The Greatest "Psychological, Fiction, Speculative Fiction" Books Since 2017

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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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Genres

Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

Fiction

Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history. The unifying factor of speculative fiction is its departure from the narrative constraints of reality, exploring imaginative and often profound questions that challenge our understanding of the world and our place within it. These stories often delve into themes like the human condition, social commentary, and the exploration of philosophical and ethical dilemmas through the lens of the fantastical or the yet-to-be-possible. By pushing the boundaries of the known, speculative fiction invites readers to consider the myriad possibilities of existence and the potential consequences of our actions in worlds that are, at once, vastly different from and eerily similar to our own.

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  1. 1. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    In "Mexican Gothic," a young woman named Noemí travels to a remote mansion in the Mexican countryside to rescue her cousin who has seemingly fallen under the spell of her new husband. As Noemí delves deeper into the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the house, she uncovers dark family secrets and confronts a malevolent force that threatens their lives. Blending elements of gothic horror and Mexican folklore, this atmospheric tale explores themes of colonialism, racism, and female empowerment in a captivating and chilling narrative.

    The 6598th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Klara And The Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

    The novel centers around Klara, an Artificial Friend with keen observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches the behavior of those who come in to browse, and those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change forever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans. Set in a dystopian future, the story explores complex themes such as the nature of love, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and what it truly means to be human, all through the eyes of an AI protagonist yearning to understand the people she is meant to serve.

    The 6862nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Changeling by Victor LaValle

    The novel is a dark fairy tale that explores themes of parenthood, identity, and the impact of technology on modern life. It follows Apollo Kagwa, an antiquarian book dealer from New York City, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Emma, commits a horrific act and then disappears. As Apollo searches for answers, he is drawn into a world filled with mythical creatures, secretive societies, and ancient folklore. Along his journey, he must confront his own past and the dark history of his family while navigating a city that seems to harbor magical secrets. The story blends the fantastical with the everyday to create a narrative that examines the fears and anxieties of being a parent in the 21st century.

    The 8147th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

    The book revolves around a young woman with a troubled past who is given a second chance through a scholarship to an elite university, where she becomes involved with the secretive societies that practice magic and the occult. Tasked with monitoring their activities, she uncovers a series of supernatural crimes and mysteries that she must solve, using her own newfound magical abilities and wits. As she delves deeper into the university's hidden world, she confronts the dark power and privilege that fuel these ancient organizations, while also grappling with her own personal demons and histories.

    The 9610th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Cabin At The End Of The World by Paul Tremblay

    "The Cabin At The End Of The World" by Paul Tremblay is a gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller that follows a family's vacation turned nightmare. The story revolves around a group of strangers who invade a peaceful cabin in the woods, claiming that the world is about to end and they need the family's help to prevent it. As tension rises and trust is tested, the family must make impossible decisions to protect themselves and their daughter. With its intense atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, this book explores the depths of human nature and the lengths one will go to survive.

    The 10324th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Jade War by Fonda Lee

    In the gripping sequel to a fantasy saga set in an Asia-inspired metropolis, two clans wage a violent turf war for control of magical jade, which grants its users enhanced abilities. As the struggle for supremacy escalates, the Kaul family of the No Peak clan must navigate dangerous political waters, both within their city and on the international stage, to protect their hold on power. Amidst betrayal, bloody skirmishes, and complex alliances, the Kauls are also confronted with the personal costs of their ambitions, as they strive to uphold their family's honor and legacy in a world where loyalty is scarce and enemies are everywhere.

    The 10617th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Animals In That Country by Laura Jean McKay

    "The Animals In That Country" by Laura Jean McKay is a gripping and thought-provoking novel set in a near-future Australia. The story follows Jean, a foul-mouthed and alcoholic grandmother, who discovers she has the ability to understand the language of animals after contracting a mysterious virus. As a deadly pandemic spreads across the country, Jean embarks on a journey with a dingo named Sue to find her pregnant daughter and escape the chaos. McKay skillfully explores themes of communication, human-animal relationships, and the fragile nature of society, creating a compelling narrative that challenges our perception of the world around us.

