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. 251. Dance Of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

    In a world of shifting alliances and hidden agendas, a reformed thief and a young leader find themselves entangled in a web of deception and romance. Tasked with a mission to secure an alliance for her queen, the skilled thief must navigate the treacherous politics of a powerful dynasty while grappling with her growing feelings for its charismatic leader. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, both must confront their pasts and decide where their true allegiances lie, ultimately discovering that trust and love can be as perilous as any enemy.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 252. The Will Of The Many by James Islington

    In a world where power is derived from the collective will of the populace, a young man named Vis embarks on a journey of survival and discovery after being thrust into the elite ranks of a prestigious academy. As he navigates the complex social and political dynamics, Vis uncovers hidden truths about the ruling class and the mysterious forces that govern their society. With alliances forming and tensions rising, he must confront his own beliefs and the true nature of power, ultimately challenging the very foundations of the world he thought he knew.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 253. The Tower Of Nero by Rick Riordan

    The Trials of Apollo, Book Five

    In the final installment of the series, the story follows Lester Papadopoulos, formerly the god Apollo, as he embarks on a perilous journey to reclaim his divine status. Accompanied by his loyal friend Meg McCaffrey, he faces formidable challenges, including confronting the tyrannical Roman emperor Nero and his monstrous forces. As they navigate dangerous trials and forge alliances with old friends, Lester must confront his past mistakes and embrace his mortal vulnerabilities. The narrative culminates in a climactic battle that tests their courage and loyalty, ultimately leading to a resolution that balances redemption and sacrifice.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 254. The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson

    A Mistborn Novel

    In this thrilling installment of the Mistborn series, the story unfolds in a world where magic and technology intertwine, following the adventures of lawman Waxillium Ladrian and his partner Wayne. As they navigate political intrigue and face formidable adversaries, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the stability of their society. With the discovery of a mysterious metal that holds untapped power, Wax and his allies must race against time to prevent a catastrophic event. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle for justice, culminating in a gripping and action-packed conclusion.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 255. Rhythm Of War by Brandon Sanderson

    Book Four of The Stormlight Archive

    In this epic continuation of the series, the story unfolds with a focus on the escalating conflict between humans and the enigmatic forces of the Fused. As tensions rise, the characters grapple with their own internal struggles and evolving powers. The narrative delves into themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the complexities of war, while exploring the deep bonds of friendship and loyalty. Amidst the chaos, new alliances are formed, and secrets are revealed, setting the stage for a climactic confrontation that will determine the fate of their world.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 256. Yumi And The Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson

    A Cosmere Novel

    In a world where dreams and reality intertwine, a young woman named Yumi, burdened with the responsibility of maintaining her village's spiritual balance, encounters a mysterious painter who can manipulate nightmares. Together, they embark on a journey to confront the dark forces threatening their realm, discovering hidden truths about themselves and their intertwined destinies. As they navigate a landscape filled with magic and danger, Yumi and the painter must learn to trust each other and harness their unique abilities to save their world from impending doom.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 257. House Of Earth And Blood by Sarah J. Maas

    Crescent City

    In a bustling city where humans, fae, and other magical beings coexist, Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae, half-human, leads a seemingly carefree life until a brutal murder shatters her world. As she grapples with her grief, she is drawn into a dangerous investigation alongside Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel with a dark past. Together, they navigate a web of secrets, uncovering a sinister conspiracy that threatens the fragile peace of their city. As they delve deeper, Bryce discovers hidden strengths and forms unexpected alliances, ultimately confronting her own destiny in a tale of love, loss, and redemption.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  8. 258. Vengeful by V. E. Schwab

    The novel follows the intense rivalry between two extraordinary individuals, Victor Vale and Eli Ever, who possess superhuman abilities after a near-death experience. As they navigate a world where power and revenge intertwine, Victor seeks to dismantle Eli's god-like complex and his crusade against others with similar abilities. The narrative explores themes of morality, ambition, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy, all while introducing new characters who complicate the existing dynamics and add depth to the unfolding conflict.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 259. Rakesfall by Vajra Chandrasekera

    A Fable of the End

    Rakesfall is a captivating science fiction tale that follows the intertwined destinies of Annelid and Leveret. Meeting in a nation recovering from war, they uncover truths hidden beneath layers of propaganda. Their bond, forged in a demon-haunted forest, transcends time and space, linking their souls across countless lifetimes. As they navigate through different eras, they face challenges from oppressive forces that seek to limit their potential. Amidst these struggles, a mysterious group known as the witches of the red web vows to dismantle the power structures of history. This epic journey explores the enduring power of connection and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  10. 260. Clouds In Space by Teresa Robeson

