The Greatest "Supernatural, Fiction, Speculative Fiction" Books Since 1970

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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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Supernatural

The "Supernatural" category for books typically includes stories that involve paranormal or supernatural elements, such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, and other supernatural creatures. These books often explore themes of magic, mystery, and the unknown, and may incorporate elements of horror, romance, or fantasy. Supernatural books can range from dark and eerie tales to lighthearted and whimsical stories, but they all share a common thread of exploring the supernatural world beyond our own.

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. 26. Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: Lightning Thief, The by Rick Riordan

    The first book in the series introduces Percy Jackson, a young boy with dyslexia and ADHD, who discovers he's actually a demigod, the son of Poseidon. Percy is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods on Long Island, where he learns about his divine ancestry and powers. When Zeus's master lightning bolt is stolen, Percy, along with his friends Annabeth (daughter of Athena) and Grover (a satyr), is tasked with preventing a war among the gods by retrieving the bolt. The trio embarks on a cross-country adventure to confront the thief and restore peace in the divine world.

    The 1921st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Arabian Nightmare by Robert Irwin

    "The Arabian Nightmare" is a captivating and surreal journey through the dreams and nightmares of a young scholar named Abdulla. Set in medieval Cairo, the book explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy as Abdulla becomes entangled in a web of magical creatures, mythical beings, and supernatural occurrences. With richly descriptive prose and a deep understanding of Arabian folklore, the story delves into themes of identity, love, and the power of storytelling, leaving readers questioning the nature of dreams and the boundaries of the human imagination.

    The 1974th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Who Made Stevie Crye? by Michael Bishop

    In "Who Made Stevie Crye?" a brilliant scientist named Victor Huntley creates a lifelike android named Stevie, who becomes his lover. However, when Stevie mysteriously malfunctions, Huntley's life takes a dark turn. As he desperately tries to fix Stevie, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. With a blend of science fiction and psychological thriller, this gripping novel explores the boundaries of love, obsession, and the consequences of playing god.

    The 2146th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Burnt Offerings by Robert Marasco

    "Burnt Offerings" is a chilling and suspenseful novel that follows the Rolfe family as they embark on a summer vacation in a secluded mansion. As they settle into their new home, they soon realize that something sinister lurks within the walls. The house seems to have a malevolent presence, slowly draining the life out of its inhabitants. With each passing day, the family becomes more entangled in the house's dark secrets, leading to a terrifying climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 2190th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Goosebumps by R. L. Stine

    The book is a thrilling children's horror novel that follows a young protagonist who encounters a series of eerie and supernatural events. When the character stumbles upon something strange, such as a mysterious object or a creepy new neighbor, they soon realize that their ordinary life is about to take a terrifying turn. Each chapter builds suspense, leading to chilling discoveries and encounters with monsters, ghosts, or other paranormal phenomena. The story is designed to both spook and entertain, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its blend of humor, twists, and frights, typical of the series it belongs to.

    The 2201st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon

    Set in the 1960s in the fictional town of Zephyr, Alabama, the novel follows the life of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson, whose life takes a mysterious turn when he witnesses his father attempt to save a man from a sinking car. The man is already handcuffed to the steering wheel, dead by strangulation. This event triggers a series of adventures and mysteries that Cory must unravel, all the while dealing with the challenges and joys of growing up. The book is a rich blend of nostalgia, magic realism, and the dark undercurrents of life in the American South.

    The 2223rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 2430th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

    A young girl named Coraline Jones moves into a new home and discovers a secret door leading to an alternate version of her life, where her "Other Mother" and "Other Father" reside. Although this parallel world seems better at first, she soon realizes that her Other Parents want to keep her there permanently and that they are not as they appear. Coraline must use her bravery and wits to save herself and her real parents, who have been kidnapped by the Other Mother, and free the souls of other children trapped in this alternate world.

    The 2442nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Pet Sematary by Stephen King

    The book revolves around a family that moves to a rural town in Maine, where they discover a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home. After their cat is killed by a car, it is buried in this "pet sematary," only to return to life with a malevolent change in its behavior. Tragedy strikes the family again, and despite warnings about the dangerous powers of the ancient burial ground, the grieving father makes a decision that unleashes a chain of horrific events, ultimately confronting the devastating consequences of tampering with the boundary between life and death.

