The Greatest Fantasy Books Since 2000
Click to learn how this list is calculated.
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.
What should I read next?
Get personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. Our algorithm analyzes your favorite books and reading patterns to suggest your next great read.
Get RecommendationsGenres
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.
Countries
Date Range
Filter books by their publication year. Enter the earliest year (Start) and latest year (End) to find books published within that period. Leave either field empty to search from the beginning of time or up to the present day.
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.
DownloadTo download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.
Login to Download-
476. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In A Ship Of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
This enchanting novel follows the adventures of a young girl named September, who is spirited away from her mundane life in Omaha to the magical realm of Fairyland. There, she embarks on a quest that sees her navigating a world filled with strange and whimsical creatures, including witches, wyverns, and marids. Her mission is to retrieve a talisman from the fearsome Marquess, a journey that will test her courage, wisdom, and heart. Along the way, she must navigate the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice, all while captaining a living ship made of her own dreams and determination. This story is a rich tapestry of fantasy and fairy tale, weaving together themes of growing up, the power of imagination, and the importance of finding one's own path.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
477. Flora's Dare by Ysabeau S. Wilce
How a Girl of Spirit Gambles All to Expand Her Vocabulary, Confront a Bouncing Boy Terror, and Try to Save Califa from a Shaky Doom (Despite Being Confined to Her Room)
This book is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a young girl living in an alternate version of America, where magic and military prowess dictate social standing. The protagonist, a spirited and rebellious teenager, embarks on a daring quest to rescue her kidnapped friend, facing off against formidable magicians and exploring her own burgeoning magical abilities. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her family's past and the true extent of her powers, all while navigating the complexities of adolescence. With its richly imagined world, dynamic characters, and a blend of humor and heart, this story is a thrilling and enchanting read for young adults and anyone who enjoys a good magical adventure.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
478. Magic Or Madness by Justine Larbalestier
This novel follows the story of fifteen-year-old Reason Cansino, who has spent her life on the run with her mother, Sarafina, from their family in Australia. They are fleeing from Reason's grandmother, Esmeralda, whom Sarafina claims is a witch. However, after Sarafina succumbs to madness, Reason is sent to live with Esmeralda in Sydney. Here, Reason discovers a shocking truth: magic is real, and her family is deeply entwined with it. As she navigates this new world, she learns that using magic comes with a grave cost, and she must make a choice between embracing her magical heritage or facing dire consequences. The story is a compelling blend of contemporary life and fantastical elements, exploring themes of family, identity, and the heavy price of power.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
479. Valiant by Holly Black
A Modern Tale of Faerie
This novel plunges readers into a dark and enthralling urban fantasy where the line between the human world and the realm of faeries blurs. The story follows a teenage girl who, feeling betrayed and alone, runs away to New York City only to find herself entangled with a group of dangerous faeries. These faeries are not the charming creatures of children's tales but are instead sinister beings with their own agendas and a penchant for cruelty. As she navigates this hidden world, the protagonist must muster all her courage and cunning to survive the treacheries of the fae, all while dealing with her own personal demons and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative weaves a compelling tale of bravery, transformation, and the quest for belonging.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
480. The House Of Shattered Wings by Aliette de Bodard
Dominion of the Fallen
Set in a post-apocalyptic Paris, this novel weaves a tale of a city devastated by a war in Heaven, now ruled by fallen angels. The narrative centers around House Silverspires, once the most dominant of the magical houses, now struggling to maintain its power. Its inhabitants, including a newly fallen angel, a naive but powerful alchemist, and a mysterious human with a dangerous secret, must navigate the treacherous political landscape, unravel a sinister plot, and confront a malevolent force that threatens to destroy what little they have left. This story combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and Gothic horror to explore themes of power, loyalty, and redemption in a world where beauty and brutality coexist.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
481. Ash by Mary Gentle
A Secret History
