The Greatest Canadian, Japanese "Fiction, Speculative Fiction" Books Since 2000

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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

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. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

    The novel is a haunting tale of three friends, who grow up together at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they mature, they discover a dark secret about their school and the purpose of their existence, which is to become organ donors for the rest of society. The story is a profound exploration of what it means to be human, the morality of scientific innovation, and the heartbreaking reality of love and loss.

    The 387th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

    Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the novel follows the life of Snowman, who believes he may be the last human on earth, as he struggles to survive in a new, harsh environment. He is surrounded by genetically modified creatures, and his only companions are the Crakers, human-like beings created by his brilliant but disturbed friend Crake. Through Snowman's memories, the story of how the world came to be this way is revealed, involving a love triangle with the mysterious Oryx and the catastrophic consequences of Crake's scientific experiments.

    The 1538th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel

    "Station Eleven" is a post-apocalyptic novel that revolves around the lives of several characters before and after a devastating flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, exploring the interconnectedness of the characters' lives through their shared memories and experiences. The story also follows a traveling Shakespearean theatre company as they navigate the dangers of a collapsed civilization, emphasizing the importance of art and human connection in times of crisis.

    The 2376th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O'Malley

    The graphic novel follows the life of a slacker and part-time musician, Scott Pilgrim, who falls for an enigmatic American delivery girl named Ramona Flowers. However, to win her heart, Scott must defeat her seven evil exes in a series of surreal video game-inspired battles. Set in Toronto, Canada, the story combines elements of romance, comedy, and fantasy, as Scott navigates the complexities of relationships, self-identity, and adulthood, all while showcasing the unique visual style and cultural references that have made the series a cult favorite.

    The 6934th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker

    The novel is a complex epic fantasy that delves into a world on the brink of apocalypse, where political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and religious conflict intertwine. It follows an array of characters, including a manipulative sorcerer, a warrior monk with a troubled past, and a mysterious and intellectually gifted barbarian, as they navigate a landscape fraught with ancient empires and emerging factions. The narrative explores themes of free will, morality, and the human capacity for both great enlightenment and profound darkness, set against the backdrop of an impending holy war that threatens to consume the known world.

    The 6944th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood

    The MaddAddam Trilogy is a dystopian series set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a man-made plague. The story revolves around a small group of survivors, including a bioengineer who helped create the new world, a woman who is the last of a religious sect, and a man who may be the last human with natural birth. The narrative explores themes of genetic engineering, corporate domination, and the consequences of playing God. The trilogy also features a new species of humanoids, designed to be peaceful, cooperative, and sustainable, who may be the future of life on Earth.

    The 7029th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Emissary by Yoko Tawada

    "The Emissary" is set in a dystopian future Japan, where the nation has isolated itself from the rest of the world following a series of environmental disasters. The story focuses on the relationship between Mumei, a frail but wise child, and his great-grandfather Yoshiro, who cares for him in a society where the roles of the young and old have reversed. The elderly are burdened with health and vitality, while the young suffer from weakness and disease. Through their daily struggles and interactions, the novel explores themes of resilience, the bonds of family, and the enduring human spirit in the face of societal and ecological breakdown.

    The 7142nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Harsh Cry Of The Heron by Lian Hearn

    "Harsh Cry of the Heron" is set in a mythical, feudal Japan-like setting and continues the tale of the Otori clan, focusing on Lord Takeo and his efforts to maintain peace across the Three Countries. Despite his commitment to a peaceful reign and the abolishment of violent practices like warfare and capital punishment, Takeo faces inevitable betrayal and threats from within his own ranks and from external enemies. As prophecies of doom surface, Takeo struggles with maintaining his ideals and the harsh realities of leadership, leading to a dramatic and poignant conclusion that tests the limits of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice.

    The 7810th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Through The Woods by Emily Carroll

    "Through the Woods" is a haunting collection of five eerie and atmospheric graphic stories that delve into the dark and unsettling world of fairy tales and folklore. Each tale is a standalone narrative, rich with gothic themes and chilling twists, exploring the sinister things that lurk in the forest and the horrors that await in the shadows. The book's striking and evocative illustrations complement the spine-tingling tales, creating an immersive experience that draws readers into the depths of the woods where the boundary between reality and nightmare blurs. With its blend of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, the book captivates with its exploration of fear and the unknown.

