The Greatest "Adventure, Fiction, Coming of age" 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 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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Genres

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.

Fiction

Coming of age

The "Coming of age" category of books typically refers to stories that explore the transition from adolescence to adulthood. These books often focus on the challenges and experiences that young people face as they navigate the complexities of growing up, including issues such as identity, relationships, sexuality, and personal growth. Coming of age stories can be set in any time period or cultural context, and may feature protagonists of any gender, race, or background. Overall, the genre offers readers a glimpse into the universal struggles and triumphs of youth, and the process of becoming a fully realized adult.

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  1. 1. Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

    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 3182nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

    In a gritty and dangerous city, a notorious gang leader named Kaz Brekker is offered a life-changing heist that could make him unimaginably rich. He assembles a team of skilled outcasts, each with their own unique talents, to pull off an impossible mission. As they navigate through treacherous streets and face deadly enemies, the group must rely on their wits and trust each other to survive. Along the way, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and unexpected alliances are formed, all while the fate of their world hangs in the balance.

    The 4746th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

    The novel follows the story of a young albino girl of Nigerian-American descent who discovers her latent magical powers and a connection to a secret, mystical world. Struggling with her identity and the challenges of adolescence, she is thrust into a journey of self-discovery, where she must learn to harness her abilities. Alongside a group of friends with their own unique talents, she navigates a world filled with dangerous creatures and dark adversaries, using her newfound magic to uncover her true destiny and combat the threats that loom over both the physical and supernatural realms.

    The 4991st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

    In a dystopian future, the world has turned to a virtual reality game for solace and escape. The game's creator has passed away and left his massive fortune to the player who can solve his complex puzzles and challenges hidden within the game. The protagonist, a young, impoverished boy, becomes a contender in this high-stakes competition, battling corporate entities and other players in a race to claim the ultimate prize. As the lines between the virtual and real world blur, the protagonist must use his wits and courage to succeed.

    The 5313th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

    In a brutal, Rome-like fantasy world, a young Scholar girl named Laia goes on a dangerous mission to save her brother from the clutches of the oppressive Martial Empire. To do so, she infiltrates the Empire's premier military academy as a slave, where she meets Elias, one of the academy's finest soldiers, who is secretly as eager to escape the tyranny and corruption of the military as she is. Their fates become intertwined as they both seek freedom and justice, navigating a world rife with violence, betrayal, and dark magic. The story is a gripping tale of resistance, survival, and the quest for personal redemption.

    The 5679th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. 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 6484th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

    "Washington Black" is a historical novel by Esi Edugyan that tells the story of a young slave named George Washington Black, who is forced to flee a plantation in Barbados with the help of his master's brother. The two embark on a journey that takes them across the globe, from the Caribbean to the Arctic, and Washington Black discovers his talent for scientific illustration. Along the way, he faces challenges and struggles with his identity as a black man in a world dominated by white men. The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and the impact of colonialism on individuals and societies.

    The 6548th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. 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 7141st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Legend by Marie Lu

    Set in a dystopian future where the United States has fractured into warring nations, the story follows two teenagers from radically different backgrounds. One is a notorious criminal, known for his intelligence and ability to elude capture, while the other is a prodigious student and soldier, working for the government in hopes of avenging her brother's death. Their paths cross when the soldier is tasked with hunting down the criminal, leading to a cat-and-mouse game that unveils a web of lies and corruption. As they learn more about each other and the dark secrets of their society, they must decide where their loyalties lie and what they're willing to fight for.

    The 8045th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. 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 8404th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

    In this reimagined tale inspired by "One Thousand and One Nights," a young woman volunteers to marry a caliph known for taking a new bride each day only to execute her at dawn. She does this to avenge her best friend, one of his previous victims. However, as she weaves stories night after night to postpone her execution, she begins to see a different side to the ruler and uncovers secrets that could alter the course of the kingdom. Amidst a backdrop of magic, betrayal, and political intrigue, the woman finds herself torn between her mission for revenge and the unexpected feelings she develops for the man she intended to hate.

    The 8498th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

    In a dystopian future where people have lost the ability to dream, leading to widespread madness, Indigenous people in North America are hunted for their bone marrow, which holds the cure for the rest of the world's dreamlessness. The story follows a young Indigenous boy and his companions as they navigate this perilous landscape, struggling to survive against the government "recruiters" who seek to harvest their marrow. As they journey through the ravaged lands, they must rely on their wits, their cultural heritage, and each other to retain their humanity against a society that seeks to take everything from them, including their dreams.

    The 8985th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Song Of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope

    In a world cleaved by war and deeply entrenched racism, a young woman with a mysterious magical gift finds herself at the center of an epic struggle between two nations. She possesses the power to open magical gateways, a talent that could be the key to ending the longstanding conflict. When she rescues a spy from the enemy side, the pair must work together to thwart a villainous plot and unite their divided lands. As they journey through treacherous landscapes and confront their own prejudices, they discover that the true power lies in understanding and acceptance, and that love may be the most potent magic of all.

