bridge the gap between two vastly different civilizations.

    The 10512th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. A Darker Shade Of Magic by V. E. Schwab

    In this fantasy novel, we follow the story of a rare magician with the ability to travel between parallel Londons—Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black. Each London has a different level of magic, and the balance of power is precarious. The protagonist serves as a messenger and smuggler between the Londons, adhering to a strict set of rules to keep these worlds separate. However, when an unexpected encounter leads to the discovery of a dangerous artifact from the forbidden Black London, the magician must navigate treacherous political waters and dark magic, with the help of an adventurous thief, to prevent catastrophic destruction.

    The 10543rd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Bear And The Nightingale by Katherine Arden

    Set in the wintry wilderness of medieval Russia, the novel weaves a tale of a young girl named Vasya who is gifted with the ability to see and communicate with the spirits that protect her village. As the world around her succumbs to the fear and influence of a zealous priest, Vasya must embrace her unique abilities to safeguard her family and the mystical beings of the forest. Her journey is fraught with challenges as she confronts the encroaching forces of both human and supernatural threats, ultimately leading her to confront a dangerous entity. In doing so, she must navigate the tightrope between the Christian beliefs of her community and the older, pagan traditions that run deep in her blood.

    The 10583rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Summerland by Michael Chabon

    "Summerland" is a young adult fantasy novel by Michael Chabon that follows the story of Ethan Feld, a young boy living in Clam Island who is recruited by a group of magical creatures to save their world from destruction. Along the way, Ethan teams up with a motley crew of characters, including a Sasquatch, a mermaid, and a baseball-playing angel, as they embark on a wild adventure across the mystical lands of Summerland. As they race against time to prevent the evil Coyote from destroying Summerland and Earth, Ethan learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the power of imagination.

    The 10635th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett

    In a city where magic is harnessed through intricate sigils and the industrial revolution meets sorcery, a talented thief with a unique ability is drawn into a heist that uncovers a nefarious plot threatening the very essence of reality. As she navigates a world of powerful merchant houses, technological marvels, and ancient artifacts, she must ally with unlikely partners to confront a force that could shatter the delicate balance of power and spell doom for her city and its inhabitants. With the lines between her personal quest for freedom and the greater good blurring, the thief's actions will determine the fate of magic and mankind alike.

    The 10643rd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B. Dunkle

    "The Hollow Kingdom" is a young adult novel about a teenage girl named Kate who is sent to live with her distant cousin Sir Hobb in an isolated castle in the Scottish Highlands. There, she discovers that Sir Hobb is not the benevolent guardian she thought he was, but rather a faerie lord who has taken her as his bride. Kate must navigate the dangerous and seductive world of the faeries as she tries to find a way to escape and return home. Along the way, she meets Marak, the cruel and powerful ruler of the Hollow Kingdom, who becomes both her greatest ally and her most dangerous adversary.

    The 10649th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

    Set in an alternate 1880s Seattle, the novel unfolds in a world where a devastating mining invention has unleashed a toxic gas, turning many of the living into ravenous undead creatures. Amidst this chaos, a determined mother ventures into the walled-off, zombie-infested city to clear her husband's name from the creation of the catastrophic machine and to rescue her son, who has ventured into the dangerous quarantined zone. As she navigates the steampunk dystopia filled with airships, pirates, and a relentless will to survive, she uncovers dark secrets and faces the horrors that have taken over the once-thriving city.

    The 10705th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download