    {"summary":"\n\n**Clouds In Space** by Teresa Robeson is a captivating exploration of nebulae, the fascinating cosmic clouds that play a crucial role in the universe. These celestial formations can be remnants of supernovas, dispersing essential elements across the cosmos, or they can serve as stellar nurseries, where stars and planets are born. Through poetic narration and stunning illustrations, readers are invited to delve into the mysteries of nebulae, discovering their formation and significance. The book also includes detailed information about various nebulae and offers resources for those eager to learn more about these awe-inspiring phenomena."}

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  11. 261. A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

    In "A Magical Girl Retires," a millennial woman in Seoul faces the challenges of adulthood, including job loss and financial struggles. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Ah Roa, a clairvoyant magical girl who believes she might be destined for greatness. However, the reality of being a magical girl is far from the glamorous tales she grew up with. Instead of battling monsters, she must tackle real-world issues like climate change, armed only with a credit card as her magic wand. This imaginative story blends fantasy with the everyday, exploring themes of self-worth and the quest for purpose in a rapidly changing world.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  12. 262. Somewhere Beyond The Sea by Tj Klune

    Arthur Parnassus oversees a unique orphanage on a remote island, where he cares for six magical children. With the support of his partner, Linus Baker, and friends Zoe Chapelwhite and Mayor Helen Webb, Arthur strives to provide a nurturing environment, shielding the children from the neglect he once experienced. However, when Arthur is called to confront his past publicly, he faces a challenge that could impact the future of his family and all magical beings. As a new child arrives, identifying as a "monster," Arthur must navigate the complexities of acceptance and belonging, determining whether their family will grow stronger or unravel. Set on Marsyas Island, this tale explores themes of resilience and the pursuit of a life worth living.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  13. 263. Children Of Anguish And Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi

    Legacy of Orïsha

    In the gripping conclusion to the Legacy of Orïsha series, Zélie finds herself in a dire situation after the fall of the monarchy. Captured and transported across the seas by warriors with iron skulls, she must confront King Baldyr, a ruthless ruler determined to exploit her powers. As Zélie, along with Amari and Tzain, seeks new allies in unfamiliar territories, they face the looming threat of Baldyr's forces. With Orïsha on the brink of catastrophe, Zélie must summon all her strength to protect her people and confront her ultimate adversary.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  14. 264. The Mars House by Natasha Pulley

    In a future where Earth has suffered environmental devastation, January, a former ballet principal, finds himself as a refugee on Mars. Living in the Tharsis colony, he faces discrimination due to his Earth origin, which makes him a second-class citizen. His life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled with Aubrey Gale, a Mars politician with a controversial agenda against Earth refugees. After a disastrous public encounter, Gale proposes a fake marriage to January to salvage both their reputations. As January navigates this new arrangement, he uncovers layers of complexity in Gale's character and becomes embroiled in a larger conflict that threatens the entire colony. January must confront these challenges, balancing personal and political stakes, to protect his new home on Mars.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  15. 265. An Academy For Liars by Alexis Henderson

    Lennon Carter's life takes an unexpected turn when she receives an invitation to Drayton College, a hidden school of magic in Savannah. Gifted with the power of persuasion, Lennon learns to harness her abilities, which allow her to influence others and, in rare instances, manipulate matter. As she delves deeper into her studies, she becomes enchanted by the school's enchanting atmosphere and her enigmatic adviser, Dante. However, as Lennon uncovers the college's unsettling history and Dante's troubled past, she grapples with the challenge of wielding her power responsibly, fearing the temptation of corruption.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  16. 266. Not Quite A Ghost by Anne Ursu

    Violet Hart's life is in flux as her family moves into a mysterious house on Katydid Street. With her mother remarried and a new baby in the family, Violet feels out of place. Her friendships are shifting as she navigates middle school, and everything seems to be changing too quickly. The attic bedroom in their new home, with its eerie yellow wallpaper and creaky floors, only adds to her unease. After moving in, Violet falls ill and struggles to recover, leaving her isolated and questioning her surroundings. As she spends more time in the attic, she begins to sense that she might not be alone, with shadows lurking in the corners and a presence that seems to wrap around her at night.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  17. 267. Queen Of Dreams by Kit Rocha

    Mercenary Librarians

    In "Queen of Dreams," three powerful beings—Ash, Sachi, and Zanya—unite to confront a formidable ancient enemy. Ash, a timeless figure, has awaited a partner to break the chains of the Betrayer. Instead, he discovers Sachi and Zanya, who embody the primal forces of creation and destruction. As Zanya grapples with her burgeoning magical abilities, she must confront her inner darkness to wield her powers effectively in the looming battle. Meanwhile, Sachi's deepening connection to the Dream realm leads her into the heart of the Betrayer's domain, where she must navigate a perilous court and protect her coveted powers. Together, they face a threat that could unravel their world.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  18. 268. Swordcrossed by Freya Marske

