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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76. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
The protagonist, a middle-aged man, returns to his childhood home for a funeral and is drawn to the farm at the end of the road where he encounters a pond that was once an ocean in his childhood memories. He recalls a series of strange and terrifying events that occurred when he was seven, involving the mystical Hempstock women who live on the farm and their battle against malevolent supernatural entities that threatened his existence. The book explores themes of memory, magic, and the darkness that lies beneath the surface of everyday life.
The 7983rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
77. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In a world divided by blood, where the elite Silver-blooded possess supernatural abilities and the common Red-blooded are powerless, a young girl named Mare Barrow discovers she has a unique power of her own. Thrust into the dangerous world of the Silver elite, Mare must navigate a web of political intrigue and deception while concealing her true identity. As she becomes a symbol of rebellion for the oppressed Reds, Mare struggles with her loyalties and the growing tension between her heart and her duty, leading to a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and revolution.
The 8049th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
78. Neon Gods by Katee Robert
A Scorchingly Hot Modern Retelling of Hades and Persephone
In this modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, a young woman named Persephone finds herself entangled in a dangerous and seductive underworld ruled by the enigmatic Hades. Fleeing from an unwanted engagement orchestrated by her powerful mother, Persephone seeks refuge in Hades' domain, where she strikes a bargain with the dark and alluring god. As they navigate their growing attraction and the political machinations of their world, Persephone discovers her own strength and agency, challenging the boundaries of her fate and the expectations placed upon her.
The 8052nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
79. The Dragon Republic by R. F. Kuang
In this dark and gripping fantasy sequel, the protagonist, a young warrior and shaman, grapples with the aftermath of a brutal war and her own harrowing actions. Betrayed by allies and seeking redemption, she aligns with a new military force with the hope of transforming the corrupt empire into the titular republic. As she navigates political intrigue, battles monstrous forces, and confronts her inner demons, she must also contend with the destructive power of the gods and the weight of her burgeoning abilities. The novel explores themes of power, identity, and the cost of revolution in a richly detailed, war-torn world.
The 8058th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
80. Bunny by Mona Awad
Samantha Mackey, an outsider in a competitive MFA program, becomes fascinated and unnerved by a clique of eerily charming classmates who call each other Bunny. When she is invited into their secretive Smut Salon and joins their off-campus Workshop, Samantha is drawn deeper into a surreal, ritualistic world where the lines between imagination and reality begin to blur. The novel follows her tangled relationships and the strange, dark power of belonging, creativity, and desire.
The 8066th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
81. Unsouled by Will Wight
Cradle, Book 1
In a world where magical powers define one's status and potential, a young boy named Lindon struggles with his fate as an Unsouled, someone born without the ability to harness the sacred arts. Determined to defy his predetermined path, Lindon embarks on a perilous journey of self-discovery and growth, seeking to unlock his hidden potential and prove his worth. Along the way, he encounters powerful allies and formidable foes, each shaping his destiny in unexpected ways. As Lindon navigates the intricate web of power and ambition, he learns that true strength lies not just in one's abilities, but in the courage to challenge the impossible.
The 8225th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
82. The Kraken King by Meljean Brook
A Novel of the Iron Seas
In this adventurous steampunk romance, a daring and resourceful woman named Zenobia Fox embarks on a perilous journey to the distant lands of Australia to gather stories for her writing. Along the way, she encounters the enigmatic and charismatic Ariq, known as the Kraken King, who is a former rebel leader and now a protector of his people. As Zenobia becomes entangled in political intrigue and dangerous plots, she and Ariq must navigate their growing attraction while facing threats from both human adversaries and mechanical monstrosities. Together, they must unravel secrets and confront challenges that test their courage and loyalty, ultimately discovering the power of love and trust in a world filled with danger and deception.
The 8254th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
83. That Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Demon by Kimberly Lemming
A Mead Mishap Adventure
In this whimsical fantasy romance, a young woman named Cinnamon finds her mundane life turned upside down after a chance encounter with a demon named Fallon. Following a tipsy night at a festival, she inadvertently frees Fallon from a curse, setting off a chain of events that thrusts her into an unexpected adventure. As they journey together to confront a tyrannical sorceress, Cinnamon discovers hidden strengths and forms an unlikely bond with Fallon, blending humor, magic, and romance in a tale of courage and self-discovery.
