The Greatest Fantasy Books Since 2000
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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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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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401. In the Cities of Coin and Spice by Catherynne M. Valente
Orphan's Tales: In the Cities of Coin and Spice
"In the Cities of Coin and Spice" is a fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a young girl named September as she travels through various magical cities. Along the way, she meets a variety of fascinating characters and faces numerous challenges, including a war between two powerful queens and a journey to the underworld. Through it all, September learns important lessons about love, loss, and the power of imagination. Valente's vivid prose and imaginative world-building make this a must-read for fans of fantasy and fairy tales.
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402. Flesh and Spirit by Carol Berg
The Lighthouse Duet, Book One
In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, a disillusioned and cynical former monk named Valen becomes entangled in a complex web of political intrigue and ancient magic. Seeking refuge from his past and the relentless pursuit of his family, he stumbles upon a secretive order of monks who guard a powerful and mysterious book. As Valen navigates a landscape rife with danger and deception, he must confront his own inner demons and uncover the truth behind the prophecies that could either save or doom their world.
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403. Lifelode by Jo Walton
"Lifelode" is a fantasy novel set in a magical world where humans and non-humans coexist. The story follows the lives of a group of people living in a rural community called Applekirk, where they share a deep connection with each other and the land they inhabit. The narrative explores themes of love, loyalty, family, and the complexities of relationships. As the community faces various challenges, including a threat from outside forces, the characters must come together to protect their way of life.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time -
404. The Uncertain Places by Lisa Goldstein
"The Uncertain Places" follows the story of two sisters, Willa and Livy, who are sent to live with their eccentric grandmother in a mysterious house filled with secrets and magic. As they explore the enchanted woods surrounding the house, they discover a world of fairies, curses, and dark family history. But when Livy falls under the spell of a dangerous fairy prince, Willa must use all her wit and courage to save her sister and uncover the truth about their family's past.
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405. Tales from Rugosa Coven by Sarah Avery
Three Novellas
"Tales from Rugosa Coven" is a collection of interconnected stories that follow the lives of a group of witches living in a small coastal town. The coven must navigate personal and magical challenges, including a mysterious illness that affects their community and the arrival of an outsider who threatens their way of life. Through their trials, the witches learn the importance of trust, loyalty, and the power of their collective magic. The book explores themes of community, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.
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406. Kingfisher by Patricia A. McKillip
"Kingfisher" is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Pierce Oliver, a young man who is the son of a powerful sorcerer. Pierce is sent on a quest to find his missing father and in the process discovers a hidden world of magic and intrigue. Along the way, he meets a cast of unique characters, including a talking bird and a shape-shifting princess. As Pierce delves deeper into the mystery of his father's disappearance, he must also confront his own destiny and the power he possesses. The book is a thrilling adventure full of magic, mystery, and self-discovery.
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407. Snow White Learns Witchcraft by Theodora Goss
New Fairy Tales and Poems
"Snow White Learns Witchcraft" is a collection of short stories and poems that reimagine the classic fairy tale character as a powerful witch. The stories explore Snow White's journey as she learns to harness her magical abilities and navigate the challenges of living in a world that fears and misunderstands witches. Along the way, she encounters other fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, and the Seven Dwarfs, and learns valuable lessons about love, power, and the importance of self-discovery. The book is a captivating and empowering read that celebrates the strength and resilience of women.
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408. Or What You Will by Jo Walton
"Or What You Will" by Jo Walton is a whimsical and philosophical novel about an aging writer named Sylvia who is facing her own mortality. As she wanders through the streets of Florence, she is accompanied by her fictional creation, a trickster named Will. Together, they explore the nature of reality, creativity, and the power of imagination. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a ghost, a mermaid, and a dragon. Through their adventures, Sylvia comes to terms with her own life and legacy, while Will learns what it means to be truly alive.
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409. Merlin by Jane Yolen
The Lost Years
"Merlin" by Jane Yolen is a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of Merlin, the powerful wizard who guides Arthur to become the greatest king of Britain. The book explores Merlin's childhood and his relationship with his mother, a powerful sorceress, as well as his role in shaping Arthur's destiny. Along the way, Merlin must confront his own demons and make difficult choices in order to protect the kingdom he loves. Yolen's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions bring the magical world of Camelot to life in this captivating tale of love, loyalty, and the power of destiny.
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410. Aria of the Sea by Dia Calhoun
A Story of Music, Magic, and Destiny
"Aria of the Sea" by Dia Calhoun is a coming-of-age story about a young mermaid named Aria who dreams of becoming a singer. Aria lives in a world where mermaids are forbidden to sing, so she must keep her passion a secret. When she meets a human boy named Philip, she is torn between her love for him and her duty to her underwater kingdom. As Aria navigates the challenges of growing up and following her dreams, she learns the importance of staying true to herself and standing up for what she believes in.
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411. The Ropemaker by Peter Dickinson
"The Ropemaker" by Peter Dickinson is a fantasy novel set in a world where magic is dying and the land is threatened by a dark force known as the Shadow. When a young girl named Tilja is sent on a quest to find the Ropemaker, the only person who can save their world, she must navigate through treacherous landscapes and face dangerous obstacles. Along the way, she meets a group of unlikely allies who join her on her journey and help her to uncover the truth about the Ropemaker and the Shadow. As they race against time to save their world, they realize that the true power of magic lies within themselves.
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412. 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.
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413. The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B. Dunkle
Book One of the Hollow Kingdom Trilogy
"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.
