The Greatest Fantasy Books Since 1990

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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. 26. The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

    The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One

    This fantasy novel follows the tale of a gifted young man who grows from a precocious child into a notorious wizard, known as the most notorious magician, musician, thief, and assassin. His life is one of hardship and danger, as he seeks knowledge and revenge following the tragic murder of his family by a group of supernatural beings. The story is told in retrospect as the protagonist recounts his past to a chronicler over the course of three days, revealing the truth behind the myths and legends that have come to surround his enigmatic persona.

    The 3398th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 27. 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.

    The 3436th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 28. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

    The Final Empire

    In a grim, ash-covered world ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler, a young street urchin discovers she possesses unique magical abilities—Allomancy, the power to ingest and burn metals to enhance physical and mental capabilities. She joins a group of rebel skaa, the oppressed class, led by a charismatic criminal mastermind, to overthrow the centuries-old tyranny. Together, they devise an elaborate heist to infiltrate the noble houses and spark a revolution, uncovering dark secrets and unexpected truths about their world and the origins of the Lord Ruler's power along the way.

    The 3450th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 29. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

    The novel follows the story of a young albino girl of Nigerian-American descent who discovers her latent magical powers and a connection to a secret, mystical world. Struggling with her identity and the challenges of adolescence, she is thrust into a journey of self-discovery, where she must learn to harness her abilities. Alongside a group of friends with their own unique talents, she navigates a world filled with dangerous creatures and dark adversaries, using her newfound magic to uncover her true destiny and combat the threats that loom over both the physical and supernatural realms.

    The 3488th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 30. 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
  6. 31. 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. 32. 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
  8. 33. 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
  9. 34. 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
  10. 35. 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
  11. 36. 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
  12. 37. 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
  13. 38. The Eye Of The World by Robert Jordan

    In a high fantasy realm woven with magic, prophecy, and conflict, a group of young villagers is thrust into an epic quest when their tranquil lives are shattered by the arrival of a mysterious stranger and a dark pursuing force. Guided by a wise and powerful mentor, they embark on a perilous journey, discovering that one among them might be the reincarnation of an ancient hero destined to confront a malevolent entity threatening the world. As they traverse diverse landscapes and face myriad dangers, they must come to terms with their own burgeoning abilities and the weight of fate upon their shoulders.

    The 4449th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 39. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

    The novel follows the unusual life of a boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who, after his family is murdered, is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. Under the protection of ghosts and his guardian, who is neither living nor dead, Bod learns about the living world and the dangers it holds, including the man Jack who continues to hunt for him. As he grows up among tombstones and crypts, Bod explores the limits of his graveyard home, encounters creatures of the night, and ultimately confronts the sinister forces that took his family from him, all while trying to lead a normal life despite his extraordinary upbringing.

    The 4458th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 40. The Vintner's Luck by Elizabeth Knox

    "The Vintner's Luck" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young vintner named Sobran, who forms an unlikely friendship with an angel named Xas. Set in 19th century France, the story explores themes of love, passion, and the pursuit of dreams as Sobran navigates the challenges of winemaking and the complexities of his relationships with both mortals and celestial beings. Through beautifully descriptive prose and rich character development, the book delves into the intricacies of the human spirit and the intertwining of the mundane and the divine.

    The 4638th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 41. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

    A young girl named Coraline Jones moves into a new home and discovers a secret door leading to an alternate version of her life, where her "Other Mother" and "Other Father" reside. Although this parallel world seems better at first, she soon realizes that her Other Parents want to keep her there permanently and that they are not as they appear. Coraline must use her bravery and wits to save herself and her real parents, who have been kidnapped by the Other Mother, and free the souls of other children trapped in this alternate world.

    The 4654th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 42. Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

    In a gritty and dangerous city, a notorious gang leader named Kaz Brekker is offered a life-changing heist that could make him unimaginably rich. He assembles a team of skilled outcasts, each with their own unique talents, to pull off an impossible mission. As they navigate through treacherous streets and face deadly enemies, the group must rely on their wits and trust each other to survive. Along the way, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and unexpected alliances are formed, all while the fate of their world hangs in the balance.

