The Greatest Fantasy Books Since 1927

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 '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

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. 126. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

    This children's book tells the story of a clever mouse who uses his wits to avoid being eaten by various predators in the woods. The mouse invents a monster, the Gruffalo, to scare away a fox, an owl, and a snake, only to discover that the creature actually exists. Using his quick thinking, the mouse manages to convince the Gruffalo that he is the most feared creature in the forest, thus avoiding becoming the Gruffalo's meal.

    The 3592nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 127. The Eyes Of The Overworld by Jack Vance

    A Novel of the Dying Earth

    In this picaresque fantasy novel, the roguish anti-hero, seeking a magical artifact known as the Eyes of the Overworld, embarks on a series of misadventures across a bizarre and vividly depicted landscape. His quest for the Eyes, which grant the wearer the ability to see the world as a utopia, leads him through encounters with eccentric characters, strange societies, and perilous situations. Driven by his own selfish desires and cunning nature, he manipulates and deceives his way through the richly imagined world, revealing the author's satirical take on human nature and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others.

    The 3614th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 128. The Farthest Shore by Ursula K. Le Guin

    In this third installment of a high-fantasy series, a young prince and an archmage set out on a harrowing journey to discover the cause of a mysterious blight that is draining magic and life from their world. As they travel to the farthest reaches of their archipelago, facing dragons and confronting death itself, they must unravel a complex web of greed and power. The narrative explores profound themes such as the balance between life and death, the true cost of immortality, and the necessity of accepting one's own mortality, culminating in a quest that is as much about inner discovery as it is about saving their realm from the encroaching darkness.

    The 3616th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 129. Day Of The Minotaur by Thomas Burnett Swann

    A Novel of the Lost Histories

    In a mythic world where ancient races of mythological creatures coexist with humanity, a young prince embarks on a perilous journey to unravel the mysteries of his land. Accompanied by a diverse group of companions, including a wise satyr and a brave nymph, the prince faces the challenge of confronting a legendary Minotaur whose existence holds the key to peace between humans and the older, magical races. As they navigate a landscape rich with the enchantments and dangers of a bygone era, the group must overcome both external threats and internal conflicts to restore harmony to their world.

    The 3619th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 130. Der Gaulschreck Im Rosennetz by Fritz von Herzmanovsky-Orlando

    Eine Groteske aus dem alten Österreich

    Set in a whimsical and surreal world, this novel follows the eccentric adventures of its protagonist as he navigates a series of bizarre and fantastical events. The narrative is rich with satirical humor and absurdity, blending elements of fantasy with a critique of societal norms and conventions. The protagonist encounters a variety of peculiar characters and situations, each more outlandish than the last, leading to a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The story is a playful exploration of the boundaries between reality and imagination, inviting readers to question the nature of the world around them.

    The 3637th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  6. 131. Dark Lover by J. R. Ward

    The First Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood

    In a world where vampires exist in secrecy, a powerful and enigmatic vampire warrior is thrust into a mission that challenges his solitary existence. As the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, he is tasked with protecting his kind from their mortal enemies, the Lessening Society. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a half-human, half-vampire woman who is unaware of her true heritage. Drawn to her in ways he cannot explain, he must navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and destiny while confronting the dangers that threaten their world. Together, they embark on a journey of passion and peril, discovering that their fates are intertwined in ways neither could have anticipated.

    The 3814th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 132. Weaveworld by Clive Barker

    In this dark fantasy novel, the reader is transported to a world where a magical carpet, known as the Fugue, contains an entire realm within its intricate weaves. This tapestry serves as a sanctuary for a race of beings and their rich culture, hidden from the dangers of the human world. When a young man accidentally discovers the carpet, he becomes entangled in a struggle to protect the Fugue from malevolent forces that seek to destroy it. As the story unfolds, the characters must navigate a perilous landscape of treachery and sorcery, where reality and fantasy intertwine, and the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance.

    The 3819th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 133. The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

    His Dark Materials, Book 2

    In the second installment of a fantasy trilogy, a young boy discovers a magical knife that can cut through the fabric of reality, allowing him to travel between parallel worlds. As he learns to master the knife's powers, he meets a girl from another universe on a quest to understand a mysterious substance called Dust. Their paths intertwine with a war brewing across the multiverse, involving witches, armored bears, and shadowy organizations, as they uncover dark truths and face grave dangers in their journey to understand the knife's true purpose and the nature of their own destinies.

