The Greatest Russian, British, German "Fiction, Speculative Fiction" 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
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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Reading Statistics
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1. The Power by Naomi Alderman
"The Power" by Naomi Alderman is a speculative fiction novel that imagines a world where women develop the ability to produce electrical shocks from their bodies, giving them a newfound physical power over men. The novel follows the lives of four characters as they navigate this new reality and the societal and political upheaval that comes with it. Through their experiences, the book explores themes of gender, power, and the corrupting nature of authority.
The 4892nd Greatest Book of All Time -
2. 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 5867th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
This novel weaves together the lives of diverse characters through a narrative that spans decades, centering on a teenage runaway with psychic abilities. As she becomes embroiled in a covert war between immortal factions, the story explores themes of mortality, power, and the interconnectedness of human lives. The intricate plot moves through different times and places, revealing a hidden world of mysticism and a looming apocalyptic crisis, all while examining the impact of our actions on the future of the planet.
The 6585th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. Among Others by Jo Walton
The novel is a captivating blend of fantasy and coming-of-age story, told through the diary entries of a fifteen-year-old girl who has survived a tragic accident that took her twin sister's life and left her with a crippling injury. She navigates the complexities of adolescence, boarding school life, and family drama while also dealing with the magical abilities she inherited from her mother. As she seeks solace in the pages of science fiction and fantasy novels, she grapples with her own magical powers and the ethereal creatures that only she can see, leading to a poignant exploration of grief, growth, and the transformative power of storytelling.
The 6675th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. 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 -
6. Children Of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
"Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a science fiction novel that explores the evolution of two species, humans and spiders, on different planets. When Earth faces destruction, a group of humans embarks on a mission to terraform a new planet and create a new civilization. However, an experiment involving a virus meant to accelerate the evolution of monkeys goes wrong, leading to the unintended uplift of spiders. The story follows the parallel development of both species, highlighting their struggles, conflicts, and eventual convergence as they vie for dominance in a rapidly changing world.
The 6924th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
In a mythical post-Arthurian Britain shrouded by a mist of collective amnesia, an elderly Briton couple, Axl and Beatrice, embark on a perilous journey to reunite with their estranged son. Their quest leads them through a landscape of fading memories, where they encounter knights, monks, and mythical creatures, all grappling with their own forgotten pasts. As they confront the remnants of a war between Saxons and Britons, the couple must also face the true nature of the mist and the buried giant it conceals, which holds the key to the fragile peace in their society. Their love and loyalty are tested as they delve into the depths of their own lost memories, revealing the power of forgetting and the cost of remembering.
The 8223rd Greatest Book of All Time -
8. 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 8407th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. 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 8475th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. Empire Of Sand by Tasha Suri
"Empire of Sand" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a world inspired by Mughal India, where the protagonist, a young woman of noble descent, possesses an extraordinary magical ability tied to the dreams of the gods. Her heritage draws the attention of the empire's religious leader, who seeks to control her power for his own ends. As she is forced into a cruel bargain to use her abilities to maintain the empire's control over its people, she must navigate treacherous court politics, forbidden romance, and her own conflicted desires. With the fate of the empire and the lives of those she loves at stake, she embarks on a journey of resistance, self-discovery, and a fight for freedom against the forces that seek to use her for their own ambitions.
The 9144th Greatest Book of All Time -
11. Bewilderment by Richard Powers
"Bewilderment" is a poignant exploration of the relationship between a widowed astrobiologist and his neurodivergent son, who is struggling to cope with the loss of his mother. As the father seeks to understand his son's complex emotions and behaviors, he turns to an experimental neurofeedback therapy that uses recorded patterns of his late wife's brain activity. Set against a backdrop of ecological and societal decline, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for connection in a bewildering world. The narrative also raises profound questions about the ethics of scientific experimentation and the nature of consciousness.
The 9693rd Greatest Book of All Time -
12. The Girl With All The Gifts by M. R. Carey
In a dystopian future where humanity is ravaged by a fungal infection that turns its hosts into mindless, flesh-eating "hungries," a unique group of children who retain their intellect despite being infected are studied at a military base. Among them is a special girl with extraordinary abilities, who forms a bond with her teacher. When the base is overrun, the girl, her teacher, a scientist, and a soldier must journey to find safety, confronting the horrors of the outside world. As they travel, the girl's true nature and the potential for a new world come to light, challenging what it means to be human and what the future may hold for mankind.
The 9699th Greatest Book of All Time -
13. 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 10041st Greatest Book of All Time -
14. The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber
A Christian minister is sent to a distant planet to teach its inhabitants about Christianity, leaving his wife behind on a rapidly deteriorating Earth. As he becomes more absorbed in the alien culture and his religious mission, his wife's desperate messages about natural disasters and societal breakdowns on Earth become increasingly alarming. The minister faces a moral and emotional dilemma, torn between his duty on the alien planet and his love for his wife and home planet.
