The Greatest New Zealand, British, French "Fiction, Low 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.
Genres
Low Fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy literature that is characterized by its grounding in the real world or a world very similar to ours, with the inclusion of magical or fantastical elements being minimal and often more subtle than in high fantasy genres. Unlike high fantasy, which transports readers to entirely different worlds or realms filled with magic and mythical creatures, low fantasy stories are set in a recognizable world where magic intrudes on reality but does not dominate it. This genre often explores the juxtaposition of the mundane with the extraordinary, focusing on how ordinary characters react to and interact with the slight, often unsettling, supernatural or magical elements that enter their world. The magic in low fantasy can serve as a metaphor for real-world issues, and the stories often delve into themes of moral ambiguity, realism, and the complexities of human nature, making them appealing to readers who enjoy nuanced storytelling that blurs the lines between the fantastical and the plausible.
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1. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
The protagonist, a middle-aged man, returns to his childhood home for a funeral and is drawn to the farm at the end of the road where he encounters a pond that was once an ocean in his childhood memories. He recalls a series of strange and terrifying events that occurred when he was seven, involving the mystical Hempstock women who live on the farm and their battle against malevolent supernatural entities that threatened his existence. The book explores themes of memory, magic, and the darkness that lies beneath the surface of everyday life.
The 5889th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Gideon The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
In a universe where necromancers hold power, Gideon, a skilled swordswoman, is reluctantly paired with her childhood rival, Harrow, to compete in a deadly trial that could grant them immortality. As they venture into an ancient, decaying mansion filled with secrets and puzzles, they must unravel the mysteries of their world and face sinister forces lurking within. With a blend of dark humor, complex characters, and a gripping plot, "Gideon The Ninth" is a thrilling and unique blend of science fiction and fantasy.
The 8176th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Rivers Of London by Ben Aaronovitch
In this urban fantasy novel, a young London police constable discovers he has a unique talent for magic after encountering a ghostly crime witness. Recruited into a secretive unit that deals with supernatural threats, he finds himself navigating a world where magic is real, and the city's rich history comes alive in dangerous ways. As he learns to master his newfound abilities, he must solve a puzzling murder case that intertwines with dark magical forces, all while trying to maintain peace between the mundane and the magical realms that coexist within the vibrant and historic landscape of London.
The 8430th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi
Mr. Fox is a novel about a writer who is challenged by his imaginary muse to stop killing off his female characters. This leads to a series of stories within stories, where reality and fantasy blur. The writer, his wife, and the muse navigate through these narratives, exploring themes of love, identity, and the power of storytelling. The novel is a mix of fairy tale, romance, and mystery, with a metafictional twist.
The 8498th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. 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 10500th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Blackwing by Ed McDonald
In a gritty, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by otherworldly forces and magic, a battle-scarred bounty hunter navigates a landscape of devastation and corruption. Tasked with protecting a powerful noblewoman who may hold the key to turning the tide against the encroaching darkness, the hunter is drawn into a web of political intrigue and ancient powers. As monstrous enemies and twisted magic threaten to overrun humanity, he must confront his own demons and make impossible choices to save the remnants of a world on the brink of collapse.
The 10647th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge
This novel is a gripping, dark fantasy tale set in post-World War I England, where a young girl wakes up after an accident to find herself changed in inexplicable ways. As she struggles to piece together what happened to her, she discovers that she is not who she thought she was, and her family seems to be harboring sinister secrets. With the help of unlikely allies, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her identity and to confront the eerie, otherworldly forces that have begun to invade her world. This story masterfully blends elements of horror, mystery, and historical fiction, creating a haunting narrative about loss, identity, and the lengths we go to for love.
The 11078th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Harrow The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
In this darkly imaginative and complex sequel, the protagonist, a necromancer with unmatched powers, confronts the aftermath of an epic space battle and the loss of her mentor. Now, she must navigate the treacherous politics of an immortal empire as its empress's right hand. While grappling with unreliable memories and a mind that seems to be unraveling, she faces internal and external threats, including potential madness and a lingering, enigmatic enemy. As she trains in the arcane arts of the dead, she must solve the mysteries of her past and the riddles of her present to protect the future of her world.
The 11279th 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