The Greatest British, American "Fiction, High Fantasy" 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 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

High Fantasy

High Fantasy, as a literary genre, transports readers to entirely imagined worlds, distinct from our own, where magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests form the backbone of the narrative. These worlds often feature complex political systems, intricate lore, and a clear distinction between good and evil. Central to high fantasy are themes of heroism, adventure, and the struggle against formidable adversaries or forces. The genre is epitomized by works such as J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," where the detailed setting of Middle-earth, complete with its own languages, races, and history, sets the stage for a classic battle between the forces of light and darkness. High Fantasy offers an escape into worlds where the fantastical is the norm, inviting readers to explore realms where the limits are defined only by the breadth of the author's imagination.

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  1. 26. Saint Death's Daughter by C. S. E. Cooney

    In this darkly whimsical fantasy, a young woman with an unusual talent for necromancy navigates a perilous world of political intrigue and family secrets. As the daughter of a feared assassin and a powerful necromancer, she inherits a legacy of death that she must come to terms with. With her ability to communicate with the dead, she finds herself caught between the living and the deceased, while trying to carve out her own path and protect those she loves in a realm where magic is both a gift and a curse. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the quest to understand the true nature of her powers amidst the machinations of those who seek to use her lineage for their own ends.

    The 10901st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Rise Of The Dragons by Morgan Rice

    In a fantasy realm filled with magic, dragons, and ancient prophecies, a young farmer's life is turned upside down when he discovers he is destined for greater things beyond his simple village life. As evil forces threaten the kingdom, he embarks on a perilous journey, gathering allies, mastering his newfound powers, and uncovering secrets about his true identity. Along the way, he must navigate treacherous landscapes, confront fearsome creatures, and rise to become the hero prophesied to unite the realm and wield the power to stand against the darkness. This epic tale weaves together themes of destiny, courage, and the battle between good and evil, capturing the hearts of readers who revel in the rich tapestry of high fantasy adventure.

    The 10979th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The White Tower by Michael Wisehart

    This fantasy novel unfolds in a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, centering on the lives of several characters drawn together by fate and the looming threat of a dark sorcerer. At the heart of the story is a young boy with untapped magical abilities, who finds himself on a perilous journey to the legendary White Tower, a place of learning for mages. Alongside a band of unlikely allies, including a thief, a soldier, and a young girl with secrets of her own, he must navigate a world filled with danger and intrigue. Their mission is not only to reach the safety of the White Tower but also to thwart the plans of the dark sorcerer whose ambitions threaten the very fabric of their world. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, courage, and the struggle between light and darkness, making it a compelling tale of adventure and heroism.

    The 11046th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett

    This novel is a captivating fantasy tale centered around Tiffany Aching, a young witch who stands on the cusp of adulthood, grappling with the weighty responsibilities of her role in her community. As she navigates the complexities of her position, she faces a malevolent entity that feeds on fear and prejudice, threatening the very fabric of her world. With the help of her loyal friends, including a clan of small, fierce blue men known as the Nac Mac Feegle, Tiffany must confront this darkness and protect those who cannot defend themselves. Set in a richly imagined world that blends humor with wisdom, the story explores themes of duty, compassion, and the importance of standing up against injustice.

    The 11055th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In A Ship Of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente

    This enchanting novel follows the adventures of a young girl named September, who is spirited away from her mundane life in Omaha to the magical realm of Fairyland. There, she embarks on a quest that sees her navigating a world filled with strange and whimsical creatures, including witches, wyverns, and marids. Her mission is to retrieve a talisman from the fearsome Marquess, a journey that will test her courage, wisdom, and heart. Along the way, she must navigate the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice, all while captaining a living ship made of her own dreams and determination. This story is a rich tapestry of fantasy and fairy tale, weaving together themes of growing up, the power of imagination, and the importance of finding one's own path.

    The 11061st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Bitter Twins by Jen Williams

    In this enthralling sequel to a celebrated fantasy series, the world is on the brink of war, and an unlikely group of heroes must band together to save it from destruction. The narrative weaves together the fates of a war-beast and her dragon rider, a pair of mismatched siblings, and a group of magical, ancient creatures with the power to change the course of history. As they face internal conflicts, betrayals, and the looming threat of an otherworldly invasion, their paths intertwine in a desperate quest to harness old magics and forge new alliances. This epic tale of courage, friendship, and the complex nature of heroism dives deep into the heart of a richly imagined fantasy world, challenging the boundaries between good and evil, and exploring the costs of survival in the face of unspeakable odds.

    The 11098th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Bone Ships by RJ Barker

    This novel is set in a vividly imagined world where two nations are locked in a perpetual war, fought on the high seas with ships made from the bones of long-extinct dragons. The story follows the crew of the Tide Child, a ship of the damned manned by criminals and social outcasts, led by a disgraced captain. When they are tasked with a seemingly impossible mission to hunt down the last of the legendary sea dragons, the crew sees it as a chance for redemption. As they embark on their perilous journey, they must navigate treacherous waters, rival ships, and their own personal demons. The narrative is rich with maritime lore, complex characters, and themes of sacrifice, survival, and redemption, making it a gripping tale of high-seas adventure and human resilience.

    The 11103rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. A Conjuring Of Light by V. E. Schwab

    In this thrilling conclusion to a dark fantasy trilogy, the magical city of Red London is under threat from a malevolent force that has already wreaked havoc in neighboring worlds. The story follows a group of heroes, including a roguish pirate, a stubborn prince, and a powerful magician, as they band together to protect their home from the encroaching darkness. With high stakes and a blend of adventure, romance, and sorcery, the characters must navigate treacherous politics, personal demons, and an epic confrontation with an ancient enemy. The fate of multiple worlds hangs in the balance as they attempt to perform a dangerous act of magic—a conjuring of light—to vanquish the shadow once and for all.

    The 11246th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie

    In a gritty fantasy realm embroiled with industrial revolution and social unrest, the lives of several complex characters intertwine as they navigate a world of escalating violence and power struggles. The novel explores themes of vengeance, ambition, and the corrosive effects of hatred through the eyes of a diverse cast, including a vengeful warrior, an enterprising young noblewoman, and a cunning war hero. As ancient magics fade against the backdrop of emerging technologies, these individuals must adapt to the changing tides of power or be swept away by the relentless currents of progress and conflict.

    The 11264th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Kingdom Of Copper by S. A. Chakraborty

    In this enthralling fantasy sequel, the tale continues of a young con artist of Cairo who is immersed in a magical world she never knew existed. Now, trapped within the royal court of Daevabad, she faces a dire situation as old tensions between djinn tribes escalate, threatening to ignite a civil war. With a city brimming with unrest and her loved ones in peril, she must navigate treacherous political waters to protect her heritage and secure peace, all while grappling with her own powers and the haunting legacy of a long-lost city. As alliances shift and dangerous enemies emerge, the future of the magical kingdom hangs in the balance.

    The 11264th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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