The Greatest "Adventure, Sagas, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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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Adventure

The Adventure genre is characterized by stories that take readers on thrilling journeys filled with danger, excitement, and unexpected twists and turns. These books often feature brave protagonists who embark on quests, explore new territories, and face challenges that test their physical and mental limits. Adventure stories can be set in any time period or location, from ancient civilizations to futuristic worlds, and can include elements of romance, mystery, and suspense. Whether it's a treasure hunt, a survival story, or a battle against evil forces, Adventure books offer readers an escape into a world of excitement and adventure.

Sagas

Fiction

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  1. 1. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

    This epic fantasy novel is set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, where 'summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime'. The story follows three main plot lines: the Stark family's struggle to control the North; the exiled Targaryen siblings' attempt to regain the throne; and the Night's Watch's fight against the supernatural beings beyond the Wall. As these stories intertwine, a game of power, politics, and survival unfolds, where you either win or you die.

  2. 2. A Storm Of Swords by George R. R. Martin

    In this epic fantasy novel, the third installment of a series, the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros are engulfed in a brutal civil war with multiple factions vying for the Iron Throne. As treachery and magic intertwine, characters navigate complex political intrigues and battle for survival amidst a landscape where seasons can last for years. The narrative weaves together the fates of noble families, with key figures facing betrayals, forming alliances, and confronting supernatural threats. The book is renowned for its unexpected plot twists, including shocking deaths and strategic marriages, all leading to a climax that reshapes the power dynamics of the realm.

  3. 3. A Feast For Crows by George R. R. Martin

    In this installment of the fantasy series, the realm is reeling from the aftermath of a devastating war. Power vacuums have left chaos in their wake as various factions vie for control. The narrative shifts between multiple perspectives, following characters who navigate the treacherous political landscape, seeking to claim or consolidate power. The book delves into the intricacies of rule, the cost of authority, and the fragility of peace, painting a picture of a fractured kingdom where alliances are as fleeting as shadows and where the crows feast on the casualties of human ambition and strife.

  4. 4. A Dance With Dragons by George R. R. Martin

    In the fifth installment of the epic fantasy series, the future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance as various contenders for the Iron Throne continue their complex, often violent, maneuvers. In the East, Daenerys Targaryen struggles to maintain control over the city of Meereen while dealing with the impending threat of the slave masters and her increasingly uncontrollable dragons. To the North, Jon Snow, the newly appointed Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, grapples with the complexities of leadership and the looming threat of the Others. Meanwhile, Tyrion Lannister's journey eastward is fraught with danger and unexpected alliances as he seeks redemption and purpose. The novel weaves together the intricate tales of these characters and more, all set against the backdrop of a world where the supernatural becomes increasingly present and the game of thrones grows ever more deadly.

  5. 5. Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh

    "Sea of Poppies" is a historical novel set in the 1830s, just before the Opium Wars. It traces the intertwined lives of a diverse group of characters, from a raja turned convict, a widowed poppy grower, a French orphan, to a mulatto American freedman, all of whom are brought together on the Ibis, a former slave ship now used for transporting opium. The story explores the social and economic impact of the opium trade, colonialism, and the caste system, while also delving into the personal histories, relationships, and struggles of the characters.

  6. 6. 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.

  7. 7. A Breath Of Snow And Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

    In this installment of the historical fiction series, the story continues to follow the lives of a time-traveling 20th-century doctor and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. As the American Revolution looms, the couple faces personal tragedies, political upheaval, and the constant threat of violence. They struggle to protect their family and their community in the backwoods of North Carolina, all while dealing with the complexities of their unique situation and the implications of knowing the future. The novel blends romance, adventure, and historical detail, creating a vivid and tumultuous world for its characters.

  8. 8. Jade War by Fonda Lee

    In the gripping sequel to a fantasy saga set in an Asia-inspired metropolis, two clans wage a violent turf war for control of magical jade, which grants its users enhanced abilities. As the struggle for supremacy escalates, the Kaul family of the No Peak clan must navigate dangerous political waters, both within their city and on the international stage, to protect their hold on power. Amidst betrayal, bloody skirmishes, and complex alliances, the Kauls are also confronted with the personal costs of their ambitions, as they strive to uphold their family's honor and legacy in a world where loyalty is scarce and enemies are everywhere.

  9. 9. The Coming Of Conan The Cimmerian by Robert E. Howard

    This book is a collection of fantasy stories that introduce readers to Conan the Cimmerian, a character who has become an iconic figure in the sword and sorcery genre. Set in a mythical version of the ancient world, these tales follow Conan's adventures across the continents of Hyboria, from his youth as a thief and a mercenary to his eventual rise as a king. Through battles with monstrous creatures, encounters with sorcerers, and dealings with various civilizations, the stories showcase Conan's strength, cunning, and unwavering will. The collection not only explores themes of power, survival, and destiny but also lays the foundation for much of modern fantasy literature.

  10. 10. The Trouble With Peace by Joe Abercrombie

    In this gripping fantasy sequel, the realm struggles with the aftermath of a hard-won war, where the fragile peace is threatened by the ambitions and insecurities of the various power players. The central characters, each with their own intricate plots and personal demons, navigate a complex political landscape where rebellion brews, alliances shift, and betrayal lurks at every corner. As the tension escalates, the line between hero and villain blurs, raising profound questions about power, justice, and the true cost of peace in a world where the lust for control often trumps the common good.

  11. 11. Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee

    In this gripping finale to an epic fantasy trilogy, two rival clans battle for control of their island nation and its valuable magical resource, jade, which grants its wearers superhuman abilities. As modernity encroaches, with new technologies and foreign powers vying for influence, the Kaul family must navigate treacherous political waters, grapple with the implications of their jade-infused legacy, and face personal sacrifices. Their choices will determine not only the fate of their own family and the clan they lead but also the future of their entire culture and country, as ancient traditions clash with the unstoppable force of progress.

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