The Greatest Russian, Irish, German "Fiction, Fantasy" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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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Fiction

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. Perfume by Patrick Suskind

    Set in 18th-century France, this novel tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born with an extraordinary sense of smell but no personal scent of his own. He becomes an apprentice to a prominent perfumer and learns to create the world's most intoxicating perfumes. However, his obsession with capturing the perfect scent leads him down a dark path, as he begins to kill young women to extract their scent. The book is a chilling exploration of obsession, identity, and the power of scent.

    The 420th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien

    "The Third Policeman" is a darkly comedic and surreal novel about a nameless narrator who, after committing a murder to raise funds for his scholarly obsession with a bizarre pseudo-scientific theory, finds himself wandering in an eerie, nightmarish landscape. He encounters strange characters, including a pair of eccentric policemen who are obsessed with bicycles, and becomes embroiled in a series of increasingly absurd and ludicrous situations. The novel explores themes of existence, reality, and the nature of hell, with a twist ending that forces the reader to question everything they've read.

    The 463rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

    "The Neverending Story" is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a young boy named Bastian. When he stumbles upon a mysterious book, he becomes engrossed in the magical world of Fantastica, where he must embark on a perilous quest to save the realm from destruction. As Bastian's imagination intertwines with reality, he discovers the power of storytelling and the importance of believing in oneself. This enchanting tale explores themes of courage, friendship, and the boundless nature of imagination.

    The 995th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

    A 12-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short, for a large ransom of gold with the help of his bodyguard, Butler, to restore his family's fortune. In the process, he discovers an underground world of armed and dangerous fairies. The fairies fight back with magic, cunning, and technological weapons leading to a high-stakes battle of wits.

    The 1605th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Momo by Michael Ende

    "Momo" by Michael Ende is a captivating tale about a young orphan girl named Momo who possesses an extraordinary ability to listen and understand people. Set in a town plagued by time thieves, Momo's unique gift becomes crucial as she embarks on a quest to save the community from losing their most precious possession: time. With the help of her loyal friends, Momo must confront the enigmatic Men in Grey and their sinister plan to rob people of their time, teaching readers the importance of cherishing the present moment and the power of human connection.

    The 1978th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

    The book revolves around a young girl named Meggie and her father Mo, who possesses a unique ability to bring characters from books to life by reading aloud. This gift, however, comes with a price, as they are entangled in a dangerous adventure when a villain from a fantasy book called "Inkheart" is accidentally summoned into the real world. As they struggle to fix the chaos caused by this crossover, they must navigate a treacherous world of magic and betrayal, while attempting to thwart the villain's sinister plans and protect the balance between reality and the fantastical realms of literature.

    The 3185th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The 13 1/2 Lives Of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers

    The book is a whimsical fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a blue bear as he navigates a world filled with bizarre creatures and surreal landscapes. With half a life more than the usual allotment for his species, the protagonist recounts his experiences, which range from being raised by mini-pygmies to attending an academy for gifted creatures, and from escaping the clutches of a carnivorous island to befriending a sentient tornado. Each of his thirteen and a half lives is a unique tale of curiosity, learning, and survival, set in a richly imagined universe that defies the ordinary at every turn.

    The 3687th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Zone by Sergei Dovlatov

    "The Zone" is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of a writer who is confined to a Soviet labor camp. Through a series of vignettes, the protagonist reflects on his experiences in the camp, the absurdities of the Soviet system, and the struggles of maintaining his identity and integrity in the face of oppression. With dark humor and sharp observations, the book offers a poignant and satirical portrayal of life in the Soviet Union.

    The 4071st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Krabat by Otfried Preußler

    The book is a dark fantasy novel set in 17th-century Germany, where a young orphan named Krabat is lured to a mysterious mill that he discovers is a school for black magic. The mill is run by a foreboding master who teaches Krabat and other boys the dark arts, but at a sinister cost. As Krabat becomes more skilled in sorcery, he realizes that the mill harbors dark secrets and that escape might be a matter of life and death. He must use his wits and newfound powers to break free from the master's malevolent grip and save his fellow apprentices from a doomed fate. The story is a blend of folklore, coming-of-age, and the struggle between good and evil.

