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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51. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Simon Armitage
A New Verse Translation
The book is a modern translation of a 14th century alliterative poem, which tells the story of Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table. The story begins when a mysterious Green Knight arrives at Arthur's court, challenging the knights to a beheading game. Gawain accepts the challenge and beheads the Green Knight, who surprisingly survives and tells Gawain to seek him out a year later to return the blow. The book follows Gawain's journey, filled with trials and temptations, as he tries to fulfill his promise to the Green Knight, maintaining his honor and chivalry.
The 7042nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
52. A Court Of Mist And Fury by Sarah J. Maas
In this fantasy novel, the protagonist, Feyre, grapples with the trauma and consequences of her past actions while navigating the complex political landscape of the faerie realms. As she adjusts to her new life and powers, she forms unexpected alliances and uncovers dark secrets that challenge her understanding of loyalty, love, and her own identity. The story delves into themes of empowerment, resilience, and the struggle for freedom, all set against a richly imagined backdrop of magic and intrigue.
The 7079th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
53. Jade City by Fonda Lee
In a bustling city ruled by powerful crime families, the Kauls, who possess the rare ability to harness the magical powers of jade, struggle to maintain their control amidst rising tensions and rivalries. As the city teeters on the brink of chaos, the Kaul siblings find themselves caught in a dangerous web of betrayal, loyalty, and ambition, where the fate of their family and their city hangs in the balance. With vivid world-building and intricate character dynamics, "Jade City" is a gripping tale of power, honor, and the price of maintaining control.
The 7141st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
54. Magic In The Wind by Christine Feehan
A Drake Sisters Novel
In a quaint coastal town, the enigmatic Sarah Drake returns home, stirring whispers of her family's mystical legacy. As the eldest of seven sisters, each possessing unique powers, Sarah's presence is both a beacon of hope and a harbinger of change. Her return coincides with the arrival of Damon Wilder, a man haunted by his past and seeking solace. As danger looms, Sarah and Damon are drawn together, their connection igniting a powerful force that challenges the shadows threatening the town. Amidst the swirling winds of magic and destiny, they must confront their fears and embrace the strength of love to protect their world.
The 7149th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
55. La Horde Du Contrevent by Alain Damasio
Chronique des vents
The book is a French science fiction novel that follows a group of intrepid explorers, known as the Horde, as they embark on an epic quest against a relentless, omnipresent wind to reach the mysterious source of the wind at the far end of their world. The narrative is uniquely structured, with each member of the Horde providing their own perspective, and the story delves into themes of camaraderie, human resilience, and the struggle against nature. As the characters face physical and existential challenges, the novel explores the depths of human experience and the bonds that form in the face of adversity.
The 7157th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
56. Hounded by Kevin Hearne
The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book One
In a modern-day Arizona setting, a centuries-old Druid named Atticus O'Sullivan finds himself embroiled in a battle against ancient gods and mythical creatures. As the last of his kind, Atticus wields a powerful magical sword, Fragarach, and is determined to protect it from those who seek to claim its power. With the help of his loyal Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and a diverse group of allies, Atticus navigates a world where the supernatural and the mundane collide, all while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in his life as a bookstore owner.
The 7204th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
57. The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
A Story of Discworld
In this humorous fantasy novel, a young witch named Tiffany Aching embarks on a quest to rescue her kidnapped brother, armed only with a frying pan and the assistance of the Nac Mac Feegle—a clan of rowdy, blue-skinned, six-inch-tall pictsies. As Tiffany ventures into the realm of Fairyland, she must rely on her wits, courage, and newfound magical abilities to navigate a world filled with dreams and nightmares, where nothing is as it seems. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about responsibility, the power of knowledge, and the importance of standing up for oneself and others.
The 7628th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
58. Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh
A Guild Hunter Novel
In a world where angels and vampires coexist with humans, a skilled hunter named Elena Deveraux is tasked with a dangerous mission by the powerful archangel Raphael. As she delves deeper into her assignment, Elena finds herself entangled in a deadly game of power and desire, uncovering dark secrets that could alter the balance between the supernatural beings. Her growing attraction to Raphael complicates matters, forcing her to navigate a complex web of emotions while confronting threats that challenge her strength and resolve.