    A Novel of Magic and Intrigue

    Mattinesh Jay is the heir to a struggling family business and needs a skilled swordsman to be his best man for an arranged marriage. The ceremony's sword challenge could make or break his family's future. Enter Luca Piere, a charming con artist trying to start fresh in a new city. Hired by Matti, Luca finds himself giving sword lessons while hiding his own past. As the wedding approaches, both men become embroiled in a web of intrigue and deception threatening Matti's family. With secrets unraveling, they must decide how much truth they're willing to reveal, knowing it could cost them everything they desire.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  19. 269. The City In Glass by Nghi Vo

    In the enchanting city of Azril, the demon Vitrine has long been a powerful and unpredictable force, shaping the city and its people through generations. Her world is turned upside down when angels arrive, leading to the city's downfall. Left with only memories and a book of lost names, Vitrine is bound to an angel by a curse born of grief and madness. As they navigate their shared history and the ruins of Azril, Vitrine and the angel find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways. Their journey uncovers the city's past and sets the stage for its future. Faced with the threat of war, they must decide whether to let Azril fall once more or fight to preserve what they have rebuilt together. **The City in Glass** explores themes of love, loss, and the power of transformation in a world where redemption and desire can ignite change.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  20. 270. The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag

    Magdalena Herrera, a high school senior, juggles adult responsibilities in her small desert town, from caring for her grandmother to working a part-time job. She harbors a dangerous secret that draws her into the basement each night, leaving her drained and vulnerable. Her life takes a turn when her childhood friend Nessa returns, stirring memories and revealing her own hidden truths. As darkness threatens to engulf them, Mags must confront her secret and decide whether to risk everything or face losing it all.

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  21. 271. The Diablo's Curse by Gabe Cole Novoa

    In **The Diablo's Curse**, Dami, a demon yearning to become human, is on a mission to break free from all the deals they've made. Their quest is complicated by Silas, a charming boy whose life is bound to a curse that promises an early death. The only thing keeping Silas alive is his deal with Dami. To save Silas and themselves, they must team up to unravel the curse that has haunted Silas's family for generations. As they navigate the dangers of a mysterious island, they must confront the deadly curse that threatens to end them both.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  22. 272. The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri

    In **The Lotus Empire**, the final installment of the Burning Kingdoms trilogy, ancient magic resurfaces in Ahiranya, threatening its very core. Empress Malini, having claimed her rightful throne, faces a dire choice to secure her legacy. Meanwhile, priestess Priya, imbued with powerful magic, encounters a mysterious yaksa demanding a sacrifice. As tensions rise, these two formidable women, once allies, find themselves at odds. Yet, when a formidable enemy emerges, they must unite to protect their kingdoms from destruction.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  23. 273. The Voyage Home by Pat Barker

    "The Voyage Home" by Pat Barker continues the tale of the Trojan women captured by the Greeks as they journey to Mycenae. At the heart of the story is Cassandra, the daughter of King Priam and a priestess of Apollo, who possesses the gift of prophecy but is cursed never to be believed. Her presence in Mycenae triggers a series of tragic events involving King Agamemnon, his wife Clytemnestra, and their daughter Electra. As Agamemnon returns from Troy, the anticipated celebration turns into a complex and dangerous unfolding of fate, leaving the future of the Trojan women hanging in the balance.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  24. 274. The God And The Gumiho by Sophie Kim

    A Korean Mythology Adventure

    In "The God And The Gumiho," Kim Hani, once known as the Scarlet Fox, now leads a quiet life working at a café. Her peaceful existence is disrupted by Seokga, a trickster god who spends his time hunting demons. When a powerful demon escapes the underworld, Seokga is tasked with eliminating both the demon and the elusive Scarlet Fox to redeem himself. Determined to avoid capture, Hani cleverly inserts herself into Seokga's investigation, setting the stage for a thrilling game of cat and mouse.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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  25. 275. Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa

    In a future where the Atlantic Ocean has risen dramatically, survivors in West Africa inhabit five towering structures that were once luxurious havens for the elite. Now, these towers are a stark representation of societal divides, with the wealthy residing in the upper levels and the less fortunate struggling below sea level. Amidst this backdrop, three individuals find their lives intertwined: - **Yekini**: A diligent analyst trying to navigate the complexities of his mid-level position. - **Tuoyo**: A mechanic working beneath the sea, grappling with personal grief. - **Ngozi**: A self-assured bureaucrat operating from the upper echelons of power. As tensions rise, an ancient force awakens those who were once abandoned to the ocean's depths, seeking retribution against those who betrayed them. Yekini, Tuoyo, and Ngozi must unite to confront the challenges ahead and strive for a future where everyone can thrive.

    The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time
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Reading Statistics

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