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414. The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud
The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book Two
"The Golem's Eye" is the second book in the "Bartimaeus Trilogy" by Jonathan Stroud. The story continues with Nathaniel, now a member of the government's ruling class, as he tries to solve a series of mysterious attacks on the city by powerful magical creatures. Alongside his djinni, Bartimaeus, Nathaniel discovers a conspiracy that threatens the government and the stability of the magical world. The book explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of one's actions.
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415. Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud
"Ptolemy's Gate" is the final book in the "Bartimaeus Trilogy" by Jonathan Stroud. The story follows the adventures of Nathaniel, a young magician, and his sarcastic djinni, Bartimaeus, as they navigate a world of magic, politics, and betrayal. In this book, Nathaniel is now a powerful magician and is tasked with saving London from a powerful demon. However, he must also confront his own inner demons and the consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, Bartimaeus is forced to confront his own mortality and the limitations of his powers. The book is a thrilling conclusion to the series, full of action, humor, and heart.
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416. Corbenic by Catherine Fisher
"Corbenic" by Catherine Fisher is a modern retelling of the Arthurian legend that follows the story of Cal, a troubled teenager who discovers a hidden world of magic and chivalry. Cal is drawn to the mysterious Corbenic, a castle that is said to hold the Holy Grail, and becomes entangled in a quest to find it. Along the way, he meets a cast of characters including a knight, a princess, and a sorceress, and must confront his own inner demons as he searches for the Grail. The novel explores themes of love, redemption, and the power of myth and legend.
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417. The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
"The Queen of Attolia" is the sequel to "The Thief" and follows the story of Eugenides, the Queen's Thief, as he navigates political intrigue and betrayal in the kingdom of Attolia. After being caught stealing from the Queen, Eugenides is punished severely, but he soon finds himself embroiled in a plot to overthrow the throne. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, Eugenides must use his cunning and wit to outsmart his enemies and protect the kingdom he loves.
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418. The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
"The King of Attolia" is the third book in the "Queen's Thief" series by Megan Whalen Turner. The story follows Eugenides, the Queen's Thief, as he navigates the political intrigue and power struggles in the kingdom of Attolia. When the King of Attolia is betrayed and left for dead, Eugenides is tasked with bringing him back to health and restoring his rule. However, the King's mistrust of Eugenides and his own insecurities threaten to derail their efforts and plunge the kingdom into chaos. With twists and turns at every corner, "The King of Attolia" is a thrilling tale of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.
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419. A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
"A Conspiracy of Kings" is the fourth book in Megan Whalen Turner's "Queen's Thief" series. The story follows Sophos, the reluctant heir to the throne of Sounis, as he is kidnapped and sold into slavery. With the help of a fellow slave, Sophos escapes and sets out on a journey to reclaim his rightful place as king. Along the way, he must navigate political intrigue, betrayal, and war, while also confronting his own doubts and fears about his ability to rule. Ultimately, Sophos must decide what kind of king he wants to be and what sacrifices he is willing to make for his people.
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420. Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst
In "Vessel" by Sarah Beth Durst, Liyana is a vessel, a vessel created by the gods to be inhabited by one of them. But when the gods fail to come and inhabit her, Liyana is left alone in the desert. She sets out on a journey to find the missing gods and discovers that they have been captured by a mysterious force. Liyana must navigate the dangers of the desert and confront her own fears and doubts to save the gods and fulfill her purpose as a vessel.
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421. Doll Bones by Holly Black
A Ghost Story
"Doll Bones" by Holly Black is a story about three friends, Zach, Poppy, and Alice, who embark on a journey to bury a haunted doll that they believe is controlling their lives. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles that test their friendship and force them to confront their fears. As they delve deeper into the mystery surrounding the doll, they begin to uncover secrets about themselves and their families. Ultimately, they must face their fears and find the courage to do what is right, even if it means facing the unknown.
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422. A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
"A Snicker of Magic" is a heartwarming story about a girl named Felicity who has the ability to see words all around her. She and her mother move to a town called Midnight Gulch, where she meets a boy named Jonah and his family who are rumored to have magical powers. Felicity sets out to uncover the town's magical past and help Jonah's family break a curse that has plagued them for generations. Along the way, she discovers the power of friendship, family, and the magic of words.
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423. Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon
"Castle Hangnail" follows the story of a young witch named Molly who is determined to become a proper wicked witch and take over the abandoned Castle Hangnail. However, when she arrives, she finds out that the castle's minions are not what she expected and the castle itself is in danger of being sold. Molly must use her wit and magic to prove to the castle's Board of Magic that she is fit to be the new master and save the castle from destruction. Along the way, she befriends the quirky minions and learns the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and bravery.
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424. The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz
Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog
"The Inquisitor's Tale" is a medieval adventure story about three children with magical powers and their faithful dog, who embark on a dangerous journey across France to save their fellow Jews from persecution. Along the way, they encounter knights, monks, and even the King of France, while facing challenges that test their courage, loyalty, and faith. This book is a blend of history, mythology, and fairy tale, told in a humorous and engaging style that will captivate readers of all ages.
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425. Bob by Rebecca Stead, Wendy Mass
A Story of Friendship and Magic
"Bob" is a heartwarming story about a girl named Livy who returns to her grandmother's house after 5 years and finds a small, green creature named Bob waiting for her. Bob claims to have been waiting for Livy for 5 years and Livy has no recollection of him. As Livy tries to figure out who Bob is, she embarks on a magical adventure that leads her to uncover the truth about Bob and herself. Through their journey, Livy learns about the power of friendship, imagination, and the importance of being true to oneself.
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Reading Statistics
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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.
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