The Greatest "Science fiction, Fiction, Fantasy" 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 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.

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Genres

Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on society and individuals. It often features futuristic or imaginary settings, advanced technologies, and scientific concepts that are not yet fully understood or realized. Science fiction can encompass a wide range of themes, including space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence, and alternate realities. It is a genre that allows authors to speculate on the future of humanity and the impact of scientific progress on our lives.

Fiction

Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre of literature that typically involves imaginative and supernatural elements, often set in a fictional world or alternate reality. These stories often feature mythical creatures, magic, and epic battles between good and evil. Fantasy books can range from high fantasy, which includes complex world-building and intricate plotlines, to urban fantasy, which blends fantastical elements with contemporary settings. The genre allows readers to escape into a world of wonder and adventure, where anything is possible.

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  1. 1. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

    A woman searches for her kidnapped daughter in a world ravaged by a catastrophic climate change event known as the Fifth Season. Simultaneously, the narrative follows a young girl with destructive powers and a man struggling to control his own similar abilities. The story explores themes of oppression, survival, and the destructive power of nature, all set in a dystopian world where the earth is constantly in flux, and society is strictly divided and controlled.

    The 1253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin

    The Broken Earth Trilogy is a captivating science fiction series set in a post-apocalyptic world where a woman with the power to control seismic activity is on a quest to rescue her kidnapped daughter. This world, called the Stillness, regularly experiences catastrophic climate change events known as Seasons, which its inhabitants constantly prepare for. The series explores themes of oppression, survival, and the human capacity for adaptation, all while providing a thrilling and poignant narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

    The 3152nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor

    This novel is a coming-of-age narrative set in a post-apocalyptic Africa. It follows the journey of a young woman born from a violent act, who is prophesied to bring an end to a brutal regime. As she grows, she discovers her magical abilities and must learn to control them in order to fulfill her destiny. The narrative explores themes of race, gender, and power, while incorporating elements of African mythology and culture.

    The 4856th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Saga Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan

    In a war-torn galaxy, two soldiers from opposite sides fall in love and have a child, igniting a dangerous pursuit by various factions who seek to control the child's extraordinary powers. With a mix of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, "Saga Vol. 1" takes readers on a thrilling and visually stunning journey through a vast and imaginative universe.

    The 5664th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 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.

    The 6441st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. 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.

    The 6575th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

    "Binti" is a science fiction novella that follows the journey of a young Himba girl named Binti, who defies her family's wishes and leaves her home to attend the prestigious Oomza University. As the first of her people to be accepted, Binti faces various challenges and cultural clashes as she navigates the complexities of interstellar travel and encounters an alien race known as the Meduse. Through her unique abilities and determination, Binti becomes a bridge between two civilizations, ultimately transforming her own identity and challenging societal norms.

    The 6632nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Gideon The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

    In a universe where necromancers hold power, Gideon, a skilled swordswoman, is reluctantly paired with her childhood rival, Harrow, to compete in a deadly trial that could grant them immortality. As they venture into an ancient, decaying mansion filled with secrets and puzzles, they must unravel the mysteries of their world and face sinister forces lurking within. With a blend of dark humor, complex characters, and a gripping plot, "Gideon The Ninth" is a thrilling and unique blend of science fiction and fantasy.

    The 8131st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Stone Sky by N. K. Jemisin

    In this concluding volume of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the fate of a world hangs in the balance as a mother and daughter find themselves on opposite sides of an apocalyptic war. The mother, an orogene with the power to control seismic activity, embarks on a quest to end the perpetual disasters plaguing the earth by harnessing the power of an ancient, mythical obelisk. Meanwhile, her daughter, who possesses similar abilities, is manipulated by forces seeking to use her powers for their own ends. As their paths converge, the complex layers of oppression, survival, and the struggle for freedom are revealed, culminating in a climactic battle that will determine the future of their world.

    The 8138th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Wall Of Storms by Ken Liu

    In this epic fantasy sequel, the realm of Dara is threatened by an invasion of powerful, dragon-like creatures from beyond the fabled Wall of Storms. The young emperor and his subjects must navigate political intrigue, complex family dynamics, and innovative magical technology to defend their land. With a rich tapestry of diverse characters, the story delves into themes of power, progress, and the cost of empire-building, as scholars and warriors alike confront the limits of their knowledge and the brutal realities of war.

