The Greatest British "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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  1. 701. Racing Demon by David Hare

    "Racing Demon" is a compelling exploration of the personal and professional crises faced by a group of clergymen in the Church of England. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, the play delves into the lives of four vicars as they grapple with their faith and the relevance of the church in contemporary London. Confronting issues such as homosexuality, the ordination of women, and the clash between progressive and traditionalist views, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of moral dilemmas, ecclesiastical politics, and the struggle to maintain personal integrity amidst institutional decay. Through sharp dialogue and nuanced character development, the play presents a thought-provoking examination of spirituality and the human condition in the modern world.

    The 11051st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 702. Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge

    This novel is a gripping, dark fantasy tale set in post-World War I England, where a young girl wakes up after an accident to find herself changed in inexplicable ways. As she struggles to piece together what happened to her, she discovers that she is not who she thought she was, and her family seems to be harboring sinister secrets. With the help of unlikely allies, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her identity and to confront the eerie, otherworldly forces that have begun to invade her world. This story masterfully blends elements of horror, mystery, and historical fiction, creating a haunting narrative about loss, identity, and the lengths we go to for love.

    The 11052nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 703. No One Gets Out Alive by Adam Nevill

    This horror novel plunges readers into a chilling narrative centered around a young woman's harrowing experience in a dilapidated house she rents in a desperate attempt to start anew. As she navigates her impoverished circumstances, she quickly realizes that the building harbors dark secrets far beyond its decaying walls. Sinister forces and inexplicable occurrences escalate, ensnaring her in a terrifying struggle for survival. The story masterfully intertwines psychological terror with supernatural elements, creating a gripping atmosphere of dread that questions the very nature of reality and the possibility of escape from a malevolent past that haunts the present.

    The 11052nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 704. Europe In Winter by Dave Hutchinson

    This novel is a thrilling continuation of a science fiction series set in a fragmented future Europe, where borders are fluid and allegiances are ever-changing. The story follows a complex web of spies, assassins, and ordinary citizens as they navigate a continent where the Union is crumbling and new polities emerge. With a blend of espionage, political intrigue, and speculative technology, the narrative delves into the heart of a Europe transformed by micro-states, secretive factions, and the mysterious Community. As the protagonist uncovers a conspiracy that could alter the balance of power, the book explores themes of identity, sovereignty, and the nature of statehood in a rapidly changing world.

    The 11063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 705. The Rift by Nina Allan

    The novel is a speculative fiction tale that intricately weaves the story of two sisters, Selena and Julie, after Julie mysteriously disappears and then reappears, claiming to have been on another planet. The narrative delves into themes of memory, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family, as Selena tries to unravel the truth behind her sister's disappearance. Through a blend of science fiction and psychological drama, the book explores the impact of trauma and the nature of reality, challenging the reader to question what is truly possible in a universe that may be stranger and more complex than it first appears.

    The 11067th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 706. The Bitter Twins by Jen Williams

    In this enthralling sequel to a celebrated fantasy series, the world is on the brink of war, and an unlikely group of heroes must band together to save it from destruction. The narrative weaves together the fates of a war-beast and her dragon rider, a pair of mismatched siblings, and a group of magical, ancient creatures with the power to change the course of history. As they face internal conflicts, betrayals, and the looming threat of an otherworldly invasion, their paths intertwine in a desperate quest to harness old magics and forge new alliances. This epic tale of courage, friendship, and the complex nature of heroism dives deep into the heart of a richly imagined fantasy world, challenging the boundaries between good and evil, and exploring the costs of survival in the face of unspeakable odds.

    The 11072nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 707. Embers Of War by Gareth L. Powell

    This science fiction novel delves into the aftermath of a brutal interstellar war, focusing on the sentient warship Trouble Dog and her crew. The Trouble Dog, haunted by her actions during the war, has resigned from the Conglomeration fleet and joined an organization dedicated to saving human lives. When a civilian liner is attacked in a disputed galaxy, the Trouble Dog and her diverse crew of humans and AI are called to undertake a rescue mission. As they navigate political intrigue and face off against a genocidal enemy, the crew must confront their own pasts and the war's lingering scars. The novel explores themes of redemption, the moral complexities of war, and the possibility of finding peace and purpose in its aftermath.

    The 11072nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 708. The Bone Ships by RJ Barker

    This novel is set in a vividly imagined world where two nations are locked in a perpetual war, fought on the high seas with ships made from the bones of long-extinct dragons. The story follows the crew of the Tide Child, a ship of the damned manned by criminals and social outcasts, led by a disgraced captain. When they are tasked with a seemingly impossible mission to hunt down the last of the legendary sea dragons, the crew sees it as a chance for redemption. As they embark on their perilous journey, they must navigate treacherous waters, rival ships, and their own personal demons. The narrative is rich with maritime lore, complex characters, and themes of sacrifice, survival, and redemption, making it a gripping tale of high-seas adventure and human resilience.

