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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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. 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 8255th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
52. 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 8267th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
53. 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 8424th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
54. 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 8576th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
55. 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 8593rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
56. 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 8672nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
57. 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 8694th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
58. 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 8706th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
59. 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 8864th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
60. 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 8867th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
61. 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 8877th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
62. 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 8887th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
63. Queen Of The Conquered by Kacen Callender
Islands of Blood and Storm
Set on a Caribbean-inspired island, the narrative unfolds in a world where colonial powers have subjugated the native population. The protagonist, a woman of mixed heritage, possesses a unique ability to control minds—a power she plans to use to exact revenge on the ruling class that oppressed her people and murdered her family. As she maneuvers through a treacherous web of politics, rebellion, and personal ambition, she grapples with the moral complexities of her quest for vengeance and her own complicity in the brutal system she seeks to overthrow. The story is a gripping exploration of power, justice, and the cost of liberation in a society rife with inequality and prejudice.
The 8939th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
64. The Rage Of Dragons by Evan Winter
The book is a gripping fantasy tale set in a world inspired by African mythology, where a caste-driven society is locked in a perpetual war with hordes of dragons. The protagonist, born into the lowest caste, discovers an extraordinary ability to summon the power of dragons and seeks to use this power to avenge the injustices done to his people and to ascend beyond his preordained station. His quest for revenge and personal transformation is fraught with battles, political intrigue, and the challenge of overcoming a rigid social hierarchy, all while the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance.
The 8939th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
65. Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle
The novel centers around a disfigured man who creates an intricate mail-in role playing game set in a post-apocalyptic world, as a way to escape his own reality. His life takes a tragic turn when two teenage players take the game too seriously, resulting in real-life consequences. The narrative unfolds in reverse, gradually revealing the protagonist's backstory and the circumstances that led to his disfigurement.
The 8944th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
66. Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
Three linked stories across 1532, 1827, and 2019 follow María, Charlotte, and Alice as hunger, longing, and rage push them into desperate choices. Weaving historical and contemporary threads, the novel examines desire, freedom, and the cost of survival without revealing key twists.
The 8984th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
67. Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins
On the day of the fiftieth Hunger Games — a special Quarter Quell — Haymitch Abernathy is taken from District 12 alongside three other tributes. Torn from his family and the girl he loves, he must survive an arena designed to break him, and his choices in the Games threaten to reach far beyond his own fate.
The 8987th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
68. The Book Of Records by Madeleine Thien
Lina and her father arrive at The Sea, a liminal enclave between migrations, where time and eras seem to meet. There she befriends neighbors from different periods—a Jewish scholar in 17th‑century Amsterdam, a philosopher fleeing 1930s Germany, and a Tang dynasty poet—whose conversations and teachings help Lina face revelations about her family’s past. The novel moves across centuries to explore migration, memory, guilt, responsibility, and the search for home.
The 9061st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
69. Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross
Stay a Spell
In this paranormal romance, a cursed werewolf named Mateo Cruz struggles to control his inner wolf, Alpha, who constantly urges him to unleash his primal instincts. Desperate for help, Mateo turns to Evie Savoie, a powerful witch from a family of New Orleans magic practitioners. As Evie works to break Mateo's curse, the two are drawn to each other, navigating the complexities of their growing attraction while facing external threats from rival supernatural factions. The story blends humor, romance, and suspense as Mateo and Evie confront their fears and desires, ultimately discovering the strength of their bond.
The 9080th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
70. The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
In a near-future world where dreams are monitored, Sara is detained by a government agency after an algorithm predicts she will harm the person she loves. Held in a retention center with other women whose dreams are used as evidence, she faces shifting rules and prolonged confinement. A new arrival unsettles the facility’s order and sets Sara on a path that forces her to confront the surveillance systems controlling her life.
The 9085th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
71. He Who Fights With Monsters by Shirtaloon
A LitRPG Adventure
In a world where magic and monsters reign supreme, an ordinary man from Earth finds himself thrust into an extraordinary realm filled with danger and opportunity. As he navigates this new reality, he must adapt quickly, learning to harness the powers bestowed upon him while grappling with the moral complexities of his actions. With wit and determination, he forms alliances, confronts formidable foes, and discovers the true nature of heroism in a land where the line between good and evil is often blurred. His journey is one of growth, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of survival in a world that challenges his very essence.
The 9095th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
72. The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
The novel follows Mika Moon, a witch who has always lived a solitary life due to the secrecy surrounding her magical abilities. When she receives an unexpected invitation to teach three young witches at the mysterious Nowhere House, Mika finds herself drawn into a unique community that challenges her understanding of family and belonging. As she navigates the complexities of mentoring the girls and managing her own powers, Mika discovers the importance of connection and love, ultimately transforming her life and the lives of those around her.
The 9128th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
73. Off To Be The Wizard by Scott Meyer
Magic 2.0
In this whimsical and humorous tale, a young computer programmer stumbles upon a file that allows him to manipulate reality, discovering that the world is essentially a computer program. Armed with this newfound power, he travels back in time to the Middle Ages, where he poses as a wizard. As he navigates the challenges of medieval life, he encounters other "wizards" who have also discovered the secret, leading to a series of comedic adventures and mishaps. The story explores themes of power, responsibility, and the unexpected consequences of wielding such extraordinary abilities.
The 9179th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
74. The Grace Of Kings by Ken Liu
In a sweeping fantasy epic set in a world inspired by the historical legends of China, two unlikely friends, a bandit and a duke, lead a rebellion against a tyrannical emperor. Their successful revolution ushers in a new era of chaos and conflict as the two heroes, driven by vastly different visions of justice and governance, find themselves at odds. The novel weaves intricate themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of power and ambition, as the characters navigate a richly detailed world of gods, airships, and divine interventions. The story is as much about the cost of victory as it is about the bonds of friendship and the unpredictable nature of grace.
The 9256th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
75. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
In this novel, a young transgender boy named Yadriel, determined to prove his identity to his traditional Latinx family, embarks on a journey to become a real brujo. After performing a ritual to summon the spirit of his murdered cousin, Yadriel accidentally summons the ghost of Julian Diaz, a rebellious classmate with unfinished business. As Yadriel and Julian grow closer while unraveling the mystery of Julian's death, they navigate themes of acceptance, identity, and love, ultimately challenging cultural norms and embracing their true selves.
The 9287th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
Reading Statistics
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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.
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