The Greatest "Supernatural, Fiction" Books Since 1990

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

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

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 26. Stranger Things Happen by Kelly Link

    "Stranger Things Happen" is a collection of 11 captivating short stories that blend elements of horror, fantasy, and fairy tales. The narratives are filled with strange events and characters, such as a husband who disappears every time he goes for a swim and a TV show where ghosts are the main characters. The book explores the boundaries of reality and the supernatural, creating an eerie, dream-like atmosphere that leaves the reader questioning what is real and what is not.

  2. 27. The Shack by William P Young

    This novel explores the spiritual journey of a man named Mack, who, after suffering the devastating loss of his daughter, receives a mysterious note inviting him to a shack. This shack is the same place where evidence of his daughter's murder was found. In the shack, Mack has an extraordinary encounter with three strangers who help him understand his loss, heal his pain, and redefine his understanding of life, love, and forgiveness. The book delves into the complexities of faith and the power of forgiveness through the lens of a deeply personal and tragic experience.

  3. 28. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

    The book follows the lives of the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, who come from a long line of witches. Raised by their eccentric aunts after their parents' death, the sisters grow up learning about love and magic. However, they face an age-old curse that any man who falls in love with an Owens woman will meet a tragic end, leading them on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and a struggle to overcome their family's dark past.

  4. 29. Και Με Το Φως Του Λυκου Επανερχονται by Zyranna Zateli

    This novel weaves a rich tapestry of family saga and Greek mythology, set against the backdrop of the 20th century. It tells the story of two families bound by a deep and complex connection, exploring themes of love, loss, and the cyclical nature of life through the lens of magical realism. The narrative is imbued with the mystical allure of folklore, as characters navigate their fates intertwined with the whims of gods and the transformative power of storytelling. Through its lyrical prose, the book delves into the essence of human experience, the bonds that tie us to our past, and the enduring light of hope that guides us through darkness.

  5. 30. Tales of H. P. Lovecraft by H. P. Lovecraft

    This book is a collection of stories by an iconic writer of horror and strange fiction. The tales are filled with bizarre creatures, ancient curses, and mind-bending concepts about the nature of reality. The stories are often set in isolated, decaying locations and explore themes of cosmic horror and the unknown. The author's unique writing style and vivid imagination have made him a significant figure in the genre of supernatural fiction.

  6. 31. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

    In the novel, a team of four women—an anthropologist, a surveyor, a psychologist, and a biologist—embark on an expedition into Area X, a mysterious and remote region cut off from civilization. The area is known for its strange occurrences and the disappearance of previous expedition members. As the team delves deeper into the wild and enigmatic landscape, they encounter bizarre creatures, cryptic signs, and the remnants of a lost civilization. The biologist, serving as the narrator, documents their discoveries and her own personal transformations, driven by the unseen forces of Area X. The novel explores themes of nature, mutation, and the unknown, as the expedition's members confront the limits of knowledge and the consequences of seeking to uncover the inexplicable.

  7. 32. Girlfriend In A Coma by Douglas Coupland

    This novel explores the profound impacts of loss, love, and the passage of time through the story of a teenager who falls into a coma for nearly two decades. As she sleeps, the world around her evolves, and the friends and boyfriend she leaves behind grapple with their own lives, haunted by what could have been. When she miraculously awakens, they are all confronted with a starkly changed reality and the chance to rectify past mistakes. This narrative delves into themes of apocalypse, redemption, and the enduring power of connection, challenging readers to reflect on the choices that shape our lives and the world around us.

  8. 33. All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders

    This novel blends science fiction and fantasy, telling the story of two outcasts, a witch and a tech genius, who meet as children and then part ways, only to reunite as adults in a world teetering on the brink of catastrophe. As the planet faces environmental collapse and the threat of war, the pair must navigate their differences and their past to harness their extraordinary abilities. Their friendship becomes the key to survival, as they confront forces that could either save humanity or lead to its destruction, blurring the lines between magic and science in an uncertain future.