    The 2834th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Uzumaki by Junji Ito

    The book is a horror manga that centers around a small fog-bound Japanese town cursed by supernatural events involving spirals. As the obsession with the spiral pattern begins to spread among the townspeople, it manifests in increasingly bizarre and terrifying ways, warping both the minds of the inhabitants and the very fabric of the town itself. The narrative follows a high school teenager and her boyfriend as they struggle to understand and survive the madness engulfing their once-peaceful home, revealing the spiral's hypnotic and monstrous influence on both the human psyche and the natural world.

    The 2893rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Our Lady Of Darkness by Fritz Leiber

    The novel explores the eerie and supernatural as it follows the life of a recovering alcoholic and writer in San Francisco who becomes entangled in a web of occult horror. After discovering a mysterious book, he is drawn into the world of "paramentals"—sinister entities that feed on the energy of the modern city—and must confront the legacy of a long-dead sorcerer. As the protagonist delves deeper into the arcane, he must unravel the secrets of an ancient mystical theory called Megapolisomancy and face the terrifying forces that lurk in the shadows of urban decay, all while grappling with his personal demons.

    The 3264th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

    The novel follows the journey of Fitz, the bastard son of a noble prince, who is taken into the royal household of the Six Duchies and secretly trained in the art of assassination. As he grows, Fitz is caught between his loyalty to the throne and his own moral compass. He must navigate a court rife with political intrigue, magic, and treachery, all while grappling with his own identity and the magical Skill that he possesses. His quest for acceptance and purpose is further complicated by the kingdom's need for his unique talents to protect the realm from internal and external threats.

    The 3413th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Stress of Her Regard by Tim Powers

    "The Stress of Her Regard" by Tim Powers is a supernatural thriller that follows the life of a young doctor, Michael Crawford, who becomes entangled with a group of poets haunted by a mysterious force that feeds off their creativity. As Michael delves deeper into the lives of these poets, he discovers that they are all connected by a common thread: they have all been visited by a seductive, vampiric creature known as a Lamia. As he struggles to uncover the truth behind the Lamia's power and its connection to the poets, Michael must confront his own demons and fight for his own survival.

    The 3679th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Weaveworld by Clive Barker

    In this dark fantasy novel, the reader is transported to a world where a magical carpet, known as the Fugue, contains an entire realm within its intricate weaves. This tapestry serves as a sanctuary for a race of beings and their rich culture, hidden from the dangers of the human world. When a young man accidentally discovers the carpet, he becomes entangled in a struggle to protect the Fugue from malevolent forces that seek to destroy it. As the story unfolds, the characters must navigate a perilous landscape of treachery and sorcery, where reality and fantasy intertwine, and the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance.

    The 3776th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Complete Short Stories Of Ambrose Bierce by Ambrose Bierce

    "The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce" is a collection of gripping and thought-provoking tales that showcase the author's mastery of the short story form. Bierce's stories delve into the dark recesses of the human psyche, exploring themes of war, death, and the supernatural. With his sharp wit and incisive writing style, Bierce crafts narratives that are both entertaining and deeply unsettling, leaving readers pondering the complexities of the human condition long after they have finished reading.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Worse Things Waiting by Manly Wade Wellman

    In "Worse Things Waiting" by Manly Wade Wellman, a collection of eerie and suspenseful tales unfolds, each one delving into the realm of the supernatural. From encounters with vengeful spirits to mysterious disappearances, the stories explore the darker corners of human existence, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. With vivid descriptions and a masterful command of suspense, Wellman invites readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural is blurred, and where the worst things imaginable are waiting just beyond the shadows.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Day After Judgement by James Blish

    In this sequel to a modern take on the Faust legend, the narrative continues the tale of the ultimate confrontation between good and evil, as the forces of Hell have seemingly triumphed, spilling into the earthly realm. The protagonists, a poet and a black magician, find themselves amidst the chaos, navigating a world where the boundaries between the diabolical and the divine are blurred. As the characters grapple with the implications of a universe where the traditional understanding of God and Satan is turned on its head, the story explores themes of power, redemption, and the complexities of human nature in the face of cosmic upheaval.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

    The novel follows the unusual life of a boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who, after his family is murdered, is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. Under the protection of ghosts and his guardian, who is neither living nor dead, Bod learns about the living world and the dangers it holds, including the man Jack who continues to hunt for him. As he grows up among tombstones and crypts, Bod explores the limits of his graveyard home, encounters creatures of the night, and ultimately confronts the sinister forces that took his family from him, all while trying to lead a normal life despite his extraordinary upbringing.