    The 9115th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Aru Shah And The End Of Time by Roshani Chokshi

    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 9115th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. 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 9161st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal

    In a fantastical world inspired by ancient Arabia, a fierce hunter disguises herself as a man to provide for her people, while a tormented prince is tasked with assassinating those who defy his autocratic father's rule. Their paths converge when both are sent on a perilous quest to retrieve a magical artifact that can restore magic to their cursed world and stop the encroaching darkness. As they journey through treacherous lands and face insurmountable odds, they must contend with their own secrets and the growing attraction between them, all while navigating the complex politics and power struggles that threaten to tear their world apart.

    The 9223rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Children Of Virtue And Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

    In this fantasy sequel, the protagonists struggle to unite the kingdom of Orïsha and restore magic to the oppressed maji. After a brutal battle, the maji have regained their powers, but the monarchy and military now possess magical abilities as well. The heroine grapples with her role as a leader and her complex feelings for the enemy prince, while the kingdom is on the brink of civil war. As both sides fight for dominance, the characters must navigate betrayal, ancient mythology, and their own inner demons to bring peace and justice to their divided land.

    The 9223rd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Woven In Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez

    "Woven In Moonlight" is a vibrant young adult fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world inspired by Bolivian culture and politics. The story follows a young woman who serves as a decoy for the last remaining royal of her people. After her kingdom is overthrown, she is sent to the conqueror's palace as part of a peace treaty, where she secretly uses her magical weaving abilities to weave tapestries that come to life. As she navigates a complex web of political intrigue, rebellion, and romance, she must decide where her loyalties lie and how to use her unique powers to shape the future of her divided nation.

    The 9388th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

    In this young adult fantasy novel, we follow the story of a Lipan Apache teenager with the unique ability to awaken the ghosts of dead animals, a skill passed down through generations of her family. When her cousin dies under mysterious circumstances, she sets out to uncover the truth behind his death, delving into a small town's dark secrets. Alongside her ghost dog sidekick, she navigates a world filled with magic, spirits, and creatures from folklore, confronting the intersection of her Indigenous culture and the supernatural realm. Her journey tests her courage and her ancestral gifts, as she seeks justice and upholds her family's legacy.

    The 9388th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

    In this fantasy novel, the protagonist continues his quest to uncover the truth about the mythical beings that killed his family. He also seeks to unravel the mystery behind the powerful yet elusive figure named the Chandrian. The story unfolds as he continues his education at a renowned magic school, takes a leave to serve a powerful noble, and trains with an elite group of warriors. His journey is filled with love, danger, and a deepening understanding of his own magical abilities. The novel ends with many questions still unanswered, setting the stage for the final book in the trilogy.

    The 9654th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. House Of Sky And Breath by Sarah J. Maas

    In "House of Sky and Breath," readers are plunged into a fantastical world where a diverse cast of characters grapples with the aftermath of a revolutionary war. The narrative centers on a half-fae, half-human protagonist and her found family of rebels as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and forbidden romances. They must contend with oppressive regimes and unearthly powers, all while confronting their own personal demons and forging alliances with unlikely partners. The stakes are high as they fight for freedom and survival in a world teeming with danger, magic, and betrayal, where the boundary between life and death is as tenuous as the sky and breath.

    The 9885th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Alif The Unseen by G. Willow Wilson

    In a Middle Eastern city teetering on the edge of revolution, a young Arab-Indian hacker, who goes by the alias Alif, finds himself on the run from the state's oppressive security forces. After his computer-savvy skills and underground network are compromised by a heartbreak, he discovers the existence of the supernatural world of the jinn. With the help of an ancient and mystical book, Alif must bridge the gap between the seen and the unseen, blending technology with ancient Arabic lore, to protect himself and his community from the encroaching forces that threaten to engulf both the physical and the magical worlds.

    The 9955th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    "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 10287th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Prince Of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

    In a brutal, post-apocalyptic medieval world, a young, vengeful prince leads a band of outlaws on a bloody quest to reclaim his stolen birthright. Scarred by the horrors of his past and the dark magic that lurks within him, the prince is determined to ascend to the throne, no matter the cost. His path is one of ruthless ambition and savage violence, challenging the remnants of a broken empire and the forces of a corrupt church. As he navigates treachery, betrayal, and his own inner demons, the prince's journey questions the very nature of power and the price of redemption.

    The 10434th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

    In a futuristic world inspired by Chinese history, a young woman seeks vengeance for her sister's death in a patriarchal military system where male pilots of giant Chrysalises, mecha robots used to battle alien mechs, are revered, but female co-pilots must sacrifice their lives to boost the males' psychic energy. She unexpectedly survives the fatal link with her sister's murderer, emerging as a powerful Iron Widow, a rare female pilot who can control a Chrysalis on her own. As she rises through the ranks, she must navigate a treacherous court intrigue, form alliances, and confront the oppressive system, all while unraveling the dark secrets behind the ongoing war with the aliens.

    The 10441st Greatest Book of All Time

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