  9. 34. Wizard And Glass by Stephen King

    In the fourth installment of a dark fantasy series, a gunslinger and his companions continue their quest for the Dark Tower, a mythical structure that is the nexus of all universes. Along their journey, the gunslinger recounts a poignant tale from his youth, a story of first love and tragic loss set in a haunting Wild West-like world filled with magic and menace. As he shares his past with his current ka-tet (group bound by fate), the narrative weaves a rich tapestry that deepens the lore of his world and reveals the depths of his character, all while the group faces new threats and the relentless pull of their ultimate goal.

  10. 35. 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.

  11. 36. The Green Mile by Stephen King

    The book is a poignant narrative set in the 1930s, centered around the experiences of a death row corrections officer who oversees inmates at a penitentiary. The story unfolds through his recollections, particularly focusing on one condemned prisoner with a mysterious gift. This inmate, a gentle giant convicted of a heinous crime, displays supernatural abilities that profoundly affect those around him, challenging the guard's preconceived notions about justice, punishment, and the very nature of good and evil. As the execution date draws near, the guard grapples with the moral complexities of his role and the haunting realities of the penal system.

  12. 37. The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

    This series centers around a young woman torn between two vampire brothers—the dark and brooding Stefan and the dangerous, yet compelling Damon. Set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, the narrative delves into themes of love, conflict, and the supernatural as these characters navigate their complex relationships amidst a backdrop of mystery and danger. As the brothers vie for her heart, they must also confront their tumultuous past and the threats that emerge against the backdrop of high school life and beyond, revealing a world where vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings exist in secret.

  13. 38. The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

    "The Amulet of Samarkand" by Jonathan Stroud is a young adult fantasy novel set in an alternate version of London where magic is real and controlled by a government agency. The story follows a young magician's apprentice named Nathaniel who seeks revenge on a powerful magician named Simon Lovelace after he humiliates Nathaniel in front of his peers. Nathaniel summons the djinni Bartimaeus to help him steal the powerful amulet of Samarkand from Lovelace, but their plan goes awry and they become embroiled in a dangerous game of politics and power.

  14. 39. Anita Blake by Laurell K. Hamilton

    This series introduces readers to a world where vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings are legal citizens of the United States, and follows the life of Anita Blake, a professional zombie raiser, vampire executioner, and supernatural consultant for the police. Set in St. Louis, Missouri, Anita navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life, dealing with various supernatural mysteries, crimes, and often finding herself in the middle of vampire politics. As the series progresses, Anita's powers and relationships with the supernatural community grow, leading her into ever more dangerous and morally ambiguous situations. The blend of urban fantasy, horror, and mystery, along with a strong, complex female protagonist, has garnered a dedicated fan base.

  15. 40. There Once Lived A Woman Who Tried To Kill Her Neighbour’s Baby by Ludmila Petrushevskaya

    In this collection of dark and haunting tales set in Soviet Russia, Ludmila Petrushevskaya explores the depths of human desperation and the complexities of human relationships. Through her vivid and evocative storytelling, she delves into the lives of ordinary individuals who are trapped in a web of loneliness, despair, and unfulfilled desires. With a blend of realism and the supernatural, Petrushevskaya crafts a mesmerizing narrative that exposes the raw emotions and hidden secrets that lie within the human heart.

  16. 41. The Sacred Book Of The Werewolf by Victor Pelevin

    This novel introduces readers to a captivating world where ancient myth meets modern life through the eyes of a two-thousand-year-old werefox named A Hu-Li. Disguised as a teenage girl, she navigates contemporary Russia, using her supernatural abilities and seductive powers to survive in a society dominated by men. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she falls in love with a werewolf, a figure representing the novel's exploration of themes such as identity, transformation, and the search for spiritual enlightenment. Set against the backdrop of post-Soviet Russia, the narrative delves into philosophical discussions, blending Eastern philosophies with the complexities of modern existence, all while maintaining a sharp sense of humor and a deep sense of mysticism.

  17. 42. 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.

