The Greatest British "Fiction, High Fantasy" Books Since 1900

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 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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

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.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

British

Add additional country filters

Date Range

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
  1. 51. House Of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

    In this enchanting fantasy tale, a young girl named Charmain Baker is sent to house-sit for her great-uncle, who is a wizard. Upon arrival, she discovers that the house has magical properties, with rooms that constantly shift and change, and a multitude of mysterious doors leading to unknown places. As Charmain becomes embroiled in magical adventures, she encounters an apprentice wizard, a magical dog, and a host of magical problems that she must solve. Throughout her journey, she learns about her own untapped magical abilities and the importance of responsibility and self-discovery. The story weaves together whimsy, spells, and fantastical creatures, creating a rich tapestry of a world where magic is as common as bread and as unpredictable as the weather.

    The 9176th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 52. The Priory Of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

    In this epic fantasy novel, a divided world faces the threat of awakening draconic forces. The narrative weaves together the stories of a queendom without an heir, a hidden priory dedicated to a secret mission, and distant lands with contrasting beliefs about dragons. As the ancient enemy stirs, a disparate group of characters, including a queen who must secure her throne, a dragon-riding warrior from the East, and a mage with a personal vendetta, must overcome deep-seated prejudices and historical enmities to forge an alliance. The fate of their world hinges on their ability to unite and confront the encroaching darkness brought forth by the return of a legendary fire-breathing beast.

    The 10062nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 53. The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart

    "The Hollow Hills" is the second book in Mary Stewart's Arthurian Saga. The story follows Merlin, the wizard, as he helps Arthur claim his rightful place as King of Britain. Merlin must navigate treacherous political alliances and supernatural forces as he guides Arthur towards his destiny. Along the way, Merlin discovers secrets about his own past and must confront his own fears and doubts. The novel is a thrilling adventure full of magic, romance, and intrigue set against the backdrop of ancient Britain.

    The 10158th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 54. The Song of Rhiannon by Evangeline Walton

    "The Song of Rhiannon" is a re-telling of the Welsh mythological tale of the Mabinogion. The story follows the beautiful and mysterious Rhiannon, who is accused of murdering her own child and is forced to endure punishment and humiliation. However, with the help of her loyal husband and the powerful magic of the Otherworld, Rhiannon is able to clear her name and reclaim her rightful place as a queen. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the power of the supernatural, all set against the backdrop of ancient Wales.

    The 10158th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 55. Unfinished Tales by J. R. R. Tolkien, Christopher John Reuel Tolkien

    "Unfinished Tales" is a collection of stories and essays by J.R.R. Tolkien, compiled and edited by his son Christopher Tolkien. The book includes tales from Middle-earth that were left incomplete or unpublished during the author's lifetime, as well as background information and notes on the creation of his fictional world. The stories range from the early days of Middle-earth to the events leading up to "The Lord of the Rings," providing fans with a deeper understanding of Tolkien's complex and intricate mythology.

    The 10332nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 56. The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams

    In a fantasy world plagued by the cyclical invasions of monstrous creatures, a scholar with a thirst for adventure, a disgraced noblewoman with a secret, and a fell-witch with mysterious powers form an unlikely alliance. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the long-lost race known as the Eborans and the source of the deadly rains that bring forth the terrifying creatures. As they journey through a landscape filled with ancient ruins, dark magic, and political intrigue, they must confront their own demons and unite to prevent the impending Ninth Rain, which threatens to destroy their world.

    The 10558th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 57. Dark Lord of Derkholm by Magali Mangin, Diana Wynne Jones

    "Dark Lord of Derkholm" follows the story of a world where magical creatures are real and tourists from other worlds come to visit. The story centers around a family of wizards who are forced to act as the "Dark Lord" for the tourists, causing chaos and destruction in their land. However, when a group of rebellious tourists and locals band together to overthrow the Dark Lord, the wizards must decide where their loyalties lie and fight for their home and people. Full of humor, adventure, and magic, "Dark Lord of Derkholm" is a thrilling and imaginative tale.

    The 10599th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 58. The Ropemaker by Peter Dickinson

    "The Ropemaker" by Peter Dickinson is a fantasy novel set in a world where magic is dying and the land is threatened by a dark force known as the Shadow. When a young girl named Tilja is sent on a quest to find the Ropemaker, the only person who can save their world, she must navigate through treacherous landscapes and face dangerous obstacles. Along the way, she meets a group of unlikely allies who join her on her journey and help her to uncover the truth about the Ropemaker and the Shadow. As they race against time to save their world, they realize that the true power of magic lies within themselves.

    The 10640th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 59. The Sword And The Stallion by Michael Moorcock

    This novel is the concluding part of a fantasy saga that follows the adventures of the Eternal Champion as he battles to maintain the balance between Law and Chaos. Set in a vividly imagined world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient gods, the protagonist, armed with his legendary sword, faces his final confrontation against an array of formidable foes. His journey is fraught with challenges that test his strength, loyalty, and spirit. Amidst epic battles and personal sacrifices, the narrative weaves a tale of heroism, destiny, and the eternal struggle for power and justice. Through its intricate plot and complex characters, the story explores themes of fate, freedom, and the cyclical nature of time and existence.

    The 10771st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 60. The Hollow Lands by Michael Moorcock

    This novel is the second installment in a science fiction series that follows the adventures of a time traveler who is on a quest to discover the true nature of the universe and his place within it. Set in a multiverse filled with exotic lands and peculiar beings, the protagonist navigates through various dimensions and time periods, encountering both allies and adversaries. The narrative delves into themes of destiny, power, and the struggle for freedom against oppressive forces. Rich in imaginative detail and philosophical exploration, the story challenges the boundaries of reality and the essence of what it means to be human.

    The 10771st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 61. The Knight Of The Swords by Michael Moorcock

    This novel introduces readers to a fantastical world where the central character, a noble yet troubled warrior, embarks on a perilous journey through a landscape filled with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient gods. Tasked with a quest that intertwines his fate with the cosmic balance of Law and Chaos, he must navigate treacherous paths and confront his deepest fears. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters that challenge his perceptions of loyalty, honor, and the nature of his quest. Set against a backdrop of richly imagined realms, the story weaves together elements of adventure, mythology, and the eternal struggle between opposing forces, marking the beginning of an epic saga that explores the complexities of power, destiny, and the human spirit.

    The 10771st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 62. The King Of The Swords by Michael Moorcock

    This novel concludes a high-fantasy trilogy, where the narrative reaches its climax in an epic battle between the forces of Law and Chaos. The protagonist, armed with a powerful, sentient sword, faces off against a pantheon of gods and their minions in a quest to restore balance to the multiverse. Alongside a diverse cast of allies, including sorcerers, warriors, and otherworldly entities, the hero navigates a series of challenges and moral dilemmas. The story combines elements of sword and sorcery with cosmic scale battles, exploring themes of destiny, power, and the nature of good and evil. Through its intricate plot and richly imagined worlds, the book delivers a compelling finale to a beloved fantasy saga.

    The 10771st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 63. Death's Master by Tanith Lee

    This novel is the second in a series that delves into a richly imagined fantasy world where gods and mortals intertwine in tales of desire, ambition, and magic. It tells the story of the undying Lord of Darkness, who, fascinated by the nature of life and death, manipulates the fates of kingdoms and their rulers to explore the depths of human and divine emotion. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of power, love, and the quest for immortality, showcasing a realm where the boundaries between the living and the dead are blurred, and where every soul has a story that dances in the shadow of the ultimate master: Death.

    The 10808th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 64. 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 11046th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 65. 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 11089th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 66. 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 11094th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 67. 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 11255th 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