The Greatest "Science fiction, Fiction, Fantasy" 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 300 '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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Genres

Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on society and individuals. It often features futuristic or imaginary settings, advanced technologies, and scientific concepts that are not yet fully understood or realized. Science fiction can encompass a wide range of themes, including space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence, and alternate realities. It is a genre that allows authors to speculate on the future of humanity and the impact of scientific progress on our lives.

Fiction

Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre of literature that typically involves imaginative and supernatural elements, often set in a fictional world or alternate reality. These stories often feature mythical creatures, magic, and epic battles between good and evil. Fantasy books can range from high fantasy, which includes complex world-building and intricate plotlines, to urban fantasy, which blends fantastical elements with contemporary settings. The genre allows readers to escape into a world of wonder and adventure, where anything is possible.

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  1. 1. A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle

    The novel follows the story of a young girl named Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a cosmic journey to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace's father. The father, a scientist, has been missing since he discovered a new planet using the concept of Tesseract, which is a wrinkle in time. Guided by three mysterious celestial beings, the children travel across different dimensions, face evil forces, and learn about the power of love and self-sacrifice.

  2. 2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

    "His Dark Materials" is a fantasy trilogy that follows the journey of a young girl named Lyra Belacqua and her daemon, Pantalaimon, across parallel universes. Throughout their adventures, they encounter a variety of mythical creatures, confront religious and political systems, and grapple with complex themes such as free will, original sin, and the nature of consciousness. The series also delves into the mysteries of Dust, a strange particle integral to the multiverse's function.

  3. 3. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

    This novel is a unique blend of six different stories, each set in a different time and place, spanning from the 19th century South Pacific to a post-apocalyptic future. Each tale is written in a different style, reflecting the time and setting it represents, and they are all connected through shared themes and recurring motifs. The stories are nested within each other, with each interrupted by the next, only to be concluded in the second half of the book. The novel explores themes of predacity, civilization, reincarnation and the eternal recurrence of the same behaviors throughout history.

  4. 4. Time and Again by Jack Finney

    Time and Again is a science fiction novel that follows Simon Morley, a young advertising artist living in New York City, who is recruited by a secret government project to travel back in time to the year 1882. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, love, and the complexity of time travel, as Simon falls in love with a woman from the past and must decide whether to stay in the 19th century or return to his own time.

  5. 5. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

    "Good Omens" is a humorous take on the biblical Apocalypse, following an angel and a demon who have grown fond of Earth and its inhabitants, and are not too keen on the impending end of the world. As they try to locate the misplaced Antichrist and prevent the Four Horsemen from bringing about Armageddon, they encounter an array of quirky characters, including witch-hunters, modern-day witches, and the Four Horsemen themselves. The novel combines comedy, fantasy, and philosophical themes, offering a satirical critique of religious prophecy and human nature.

  6. 6. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey

    In a world where telepathic dragons and their riders protect the land from the destructive Thread that rains down from the sky, a young woman unexpectedly becomes the new Weyrwoman, bonding with the last queen dragon. As the traditional ways of the past clash with the urgent need to defend their world, she and her enigmatic dragonrider ally must rediscover ancient secrets and take to the skies in a perilous quest to unite the dragonriders and save their planet from annihilation. Their journey is fraught with challenges, both political and personal, as they strive to harness the full power of the dragons and ensure the survival of their way of life.

  7. 7. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

    A woman searches for her kidnapped daughter in a world ravaged by a catastrophic climate change event known as the Fifth Season. Simultaneously, the narrative follows a young girl with destructive powers and a man struggling to control his own similar abilities. The story explores themes of oppression, survival, and the destructive power of nature, all set in a dystopian world where the earth is constantly in flux, and society is strictly divided and controlled.

  8. 8. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers

    "The Anubis Gates" is a thrilling time-travel adventure set in 19th-century London. When a wealthy industrialist organizes a trip back in time to witness a famous poet's lecture, the journey takes an unexpected turn. The protagonist, Brendan Doyle, finds himself trapped in the past, caught in a web of magic, Egyptian mythology, and a secret society. As he navigates through dangerous encounters and encounters historical figures, Doyle must unravel the mysteries of time travel and find a way back to his own time before it's too late.