The 7636th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
59. Soulless by Gail Carriger
An Alexia Tarabotti Novel
Set in a steampunk Victorian London, the story follows Alexia Tarabotti, a strong-willed and witty spinster who lacks a soul, giving her the unique ability to negate supernatural powers. When she accidentally kills a vampire, she becomes embroiled in a mystery involving disappearing werewolves and vampires. As she navigates this dangerous world, she encounters Lord Maccon, a rugged werewolf investigator, and together they unravel a conspiracy threatening the delicate balance between humans and the supernatural. The narrative blends romance, humor, and adventure, creating an engaging tale of intrigue and self-discovery.
The 7636th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
60. Victory City by Salman Rushdie
The novel is a sweeping historical epic that chronicles the rise and fall of a fantastical city in southern India, brought to life by a nine-year-old girl named Pampa Kampana who is endowed with divine powers. Over the course of 250 years, the city becomes a vibrant hub of culture, politics, and spirituality, reflecting the complexities of human ambition, love, and betrayal. Through Pampa's eyes, the story explores themes of power, destiny, and the enduring struggle between good and evil, all set against the backdrop of a richly imagined world that blends myth and reality.
The 7665th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
61. Shadow And Bone by Leigh Bardugo
In a war-torn world plagued by darkness and monsters, a young soldier named Alina Starkov discovers a dormant power within herself that could be the key to saving her country. As she is swept into the opulent and dangerous world of the Grisha, magical elite led by the enigmatic Darkling, Alina struggles to hone her abilities while navigating court politics and her feelings for her childhood friend, Mal. As she uncovers shocking truths about the Darkling's intentions, Alina must decide where her loyalties lie and find the strength to embrace her destiny.
The 7670th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
62. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
In a futuristic world where humans coexist with androids, a gifted mechanic named Cinder navigates life in New Beijing, harboring a secret that she is a cyborg. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled with the charming Prince Kai and discovers her connection to a deadly plague ravaging the population. As political tensions rise with the looming threat of the Lunar Queen, Cinder must confront her mysterious past and embrace her unique abilities to protect those she loves and uncover the truth about her identity.
The 7670th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
63. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Book 1 of the Raven Cycle
In a small town brimming with secrets and legends, a young girl named Blue Sargent, who comes from a family of clairvoyants, finds herself drawn into the enigmatic world of four boys from the prestigious Aglionby Academy. These boys, known as the Raven Boys, are on a quest to uncover the resting place of a legendary Welsh king, believed to grant a wish to whoever finds him. As Blue becomes entangled in their journey, she discovers the intertwining of fate, friendship, and the supernatural, all while grappling with a prophecy that foretells the death of her true love.
The 7670th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
64. Among Others by Jo Walton
The novel is a captivating blend of fantasy and coming-of-age story, told through the diary entries of a fifteen-year-old girl who has survived a tragic accident that took her twin sister's life and left her with a crippling injury. She navigates the complexities of adolescence, boarding school life, and family drama while also dealing with the magical abilities she inherited from her mother. As she seeks solace in the pages of science fiction and fantasy novels, she grapples with her own magical powers and the ethereal creatures that only she can see, leading to a poignant exploration of grief, growth, and the transformative power of storytelling.
The 7684th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
65. A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
Set in an alternate Cairo at the turn of the 20th century, where magic and steampunk technology infuse the air, the story follows Fatma el-Sha’arawi, the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. When someone claiming to be al-Jahiz, the famed Sufi mystic who opened the veil to the magical realm forty years prior, returns to wreak havoc in the form of a murderous cult, Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter. With the help of her new partner, a clever ministry bureaucrat, and her girlfriend, an enigmatic lounge singer, Fatma delves into a world of djinn and gods to prevent the imposter's diabolical plot from unleashing chaos upon the world.
The 7684th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
66. The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones
Set in the early days of Montana statehood, the novel follows Good Stab, a Blackfeet man whose unnaturally long life is revealed through a series of confessional interviews. The discovery of a century-old diary unearths a suppressed massacre and the long, haunted search for justice that follows. A spare, historical revenge tale told in vivid period voices.
The 7701st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
67. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
The Dark Star Trilogy, Book 1
"Black Leopard, Red Wolf" is a gripping and fantastical tale set in a mythical and ancient African world. The story follows Tracker, a skilled hunter with a keen sense of smell, who is hired to find a missing boy. As Tracker embarks on his dangerous journey, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including witches, giants, and shape-shifters. Amidst the treacherous landscapes and political turmoil, Tracker's search for the truth becomes intertwined with his own personal quest for identity and redemption. With its richly imagined world and lyrical prose, this epic fantasy explores themes of love, power, and the blurred boundaries between good and evil.