The 10243rd Greatest Book of All Time -
15. The Sudden Appearance Of Hope by Claire North
The novel centers around Hope Arden, a woman who is afflicted with a peculiar condition that makes her unmemorable to everyone she encounters, effectively rendering her invisible in society. Despite her unique challenge, Hope becomes a master thief, capitalizing on her ability to slip through the cracks of people's consciousness. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she steals a piece of jewelry that ties her to a sinister technology company with a global influence. As she delves deeper into the company's operations, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens her anonymity and the very fabric of her existence, leading her on a journey that challenges the nature of identity, memory, and what it means to be truly seen.
The 10295th Greatest Book of All Time -
16. Some Kind Of Fairy Tale by Graham Joyce
The novel is a captivating exploration of the thin line between reality and the otherworldly, telling the story of a woman who mysteriously reappears after vanishing for twenty years. Her family, having mourned her loss and moved on, is thrown into disarray upon her return, especially as she looks barely a day older. As she recounts an incredible tale of having been taken by fairies, her loved ones struggle with disbelief and the possibility that her story might be true. The narrative weaves through themes of time, memory, and whether the fantastical can coexist with the mundane, challenging the characters and readers to reconsider the boundaries of their own beliefs.
The 10361st Greatest Book of All Time -
17. 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 10471st Greatest Book of All Time -
18. 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 10539th Greatest Book of All Time -
19. 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 10619th Greatest Book of All Time -
20. The Testament Of Jessie Lamb by Jane Rogers
"The Testament of Jessie Lamb" by Jane Rogers is a thought-provoking dystopian novel set in a world where a deadly virus threatens to wipe out humanity. Jessie Lamb, a sixteen-year-old girl, is determined to make a difference and save the future by volunteering for a controversial medical experiment that could potentially save the human race. As she navigates the ethical dilemmas and sacrifices that come with her decision, Jessie explores the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the value of life in a world on the brink of extinction.
The 10714th Greatest Book of All Time -
21. Embassytown by China Miéville
In a distant future on the edge of the known universe, humans coexist with the enigmatic Ariekei, aliens who communicate through a unique language that requires absolute truth and simultaneous speech by two voices. The human colonists of Embassytown rely on genetically engineered Ambassadors to converse with the Ariekei, but when a new Ambassador arrives, their presence disrupts the delicate balance of this relationship. The novel explores themes of language, colonialism, and the nature of communication as the protagonist, a human woman with a deep connection to the Ariekei, navigates the ensuing chaos and seeks to prevent the collapse of the society she knows.
The 10714th Greatest Book of All Time -
22. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
"Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke is a captivating and enigmatic novel that follows the life of the eponymous character, who inhabits a vast and mysterious house known as the House. With its labyrinthine halls and countless statues, Piranesi's existence is solitary and filled with wonder as he meticulously explores and documents the ever-shifting environment. However, his seemingly idyllic existence is disrupted when he encounters another person in the House, leading to a series of revelations that challenge his understanding of reality and his place within it. Through beautiful prose and a sense of profound mystery, "Piranesi" explores themes of identity, memory, and the power of perception.
The 10723rd Greatest Book of All Time -
23. Dark Eden by Chris Beckett
"Dark Eden" by Chris Beckett is a dystopian science fiction novel set on a planet called Eden, where a small group of humans have been stranded for generations. The descendants of the original survivors have developed their own unique culture and language, but their limited resources and lack of knowledge about the outside world create a constant struggle for survival. As the protagonist, John Redlantern, challenges the beliefs and traditions of his community, he embarks on a dangerous journey to find a way off the planet and discover the truth about their existence.
The 10724th Greatest Book of All Time -
24. Dreams Before The Start Of Time by Anne Charnock
"Dreams Before The Start Of Time" by Anne Charnock is a thought-provoking novel set in a future where reproductive technology has advanced to the point where people can choose the genetic makeup of their children. The story follows multiple characters across generations, exploring the ethical and emotional implications of these advancements on family dynamics, personal identity, and the nature of parenthood. Through its richly developed characters and intricate plot, the book raises questions about the role of technology in shaping our lives and the complex interplay between science and humanity.
The 10782nd Greatest Book of All Time -
25. Or What You Will by Jo Walton
"Or What You Will" by Jo Walton is a whimsical and philosophical novel about an aging writer named Sylvia who is facing her own mortality. As she wanders through the streets of Florence, she is accompanied by her fictional creation, a trickster named Will. Together, they explore the nature of reality, creativity, and the power of imagination. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a ghost, a mermaid, and a dragon. Through their adventures, Sylvia comes to terms with her own life and legacy, while Will learns what it means to be truly alive.
The 10831st 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