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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201. The Great Work by Sheldon Costa
In the 19th-century Northwest, grieving alchemist Gentle Montgomery and his teenage nephew Kitt set out to track a legendary giant salamander whose blood might power an alchemical formula to revive Gentle’s dead friend. Their journey through a haunted wilderness brings surreal visions and draws the attention of a violent hunter, a corrupt judge, and a doomsday cult, forcing them to confront the creature, the strange dreams it provokes, and the fragile bonds between them. The story blends supernatural horror, alchemy, and a meditation on grief and human connection.
The 12403rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
202. A Mouthful Of Dust by Nghi Vo
Cleric Chih and their hoopoe companion Almost Brilliant arrive in the river town of Baolin to investigate a legendary famine. As they follow stories of strange dishes and starving streets, they’re drawn into a sinister magistrate’s mansion and must uncover what hunger has done to the town before darker forces — and desperate people — consume it.
The 12421st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
203. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
In a world where secrets and desires intertwine, a fierce storm brews both in the skies and within the hearts of two star-crossed lovers. As they navigate the treacherous paths of love and loyalty, they must confront their pasts and the shadows that threaten to tear them apart. With every twist and turn, they discover that the true battle lies not in the external forces that seek to destroy them, but in the internal struggles that challenge their very essence. Amidst the chaos, they find solace in each other's arms, daring to hope for a future that defies the odds.
The 12435th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
204. Hungerstone by Kat Dunn
Set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of chaos, this gripping tale follows a group of unlikely allies as they navigate a landscape fraught with danger and deception. As they uncover secrets buried deep within their pasts, they must confront their own inner demons while striving to prevent a looming catastrophe. With time running out, the characters are forced to make difficult choices that test their loyalty, courage, and humanity, ultimately leading them on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The 12443rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
205. When The Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi
When the Moon Hits Your Eye asks what would happen if the Moon were suddenly replaced by a same-mass wheel of cheese. Over the course of a lunar cycle, interconnected characters—children, scientists, workers, billionaires, preachers and politicians—grapple with the physical, social and personal consequences of this strange, impossible change.
The 12444th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
206. The Possession Of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas
In a gripping tale of suspense and supernatural intrigue, a young woman finds herself ensnared in a web of dark secrets and ancient curses when she inherits a mysterious estate in the heart of Mexico. As she delves deeper into the history of her family's past, she encounters restless spirits and malevolent forces that threaten to consume her very soul. With the help of unlikely allies, she must confront her deepest fears and unravel the mysteries that bind her to the haunted legacy of her ancestors, all while battling the sinister entities that seek to claim her as their own.
The 12451st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
207. My Name Is Emilia Del Valle by Isabel Allende
Set against the backdrop of a vibrant Latin American landscape, this novel follows the life of a spirited young woman as she navigates the complexities of love, family, and identity. Through a series of poignant and often humorous events, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting societal expectations and personal challenges. Her story is a tapestry of rich cultural heritage, interwoven with themes of resilience, passion, and the enduring power of hope. As she learns to embrace her true self, she finds strength in her roots and courage to forge her own path in a world that is both beautiful and unpredictable.
The 12452nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
208. Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang
In a world where the boundaries between science and spirituality blur, a young woman grapples with the profound implications of a miraculous pregnancy. As she navigates the complexities of her own identity and the expectations of those around her, she embarks on a transformative journey that challenges societal norms and personal beliefs. Her story unfolds with a delicate balance of introspection and external conflict, ultimately exploring themes of faith, autonomy, and the power of the human spirit in the face of the unknown.
The 12465th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
209. The Experiment by Rebecca Stead
In a world where scientific curiosity meets the complexities of human relationships, a group of young friends embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a mysterious experiment that has the potential to change their lives forever. As they delve deeper into the enigma, they grapple with questions of trust, loyalty, and the ethical boundaries of scientific discovery. Their adventure is a poignant exploration of friendship, courage, and the pursuit of knowledge, set against a backdrop of suspense and intrigue.
The 12473rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
210. I, Medusa by Ayana Gray
Set in a world where myths and reality intertwine, the story follows a young woman cursed with a power she never asked for. As she grapples with her newfound abilities, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting ancient deities and unraveling secrets of her lineage. Along the way, she must navigate a landscape filled with betrayal, loyalty, and the quest for redemption, all while trying to reclaim her identity and find her place in a world that fears her.
The 12474th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
211. The Manor Of Dreams by Christina Li
In a world where dreams hold the key to unlocking hidden truths, a young girl stumbles upon a mysterious manor that seems to exist beyond the boundaries of reality. As she delves deeper into its secrets, she discovers that the manor is a gateway to a realm where dreams and reality intertwine, revealing long-buried family secrets and untapped potential within herself. With the help of enigmatic allies and facing shadowy adversaries, she must navigate this dreamscape to uncover the truth and find her place in both worlds.
