The Greatest "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.

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  1. 776. Saint Death's Daughter by C. S. E. Cooney

    In this darkly whimsical fantasy, a young woman with an unusual talent for necromancy navigates a perilous world of political intrigue and family secrets. As the daughter of a feared assassin and a powerful necromancer, she inherits a legacy of death that she must come to terms with. With her ability to communicate with the dead, she finds herself caught between the living and the deceased, while trying to carve out her own path and protect those she loves in a realm where magic is both a gift and a curse. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the quest to understand the true nature of her powers amidst the machinations of those who seek to use her lineage for their own ends.

    The 10874th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 777. The Seven Moons Of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka

    In this darkly satirical novel, the protagonist, a war photographer with a penchant for exposing the brutal truths of his country's civil war, finds himself in the afterlife with no memory of how he died. Set against the backdrop of 1990s Sri Lanka, a nation ravaged by conflict, he is given a week to solve the mystery of his own death and to secure the safety of his carefully documented photographic evidence, which has the power to rock the country. With the help of some eccentric and otherworldly allies, he navigates the complexities of the afterlife, reflecting on themes of corruption, violence, and the cost of silence. The narrative is a compelling mix of humor, horror, and political commentary, offering a unique perspective on the impact of war and the importance of truth.

    The 10874th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 778. The Inheritance by Matthew Lopez

    "The Inheritance" is a two-part play that explores the lives of a group of gay men in New York City a generation after the height of the AIDS epidemic. Inspired by the novel "Howards End" by E.M. Forster, the play examines themes of love, loss, legacy, and the connection between past and present. The characters navigate personal and political struggles, relationships, and the search for a sense of belonging and purpose, all while reflecting on the cultural inheritance of the gay community and the impact of those who came before them. Through its poignant and heartfelt narrative, the play offers a powerful commentary on the human condition and the enduring need for community and connection.

    The 10888th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 779. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

    This novel is a gripping tale set in a dystopian future where the world has been ravaged by climate change, leading to societal collapse and the rise of authoritarian regimes. The story follows Isaiah, a young man with a mysterious gift for prophecy, as he embarks on a perilous journey across this desolate landscape. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters who are struggling to survive and find hope in a world that seems beyond redemption. With lyrical prose and a deep exploration of themes such as power, faith, and resilience, the narrative weaves a compelling vision of humanity's potential for both destruction and redemption.

    The 10899th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 780. I'll Be Right There by Kyung-sook Shin

    This novel is a poignant exploration of friendship, love, and the human spirit set against the backdrop of 1980s South Korea, a time of intense political turmoil. Through the eyes of a young woman named Jung Yoon, the narrative delves into the profound connections she forms with her friends amidst the societal upheaval. As they navigate their way through personal loss, political activism, and the trials of young adulthood, the story beautifully captures the essence of relying on one another during times of distress. The novel is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the ways in which it can provide solace and strength in the face of adversity.

    The 10900th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 781. Bad Marie by Marcy Dermansky

    The novel follows the story of a woman recently released from prison who takes a job as a nanny for her childhood friend. Her life takes a tumultuous turn when she becomes romantically involved with her friend's husband and subsequently flees to Paris with their child. Throughout the story, the protagonist's flawed yet compelling character is explored as she grapples with her desires, the consequences of her impulsive actions, and her search for redemption and meaning in a life marred by poor decisions and a challenging past. Her journey is one of self-discovery, recklessness, and the complex nature of human relationships.

    The 10900th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 782. Model Home by Eric Puchner

    The novel explores the unraveling of an American family's pursuit of the dream in the 1980s as they move to a desert suburb in California where their hopes and aspirations begin to crumble. The narrative delves into the complexities of familial relationships and individual struggles, as the family members confront their own personal disappointments, financial distress, and emotional breakdowns. Their journey is marked by a tragic accident that further exacerbates their turmoil, leading each character to cope in different ways, revealing the fragile nature of their bonds and the illusions of their once-idealized life.

    The 10900th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 783. The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris

    This novel explores the life of a successful lawyer who is afflicted with a mysterious condition that compels him to walk without any control over when or where. His uncontrollable walks disrupt his professional life and strain his family relationships, leading to a profound examination of identity, mental illness, and the impermanence of life. As he grapples with his condition, the narrative delves into themes of love, the essence of self, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Through his journey, the protagonist confronts the fundamental question of what it means to truly live when one's basic autonomy is stripped away.