    The 4061st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Vurt by Jeff Noon

    "Vurt" by Jeff Noon is a surreal and dystopian novel set in a future Manchester, where a hallucinogenic drug called "vurt" allows users to enter a virtual reality through their minds. The story follows Scribble, a young man who becomes obsessed with finding a rare and powerful vurt feather to save his sister, who is trapped in a vurt world. As Scribble navigates through a dangerous and bizarre landscape, he encounters strange creatures, alternate dimensions, and a mysterious group known as the Stash Riders. Blending elements of science fiction, cyberpunk, and urban fantasy, "Vurt" explores themes of addiction, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

    The 4104th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Stardust by Neil Gaiman

    "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman is a fairy tale adventure set in the land of Faerie. The story follows the journey of a young man named Tristran Thorn, who sets out to capture a fallen star in order to win the heart of his true love. Along the way, he encounters a variety of magical creatures and characters, including witches, unicorns, and a ruthless prince. As Tristran navigates the dangers and wonders of Faerie, he learns valuable lessons about love, sacrifice, and the power of destiny.

    The 4112th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. All Heads Turn When The Hunt Goes By by John Farris

    In this chilling horror novel, a wealthy and powerful family is haunted by a malevolent force that has plagued them for generations. As the family gathers for a reunion at their ancestral home, they soon realize that they are trapped in a nightmarish cycle of violence and death. With each passing generation, the evil grows stronger, and the family members must confront their darkest secrets and confront the terrifying truth behind their curse. Filled with suspense and supernatural elements, this gripping tale explores the destructive power of family legacies and the lengths one must go to break free from their grip.

    The 4131st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg

    In this gripping mystery novel, a down-on-his-luck private investigator is hired to find a missing person, only to uncover a web of dark secrets and supernatural forces. Set in 1950s New York City, the protagonist delves into the city's seedy underbelly, encountering eccentric characters and facing his own demons along the way. As he gets closer to the truth, the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, leading to a shocking and unexpected climax. With its atmospheric setting and intricate plot, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

    The 4383rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Ghost Story by Peter Straub

    "Ghost Story" by Peter Straub is a chilling tale that follows a group of elderly men who are haunted by a dark secret from their past. As they gather to share ghost stories, they soon realize that their own lives have become intertwined with the supernatural. The line between reality and the supernatural blurs as they are forced to confront their deepest fears and face the consequences of their actions. With atmospheric prose and a gripping plot, this haunting novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of secrets.

    The 4444th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Waking the Moon by Elizabeth Hand, Elisabeth Hand

    "Waking the Moon" is a dark fantasy novel that follows the story of Sweeney Cassidy, a college student who becomes involved in a secret society dedicated to the worship of the Moon Goddess. As Sweeney delves deeper into the society's rituals and beliefs, she uncovers a sinister plot to awaken the goddess and unleash her power upon the world. With the help of her friends and a mysterious stranger, Sweeney must stop the society's plans before it's too late. The novel explores themes of power, feminism, and the dangers of blindly following tradition.

    The 4454th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Vampire Tapestry by Suzy McKee Charnas

    The novel follows the life of Dr. Edward Weyland, an anthropologist who is also a vampire, as he navigates the complexities of modern society while concealing his true nature. Unlike traditional vampires, Weyland does not rely on supernatural powers but instead uses his intellect and scientific understanding to satisfy his needs for blood and to study human behavior. The story is divided into five sections, each offering a different perspective on Weyland's interactions with humans, ranging from a psychologist who uncovers his secret to a victim who survives an attack. The book challenges the conventional tropes of vampire fiction by presenting the protagonist as a biological entity rather than a mystical creature, exploring themes of loneliness, identity, and the human condition.

    The 4526th 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