    The 3825th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 134. Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen R. Donaldson

    In "Lord Foul's Bane," a man suffering from leprosy is unexpectedly transported to a mystical land called the Land, where he is mistaken for a reincarnated hero destined to save the world. Despite his disbelief and self-doubt, he is thrust into a conflict against the evil entity known as Lord Foul, who sends him on a quest to deliver a message to the Council of Lords. Struggling with his own inner demons and the physical and moral challenges of his journey, the protagonist must come to terms with his identity and the reality of the Land, all while grappling with the implications of his actions on both the fantastical world and his own condition.

    The 3830th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 135. Forest of A Thousand Daemons by Daniel O. Fagunwa

    A Hunter's Saga

    "Forest of A Thousand Daemons" is a captivating exploration of Yoruba folklore and mythology, narrated through the adventures of Akara-ogun, the son of a renowned hunter. As he ventures into a mystical forest filled with supernatural creatures and deities, the protagonist encounters a myriad of fantastical beings and faces numerous challenges. The novel, rich in proverbs and poetic language, delves into themes of bravery, wisdom, and the supernatural, providing a vivid portrayal of traditional Nigerian culture and its storytelling traditions. This seminal work is celebrated for its pioneering use of indigenous African life and lore in a written narrative form.

    The 3860th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 136. The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart

    "The Hollow Hills" is the second book in Mary Stewart's Arthurian Saga. The story follows Merlin, the wizard, as he helps Arthur claim his rightful place as King of Britain. Merlin must navigate treacherous political alliances and supernatural forces as he guides Arthur towards his destiny. Along the way, Merlin discovers secrets about his own past and must confront his own fears and doubts. The novel is a thrilling adventure full of magic, romance, and intrigue set against the backdrop of ancient Britain.

    The 3878th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 137. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

    In this enchanting twist on the Cinderella fairy tale, a young girl named Ella is cursed with the "gift" of obedience by a well-meaning but misguided fairy. This compulsion forces her to obey any direct command, leading to a life of manipulation and frustration. Determined to reclaim control over her life, Ella embarks on a quest to find the fairy who cursed her and break the spell. Along the way, she encounters ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and a charming prince, weaving a story of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of true love. Her journey is not only about breaking the curse but also about finding her voice and the strength to stand up for herself in a world that tries to define her destiny.

    The 3891st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 138. The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

    The protagonist, a young orphan girl, is taken captive by a desert king in a foreign land. She discovers within herself a latent magical power and a destiny tied to the fate of the kingdom. As she trains under the king's tutelage, she becomes a warrior and a key figure in an impending war. The girl must navigate politics, magic, and her own self-discovery to protect her new home and its people.

    The 3903rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 139. The Wind on the Moon by Eric Linklater

    A Story for Children

    The book is a whimsical and captivating tale of two young girls, Dinah and Dorinda, who, when left alone by their father, find themselves capable of transforming into any creature they choose. Throughout their magical adventures, they transform into kangaroos, rescue their father from a dungeon, and even win a dance contest. The story is a delightful mix of fantasy, humor, and adventure, exploring themes of freedom, friendship, and courage.

    The 3907th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 140. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

    The book is a fantasy novel set in a world inspired by China's 20th century history. The protagonist, a war orphan, defies societal expectations by acing the empire-wide examination and earning a place at the prestigious military academy. However, her triumph is short-lived as she becomes embroiled in a violent conflict, which forces her to delve into the depths of her own magical abilities, inspired by shamanism. The story intertwines the brutal realities of war, mythology, and the exploration of power in a deeply divided society.

    The 3927th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 141. The Phoenix And The Mirror by Avram Davidson

    or, The Enigmatic Speculum

    In this fantasy novel, a renowned poet and alchemist embarks on a perilous quest to craft a magical mirror from elemental forces, a task that requires him to obtain rare and mystical materials. His journey is fraught with challenges and steeped in classical mythology, as he navigates a world filled with enchanting creatures, ancient gods, and formidable sorceries. Along the way, he must confront his own inner demons and the moral implications of his quest, all while the mythical bird, the phoenix, serves as a symbol of rebirth and the transformative power of art and knowledge.

    The 3949th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 142. A Feast Unknown by Philip José Farmer

    The Memoirs of Lord Grandrith

    "A Feast Unknown" is a controversial and explicit novel that blends elements of adventure, science fiction, and eroticism. The story follows two immortal brothers, who are thinly veiled analogs of popular pulp fiction heroes, as they are compelled by a mysterious force to engage in a brutal and sexualized conflict with one another. The narrative delves into themes of power, masculinity, and the nature of violence, set against a backdrop of a secret society and a world teeming with danger and intrigue. As the brothers grapple with their fates and the curse of their eternal life, the book pushes the boundaries of traditional genre storytelling, challenging readers with its graphic content and unconventional approach to its characters' legacies.