  18. 43. The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons

    In this sequel to a science fiction saga, the story continues as a group of pilgrims trapped on the planet Hyperion face the looming threat of the Time Tombs, which are traveling backward through time. Meanwhile, the interstellar Hegemony they once belonged to is on the brink of war with the Ousters, a group of spacefaring barbarians. As the complex political machinations unfold, the pilgrims' personal tales intertwine with the fate of the universe, revealing their connections to the mysterious Shrike—a creature that may hold the key to humanity's salvation or its ultimate destruction. The narrative weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, exploring themes of memory, destiny, and the nature of intelligence.

  19. 44. Alone With The Horrors by Ramsey Campbell

    "Alone With The Horrors" is a comprehensive collection of horror short stories that spans several decades of the author's career, showcasing his mastery in the genre. The anthology brings together a chilling array of narratives, each distinct in its setting and characters, but all united by the common thread of psychological terror and the supernatural. The tales delve into the darkest corners of fear, exploring themes of existential dread, the uncanny, and the monstrous, both human and otherworldly. The author's skillful use of language and atmosphere weaves a tapestry of suspense and horror that lingers with the reader long after the final page is turned.

  20. 45. Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

    In a world where the boundary between human and myth blurs, a blue-haired art student in Prague discovers her mysterious past and connection to a war-torn realm inhabited by angels and beasts. As she navigates her life between art school and errands for her chimeric guardian, she uncovers secrets about her identity and a star-crossed love that transcends worlds and species. Her journey reveals the complexities of family, love, and the devastating consequences of old enmities, ultimately leading her to confront her destiny in a battle that could reshape the boundaries of her world and all others.

  21. 46. City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare

    In this urban fantasy novel, the third installment of a series, the protagonist, a young Shadowhunter, travels to the titular city, a place of great significance to the secretive world of demon hunters, warlocks, vampires, and other supernatural beings. She is on a quest to find a cure for her poisoned mother, but her mission quickly becomes entangled with a larger conflict as she uncovers dark secrets about her family's past and the true nature of the Shadowhunters. As the city becomes a battleground, alliances are tested, and the protagonist must confront a powerful enemy who threatens to destroy everything she holds dear, all while grappling with her evolving feelings for her enigmatic companion.

  22. 47. Nos4 A2 by Joe Hill

    In this chilling novel, a sinister and immortal being named Charlie Manx kidnaps children and takes them to a twisted Christmasland, a place where every day is Christmas and unhappiness is forbidden. But when a resourceful young girl named Victoria escapes his clutches, she grows up haunted by the memories of her ordeal. Years later, she must confront Manx once again to protect her own son from falling victim to his malevolent plans. With a blend of horror, fantasy, and suspense, this gripping tale explores the darkness that lurks within the human soul and the power of love and resilience to overcome it.

  23. 48. Marked (House Of Night) by Unknown

    In this young adult fantasy novel, a teenage girl is thrust into a world of vampyres when she is marked with a symbol that signifies her transformation into one of these mystical beings. She must leave her old life behind and attend a special boarding school for fledgling vampyres, known as the House of Night. There, she navigates a complex social hierarchy, hones her newfound powers, and grapples with the challenges of her metamorphosis. As she tries to fit in and understand her place in this new reality, she uncovers a web of secrets and realizes that her destiny is entwined with the fate of both the vampyre world and the human one.

  24. 49. Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler

    "Fledgling" is a novel that blends science fiction with vampire lore, telling the story of a young amnesiac girl who discovers she is actually a genetically modified, 53-year-old vampire. As she slowly regains her memories, she learns about her unique vampire family, their complex societal structures, and the symbiotic relationships they maintain with humans. The narrative delves into themes of identity, race, sexuality, and consent, challenging traditional vampire myths while exploring the implications of power dynamics and prejudice within a reimagined society where vampires and humans coexist in a tenuous balance.

  25. 50. Angelfall by Susan Ee

    In a post-apocalyptic world where angels have descended to Earth and unleashed destruction, a resilient teenage girl embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her kidnapped younger sister. With society in ruins and danger at every turn, she allies with a mysterious angel whose motives are unclear, navigating a landscape filled with roving gangs, gruesome creatures, and celestial warriors. As she fights to survive and uncover the truth behind the invasion, she confronts the blurred lines between good and evil, and the potential darkness within herself and her enigmatic companion.

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