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. 76. Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

    Annihilation Book 2

    "Authority" is the second book in a trilogy that delves into the mysteries of a clandestine government agency tasked with investigating an enigmatic and dangerous region known as Area X. The narrative follows a character brought in to oversee the agency after the tumultuous events of the first expedition. As he attempts to assert control and understand the strange occurrences within Area X, he encounters uncooperative staff, cryptic notes left by his predecessor, and the unsettling realization that the contamination thought to be contained within Area X may have more influence over the agency than previously believed. The protagonist's journey is one of psychological unraveling, as he grapples with the opaque hierarchy of the organization and the increasingly blurred lines between reality and the otherworldly phenomena associated with the area he is supposed to manage.

    The 9332nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 77. Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer

    "Acceptance" is the final installment in a science fiction trilogy that delves into the mysteries of Area X, a surreal and ever-changing landscape that defies explanation and has claimed the lives and sanity of many who have ventured into it. As the narrative shifts between multiple characters and timelines, the novel explores the fates of the expedition members, the origins of Area X, and the secretive agency attempting to understand it. The story weaves together the past and present, blending elements of horror, environmental science, and psychological drama to reveal the profound and often terrifying transformations wrought by this enigmatic zone. Through the eyes of a lighthouse keeper, a former director of the agency, and others deeply affected by Area X, the book examines themes of identity, the human impact on the environment, and the unknowable nature of the world around us.

    The 9332nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  3. 78. Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia Of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

    The book follows the journey of a brilliant yet socially awkward Cambridge professor who specializes in the study of faeries. As she embarks on a research expedition to a remote Scandinavian village to complete her comprehensive encyclopedia on the subject, she encounters a world where the boundary between human and faerie is intriguingly blurred. Alongside her charismatic and mysterious colleague, she navigates local folklore, uncovers hidden truths, and confronts her own personal challenges, ultimately leading to profound discoveries about both the faerie realm and herself.

    The 9527th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  4. 79. A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir

    In this gripping fantasy sequel, two fugitives fight to survive and overthrow a tyrannical regime. The former scholar-turned-fugitive and her warrior ally, with the help of a spy and other unexpected friends, embark on a dangerous journey to free the former's brother from a notorious prison. As they navigate through political intrigue and dark magic, they must also confront their own inner demons and the growing feelings between them. With the empire's most brutal forces on their trail, the pair must use all their wits and courage to outsmart their enemies and fan the flames of rebellion, while a prophecy looms over them, threatening to shake the very foundations of their world.

    The 9530th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 80. The Land by Aleron Kong

    Founding

    In a thrilling blend of fantasy and adventure, the story follows Richter, a modern-day gamer who finds himself transported into a vibrant and perilous world known as "The Land." As he navigates this new reality, Richter must adapt to its unique rules and challenges, leveraging his gaming skills to survive and thrive. With the ability to level up, gain new abilities, and form alliances, he embarks on a quest for power and knowledge, facing formidable foes and uncovering the mysteries of this immersive universe. The narrative explores themes of growth, camaraderie, and the pursuit of destiny in a realm where every decision can alter the course of his journey.

    The 9569th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 81. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

    In this enchanting romantic comedy, a young witch named Vivienne Jones accidentally curses her ex-boyfriend, Rhys Penhallow, after a bitter breakup. Nine years later, Rhys returns to their small town to recharge the town's ley lines, only to find that the curse has wreaked havoc on the local magic. As they work together to fix the magical mishaps, Vivienne and Rhys must confront their unresolved feelings and the lingering effects of the curse. Amidst a backdrop of magical chaos and charming small-town quirks, they rediscover love and learn the importance of forgiveness and second chances.

    The 9575th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 82. Beasts Made Of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi

    In a dark and fantastical city, the young and impoverished are employed as sin-eaters, known as aki, who consume the sins of the wealthy, manifesting them as beasts made of night. These sins take the form of Inisisa—sin-beasts that the aki must slay to absolve the guilt of the sin's original owner, at the cost of bearing the sin's tattooed image on their own skin. The story follows one such sin-eater, a talented but troubled young man, who finds himself embroiled in political intrigue and a deeper, more dangerous plot that threatens the very fabric of his society. As he grapples with his own identity and purpose, he must navigate a treacherous world of power, magic, and monsters—both human and created.

