The Greatest Fantasy Books Since 2018

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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. 1. Circe by Madeline Miller

    The novel is a reimagining of the life of Circe, a minor goddess and witch from Homer's Odyssey. Born into the house of Helios, god of the sun, Circe is scorned by her family and turns to mortals for companionship, leading her to discover her powers of witchcraft. After transforming her mortal lover into a sea monster, she is banished to a deserted island by Zeus. Over the centuries, she hones her magical abilities, encounters famous mythological beings, and struggles with her immortality, loneliness, and desire for love and freedom.

    The 2652nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

    The book is a fantasy novel set in a world inspired by China's 20th century history. The protagonist, a war orphan, defies societal expectations by acing the empire-wide examination and earning a place at the prestigious military academy. However, her triumph is short-lived as she becomes embroiled in a violent conflict, which forces her to delve into the depths of her own magical abilities, inspired by shamanism. The story intertwines the brutal realities of war, mythology, and the exploration of power in a deeply divided society.

    The 3927th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

    Legacy of Orïsha

    In a world where magic has been suppressed and the maji people have been oppressed, Zélie, a young maji girl, embarks on a dangerous quest to restore magic and bring justice to her people. Alongside her brother and a rogue princess, Zélie must confront her own powers and face formidable enemies, navigating a treacherous landscape of betrayal and sacrifice. As they race against time, Zélie discovers that she may hold the key to not only saving her people, but also to changing the destiny of their entire nation.

    The 4077th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 4. Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon

    Set on the island of Sicily during the Peloponnesian War, "Glorious Exploits" follows the story of Lampo and Gelon, two potters with a love for poetry and drink. They find themselves drawn to a rock quarry where captured Athenian soldiers are held. In exchange for food, the prisoners must recite lines from the works of Euripides. Inspired by this interaction, Lampo and Gelon decide to stage a production of the play "Medea" with the prisoners as actors. As the performance date nears, their seemingly lighthearted endeavor spirals into a series of unexpected events, revealing the transformative power of art and the complexities of friendship amidst conflict.

    The 5425th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 5. This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El Mohtar, Max Gladstone

    In this epistolary science fiction novel, two rival agents, Red and Blue, find themselves on opposite sides of a sprawling temporal conflict known as the Time War. As they carry out missions to manipulate the strands of history for their respective factions, their paths cross in unexpected ways. Through a series of secret letters left across time and space, what begins as taunting correspondence evolves into a deep, forbidden connection. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of time-travel and intrigue, exploring themes of love, identity, and the consequences of actions within the ever-shifting sands of time. As their bond deepens, Red and Blue must ultimately decide where their loyalties lie and what sacrifices they are willing to make for a chance at a future together.

    The 5581st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 6. The Saint Of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera

    The novel follows the journey of Fetter, a young man born with a mysterious mark and destined for a significant role in a city filled with intrigue and hidden magic. As he navigates a world of saints, prophets, and enigmatic doors that promise transformation, Fetter grapples with questions of identity, destiny, and the nature of belief. The narrative weaves together themes of power, faith, and self-discovery, exploring the complexities of human experience in a richly imagined setting. Through Fetter's eyes, the story delves into the tension between personal agency and the weight of prophecy, ultimately challenging the boundaries of fate and free will.

    The 5687th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  7. 7. The Priory Of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

    In this epic fantasy novel, a divided world faces the threat of awakening draconic forces. The narrative weaves together the stories of a queendom without an heir, a hidden priory dedicated to a secret mission, and distant lands with contrasting beliefs about dragons. As the ancient enemy stirs, a disparate group of characters, including a queen who must secure her throne, a dragon-riding warrior from the East, and a mage with a personal vendetta, must overcome deep-seated prejudices and historical enmities to forge an alliance. The fate of their world hinges on their ability to unite and confront the encroaching darkness brought forth by the return of a legendary fire-breathing beast.

    The 6375th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 8. 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
  9. 9. 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
  10. 10. 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. 11. 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. 12. 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. 13. 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
  14. 14. 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
  15. 15. 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
  16. 16. 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
  17. 17. 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
  18. 18. 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
  19. 19. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  20. 20. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 21. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  22. 22. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 23. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 24. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  25. 25. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org

Reading Statistics

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