The 7760th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
68. Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin
A Tang Dynasty Romance
Set in ancient China, the story follows Ai Li, a determined and skilled warrior princess who flees her arranged marriage to protect her family's honor. During her journey, she encounters Ryam, a foreign warrior with his own troubled past. Together, they navigate treacherous landscapes and political intrigue while developing a deep bond. As they face numerous challenges, including betrayal and battles, Ai Li must balance her duty to her family with her growing feelings for Ryam, ultimately discovering her own strength and identity.
The 7761st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
69. The Invisible Life Of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab
The book follows the story of a young woman in 18th-century France who, desperate to escape an arranged marriage and yearning for freedom, makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious god-like figure to live forever without being remembered by anyone she meets. Her immortality becomes a curse as she moves through the centuries, leaving no mark on the world until, 300 years later, she stumbles upon a young man in a bookstore who, to her shock, remembers her name. This encounter unfolds into a tale of love, memory, and the intrinsic value of leaving one's mark on the world.
The 7838th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
70. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Set on the fictional island of Thisby, the story unfolds around the dangerous and thrilling Scorpio Races, where riders compete on water horses known as capaill uisce. These mythical creatures are both beautiful and deadly, emerging from the sea each year. The narrative follows two main characters: Sean Kendrick, a skilled and reserved horse trainer with a deep connection to the water horses, and Puck Connolly, a determined young woman who becomes the first female rider in the races, driven by necessity to save her family home. As the race approaches, both characters face personal challenges and forge an unexpected bond, navigating themes of courage, loyalty, and the struggle between tradition and change.
The 7858th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
71. The Vampire Queen's Servant by Joey W. Hill
A Novel of the Vampire Queen
In a world where the supernatural and the mortal intertwine, a young man named Jacob finds himself drawn into the enigmatic and seductive realm of vampires. Tasked with serving the alluring yet formidable Lady Lyssa, the reigning vampire queen, Jacob must navigate the complexities of their intense bond while uncovering the secrets of her ancient lineage. As he becomes more entwined in her world, Jacob discovers the delicate balance between submission and power, love and loyalty, ultimately challenging his own humanity in a tale of passion, danger, and dark intrigue.
The 7887th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
72. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
This novel weaves together the lives of diverse characters through a narrative that spans decades, centering on a teenage runaway with psychic abilities. As she becomes embroiled in a covert war between immortal factions, the story explores themes of mortality, power, and the interconnectedness of human lives. The intricate plot moves through different times and places, revealing a hidden world of mysticism and a looming apocalyptic crisis, all while examining the impact of our actions on the future of the planet.
The 7894th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
73. The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune
"The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a heartwarming and enchanting tale about Linus Baker, a caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who is sent on a special assignment to a remote island orphanage. There, he meets a group of extraordinary children, including a gnome, a sprite, and a were-Pomeranian, and their charming caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. As Linus gets to know the children and Arthur, he begins to question the strict rules and regulations he has always followed and learns the true meaning of love, acceptance, and family. This book is a celebration of diversity, kindness, and the power of friendship.
The 7902nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
74. Uprooted by Naomi Novik
The book is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves a tale of a young woman from a quiet village, chosen by a mysterious and powerful wizard to live with him in his tower, away from her home. As she learns about her own latent magical abilities and the malevolent force of the corrupted Wood that threatens her world, she must navigate a complex relationship with her enigmatic mentor and ally herself with the kingdom's prince to save her people. Drawing on Eastern European folklore, the story is a rich tapestry of magic, politics, and the struggle between tradition and change, ultimately exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the courage to fight for one's home.
The 7922nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
75. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
"Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a retelling of the classic fairy tale of Rumpelstiltskin. The story follows three women: Miryem, a moneylender's daughter who turns silver into gold; Wanda, a peasant girl who becomes Miryem's servant; and Irina, a duke's daughter who is forced into marriage with the powerful and dangerous tsar. As their lives become intertwined, they must use their wits and strength to overcome the challenges they face, including the wrath of the magical beings who lurk in the shadows.
The 7978th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
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.
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.
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