    The 11077th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 709. City Of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky

    This novel is a gripping tale set in a city on the brink of collapse, where political intrigue, social unrest, and ancient secrets converge. As the city faces imminent disaster, a diverse cast of characters, including a disillusioned veteran, a determined investigator, and a scholar of the arcane, find their fates intertwined. Each must navigate the treacherous waters of power struggles and dark magic in a desperate bid to save themselves and possibly the city itself. The narrative weaves together their stories, exploring themes of survival, redemption, and the impact of past choices on the present. Through its intricate plot and richly developed world, the book offers a compelling exploration of the complexities of leadership and the cost of last chances.

    The 11099th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 710. King Charles Iii by Mike Bartlett

    The play is a speculative work set in the near future, exploring the reign of Charles after he ascends to the British throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It delves into the political and personal turmoil that ensues as Charles grapples with the weight of the crown and the responsibilities that come with it. The narrative follows his struggle with his own principles versus the demands of the modern British monarchy, the conflicts within his family, and the broader implications of his actions on the nation's constitutional fabric. Written in Shakespearean blank verse, the play examines themes of power, tradition, and the evolving nature of the monarchy in contemporary society.

    The 11103rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 711. The Rosewater Insurrection by Tade Thompson

    The book is the second installment in a science fiction series set in a near-future Nigeria, where an alien biodome has appeared in the town of Rosewater. This sequel expands on the complex relationship between humans and the alien presence, as the city of Rosewater becomes the epicenter of political upheaval and a struggle for independence. The narrative follows multiple characters, including a sensitive government agent, an ambitious politician, and a journalist, as they navigate a tumultuous landscape of espionage, alien technology, and societal change. As the insurrection gains momentum, the characters confront their loyalties and the implications of a world where humanity is no longer the dominant species.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 712. The Rosewater Redemption by Tade Thompson

    In the gripping finale of a science fiction trilogy set in Nigeria, the city of Rosewater faces existential threats from within and beyond. The alien biodome that has been the source of much of the city's problems and prosperity begins to reveal its ultimate intentions, while political factions vie for control, and characters with psychic abilities play a crucial role in the unfolding events. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, the novel weaves together complex narratives involving alien life, espionage, and individual destinies, culminating in a battle for survival that will determine the future of Rosewater and the world at large.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 713. A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie

    In a gritty fantasy realm embroiled with industrial revolution and social unrest, the lives of several complex characters intertwine as they navigate a world of escalating violence and power struggles. The novel explores themes of vengeance, ambition, and the corrosive effects of hatred through the eyes of a diverse cast, including a vengeful warrior, an enterprising young noblewoman, and a cunning war hero. As ancient magics fade against the backdrop of emerging technologies, these individuals must adapt to the changing tides of power or be swept away by the relentless currents of progress and conflict.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 714. The Trouble With Peace by Joe Abercrombie

    In this gripping fantasy sequel, the realm struggles with the aftermath of a hard-won war, where the fragile peace is threatened by the ambitions and insecurities of the various power players. The central characters, each with their own intricate plots and personal demons, navigate a complex political landscape where rebellion brews, alliances shift, and betrayal lurks at every corner. As the tension escalates, the line between hero and villain blurs, raising profound questions about power, justice, and the true cost of peace in a world where the lust for control often trumps the common good.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 715. The Wisdom Of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie

    The book explores the idea that large groups of people are collectively smarter than individual experts when it comes to problem-solving, decision-making, innovation, and predicting outcomes. The author delves into various case studies and anecdotes to illustrate how the aggregation of information in groups results in decisions that are often better than those made by any single member of the group. The text also discusses the conditions necessary for crowd wisdom to prevail, such as diversity of opinion, independence of members from one another, decentralization, and a method for aggregating opinions. The insights provided challenge the conventional wisdom that only experts can provide solutions to complex problems and instead highlight the potential of harnessing the collective intelligence of the masses.

    The 11265th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 716. Little Darlings by Melanie Golding

    This psychological thriller delves into the fragile reality of Lauren Tranter, a new mother to twins, who is convinced that her babies are in danger from a supernatural entity intent on stealing them and replacing them with changelings. After a harrowing encounter in the hospital, Lauren's fears are dismissed as the product of exhaustion and mental strain. However, when her twins disappear and are then found seemingly unharmed, Lauren's conviction only deepens, leading her into a desperate struggle to protect her children and prove her sanity. Set against a backdrop of folklore and modern-day anxieties about motherhood, the narrative weaves a chilling tale of paranoia, love, and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her children.

    The 11311th 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