    The 10831st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. An Unkindness Of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon

    The novel explores the harsh life aboard the HSS Matilda, a spaceship organized much like the antebellum South, where the lower decks are populated by dark-skinned sharecroppers ruled by white overseers. The protagonist, a neurodivergent, queer black woman, serves as the ship's healer and navigates the oppressive social structure while uncovering the secrets of her mother's past and the ship's mysterious journey. Her search for truth leads to revelations that could alter the fate of the Matilda's segregated society, as she grapples with the complexities of identity, autonomy, and resistance against a backdrop of systemic injustice and intergenerational trauma.

    The 11220th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

    In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, born in a world where travel between parallel universes is possible, is one of the rare individuals who can traverse these alternate realities due to her counterparts being dead in other worlds. The story delves into themes of identity, privilege, and survival, as she navigates complex relationships and a web of secrets. Her unique position allows her to gather intel across worlds, but it also places her in grave danger, leading her to confront her own past and the stark disparities between different versions of her life and society. As she moves through these spaces, she must grapple with the moral implications of her actions and the true meaning of having a place to call home.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi

    The narrative unfolds through the lives of two siblings endowed with extraordinary powers, set against the backdrop of systemic racism and societal turmoil in America. The older brother's abilities emerge amidst the violence of the Los Angeles riots, while his younger sister's powers manifest as a form of telekinesis. As they navigate a world rife with injustice and the carceral state's oppressive reach, the siblings grapple with the potential and limitations of their gifts. The story is a searing exploration of anger, hope, and the indomitable spirit of resistance, examining whether supernatural abilities can be a catalyst for change in a world entrenched in institutionalized inequality.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Tyrant Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

    The novel follows the story of Baru Cormorant, a brilliant young woman from a small island nation who is swept up by an imperial power known as the Masquerade that seeks to dominate her homeland through cultural assimilation and economic control. Using her wits and strategic acumen, Baru infiltrates the ranks of the Masquerade's civil service with the ultimate goal of tearing down the empire from within. However, as she rises in power and influence, she must grapple with the complex moral dilemmas of her actions and the personal cost of her quest for vengeance against the forces that have colonized and reshaped her world. Her journey is fraught with treachery, rebellion, and difficult choices that challenge her loyalties and threaten to compromise her principles.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee

    In this gripping finale to an epic fantasy trilogy, two rival clans battle for control of their island nation and its valuable magical resource, jade, which grants its wearers superhuman abilities. As modernity encroaches, with new technologies and foreign powers vying for influence, the Kaul family must navigate treacherous political waters, grapple with the implications of their jade-infused legacy, and face personal sacrifices. Their choices will determine not only the fate of their own family and the clan they lead but also the future of their entire culture and country, as ancient traditions clash with the unstoppable force of progress.

    The 11265th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

    The book revolves around a brilliant scientist who specializes in cloning and genetic engineering. Her life takes a dark turn when she discovers that her husband has been having an affair with a clone she created—a replica of herself, but more compliant and tailored to his desires. When a violent incident leaves her husband dead, the scientist and her clone must dispose of the body and cover up the crime. As they work together, they grapple with complex questions of identity, morality, and the ethics of cloning, all while trying to outsmart a world that may not be ready to understand or accept their existence. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, personal autonomy, and the very essence of what it means to be human.

    The 11265th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King, Owen King

    In a small Appalachian town, an extraordinary event unfolds: women who fall asleep become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If disturbed, they awaken in a violent, primal state. Meanwhile, in this bizarrely evolving world, Evie Black, a mysterious woman with a unique immunity to the sleeping phenomenon, emerges as both a potential savior and a harbinger of doom. As tensions between men and women escalate, the town becomes a battleground for a deeper societal confrontation, with Evie at its center. This novel weaves a rich tapestry of character and conflict, exploring themes of gender, power, and survival in a world teetering on the brink of an unfathomable transformation.

    The 11306th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

    In "A House With Good Bones," readers are plunged into a gripping tale of suspense and horror that revolves around Sam Montgomery, who returns to her childhood home only to confront unsettling family secrets and a sinister presence lurking within. As Sam delves deeper into her family's past, she uncovers dark truths that challenge her understanding of her mother's eccentric behavior and her own identity. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary house that harbors malevolent forces, this story masterfully blends elements of psychological horror with the complexities of familial relationships, leading to a chilling conclusion that questions the very nature of home and heritage.

    The 11327th 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