    The 7866th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Rage Of Dragons by Evan Winter

    The book is a gripping fantasy tale set in a world inspired by African mythology, where a caste-driven society is locked in a perpetual war with hordes of dragons. The protagonist, born into the lowest caste, discovers an extraordinary ability to summon the power of dragons and seeks to use this power to avenge the injustices done to his people and to ascend beyond his preordained station. His quest for revenge and personal transformation is fraught with battles, political intrigue, and the challenge of overcoming a rigid social hierarchy, all while the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance.

    The 8347th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Witchmark by C. L. Polk

    In a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, a war veteran with secret healing powers must conceal his abilities to avoid being enslaved by his own family. When a fatally poisoned patient reveals a dire conspiracy, the healer is thrust into a dangerous investigation that exposes his hidden heritage and pits him against a powerful and oppressive magical elite. As he delves deeper, he must navigate a complex web of political intrigue, forbidden romance, and family secrets, all while trying to prevent a magical war that could destroy everything he holds dear.

    The 8498th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

    In a dystopian future where people have lost the ability to dream, leading to widespread madness, Indigenous people in North America are hunted for their bone marrow, which holds the cure for the rest of the world's dreamlessness. The story follows a young Indigenous boy and his companions as they navigate this perilous landscape, struggling to survive against the government "recruiters" who seek to harvest their marrow. As they journey through the ravaged lands, they must rely on their wits, their cultural heritage, and each other to retain their humanity against a society that seeks to take everything from them, including their dreams.

    The 9012th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

    This sequel to a dystopian novel set in Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly part of the United States, is narrated by three female characters. The book explores the inner workings of Gilead, its politics, and its eventual downfall. It delves into the lives of the women, their struggles, and their roles in the society, providing a deeper understanding of the oppressive regime. The novel also examines themes of power, resistance, and the ways in which systems of control can be challenged and eventually dismantled.

    The 9073rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. A Bride's Story by Kaoru Mori

    "A Bride's Story" by Kaoru Mori is a captivating historical manga that follows the life of Amir Halgal, a young woman from a nomadic tribe in Central Asia during the 19th century. Set in a time of arranged marriages and cultural traditions, the story beautifully explores Amir's journey as she navigates the challenges and joys of becoming a bride. With stunning artwork and intricate details, the book offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of life in a bygone era, highlighting themes of love, family, and the resilience of women.

    The 9645th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Tokyo Ghoul by Sui Ishida

    In a dark and twisted version of Tokyo, creatures known as ghouls lurk in the shadows, surviving by consuming human flesh. The story follows a young college student who, after a fateful encounter with a ghoul, becomes a half-ghoul himself. Thrust into a hidden world filled with danger and hunger, he must navigate the blurred lines between human and monster, grappling with his new reality and the moral complexities of his insatiable appetite. As he struggles to maintain his humanity, he finds himself caught in the crossfire between ghoul factions and the relentless ghoul investigators determined to eradicate their kind.

    The 9684th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Spin by Robert Charles Wilson

    The novel centers on a mysterious event in which the Earth is encapsulated by an alien barrier that drastically slows down time on the planet's surface compared to the rest of the universe. As stars disappear from the night sky, three childhood friends confront an altered reality where humanity must grapple with its insignificance in the cosmos. The narrative follows their personal journeys and the global response to this existential crisis, exploring themes of time, space, and the human condition, while scientists work fervently to understand and potentially reverse the effects of the time distortion before the outside universe ages eons, leaving Earth far behind.

    The 9717th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotouge

    The book is a dark fantasy manga that follows the journey of a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, and his younger sister is turned into one. Driven by a mix of grief and determination, he joins an organization dedicated to exterminating demons and seeks a way to revert his sister back to her human form. Throughout his perilous quest, he encounters various allies and adversaries, mastering swordsmanship and harnessing unique breathing techniques to battle the demon threat and unravel the mysteries surrounding their origin and his family's tragedy.

