The Greatest Fantasy Books Since 2018

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Follow on:

What should I read next?

Get personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. Our algorithm analyzes your favorite books and reading patterns to suggest your next great read.

Get Recommendations

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.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter books by their publication year. Enter the earliest year (Start) and latest year (End) to find books published within that period. Leave either field empty to search from the beginning of time or up to the present day.

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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.

Download

To 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.

Login to Download
View: List Grid Table
Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
  1. 26. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 27. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 28. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 29. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 30. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 31. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 32. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 33. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  9. 34. 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 Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 35. 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 Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 36. 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
  12. 37. 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
    Purchase from Amazon
  13. 38. 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
  14. 39. 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
  15. 40. 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
  16. 41. 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
  17. 42. 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
  18. 43. 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
  19. 44. 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
  20. 45. 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
  21. 46. 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. 47. 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. 48. 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. 49. 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. 50. 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

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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.

Download

To 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.

Login to Download