The 12476th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
212. The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
213. When The Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy
Set in a small, isolated town, the story delves into the mysterious and eerie events that unfold when a long-lost family member returns home after years of absence. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense, folklore, and psychological tension as the protagonist grapples with unsettling changes in their environment and the resurfacing of dark secrets. As the line between reality and myth blurs, the community must confront the haunting past and the chilling presence that threatens to unravel their lives.
The 12487th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
214. The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
Set against the backdrop of 18th-century England, this gripping historical mystery follows a young scholar who becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and intrigue after discovering a mysterious manuscript. As he delves deeper into the enigmatic text, he uncovers a series of dark conspiracies that threaten not only his life but also the stability of the nation. With a cast of richly drawn characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists, the story weaves a tale of deception, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
The 12488th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
215. They Bloom At Night by Trang Thanh Tran
Set against the backdrop of a mystical Vietnamese village, this enchanting tale follows the journey of a young girl who discovers her family's secret legacy of nurturing rare, luminescent flowers that only bloom under the moonlight. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of her heritage, she uncovers hidden truths about her ancestors and the magical connection between the flowers and the village's prosperity. With the help of newfound friends, she must navigate challenges and embrace her destiny to protect the village from impending darkness, all while learning the true power of love, courage, and tradition.
The 12489th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
216. Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher
In a world where magic and mystery intertwine, a young woman finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and danger after discovering a hidden realm filled with mythical creatures and ancient secrets. As she navigates this enchanting yet perilous landscape, she must rely on her wits and newfound allies to unravel the truth behind a series of dark events threatening both her world and the magical one. With courage and determination, she embarks on a journey that challenges her understanding of loyalty, friendship, and the very nature of magic itself.
The 12490th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
217. Black Woods Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Alaska's rugged wilderness, this novel weaves a tale of resilience, love, and the indomitable spirit of nature. The story follows a young couple who, seeking solace and a fresh start, move to a remote cabin in the woods. As they navigate the challenges of isolation and the harsh elements, they discover the profound beauty and danger that the wild holds. Their journey is one of self-discovery, as they confront their pasts and forge a deeper connection with each other and the land that surrounds them.
The 12491st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
218. Old Soul by Susan Barker
Set against a backdrop of historical and contemporary China, this novel intricately weaves the lives of its characters through time, exploring themes of reincarnation and destiny. The story follows a protagonist who experiences vivid memories of past lives, each one intricately connected to the others, revealing a tapestry of love, betrayal, and redemption. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of their current life, they are drawn into a journey of self-discovery, uncovering the profound impact of their past actions and the enduring nature of the human soul.
The 12492nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
219. The Survivor Wants To Die At The End by Adam Silvera
Paz Dario, exhausted from waiting for a Death‑Cast call that would end his life, decides to take action—only to be saved at the last moment by another boy. Alano Rosa, tied to the company behind Death‑Cast and facing threats from a violent group, is forced to confront his own lack of control. When Paz and Alano cross paths, they lean on one another to face danger, mortality, and what it means to actually live. Contains mature and potentially difficult themes.
The 12507th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
220. The Night Birds by Christopher Golden
Charlie Book, who studies and lives aboard the half‑sunken freighter Christabel off Galveston, finds his quiet routine upended when Ruby Cahill returns with a terrified woman and an infant seeking refuge. They take shelter on the ship’s eerie “floating forest” as a violent storm gathers and a menacing group closes in, while restless flocks of birds scour the coastline. Tense and atmospheric, the story follows their desperate attempt to survive one long, dangerous night.
The 12555th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
221. Hansel And Gretel by Stephen King, Maurice Sendak
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222. Meet Me At The Crossroads by Megan Giddings
On a summer morning seven mysterious doors appear, opening onto another world and upending ordinary life. Twin sisters Ayanna and Olivia—Black teens from the Midwest—are pulled in different directions; when one vanishes, the other must search for answers while confronting questions of family, faith, and identity.
The 12566th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
223. Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Nikki returns to North Carolina at the summons of her estranged grandmother, Mother Rita, who shares the story of their ancestors’ mountain settlement — a community of formerly enslaved people who called their home the Kingdom of the Happy Land. As Nikki learns about Queen Luella and the family land that has shaped generations, she must reckon with her identity and what it will take to protect that legacy.
The 12571st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
224. When They Burned The Butterfly by Wen-yi Lee
Singapore, 1972: in the city’s shadowy alleys, ancestral gods and unsanctioned magic persist through street gangs. Adeline Siow, a solitary schoolgirl who can summon flame, investigates her mother’s death and is drawn into the Red Butterfly, a gang of girls bound to a fire goddess. As rival gangs and strange new magic unsettle the streets, Adeline must navigate dangerous loyalties and a violent struggle for power.
The 12573rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
225. The Last Tiger by Julia Riew, Brad Riew
In a colonized land where tigers are nearly extinct and old magic stirs, a servant named Lee Seung and a noblewoman, Choi Eunji, form an uneasy alliance to try to change their fates. Their relationship shifts from allies to rivals as they clash over the last tiger—a symbol of their people’s freedom—while facing competing loyalties and a rival from the imperial court. Each sets out on a dangerous quest and must find the courage to shape their own destiny.
The 12581st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org
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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