  9. 9. Titus Alone by Mervyn Peake

    "Titus Alone" is the third book in a series where the protagonist, Titus Groan, leaves his ancestral home, Gormenghast, to explore the world beyond. He stumbles upon a technologically advanced city, a stark contrast to his gothic homeland, and faces a series of adventures and challenges. The book delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the clash of tradition versus modernity, as Titus grapples with his past and uncertain future.

  10. 10. A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle

    In this science fiction-fantasy novel, the protagonist embarks on a time-traveling quest to prevent a global catastrophe. Guided by a unicorn, the protagonist uses a powerful rune to mentally leap through time and space, inhabiting the lives of different people throughout history who are connected to the present-day threat. As the protagonist influences the actions of these individuals, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of interconnected events, emphasizing themes of family, love, and the interconnectedness of all things. The story challenges the protagonist to understand the ripple effects of actions across time, ultimately aiming to alter the course of history to save the world from impending doom.

  11. 11. Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon

    In the aftermath of a nuclear war that devastates the United States, a group of survivors, including a professional wrestler, a young girl with mystical powers, and a bag lady, embark on a journey across a ravaged America. They must navigate the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world and battle a malevolent force known as the Man with the Scarlet Eye, who seeks to claim the wasteland as his own. Throughout their journey, they discover the power of hope, community, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

  12. 12. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

    A 12-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short, for a large ransom of gold with the help of his bodyguard, Butler, to restore his family's fortune. In the process, he discovers an underground world of armed and dangerous fairies. The fairies fight back with magic, cunning, and technological weapons leading to a high-stakes battle of wits.

  13. 13. The Female Man by Joanna Russ

    "The Female Man" is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores the lives of four women from different dimensions and time periods. As they navigate their respective worlds, the women confront gender inequality, societal expectations, and the limitations imposed on them by a patriarchal society. Through their encounters and conversations, the novel challenges traditional gender roles and offers a powerful critique of sexism and discrimination.

  14. 14. The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe

    "The Book of the New Sun" is a four-volume science fiction series set in a far future, post-apocalyptic Earth, known as Urth. The story follows a journeyman torturer named Severian who is exiled for showing mercy to one of his victims. As he navigates through a world filled with strange and mythical creatures, political intrigue, and ancient technology often perceived as magic, Severian discovers his destiny is far greater than he could have ever imagined. The narrative is dense and complex, filled with allegory and symbolism, making it a challenging yet rewarding read.

  15. 15. The Infernal Desire Machines Of Doctor Hoffman by Angela Carter

    The novel is a phantasmagorical journey through a world where reality is under siege by the diabolical machinations of a mad scientist who has unleashed desire machines that warp perception and desire. The protagonist, Desiderio, an employee of the Ministry of Determination, embarks on a quest to stop Doctor Hoffman, confronting a series of bizarre and surreal challenges that blend eroticism, philosophy, and violence. As Desiderio travels through cities and landscapes transformed by the machines, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters and experiences dreamlike adventures that challenge the boundaries of reality, identity, and sanity, culminating in a confrontation with the enigmatic Doctor and the resolution of his own complex relationship with Hoffman's daughter.

  16. 16. The Dying Earth by Jack Vance

    Set in a far distant future where the sun is nearing the end of its life, this book features a collection of short stories that revolve around an array of characters, including magicians, rogues, and innocent bystanders. The stories are interlinked and set in a world where magic and technology coexist, and where the line between the two is often blurred. The tales are filled with complex characters, intricate plots, and a richly detailed world, all presented with a unique blend of dark humor and philosophical depth.

  17. 17. The Sound Of His Horn by Sarban

    "The Sound of His Horn" is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a future where the Nazis have won World War II. The story follows Alan Querdilion, a British prisoner of war who wakes up in a bizarre alternate reality ruled by a cruel and sadistic Nazi regime. As he navigates this nightmarish world, Querdilion must confront his own survival instincts and grapple with the moral implications of his actions. With its haunting atmosphere and thought-provoking exploration of power and humanity, the novel offers a chilling and unsettling reflection on the consequences of totalitarianism.