    The 9699th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 83. The Black Tides Of Heaven by Neon Yang

    Tensorate Series, Book 1

    In a fantastical Asian-inspired world where the forces of magic and technology intertwine, two twins are born to the Protector, a tyrannical ruler with a powerful grip over the realm. The twins, Mokoya and Akeha, are gifted with prophetic and magical abilities, respectively, and are sent to a monastery to hone their skills. As they grow older, they find themselves at the heart of a rebellion against their mother's oppressive regime. The story explores themes of destiny, freedom, and the complex bonds of family, all while the twins grapple with their identities and the paths they choose to take in a society where gender is fluid and self-determined.

    The 9699th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 84. The Undertaking Of Hart And Mercy by Megan Bannen

    In a world where the living and the dead coexist, a grumpy undertaker and a spirited marshal find themselves at odds, yet inexplicably drawn to each other. As they navigate their professional duties in a quirky, fantastical setting, their initial animosity gradually transforms into an unexpected partnership. Through a series of heartfelt letters and shared adventures, they uncover deeper connections and confront personal challenges, ultimately discovering that love can blossom in the most unlikely of circumstances. The story blends humor, romance, and a touch of the supernatural to explore themes of life, death, and the transformative power of human connection.

    The 9781st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 85. The Obelisk Gate by N. K. Jemisin

    The Broken Earth, Book 2

    In the second installment of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the world grapples with an apocalyptic season of catastrophic climate change known as the Fifth Season. The narrative follows a mother searching for her missing daughter while coming to terms with her own seismic powers that could either save humanity or hasten its end. As communes and factions struggle for survival and dominance, the story delves into themes of oppression, resistance, and the complex nature of human relationships, all set against a backdrop of geological and magical upheaval. The protagonist must navigate a landscape of political intrigue and ancient mysteries to unlock the potential of obelisks, powerful artifacts that could be the key to the world's salvation or destruction.

    The 9805th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  11. 86. Aru Shah And The End Of Time by Roshani Chokshi

    A Pandava Novel

    In this enchanting mythological fantasy, a young girl named Aru Shah discovers she is the reincarnation of one of the five legendary Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. When she accidentally unleashes an ancient demon, she must embark on a perilous journey to save the world from an apocalyptic freeze. Alongside a diverse cast of characters, including a talking pigeon and her newfound Pandava sister, Aru delves into her heritage, battles creatures from Indian mythology, and confronts her insecurities to find the courage within herself to prevent the end of time.

    The 9906th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 87. Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

    In a world where the boundary between human and myth blurs, a blue-haired art student in Prague discovers her mysterious past and connection to a war-torn realm inhabited by angels and beasts. As she navigates her life between art school and errands for her chimeric guardian, she uncovers secrets about her identity and a star-crossed love that transcends worlds and species. Her journey reveals the complexities of family, love, and the devastating consequences of old enmities, ultimately leading her to confront her destiny in a battle that could reshape the boundaries of her world and all others.

    The 9973rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 88. This Inevitable Ruin by Matt Dinniman

    On the ninth floor’s Faction Wars, nine armies led by powerful aliens battle to seize a castle in a winner-take-all contest where death may be permanent. As the game’s AI falters, Carl, Donut, Katia and other crawlers join the fray, and formerly disposable NPCs become a self-aware tenth faction. With only one of Donut or Katia allowed to leave the level, the group must form alliances and rely on veteran help to survive.

    The 9979th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  14. 89. How To Date Your Dragon by Molly Harper

    A Paranormal Romance Novel

    In a whimsical blend of romance and fantasy, a pragmatic anthropologist is sent to the mystical town of Mystic Bayou to study its unique population of supernatural beings. Her scientific approach is challenged when she meets a charming and enigmatic sheriff who happens to be a dragon. As they navigate the complexities of their growing attraction, they must also confront the mysterious forces threatening the town's harmony. With humor and heart, the story explores themes of acceptance, love, and the magic of embracing the unknown.

    The 10027th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  15. 90. Wishes And Wellingtons by Julie Berry

    A Steampunk Adventure

    In a whimsical tale set in Victorian England, a spirited young girl named Maeve Merritt stumbles upon a magical sardine tin containing a wish-granting djinni. As Maeve navigates the challenges of her strict boarding school, she finds herself entangled in a series of adventures and misadventures, each wish leading to unexpected consequences. With the help of her friends, Maeve learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the true nature of wishes, all while trying to outwit those who seek to exploit the djinni's powers for their own gain.

    The 10027th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 91. Angelfall by Susan Ee

    In a post-apocalyptic world where angels have descended to Earth and unleashed destruction, a resilient teenage girl embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her kidnapped younger sister. With society in ruins and danger at every turn, she allies with a mysterious angel whose motives are unclear, navigating a landscape filled with roving gangs, gruesome creatures, and celestial warriors. As she fights to survive and uncover the truth behind the invasion, she confronts the blurred lines between good and evil, and the potential darkness within herself and her enigmatic companion.