    The 8634th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El Mohtar, Max Gladstone

    In this epistolary science fiction novel, two rival agents, Red and Blue, find themselves on opposite sides of a sprawling temporal conflict known as the Time War. As they carry out missions to manipulate the strands of history for their respective factions, their paths cross in unexpected ways. Through a series of secret letters left across time and space, what begins as taunting correspondence evolves into a deep, forbidden connection. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of time-travel and intrigue, exploring themes of love, identity, and the consequences of actions within the ever-shifting sands of time. As their bond deepens, Red and Blue must ultimately decide where their loyalties lie and what sacrifices they are willing to make for a chance at a future together.

    The 8915th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

    "The Goblin Emperor" is a fantasy novel set in a world where goblins are considered lower-class citizens. When the half-goblin, half-elf Maia unexpectedly becomes emperor, he must navigate court politics, assassination attempts, and the challenges of ruling a kingdom filled with treachery and deceit. With his kind heart and determination to bring justice, Maia strives to prove himself as a capable leader while uncovering the truth behind his father's mysterious death.

    The 8938th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

    In a dystopian future where people have lost the ability to dream, leading to widespread madness, Indigenous people in North America are hunted for their bone marrow, which holds the cure for the rest of the world's dreamlessness. The story follows a young Indigenous boy and his companions as they navigate this perilous landscape, struggling to survive against the government "recruiters" who seek to harvest their marrow. As they journey through the ravaged lands, they must rely on their wits, their cultural heritage, and each other to retain their humanity against a society that seeks to take everything from them, including their dreams.

    The 8985th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Black Tides Of Heaven by Neon Yang

    In a fantastical Asian-inspired world where the forces of magic and technology intertwine, two twins are born to the Protector, a tyrannical ruler with a powerful grip over the realm. The twins, Mokoya and Akeha, are gifted with prophetic and magical abilities, respectively, and are sent to a monastery to hone their skills. As they grow older, they find themselves at the heart of a rebellion against their mother's oppressive regime. The story explores themes of destiny, freedom, and the complex bonds of family, all while the twins grapple with their identities and the paths they choose to take in a society where gender is fluid and self-determined.

    The 8985th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Alif The Unseen by G. Willow Wilson

    In a Middle Eastern city teetering on the edge of revolution, a young Arab-Indian hacker, who goes by the alias Alif, finds himself on the run from the state's oppressive security forces. After his computer-savvy skills and underground network are compromised by a heartbreak, he discovers the existence of the supernatural world of the jinn. With the help of an ancient and mystical book, Alif must bridge the gap between the seen and the unseen, blending technology with ancient Arabic lore, to protect himself and his community from the encroaching forces that threaten to engulf both the physical and the magical worlds.

    The 9955th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. House Of X Powers Of X by Jonathan Hickman

    The graphic novel intertwines two interconnected stories that redefine the X-Men's place in the Marvel Universe. It explores a transformative era for mutantkind, where the X-Men, led by Charles Xavier, enact a bold new plan to protect and advance mutant interests. The narrative oscillates between the present day, where mutants establish a sovereign nation on the living island of Krakoa, and various points in a possible future, revealing the long-term ramifications of their actions. As the X-Men grapple with complex moral dilemmas, political intrigue, and existential threats, the series reimagines their mythology, introducing new concepts, characters, and a radical shift in the status quo for mutants in a world that has always feared and hated them.

    The 10345th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

    In a futuristic world inspired by Chinese history, a young woman seeks vengeance for her sister's death in a patriarchal military system where male pilots of giant Chrysalises, mecha robots used to battle alien mechs, are revered, but female co-pilots must sacrifice their lives to boost the males' psychic energy. She unexpectedly survives the fatal link with her sister's murderer, emerging as a powerful Iron Widow, a rare female pilot who can control a Chrysalis on her own. As she rises through the ranks, she must navigate a treacherous court intrigue, form alliances, and confront the oppressive system, all while unraveling the dark secrets behind the ongoing war with the aliens.