This novel is a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, centered around the life of Ash, a female mercenary leader in a 15th-century Europe where magic and the supernatural subtly intertwine with reality. Ash is not only remarkable for her military prowess but also for the mysterious voice she hears in her head, guiding her in battle. The narrative unfolds her epic adventures, battles, and the complexities of her world, where political intrigue, personal ambition, and an ancient prophecy entangle. As she navigates through these challenges, the story also delves into themes of power, gender, and the nature of history itself, presenting a richly detailed and alternative vision of the past.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
482. Dusk by Tim Lebbon
A Novel of the Hidden Cities
"Dusk" is a dark fantasy novel set in a world where magic is dying, casting long shadows over the land of Noreela. The story follows a young man named Kosar who embarks on a perilous journey after witnessing a devastating event that signals the return of magic to the world. As ancient evils stir and the boundary between life and death blurs, Kosar must navigate treacherous landscapes and confront malevolent forces to uncover the truth behind the magic's resurgence. Alongside a cast of complex characters, he faces a series of harrowing challenges that test his courage, loyalty, and understanding of the world's inherent darkness and light. The novel weaves a rich tapestry of adventure, horror, and mysticism, exploring themes of power, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
483. Memoirs Of A Master Forger by William Heaney
The Good Fairies of New York
This novel weaves the intriguing tale of a man leading a double life: by day, a disillusioned government employee, and by night, a master forger of antique books. However, his expertise in forgery is not the only secret he harbors; he also possesses the extraordinary ability to see demons, a skill he uses to navigate the complexities of his life. Set against a backdrop of dark humor and supernatural elements, the story delves into themes of redemption, the nature of authenticity, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. As the protagonist becomes entangled in the consequences of his actions, he embarks on a journey that challenges his understanding of reality and his own identity.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
484. The Once And Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
In this enchanting narrative set at the cusp of the 19th and 20th centuries, the story weaves together the lives of three sisters who, estranged and battered by their past, find themselves drawn together in the suffragist movement of New Salem. Amidst the fervor for women's rights, they discover that the echoes of witchcraft from their childhood hold the key to unlocking not just personal empowerment but also societal change. As they delve deeper into the forgotten words and ways of witchcraft, they face a society vehemently opposed to both their gender and their magic. This tale masterfully blends the struggle for equality with the mystical, proposing that the fight for women's rights is intertwined with a deeper, magical battle for freedom and recognition.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
485. The Bone Ships by RJ Barker
The Tide Child Trilogy, Book 1
This novel is set in a vividly imagined world where two nations are locked in a perpetual war, fought on the high seas with ships made from the bones of long-extinct dragons. The story follows the crew of the Tide Child, a ship of the damned manned by criminals and social outcasts, led by a disgraced captain. When they are tasked with a seemingly impossible mission to hunt down the last of the legendary sea dragons, the crew sees it as a chance for redemption. As they embark on their perilous journey, they must navigate treacherous waters, rival ships, and their own personal demons. The narrative is rich with maritime lore, complex characters, and themes of sacrifice, survival, and redemption, making it a gripping tale of high-seas adventure and human resilience.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
486. The Bitter Twins by Jen Williams
The Winnowing Flame Trilogy, Book Two
In this enthralling sequel to a celebrated fantasy series, the world is on the brink of war, and an unlikely group of heroes must band together to save it from destruction. The narrative weaves together the fates of a war-beast and her dragon rider, a pair of mismatched siblings, and a group of magical, ancient creatures with the power to change the course of history. As they face internal conflicts, betrayals, and the looming threat of an otherworldly invasion, their paths intertwine in a desperate quest to harness old magics and forge new alliances. This epic tale of courage, friendship, and the complex nature of heroism dives deep into the heart of a richly imagined fantasy world, challenging the boundaries between good and evil, and exploring the costs of survival in the face of unspeakable odds.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
487. The Tiger And The Wolf by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Echoes of the Fall
In a world where tribes shape-shift into their totem animals, the story follows Maniye, a young girl torn between her father's Wolf clan in the North and her estranged mother's Tiger clan in the South. Struggling with her dual heritage, Maniye finds herself on a perilous journey that forces her to flee her home, pursued by those who seek to use her unique abilities for their own ends. Along the way, she gathers a diverse group of outcasts and misfits, each with their own secrets and agendas. As ancient powers stir and a long-foretold war looms on the horizon, Maniye must embrace her identity and unite the animal tribes if they are to survive the coming darkness.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
488. Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge
This novel is a gripping, dark fantasy tale set in post-World War I England, where a young girl wakes up after an accident to find herself changed in inexplicable ways. As she struggles to piece together what happened to her, she discovers that she is not who she thought she was, and her family seems to be harboring sinister secrets. With the help of unlikely allies, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her identity and to confront the eerie, otherworldly forces that have begun to invade her world. This story masterfully blends elements of horror, mystery, and historical fiction, creating a haunting narrative about loss, identity, and the lengths we go to for love.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
489. Somewhither by John C. Wright
A Tale of the Unwithering Realm
This novel is a captivating blend of science fiction and fantasy, following the journey of a young man who discovers he is not just an ordinary teenager but part of a hidden world of supernatural beings and ancient conflicts. Thrust into an adventure that spans parallel universes, he must navigate a complex web of alliances and enmities while grappling with his own extraordinary abilities. As he embarks on a quest that challenges his understanding of reality and his place within it, he confronts powerful enemies and uncovers secrets that could alter the fate of worlds. Combining elements of myth, magic, and modern science, the story weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue and heroism, exploring themes of identity, destiny, and the universal struggle between good and evil.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
490. Witch King by Martha Wells
In "The Witch King," readers are plunged into a captivating fantasy world where an ancient and powerful witch king, long thought to be a myth, is discovered to be very much alive. The narrative follows a group of characters, each with their own motives and secrets, as they navigate political intrigue, dark magic, and their own personal demons in an attempt to understand and possibly control the witch king's formidable powers. As alliances form and betrayals surface, the characters must confront the reality that the fate of their world hangs in the balance, challenging their beliefs and forcing them to question what they truly desire. This novel weaves together elements of magic, mystery, and adventure, creating a richly detailed and immersive experience for readers.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
491. Book Of Night by Holly Black
This novel plunges readers into a dark contemporary fantasy world where shadows can be manipulated for power, espionage, and assassination. The protagonist, a skilled thief with a troubled past, becomes entangled in the dangerous politics of shadow traders and magicians. As she navigates a landscape filled with morally ambiguous characters, ancient secrets, and personal demons, she must confront her own history and make difficult choices that could alter the balance of power in the shadowy underworld. The narrative weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and the quest for redemption, challenging the boundaries between right and wrong, light and darkness.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
492. Battle Ground by Jim Butcher
A Novel of the Dresden Files
In this thrilling installment of a popular urban fantasy series, the city of Chicago becomes the epicenter of a supernatural war. The protagonist, a wizard detective, must rally his allies, both mortal and magical, to defend the city against a formidable and ancient enemy leading an army of monsters. As the battle rages, the stakes are higher than ever, pushing the hero to the limits of his power and resolve. Loyalties are tested, and sacrifices are made, in a desperate fight not just for survival, but for the soul of the city itself. The narrative is packed with action, magic, and the series' hallmark witty dialogue, making it a gripping read from start to finish.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
493. House Of Assassins by Larry Correia
Saga of the Forgotten Warrior, Book 2
In "House of Assassins," readers are plunged into a vividly crafted fantasy world where magic, gods, and warriors collide. The story follows Ashok Vadal, a former protector turned vengeful seeker of justice, as he embarks on a perilous mission to rescue his kidnapped protector, Thera. With the aid of a motley crew of allies, including a rebellious sorceress and a group of warrior monks, Ashok navigates treacherous landscapes and battles formidable enemies. The novel intricately weaves themes of honor, loyalty, and the quest for redemption, delivering a thrilling adventure filled with epic battles, dark magic, and complex characters fighting against the odds to save one of their own.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
494. Son Of The Black Sword by Larry Correia
Saga of the Forgotten Warrior
