The Greatest Unknown "Fiction, Speculative Fiction" Books Since 1950

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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

Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history. The unifying factor of speculative fiction is its departure from the narrative constraints of reality, exploring imaginative and often profound questions that challenge our understanding of the world and our place within it. These stories often delve into themes like the human condition, social commentary, and the exploration of philosophical and ethical dilemmas through the lens of the fantastical or the yet-to-be-possible. By pushing the boundaries of the known, speculative fiction invites readers to consider the myriad possibilities of existence and the potential consequences of our actions in worlds that are, at once, vastly different from and eerily similar to our own.

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  1. 26. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

    In this epic fantasy novel, a captive princess and a maidservant in possession of forbidden magic form an unlikely alliance to overthrow a tyrannical regime. Set in a world inspired by the history and epics of India, the story weaves together the fates of these two women who must navigate treacherous court politics, ancient prophecies, and their own burgeoning powers. As they fight against the oppressive structures of the empire, their bond grows deeper, challenging the societal norms and the very foundation of the empire. The novel explores themes of resistance, sacrifice, and the complex nature of power and love.

    The 10848th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Kingdom Of Copper by S. A. Chakraborty

    In this enthralling fantasy sequel, the tale continues of a young con artist of Cairo who is immersed in a magical world she never knew existed. Now, trapped within the royal court of Daevabad, she faces a dire situation as old tensions between djinn tribes escalate, threatening to ignite a civil war. With a city brimming with unrest and her loved ones in peril, she must navigate treacherous political waters to protect her heritage and secure peace, all while grappling with her own powers and the haunting legacy of a long-lost city. As alliances shift and dangerous enemies emerge, the future of the magical kingdom hangs in the balance.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Burning God by R. F. Kuang

    In this gripping finale to a fantasy trilogy inspired by historical events in 20th-century China, a young shaman and war orphan confronts the devastating cost of her quest for power and revenge. As she returns to her homeland, she finds it ravaged by war and famine, and must reckon with the alliances she has formed and the monstrous deity that grants her strength. With the fate of her people hanging in the balance, she engages in brutal battles against both foreign invaders and the treacherous forces within her own ranks, ultimately facing a final, harrowing choice that will determine the future of her world.

    The 11253rd 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