    The 10441st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams

    In a fantasy world plagued by the cyclical invasions of monstrous creatures, a scholar with a thirst for adventure, a disgraced noblewoman with a secret, and a fell-witch with mysterious powers form an unlikely alliance. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the long-lost race known as the Eborans and the source of the deadly rains that bring forth the terrifying creatures. As they journey through a landscape filled with ancient ruins, dark magic, and political intrigue, they must confront their own demons and unite to prevent the impending Ninth Rain, which threatens to destroy their world.

    The 10502nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Caliban's War by James S. A. Corey

    In the gripping sequel to a science fiction series set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, tensions escalate as Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance vie for control and resources. The discovery of a mysterious alien protomolecule has already wrought havoc on human civilization, and now, the fragile peace is threatened by new confrontations. When a high-ranking official's daughter goes missing on Ganymede, a soldier, a detective, a politician, and a rogue scientist must unite to unravel a conspiracy that could lead to war and the spread of the alien substance, risking all of human existence. Their journey takes them across the solar system, where they encounter monstrous creations, political intrigue, and questions about what it means to be human.

    The 10522nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

    Set in an alternate Cairo at the turn of the 20th century, where magic and steampunk technology infuse the air, the story follows Fatma el-Sha’arawi, the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. When someone claiming to be al-Jahiz, the famed Sufi mystic who opened the veil to the magical realm forty years prior, returns to wreak havoc in the form of a murderous cult, Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter. With the help of her new partner, a clever ministry bureaucrat, and her girlfriend, an enigmatic lounge singer, Fatma delves into a world of djinn and gods to prevent the imposter's diabolical plot from unleashing chaos upon the world.

    The 10543rd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

    The graphic novel is a beautifully illustrated tale that weaves together two timelines, following the journey of a young woman named Mia. In one timeline, we see her navigate the challenges of boarding school, where she falls in love with a mysterious girl named Grace. In the other, we follow her as a member of a diverse crew aboard a spaceship that restores ancient structures throughout the galaxy. As the story unfolds, Mia's past and present converge, leading her on a quest to find her lost love amidst a backdrop of space exploration, found family, and a richly imagined universe that defies the boundaries of time and space.

    The 10563rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Jade War by Fonda Lee

    In the gripping sequel to a fantasy saga set in an Asia-inspired metropolis, two clans wage a violent turf war for control of magical jade, which grants its users enhanced abilities. As the struggle for supremacy escalates, the Kaul family of the No Peak clan must navigate dangerous political waters, both within their city and on the international stage, to protect their hold on power. Amidst betrayal, bloody skirmishes, and complex alliances, the Kauls are also confronted with the personal costs of their ambitions, as they strive to uphold their family's honor and legacy in a world where loyalty is scarce and enemies are everywhere.

    The 10579th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Osama by Lavie Tidhar

    In this genre-blending novel, a private detective is drawn into a surreal world where pulp fiction and reality intertwine. Tasked with finding a mysterious woman who appears in countless books and films, the detective's journey takes him across a fragmented landscape, where he encounters alternate versions of historical events and figures. As he delves deeper, the boundaries between his own existence and the fictional world of a notorious terrorist begin to blur, leading to a haunting exploration of identity, myth, and the nature of truth.

    The 10676th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Obelisk Gate by N. K. Jemisin

    In the second installment of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the world grapples with an apocalyptic season of catastrophic climate change known as the Fifth Season. The narrative follows a mother searching for her missing daughter while coming to terms with her own seismic powers that could either save humanity or hasten its end. As communes and factions struggle for survival and dominance, the story delves into themes of oppression, resistance, and the complex nature of human relationships, all set against a backdrop of geological and magical upheaval. The protagonist must navigate a landscape of political intrigue and ancient mysteries to unlock the potential of obelisks, powerful artifacts that could be the key to the world's salvation or destruction.

    The 10693rd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

    "Dragon Pearl" is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Min, a young fox spirit who dreams of leaving her impoverished planet and joining the Space Forces like her older brother Jun. When Jun is accused of deserting his post to search for the mythical Dragon Pearl, Min sets out to clear his name and find the pearl herself. Along the way, she discovers secrets about her family and the universe that threaten to unravel everything she knows. With the help of new friends and her shape-shifting abilities, Min embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with danger and discovery.

    The 10773rd 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