    The 4875th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey

    Set in the universe of Pern, "Nerilka's Story" follows the tale of a young woman from a noble family who is disillusioned with her father's apathy towards a devastating plague. After her family's refusal to aid the suffering population, she takes matters into her own hands, assuming a false identity to distribute medicine and supplies to those in need. Along her journey, she faces challenges and finds herself in the midst of political intrigue, personal growth, and unexpected romance. The story is a testament to courage, compassion, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 6648th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Sacred Book Of The Werewolf by Victor Pelevin

    This novel introduces readers to a captivating world where ancient myth meets modern life through the eyes of a two-thousand-year-old werefox named A Hu-Li. Disguised as a teenage girl, she navigates contemporary Russia, using her supernatural abilities and seductive powers to survive in a society dominated by men. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she falls in love with a werewolf, a figure representing the novel's exploration of themes such as identity, transformation, and the search for spiritual enlightenment. Set against the backdrop of post-Soviet Russia, the narrative delves into philosophical discussions, blending Eastern philosophies with the complexities of modern existence, all while maintaining a sharp sense of humor and a deep sense of mysticism.

    The 6855th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Chronicles Of Pern: First Fall by Anne McCaffrey

    In this collection of novellas set within a richly detailed science fiction world, human colonists on the planet Pern face unexpected challenges as they adapt to their new home. The book chronicles the earliest days of the settlement, including the discovery of the deadly Thread which periodically rains from the sky, decimating all organic matter it touches. The settlers must band together, forging a symbiotic relationship with the native dragon-like creatures to combat this threat. As they struggle to survive and maintain their technology-dependent lifestyle, they lay the foundation for the unique society that will define future generations on Pern.

    The 7093rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

    This novel introduces readers to a world where ancient magic and modern day collide, centered around the life of Nicholas Flamel, a legendary alchemist who possesses the secret to eternal life. When his powerful book, the Codex, is stolen, Flamel and his wife must rely on the help of two teenage siblings, Sophie and Josh Newman, to recover it. The story unfolds across a backdrop of myth and history, weaving together a thrilling adventure that spans across continents and involves figures from lore and legend. As the twins discover their own untapped powers, they become central to the battle between the forces of good and evil, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

    The 8575th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. волкодав by Maria Semyonova

    This fantasy novel follows the epic journey of a lone warrior, known as the last of his kind, navigating through a world filled with magic, ancient gods, and formidable enemies. Bearing the mark of his people and wielding a legendary sword, he seeks redemption and a purpose beyond the shadows of his past. Along his journey, he encounters diverse companions who challenge and shape his destiny. Set against a richly woven backdrop of Slavic mythology, the narrative explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the eternal quest for truth and justice, making it a compelling saga of courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

    The 10196th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko

    This novel is set in a contemporary Moscow where the forces of light and darkness coexist in a delicate balance, each side policing the other to prevent the other from gaining too much power. The story follows Anton Gorodetsky, a member of the Night Watch, an organization of Others who have sworn to serve the Light, as he navigates a complex world of magic, morality, and political intrigue. Anton's journey takes him through various missions that challenge his beliefs and loyalties, forcing him to confront difficult truths about the nature of good and evil. As he delves deeper into the shadowy world of the Others, he encounters vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings, all while trying to prevent a catastrophic war between the forces of Light and Darkness.

    The 10299th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Alvklingan by Nick Perumov

    This fantasy novel unfolds in a richly imagined world where magic and medieval elements blend seamlessly. The story centers on a young girl who discovers she belongs to an ancient lineage of powerful beings known as the Alvklingan. As she embarks on a perilous journey to understand her true identity and the extent of her powers, she is drawn into a conflict that threatens the balance of her world. Alongside a cast of diverse characters, each with their own secrets and agendas, she must navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and her own burgeoning abilities to prevent a cataclysm that could unravel the fabric of her universe. This tale weaves together themes of destiny, family, and the struggle between light and darkness, offering readers a compelling adventure.

    The 10316th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Temnaya Zvezda Hroniki Artsii by Vera Kamsha

    This book is a captivating entry in a high fantasy series that transports readers to the mythical world of Artsia, a land teeming with magic, political intrigue, and ancient prophecies. The narrative weaves together the fates of diverse characters, from noble warriors and cunning mages to ambitious monarchs, as they navigate a complex tapestry of alliances and enmities. Central to the story is the quest for the Temnaya Zvezda, a powerful artifact that holds the potential to alter the balance of power and shape the destiny of Artsia. With its richly developed world-building, intricate plot, and moral complexities, the novel explores themes of power, loyalty, and the quest for identity, making it a compelling read for fans of epic fantasy.

    The 10551st 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