The Greatest Fantasy Books Since 2010

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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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Genres

Fantasy

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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  1. 26. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    The Folk of the Air

    "The Cruel Prince" is a dark and captivating fantasy novel that follows the story of Jude, a human girl who is taken to the faerie world after her parents are murdered. In the treacherous and ruthless Court of Faerie, Jude must navigate a dangerous game of politics and power, where she becomes entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and deadly intrigue. As she fights for her place in this world, Jude discovers her own strength and resilience, challenging the cruel and twisted nature of the faerie realm.

    The 6868th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 27. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 28. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 29. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 30. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  6. 31. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 32. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 33. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 34. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 35. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  11. 36. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 37. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 38. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  14. 39. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 40. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 41. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 42. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 43. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 44. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 45. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 46. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 47. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  23. 48. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 49. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  25. 50. 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 8226th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

Reading Statistics

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