    The 4064th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 143. Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

    Legacy of Orïsha

    In a world where magic has been suppressed and the maji people have been oppressed, Zélie, a young maji girl, embarks on a dangerous quest to restore magic and bring justice to her people. Alongside her brother and a rogue princess, Zélie must confront her own powers and face formidable enemies, navigating a treacherous landscape of betrayal and sacrifice. As they race against time, Zélie discovers that she may hold the key to not only saving her people, but also to changing the destiny of their entire nation.

    The 4077th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 144. Selected Poems Of Clark Ashton Smith by Clark Ashton Smith

    This collection showcases the imaginative and evocative poetry of a writer renowned for his contributions to fantasy and horror literature. The poems explore themes of cosmic wonder, existential dread, and the beauty of the natural world, often blending rich, archaic language with vivid imagery. Through his work, the poet creates a tapestry of mythical landscapes and otherworldly visions, inviting readers to journey into realms where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The collection highlights the poet's mastery of form and his ability to evoke a sense of mystery and awe.

    The 4102nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  20. 145. An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

    In a brutal, Rome-like fantasy world, a young Scholar girl named Laia goes on a dangerous mission to save her brother from the clutches of the oppressive Martial Empire. To do so, she infiltrates the Empire's premier military academy as a slave, where she meets Elias, one of the academy's finest soldiers, who is secretly as eager to escape the tyranny and corruption of the military as she is. Their fates become intertwined as they both seek freedom and justice, navigating a world rife with violence, betrayal, and dark magic. The story is a gripping tale of resistance, survival, and the quest for personal redemption.

    The 4188th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 146. The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe

    The Book of the New Sun, Volume I

    The novel follows a young apprentice torturer named Severian who is exiled for showing mercy to one of his victims by allowing her to die. As he travels through a futuristic, dystopian world, he becomes embroiled in a series of political and supernatural events, while also grappling with his own moral compass and the nature of his profession. The story is steeped in allegory and symbolism, with a narrative that explores themes of memory, truth, and the nature of storytelling.

    The 4220th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 147. Eric In The Land Of The Insects by Godfried Bomans

    A Surreal Adventure

    In this whimsical and imaginative tale, a young boy named Eric finds himself magically transported into the miniature world of insects after falling asleep while reading an encyclopedia. As he navigates this fascinating and often perilous environment, Eric encounters a variety of insect characters, each with their own unique personalities and societies. Through his adventures, he gains insights into the complexities and wonders of the natural world, while also reflecting on human nature and society. The story blends humor, fantasy, and a touch of satire, offering both entertainment and thoughtful commentary on the interconnectedness of life.

    The 4232nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  23. 148. Jack Of Shadows by Roger Zelazny

    In a world divided into a light side under the rule of science and a dark side where magic reigns, the story follows the adventures of the titular character, a powerful being who draws his strength from the shadows. As a unique entity who can manipulate darkness, he embarks on a quest for vengeance and redemption after being executed and subsequently resurrected. His journey is one of both personal discovery and confrontation with the forces that govern his strange world, leading him to challenge the very nature of reality and his place within it. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, both magical and mundane, who shape his path and the fate of the world he inhabits.

    The 4256th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 149. A Court Of Thorns And Roses by Sarah J. Maas

    In this captivating fantasy novel, a young huntress named Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, only to discover it was a faerie in disguise. As retribution, she is taken to the magical land of Prythian, where she becomes entangled in the politics and dangers of the faerie courts. While navigating this perilous world, Feyre discovers unexpected allies and enemies, and her feelings for her captor, Tamlin, evolve into a complex and passionate romance. As she uncovers dark secrets and faces formidable challenges, Feyre must find the strength to protect those she loves and confront a looming evil threatening both human and faerie realms.

    The 4304th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 150. Ariosto by Chelsa quinn yarbro

    A Novel of the Vampire

    The book is a historical novel that delves into the life and times of the Italian Renaissance poet Ludovico Ariosto, best known for his epic poem "Orlando Furioso." It weaves a rich tapestry of 16th-century Italy, exploring Ariosto's struggles with patronage, his service to the d'Este family, and his quest for artistic freedom amidst the political and cultural constraints of his era. The narrative captures the complex interplay between art, politics, and personal ambition, providing a vivid portrayal of a creative genius navigating the turbulent waters of courtly life and leaving an indelible mark on Western literature.

    The 4399th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon

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