The 8266th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
84. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Mercedes "Mercy" Thompson is a skilled Volkswagen mechanic residing in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. Beyond her mechanical expertise, Mercy possesses the unique ability to transform into a coyote at will, a trait that marks her as a walker. Her life is intertwined with the supernatural, as her neighbor is a werewolf, her former boss is a gremlin, and she finds herself repairing a bus for a vampire. In a world that mirrors our own but is teeming with mystical creatures, Mercy's ties to the supernatural community lead her into unexpected and dangerous situations.
The 8316th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
85. The Truth by Terry Pratchett
A Novel of Discworld
In this satirical fantasy novel, the story revolves around the accidental establishment of the city's first newspaper by a young entrepreneur and his talking dog. As the newspaper begins to uncover and report the truth, it finds itself entangled in a plot involving political intrigue, murder, and the machinations of the city's elite. The protagonist must navigate the treacherous waters of news and information, dealing with the moral dilemmas of journalism and the power of the written word, all while the very fabric of the city's society is threatened by the stories his paper brings to light. The novel humorously explores themes of media power, truth, and the responsibility of those who control the flow of information.
The 8320th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
86. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
"Graceling" is a young adult fantasy novel set in a world where certain individuals are born with special abilities known as "Graces." Katsa, the protagonist, is a Graceling who possesses the ability to kill anyone with her bare hands. She is used as a weapon by her uncle, the king, until she meets Prince Po, another Graceling who challenges everything she knows about herself and her world. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the kingdoms. Along the way, Katsa learns to embrace her Grace and use it for good, rather than as a tool for violence.
The 8399th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
87. Lost In A Good Book by Jasper Fforde
A Thursday Next Novel
In this whimsical and imaginative tale, literary detective Thursday Next finds herself navigating a series of bizarre and perilous adventures as she delves deeper into the world of fiction. With the fabric of reality at stake, Thursday must contend with time travel, alternate dimensions, and the sinister machinations of the Goliath Corporation. Along the way, she encounters a host of eccentric characters, both real and fictional, while striving to rescue her eradicated husband and prevent a looming global catastrophe. The story is a clever blend of literary references, humor, and suspense, offering a unique and engaging experience for readers.
The 8409th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
88. City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare
The Mortal Instruments
In a world where the supernatural exists alongside the mundane, a teenager named Clary Fray discovers her hidden heritage as a Shadowhunter, a warrior dedicated to eradicating demons. After her mother is kidnapped, Clary is thrust into the secretive and perilous world of the Shadowhunters, where she must navigate complex relationships, uncover family secrets, and harness her newfound abilities. As she delves deeper into this hidden society, Clary learns about the dark forces threatening both the human and supernatural realms, ultimately leading her to confront her own destiny.
The 8409th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
89. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin
In this fantasy novel, a young woman finds herself thrust into a volatile and treacherous world of politics and power when she is unexpectedly named an heir to the ruling family of a vast empire. As she navigates the dangerous court intrigues, she discovers her own latent magical abilities and forms complex relationships with the enslaved gods who are the source of the family's power. With the throne at stake, she must contend with deadly scheming, her own family's dark secrets, and the weight of her potential role in reshaping the kingdom's future.
The 8423rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
90. Witchmark by C. L. Polk
A Novel of Magic and Intrigue
In a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, a war veteran with secret healing powers must conceal his abilities to avoid being enslaved by his own family. When a fatally poisoned patient reveals a dire conspiracy, the healer is thrust into a dangerous investigation that exposes his hidden heritage and pits him against a powerful and oppressive magical elite. As he delves deeper, he must navigate a complex web of political intrigue, forbidden romance, and family secrets, all while trying to prevent a magical war that could destroy everything he holds dear.
The 8575th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
91. The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day Two
In this fantasy novel, the protagonist continues his quest to uncover the truth about the mythical beings that killed his family. He also seeks to unravel the mystery behind the powerful yet elusive figure named the Chandrian. The story unfolds as he continues his education at a renowned magic school, takes a leave to serve a powerful noble, and trains with an elite group of warriors. His journey is filled with love, danger, and a deepening understanding of his own magical abilities. The novel ends with many questions still unanswered, setting the stage for the final book in the trilogy.