This fantasy novel is set in a rigidly stratified world where caste determines one's place in society, and the law is upheld by powerful warriors known as Protectors. The story follows Ashok Vadal, one of the most formidable of these Protectors, who wields a legendary ancestral blade. However, his unwavering belief in the law is shattered when he discovers a secret about his own heritage that forces him to question everything he has fought for. As he grapples with his newfound knowledge, he becomes a target of various factions vying for power, setting him on a path that could either lead to the world's salvation or its destruction. Through epic battles and moral dilemmas, the narrative explores themes of justice, honor, and the quest for truth.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
495. The Book Of Accidents by Chuck Wendig
This novel is a riveting blend of horror and suspense, weaving together the lives of a family who moves to rural Pennsylvania in hopes of a fresh start, only to find themselves in a house with a sinister past. As they navigate their new life, they encounter a series of eerie events and characters, including a mysterious figure with malevolent intentions. The narrative delves deep into themes of fate, redemption, and the cyclical nature of evil, all while exploring the complex dynamics of family and the lengths to which one will go to protect their loved ones. With its intricate plot and richly developed characters, the story masterfully combines elements of supernatural horror with psychological depth, resulting in a gripping and thought-provoking read.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
496. The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher
This novel follows the journey of a woman who, while clearing out her deceased grandmother's home in rural North Carolina, stumbles upon a chilling journal entry that hints at a dark family secret involving sinister beings in the woods. As she delves deeper, she discovers that the horrors described in the journal are not just figments of imagination but are terrifyingly real. With the help of her dog, a quirky neighbor, and a newfound friend, she confronts these ancient, twisted entities. Blending folklore with suspense, the story masterfully weaves a tale of terror, resilience, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth and protect those they love.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
497. Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King, Owen King
In a small Appalachian town, an extraordinary event unfolds: women who fall asleep become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If disturbed, they awaken in a violent, primal state. Meanwhile, in this bizarrely evolving world, Evie Black, a mysterious woman with a unique immunity to the sleeping phenomenon, emerges as both a potential savior and a harbinger of doom. As tensions between men and women escalate, the town becomes a battleground for a deeper societal confrontation, with Evie at its center. This novel weaves a rich tapestry of character and conflict, exploring themes of gender, power, and survival in a world teetering on the brink of an unfathomable transformation.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
498. Souldancer by Brian Niemeier
Soul Cycle Book II
In "Souldancer," the second installment of its series, the narrative delves deeper into a richly imagined universe where humanity is scattered across the stars, grappling with supernatural forces and the remnants of ancient civilizations. The story follows the journey of a young man who, after undergoing a profound transformation that bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, embarks on a quest that challenges his understanding of identity, loyalty, and love. As he navigates through a world teeming with soul-eating demons, celestial beings, and complex human characters, he must confront his own inner demons and make choices that could alter the fate of the universe. This novel blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror to explore themes of redemption, power, and the search for meaning in a chaotic cosmos.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
499. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
This novel introduces readers to a hidden world where vampires are real and live among us, focusing on two young women bound by a deep friendship and their roles within the vampire society. One is a Dhampir, a guardian trained to protect the Moroi, mortal, peaceful vampires from the Strigoi, their immortal and malevolent counterparts. The other is a Moroi princess, possessing magical abilities tied to the elements. Together, they navigate the complexities of their academy life, dealing with typical teenage challenges, social hierarchies, forbidden romances, and the ever-present threat of the Strigoi. As they prepare for their future roles, they uncover dark secrets and conspiracies that threaten the balance of their world.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
500. The Coin by Light Amidst Shadows
This fantasy novel introduces readers to a world where the balance between light and darkness is maintained by a mystical entity known as Aurelion. The story follows a young protagonist who, upon discovering a mysterious coin, is thrust into an ancient conflict that transcends time and space. As the chosen one, they must navigate a path filled with magic, peril, and unexpected allies, striving to restore harmony in a realm teetering on the brink of chaos. Through their journey, the novel explores themes of destiny, power, and the eternal struggle between opposing forces, weaving a tale that captivates and entertains from beginning to end.
The 17131st 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.
DownloadTo download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.
Login to Download