  18. 18. The Passion Of New Eve by Angela Carter

    The book is a provocative work of speculative fiction set in a dystopian future America, where societal collapse has given way to lawlessness and extreme gender politics. The narrative follows the transformation of an Englishman into the female 'Eve' by a radical feminist group, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and power. As Eve navigates a surreal landscape populated by emblematic characters, including a manipulative surgeon and a mythic film star, the story delves into the fluidity of gender and the construction of femininity, challenging the reader's perceptions of normative gender roles and the nature of desire.

  19. 19. The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

    The final installment in a fantasy trilogy, this novel follows the young protagonists as they continue their journey through parallel universes. They find themselves in the world of the dead, where they lead a rebellion against the oppressive authorities. Meanwhile, celestial forces are gathering for a final, apocalyptic battle. The young heroes must also confront their own destiny, which is tied to a mysterious object known as the amber spyglass. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the nature of consciousness.

  20. 20. Witch World by Andre Norton

    In a high-fantasy realm where magic intertwines with the fates of kingdoms, a man from our world stumbles through a gate into a land where witches wield power and their dominion is absolute. As he navigates this new world, he discovers his own latent magical abilities and becomes embroiled in a struggle against dark forces threatening to overwhelm the Witch World. With the help of powerful allies, he must learn to harness his newfound powers and play a crucial role in the battle for the world's survival, challenging the very notions of destiny and his place within this mystical universe.

  21. 21. Replay by Ken Grimwood

    The novel centers around a man who experiences an extraordinary phenomenon: after dying of a heart attack, he awakens as his younger self in college but with all his memories intact. He relives his life with the knowledge of the future, making different choices and experiencing alternate paths, only to die again and restart the cycle. As he continues to "replay" his life, he explores the possibilities of love, wealth, and personal fulfillment, while grappling with the existential questions and the psychological toll of his unique situation. The story delves into themes of destiny, regret, and the human desire to correct past mistakes.

  22. 22. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin

    The Broken Earth Trilogy is a captivating science fiction series set in a post-apocalyptic world where a woman with the power to control seismic activity is on a quest to rescue her kidnapped daughter. This world, called the Stillness, regularly experiences catastrophic climate change events known as Seasons, which its inhabitants constantly prepare for. The series explores themes of oppression, survival, and the human capacity for adaptation, all while providing a thrilling and poignant narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

  23. 23. Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

    "Dune Messiah" is a science fiction novel set in a distant future where interstellar travel and political intrigue dominate the universe. The story follows the aftermath of Paul Atreides' rise to power as the Emperor of the Known Universe and the challenges he faces in maintaining control over his empire. As Paul's prescient abilities become more powerful, he must navigate complex alliances, religious fanaticism, and his own inner demons, all while facing the threat of rebellion and assassination. This thought-provoking sequel delves into themes of power, religion, and the consequences of absolute rule.

  24. 24. The City & the City by China Miéville

    In a unique blend of noir detective fiction and speculative fantasy, the book explores the coexistence of two distinct cities occupying the same geographical space, yet remaining invisible to each other due to a strict set of societal rules and the mysterious force of "Breach" that enforces them. When a young woman is found murdered, a seasoned inspector must navigate the complex and often perilous overlap of these two cities to solve the crime. His investigation challenges the rigid separation of the cities, uncovering a conspiracy that blurs the lines between the two and threatens the very fabric of their existence.

  25. 25. Children Of Dune by Frank Herbert

    "Children of Dune" is the third installment in the epic science fiction series. Set in a distant future on the desert planet of Arrakis, the story follows the descendants of Paul Atreides as they navigate a complex political landscape. With religious fanaticism, genetic manipulation, and power struggles at play, the young heirs must confront their own destinies while facing the challenges of ruling a divided empire. As they grapple with their inner demons and external threats, the fate of Arrakis and its people hangs in the balance.

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