    The 4707th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 43. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor

    This novel is a coming-of-age narrative set in a post-apocalyptic Africa. It follows the journey of a young woman born from a violent act, who is prophesied to bring an end to a brutal regime. As she grows, she discovers her magical abilities and must learn to control them in order to fulfill her destiny. The narrative explores themes of race, gender, and power, while incorporating elements of African mythology and culture.

    The 4933rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 44. The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

    In a mythical post-Arthurian Britain shrouded by a mist of collective amnesia, an elderly Briton couple, Axl and Beatrice, embark on a perilous journey to reunite with their estranged son. Their quest leads them through a landscape of fading memories, where they encounter knights, monks, and mythical creatures, all grappling with their own forgotten pasts. As they confront the remnants of a war between Saxons and Britons, the couple must also face the true nature of the mist and the buried giant it conceals, which holds the key to the fragile peace in their society. Their love and loyalty are tested as they delve into the depths of their own lost memories, revealing the power of forgetting and the cost of remembering.

    The 4942nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 45. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

    In a land where a ruthless sorcerer has erased the name and history of a once-proud province, a group of rebels fights to reclaim their identity and homeland. The story unfolds in a richly detailed fantasy world where magic and political intrigue intertwine, and the power of memory and the resilience of the human spirit are central themes. The rebels, each with their own personal vendettas and dreams, must navigate complex alliances and confront their own pasts as they strive to restore the name of their province and free it from the grip of tyranny. Their quest is fraught with challenges, as they face not only the sorcerer's formidable powers but also the difficulties of uniting a fractured people under a forgotten banner.

    The 4994th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 46. Slave To Sensation by Nalini Singh

    In a world where the Psy, a race of emotionless and highly logical beings, dominate society, Sascha Duncan struggles with her forbidden emotions and fears exposure. As she becomes involved with Lucas Hunter, the charismatic leader of the changeling leopard pack, she finds herself torn between her Psy heritage and the passionate, vibrant world of the changelings. Together, they uncover a deadly conspiracy threatening both their worlds, forcing Sascha to confront her true nature and make a choice that could change everything.

    The 5013th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 47. Storm Front by Jim Butcher

    A Novel of the Dresden Files

    In this urban fantasy novel, a professional wizard in modern-day Chicago acts as a private investigator, taking on cases that often intersect with the supernatural. He is hired to find a missing person and investigate a series of brutal murders that appear to be committed with black magic. As he delves into the gritty underworld of magic and monsters, he must navigate dangerous political machinations within the wizarding community, dodge the suspicions of the police, and confront a powerful and malevolent sorcerer. All the while, he struggles to maintain his own ethical code and protect the innocent from the dark forces at play.

    The 5038th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 48. A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole

    The Immortals After Dark Series

    In this paranormal romance, a fierce werewolf leader, Lachlain, escapes centuries of imprisonment to find his destined mate, Emmaline, a half-vampire, half-valkyrie who is unaware of her true power. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship, Lachlain struggles with his deep-seated hatred for vampires while Emmaline grapples with her identity and newfound abilities. Their journey is fraught with danger from rival factions and internal conflicts, but their undeniable attraction and growing love push them to confront their pasts and embrace their intertwined destinies.

    The 5097th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 49. The Stone Sky by N. K. Jemisin

    The Broken Earth: Book Three

    In this concluding volume of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the fate of a world hangs in the balance as a mother and daughter find themselves on opposite sides of an apocalyptic war. The mother, an orogene with the power to control seismic activity, embarks on a quest to end the perpetual disasters plaguing the earth by harnessing the power of an ancient, mythical obelisk. Meanwhile, her daughter, who possesses similar abilities, is manipulated by forces seeking to use her powers for their own ends. As their paths converge, the complex layers of oppression, survival, and the struggle for freedom are revealed, culminating in a climactic battle that will determine the future of their world.

    The 5275th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 50. Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon

    Set on the island of Sicily during the Peloponnesian War, "Glorious Exploits" follows the story of Lampo and Gelon, two potters with a love for poetry and drink. They find themselves drawn to a rock quarry where captured Athenian soldiers are held. In exchange for food, the prisoners must recite lines from the works of Euripides. Inspired by this interaction, Lampo and Gelon decide to stage a production of the play "Medea" with the prisoners as actors. As the performance date nears, their seemingly lighthearted endeavor spirals into a series of unexpected events, revealing the transformative power of art and the complexities of friendship amidst conflict.

    The 5425th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

Reading Statistics

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