The 8592nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
92. Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley
In this enchanting retelling of a classic fairy tale, a princess is cursed by an evil fairy to prick her finger on a spindle and die on her twenty-first birthday. To protect her, the infant princess is spirited away by a young fairy and raised in a small village, unaware of her royal heritage. As her twenty-first birthday approaches, various forces converge to either save or doom her, leading to a journey of self-discovery, magic, and adventure. With the help of her friends, including animals she can communicate with, the princess must find a way to break the curse and embrace her true destiny.
The 8644th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
93. From Blood And Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
In a world where the line between duty and desire blurs, a young woman named Poppy is chosen as the Maiden, destined to remain untouched until her Ascension. Her life is one of solitude and strict rules, but everything changes when she meets Hawke, a guard who challenges her beliefs and awakens forbidden feelings. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, Poppy is thrust into a dangerous journey of self-discovery, where she must confront her own desires and the truth about her world, ultimately leading to a battle for her freedom and her heart.
The 8671st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
94. Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
In a world where magic has vanished, a young assassin named Celaena Sardothien is released from a brutal prison to compete in a deadly competition to become the king's champion. As she navigates the treacherous politics of the glass castle, she uncovers dark secrets and ancient forces threatening the kingdom. With the help of a charming prince and a stoic captain of the guard, Celaena must confront her past and embrace her destiny while battling formidable opponents and her own inner demons.
The 8693rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
95. What We Can Know by Ian McEwan
Set between 2014 and a flooded near-future, the novel centers on a mysterious poem read at a dinner and a lone scholar, Thomas Metcalfe, who becomes obsessed with finding it. His search through archives and lives unearths love, loss and a violent secret, as the book probes how we piece together the past and what can truly be known across time.
The 8705th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
96. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure
In a world turned upside down by a sudden and catastrophic event, the protagonist finds himself thrust into a deadly game of survival within a massive, ever-changing dungeon. Accompanied by his loyal feline companion, he must navigate through perilous levels filled with monstrous creatures, treacherous traps, and other desperate contestants, all vying for the ultimate prize. As he battles his way through the chaos, he uncovers hidden truths about the dungeon's origins and the sinister forces behind it, all while forging unexpected alliances and discovering the depths of his own resilience and ingenuity.
The 8863rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
97. Death Of The Author by Nnedi Okorafor
After losing her job and facing family pressure, Zelu writes an experimental science-fiction novel about androids and AI in a post‑human world. As her book takes on a life of its own, the boundaries between her fiction and her reality begin to blur, forcing her to reckon with love, loss, and the power of stories.
The 8866th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
98. Tongues by Anders Nilsen
Tongues is a graphic-novel retelling of the Prometheus myth set in a version of modern Central Asia. It follows the captive god, his fraught relationship with the eagle that torments him, and his pursuit of revenge, while interweaving the stories of an East African orphan on an errand of violence and a drifting young man carrying a teddy bear. The book reimagines ancient myth through contemporary characters and themes of suffering, connection, and consequence.
The 8876th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
99. Theft Of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
The Riyria Revelations
In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, two unlikely heroes, Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and Hadrian Blackwater, a master swordsman, find themselves entangled in a conspiracy that could alter the fate of an entire kingdom. Tasked with a seemingly simple heist, they inadvertently become embroiled in a plot to overthrow the crown, forcing them to navigate a web of deceit, political intrigue, and ancient secrets. As they uncover hidden truths and forge unexpected alliances, Royce and Hadrian must rely on their wits and skills to survive and protect the realm from an impending darkness.
The 8886th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
100. Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold
In this fantasy novel, a middle-aged noblewoman, once plagued by madness and now seeking a purpose beyond her royal duties, embarks on a pilgrimage that quickly turns into a quest fraught with danger and supernatural intrigue. As she navigates the politics and magic of her world, she discovers her own latent powers and a destiny intertwined with the gods themselves. Alongside a cast of complex characters, she must confront her past while battling the forces that threaten to destabilize the kingdom, finding redemption, adventure, and perhaps even love along the way.
The 8912th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from 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.
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