    The 10104th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto

    The book is a dark fantasy manga that follows the life of a young man burdened with crippling debt, who finds himself entangled in a brutal world of devil hunters after merging with a devil dog he names Pochita. This transformation grants him the ability to transform parts of his body into chainsaws, which he uses to fight malevolent devils in exchange for money. As he becomes more involved in this violent and morally ambiguous society, he navigates through complex relationships, his own desires for a better life, and the sinister machinations of those who seek to use his unique powers for their own ends.

    The 10271st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami

    In this dark fantasy manga series, a high school student is thrust into a hidden world of sorcery and spectral horrors when he swallows a cursed object to protect his friends. This act binds him to a powerful curse, and he must join a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers to fight malevolent entities and collect the scattered pieces of the curse to prevent its malevolent power from wreaking havoc. As he undergoes rigorous training and battles, the student navigates a treacherous realm of sorcery, discovering his own latent abilities and the complex moral landscape of using curses to combat curses.

    The 10271st Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay

    Set in a world inspired by Tang Dynasty China, the novel tells the story of Shen Tai, a man who has spent two years honorably burying the bones of the dead from a brutal battle between rival empires. As a reward for his dedication, Tai receives an unexpected gift that catapults him into the treacherous world of politics, intrigue, and betrayal that surrounds the imperial court. With this gift, he becomes a pawn in a power struggle between factions vying for control, forcing him to navigate the complex and dangerous waters of courtly life while attempting to honor his own sense of duty and destiny. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, love, and the heavy cost of power and ambition.

    The 10436th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

    In a futuristic world inspired by Chinese history, a young woman seeks vengeance for her sister's death in a patriarchal military system where male pilots of giant Chrysalises, mecha robots used to battle alien mechs, are revered, but female co-pilots must sacrifice their lives to boost the males' psychic energy. She unexpectedly survives the fatal link with her sister's murderer, emerging as a powerful Iron Widow, a rare female pilot who can control a Chrysalis on her own. As she rises through the ranks, she must navigate a treacherous court intrigue, form alliances, and confront the oppressive system, all while unraveling the dark secrets behind the ongoing war with the aliens.

    The 10478th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold

    "The Curse of Chalion" is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Cazaril, a broken soldier and courtier, who returns to his homeland seeking refuge and a fresh start. He is hired as a tutor to the Royesse Iselle and her brother, the heir to the throne of Chalion. However, Cazaril soon finds himself embroiled in political intrigue and a curse that has plagued the royal family for generations. With the help of the gods, Cazaril must navigate the treacherous court and break the curse before it destroys the kingdom.

    The 10622nd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Hominids by Robert J. Sawyer

    In this science fiction novel, a parallel universe is the backdrop for an extraordinary encounter between two different versions of humanity. The story unfolds as a Neanderthal physicist accidentally crosses over from his Earth, where Neanderthals became the dominant intelligent species, into our world, where Homo sapiens prevail. The narrative explores the resulting cultural shock, ethical dilemmas, and intellectual exchanges from this cross-dimensional meeting, while also delving into the contrasting societal structures, technologies, and philosophies of the two distinct human civilizations. The book challenges readers to reflect on what it means to be human and the paths not taken in our own evolutionary history.

    The 10630th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. A Brightness Long Ago by Guy Gavriel Kay

    Set in a world evoking Renaissance Italy, the novel weaves a tale of fate and consequence where the lives of a healer's daughter and a mercenary's son become intertwined with those of powerful rulers and skilled assassins. As past choices and chance encounters reverberate through the tapestry of their world, the characters navigate a landscape of beauty and violence, where the paths of the mighty and the humble cross in unexpected ways. The narrative explores the impact of memory, the weight of history, and the nature of human ambition, all while painting a vivid portrait of a society on the cusp of transformative change.

    The 10658th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay

    In this contemporary fantasy novel, a teenage boy accompanies his photographer father to Provence, where he becomes entangled in an ancient, recurring struggle involving Celtic and Roman forces, as well as a love triangle that has spanned millennia. As the past and present converge, the boy discovers he has a critical role to play in this timeless conflict, with the help of a mysterious girl and a druid. The narrative weaves together historical fiction with magical elements, exploring themes of love, destiny, and the enduring power of stories.

    The 10683rd 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