The Greatest American High Fantasy and Mystery Books of All Time
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 467 '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
High Fantasy, as a literary genre, transports readers to entirely imagined worlds, distinct from our own, where magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests form the backbone of the narrative. These worlds often feature complex political systems, intricate lore, and a clear distinction between good and evil. Central to high fantasy are themes of heroism, adventure, and the struggle against formidable adversaries or forces. The genre is epitomized by works such as J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," where the detailed setting of Middle-earth, complete with its own languages, races, and history, sets the stage for a classic battle between the forces of light and darkness. High Fantasy offers an escape into worlds where the fantastical is the norm, inviting readers to explore realms where the limits are defined only by the breadth of the author's imagination.
The Mystery genre is a category of books that typically involves a crime, puzzle, or enigma that needs to be solved by the protagonist or a group of characters. These books often feature suspenseful and thrilling plotlines, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. Mystery novels can range from cozy mysteries, which are lighter and more lighthearted, to hard-boiled detective stories, which are darker and more gritty. Overall, the Mystery genre is a popular and diverse category of books that appeals to readers who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.
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Reading Statistics
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1. Witch World by Andre Norton
In a high-fantasy realm where magic intertwines with the fates of kingdoms, a man from our world stumbles through a gate into a land where witches wield power and their dominion is absolute. As he navigates this new world, he discovers his own latent magical abilities and becomes embroiled in a struggle against dark forces threatening to overwhelm the Witch World. With the help of powerful allies, he must learn to harness his newfound powers and play a crucial role in the battle for the world's survival, challenging the very notions of destiny and his place within this mystical universe.
The 1848th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
The Final Empire
In a grim, ash-covered world ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler, a young street urchin discovers she possesses unique magical abilities—Allomancy, the power to ingest and burn metals to enhance physical and mental capabilities. She joins a group of rebel skaa, the oppressed class, led by a charismatic criminal mastermind, to overthrow the centuries-old tyranny. Together, they devise an elaborate heist to infiltrate the noble houses and spark a revolution, uncovering dark secrets and unexpected truths about their world and the origins of the Lord Ruler's power along the way.
The 2557th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One
This fantasy novel follows the tale of a gifted young man who grows from a precocious child into a notorious wizard, known as the most notorious magician, musician, thief, and assassin. His life is one of hardship and danger, as he seeks knowledge and revenge following the tragic murder of his family by a group of supernatural beings. The story is told in retrospect as the protagonist recounts his past to a chronicler over the course of three days, revealing the truth behind the myths and legends that have come to surround his enigmatic persona.
The 2986th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
In a world ravaged by ferocious storms and embroiled in war, three main characters navigate their own paths. Kaladin, a skilled soldier turned slave, struggles to protect his fellow slaves while grappling with his own inner demons. Shallan, a brilliant and ambitious scholar, is on a dangerous quest to steal a powerful artifact to save her family from ruin. Dalinar, a high-ranking military leader, is plagued by visions of ancient times and a mysterious warning. As their lives intertwine, they must confront their own truths and fight for survival in a world on the brink of destruction.
The 4441st Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart
A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was
"Bridge of Birds" is a fantasy novel set in ancient China, where a young man named Number Ten Ox sets out to find a cure for a mysterious illness that has befallen the children of his village. Along the way, he enlists the help of a wise and eccentric scholar named Master Li, and together they embark on a series of adventures that take them across the land. Along the way, they encounter gods, demons, and other supernatural beings, all while trying to uncover the truth behind the illness and save the children of the village.
The 6591st Greatest Book of All Time -
6. The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark
In the ancient city of Tal Abisi, Eveen the Eviscerator is a skilled and discreet assassin, part of a guild known as the Dead Cat Tail Assassins. Despite their name, they are neither cats nor do they have tails, but they are indeed resurrected and deadly. Bound by three unbreakable vows, Eveen must ensure her contracts are just, only target those specified, and complete every mission she accepts. As the Festival of the Clockwork King unfolds, Eveen is thrust into a mission that challenges her vows and confronts her with memories of a past she was meant to forget.
The 9847th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day Two
In this fantasy novel, the protagonist continues his quest to uncover the truth about the mythical beings that killed his family. He also seeks to unravel the mystery behind the powerful yet elusive figure named the Chandrian. The story unfolds as he continues his education at a renowned magic school, takes a leave to serve a powerful noble, and trains with an elite group of warriors. His journey is filled with love, danger, and a deepening understanding of his own magical abilities. The novel ends with many questions still unanswered, setting the stage for the final book in the trilogy.
The 10383rd Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Ship Of Magic by Robin Hobb
This fantasy novel introduces readers to a vivid world where ships can come alive, embodying the spirits of their figureheads. It centers around the Vestrit family, particularly focusing on Althea Vestrit, who dreams of captaining her family's liveship, the Vivacia. However, upon her father's death, the ship is passed to her brother-in-law, igniting a complex family struggle. The narrative weaves through themes of inheritance, piracy, and slavery, set against a backdrop of a richly detailed maritime setting. As the Vivacia herself awakens, the characters must navigate not only the physical dangers of the sea but also the moral and emotional challenges that come with their intertwined destinies.
The 10613th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. House Of Sky And Breath by Sarah J. Maas
Crescent City
In "House of Sky and Breath," readers are plunged into a fantastical world where a diverse cast of characters grapples with the aftermath of a revolutionary war. The narrative centers on a half-fae, half-human protagonist and her found family of rebels as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and forbidden romances. They must contend with oppressive regimes and unearthly powers, all while confronting their own personal demons and forging alliances with unlikely partners. The stakes are high as they fight for freedom and survival in a world teeming with danger, magic, and betrayal, where the boundary between life and death is as tenuous as the sky and breath.
The 12379th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. Flora's Dare by Ysabeau S. Wilce
How a Girl of Spirit Gambles All to Expand Her Vocabulary, Confront a Bouncing Boy Terror, and Try to Save Califa from a Shaky Doom (Despite Being Confined to Her Room)
This book is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a young girl living in an alternate version of America, where magic and military prowess dictate social standing. The protagonist, a spirited and rebellious teenager, embarks on a daring quest to rescue her kidnapped friend, facing off against formidable magicians and exploring her own burgeoning magical abilities. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her family's past and the true extent of her powers, all while navigating the complexities of adolescence. With its richly imagined world, dynamic characters, and a blend of humor and heart, this story is a thrilling and enchanting read for young adults and anyone who enjoys a good magical adventure.
The 14069th 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