    The 10083rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 92. The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

    Brother Diaz arrives at the Sacred City expecting praise, but is instead put in charge of a dangerous flock of killers, dark sorcerers and monsters. Sent on a brutal mission that will force ruthless choices, he must navigate corrupt princes, hostile forces at the borders, and a hellish journey where unlikely, unholy allies could be his only chance.

    The 10163rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  18. 93. The Antidote by Karen Russell

    On Black Sunday, a massive dust storm descends on the fictional town of Uz, Nebraska. The story follows a group of residents—a “Prairie Witch” whose body stores other people’s memories, a Polish wheat farmer, his orphan niece who is a basketball player and witch’s apprentice, a talkative scarecrow, and a New Deal photographer with a time-traveling camera—as their secrets, losses, and the town’s past come to light. The novel blends folklore and magical realism with the harsh realities of the Dust Bowl and its human and environmental toll.

    The 10173rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 94. Katabasis by R. F. Kuang

    Ambitious graduate student Alice Law descends into Hell to rescue her mentor, Professor Jacob Grimes, after a fatal magical accident. Paired unwillingly with her rival Peter Murdoch, they must navigate a perilous underworld guided by myth and their own limited spells, facing dangers and secrets from their pasts. A dark academia fantasy about ambition, rivalry, and the costs of pursuing knowledge.

    The 10190th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 95. Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand

    In this gothic novel, a 1970s British acid folk band retreats to an ancient country house to create their next album, only to find themselves enveloped by supernatural occurrences. As the young musicians are drawn into the eerie atmosphere of Wylding Hall, the strange environment fuels their creativity, leading to the creation of a legendary album. However, the summer takes a dark turn when the lead singer mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind a tangle of haunting memories and unanswered questions that persist for decades, until the surviving band members reluctantly confront their past in a series of interviews, revealing the chilling truth behind the disappearance.

    The 10355th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  21. 96. An Oral History Of Atlantis by Ed Park

    An Oral History of Atlantis is a short-story collection of sixteen inventive, deadpan tales that blur reality and performance while probing memory, identity, and the transitory nature of youth and art. Through witty, often surreal vignettes—from a college actor whose role begins to overtake him to a man confronting his life through forgotten passwords—Ed Park illuminates how ordinary, absurd moments become unexpectedly meaningful.

    The 10401st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 97. The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman

    In "The Bright Sword," a young knight named Collum arrives at Camelot, only to discover that King Arthur has recently died, leaving the kingdom in disarray. With no heir to the throne, the remaining knights of the Round Table are a diverse group of lesser-known figures, including Sir Palomides and Sir Dagonet. They are joined by Nimue, once Merlin's apprentice, who now seeks to restore balance to the land. As Britain faces chaos, with mythical creatures and old gods reemerging, Collum and his companions embark on a quest to reclaim Excalibur and rebuild Camelot. They must navigate a fractured world, where alliances are shifting, and rival factions vie for power. Their journey will uncover the truth behind King Arthur's downfall and confront the shadows of Britain's past, as they strive to bring unity and hope back to the realm.

    The 10415th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  23. 98. The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson

    Kōrero, a young girl from a remote Tongan island, is chosen to save her people and undertakes a perilous seafaring journey across the Tu’i Tonga maritime empire. The novel follows her rise to leadership and explores cultural survival, ecological strain, and personal discovery without revealing key plot twists.

    The 10415th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 99. Terrestrial History by Joe Mungo Reed

    A multi‑generation family saga that ranges from coastal Scotland to a human colony on Mars. When fusion scientist Hannah is visited by Roban, a young man traveling backward in time from the Colony, several family members must confront a warming Earth and the difficult choices between staying and leaving. The novel explores time, memory, hope, and the costs of escape, without revealing key plot events.

    The 10526th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 100. Helm by Sarah Hall

    Helm follows a fierce, almost supernatural wind that shapes lives and stories across centuries in Northern England. Through linked episodes — a Neolithic tribe, a Dark Age priest, a Victorian engineer, a farmer’s daughter, and present-day scientist Dr. Selima Sutar — the novel traces human attempts to placate, banish, harness, love, and study this elemental force as people confront environmental change. It’s a lyrical, spoiler-free exploration of the relationship between people and the natural world.

    The 10562nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

Reading Statistics

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