    The 10900th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 784. Evil And The Mask by Fuminori Nakamura

    This novel delves into the dark and complex world of a young man who is raised under the chilling belief that he is destined to be a "cancer" to the world, as per his father's sinister philosophy. Struggling with this cruel fate and the heavy burden of his family's expectations, he embarks on a journey that blurs the lines between good and evil, identity, and the possibility of redemption. Through his attempts to defy his destiny, the protagonist explores the depths of human nature, the concept of free will, and the capacity for change, leading readers on a gripping psychological exploration that questions the very essence of morality and the potential for transformation within us all.

    The 10900th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 785. The Magician King by Lev Grossman

    This novel is the second installment in a fantasy series that follows the journey of Quentin Coldwater, who has ascended from a high school senior obsessed with a series of fantasy novels to a powerful magician and a king of the magical land of Fillory. However, Quentin finds himself restless and yearning for a new adventure, which leads him on a quest that takes him back to Earth and then into the depths of his own dark past, as well as the history and heart of Fillory itself. Alongside old and new friends, Quentin explores the boundaries of magic and his own desires, ultimately confronting a powerful enemy and learning the heavy costs of heroism and the complex nature of happiness.

    The 10913th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 786. The Funny Man by John Warner

    The book follows the story of a stand-up comedian whose career skyrockets after he starts wearing a prop on his hand during his acts, which becomes his signature trademark. However, as he ascends to stardom, his personal life begins to unravel. The narrative delves into the dark side of fame, the pressures of public life, and the struggle to maintain identity amidst the chaos of the entertainment industry. The protagonist's journey is a tragicomic exploration of the high cost of success and the often-blurred line between a persona and the person behind it.

    The 10913th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 787. Submergence by J. M. Ledgard

    This novel intertwines the lives of two characters: James More, a British spy captured by jihadist fighters in Somalia, and Danielle Flinders, a biomathematician exploring the depths of the ocean. As they face their respective forms of isolation and danger, their thoughts drift to a Christmas past spent together in a French hotel, where they fell in love. Through their separate yet parallel experiences, the narrative explores themes of love, the vastness of the human spirit, and the profound connections between the ocean's depths and the most remote desert lands, highlighting the fragility and depth of human existence in the face of the natural world's immensity.

    The 10913th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 788. A Discovery Of Witches by Deborah Harkness

    This novel unfolds the tale of Diana Bishop, a young scholar and descendant of witches, who stumbles upon a bewitched manuscript in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Her discovery pulls her back into the world of magic, propelling her into the heart of a dangerous mystery. Alongside Matthew Clairmont, a mysterious vampire and geneticist, Diana is thrust into a forbidden alliance and an enchanted journey through time. As they seek to understand the manuscript's secrets, they must navigate the perilous waters of forbidden love and the age-old enmities among witches, vampires, and daemons, unraveling a history that threatens the fragile peace that has long existed between creatures and humans.

    The 10913th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 789. The Fates Will Find Their Way by Hannah Pittard

    "The Fates Will Find Their Way" is a haunting narrative that revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a sixteen-year-old girl and the impact it has on a close-knit community. Told through the collective voice of the boys who knew her, the story unfolds in a series of speculative scenarios about her fate, interwoven with the boys' own transitions from adolescence to adulthood. As they grapple with the uncertainties of their own futures, the girl's absence becomes a canvas onto which they project their fears, desires, and the inexorable passage of time, painting a poignant picture of the ways in which a single event can reverberate through many lives.

    The 10913th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 790. Mr Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

    This novel unfolds in a mysterious 24-hour bookstore in San Francisco, where the protagonist, Clay Jannon, discovers the store is a facade for a much larger, enigmatic puzzle. As Clay delves deeper into the store's secrets, he finds himself at the heart of a centuries-old conflict between technology and traditional knowledge. With the help of friends, technology, and his own ingenuity, Clay embarks on a high-tech adventure, exploring the intersection of books, technology, and the quest for immortality. The story is a celebration of the love for books in the digital age, blending mystery, history, and technology in a captivating narrative.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 791. Home by Toni Morrison

    This novel delves into the life of Frank Money, a traumatized Korean War veteran, who embarks on a harrowing journey back to his native Georgia in search of his beloved sister, Cee, to save her from a dangerous situation. Set against the backdrop of the racially segregated America of the 1950s, the story explores themes of family, racism, and redemption. As Frank confronts the demons of his past and the pervasive racism of his homeland, he and Cee strive to forge a new sense of identity and home, revealing the profound resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 792. Eleanor And Park by Rainbow Rowell

    This novel is a touching story set in the 1980s, revolving around two high school misfits in Omaha, Nebraska, who find an unexpected connection through their shared seats on the school bus. Eleanor, a quirky and bullied girl with a troubled home life, and Park, a half-Korean boy who struggles with his identity, slowly bond over comic books and mixtapes. As their friendship blossoms into a tender and complex first love, they must navigate the challenges of adolescence, family dynamics, and societal expectations. The story is a poignant exploration of young love, identity, and the power of acceptance.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 793. The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg

    This novel explores the complexities of family dynamics, focusing on the Middlestein family, who are grappling with various personal and collective crises, primarily revolving around Edie, the matriarch's, struggle with obesity and its impact on her health and relationships. As Edie's condition worsens, her family's reactions reveal their individual struggles, insecurities, and the ways in which they cope with stress and change. Through a narrative that is both compassionate and unflinching, the book delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the challenges of caring for someone who seems beyond help, all while painting a vivid portrait of contemporary American life and the ways in which personal and familial histories intertwine.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 794. Dare Me by Megan Abbott

    This novel delves into the dark and complex world of competitive high school cheerleading, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and obsession. The story is centered around the intense and sometimes toxic relationships between the cheerleaders, particularly focusing on the bond between the team's captain and her best friend. The arrival of a new coach with a mysterious past brings about a dramatic shift in the team's dynamics, leading to a series of events that culminates in a shocking crime. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, testing the limits of friendship and loyalty, and challenging the characters' understanding of themselves and each other.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 795. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

    The novel weaves together multiple storylines spanning across different eras, from the 1960s Italian coastline to modern-day Hollywood. It centers around an almost-love affair between a young Italian innkeeper and an American actress who is believed to be dying. The narrative explores the complex interplay between life and art, love and dreams, as it moves through time and space, connecting a diverse cast of characters whose paths intersect in unexpected ways. The story delves into themes of missed opportunities, the impact of the past on the present, and the enduring allure of fame and ambition, all set against the backdrop of a changing cultural landscape.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 796. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

    The novel spans five decades, telling the story of a large blended family that is forever changed when an unexpected romantic encounter occurs at a christening party. The repercussions of this event ripple through the lives of the four parents and six children involved, as secrets are revealed and relationships are forever altered. The story explores themes of love, responsibility, and the effects of a shared history.

    The 10943rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 797. Pacific by Tom Drury

    "Pacific" is a novel that weaves together the lives of various characters as they navigate personal challenges and search for meaning in their interconnected stories. The central figure is a young man who moves from the Midwest to California, where he encounters a cast of colorful individuals, including a washed-up movie star, a reclusive billionaire, and a host of other quirky personalities. As their paths cross and their tales intertwine, the narrative delves into themes of identity, the impact of the past on the present, and the elusive nature of the American Dream against the backdrop of the vast and varied Pacific landscape. Through sharp dialogue and insightful observations, the book paints a portrait of contemporary life and the complexities of human relationships.

    The 10944th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 798. The Isle Of Youth by Laura Van den Berg

    This collection of stories delves into the lives of women on the brink of discovery, transformation, or loss. The narratives span various settings, from the eerie landscapes of Antarctica to the familiar streets of the United States, weaving tales of sisters embroiled in a mysterious plane crash, a wife investigating her husband's secretive past, and a woman caught in the grip of an otherworldly heist. Through these stories, the book explores themes of identity, isolation, and the quest for understanding in a world that often feels alien and unpredictable. The characters, each in search of something vital and elusive, navigate their realities with a mix of despair, determination, and hope, revealing the complex inner lives of women facing the unknown.

    The 10944th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 799. Rise Of The Dragons by Morgan Rice

    In a fantasy realm filled with magic, dragons, and ancient prophecies, a young farmer's life is turned upside down when he discovers he is destined for greater things beyond his simple village life. As evil forces threaten the kingdom, he embarks on a perilous journey, gathering allies, mastering his newfound powers, and uncovering secrets about his true identity. Along the way, he must navigate treacherous landscapes, confront fearsome creatures, and rise to become the hero prophesied to unite the realm and wield the power to stand against the darkness. This epic tale weaves together themes of destiny, courage, and the battle between good and evil, capturing the hearts of readers who revel in the rich tapestry of high fantasy adventure.

    The 10953rd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 800. Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin

    "Fever Dream" is a gripping and unsettling narrative that unfolds as a conversation between a woman named Amanda, who is lying in a rural hospital bed, and a young boy named David, who urgently prompts her to recount the events leading up to her illness. Through their dialogue, a sense of dread builds as Amanda recalls the strange occurrences and the sense of impending doom she felt while vacationing in the countryside. Central to the story is the theme of maternal love and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, as well as the mysterious connection between Amanda's daughter and David. The novel's fragmented and hallucinatory style creates a disorienting experience, reflecting the title's suggestion of a dream-like state where reality blurs with nightmare, leaving the reader to piece together the haunting puzzle.

    The 10953rd 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