The Greatest Supernatural Books Since 2000
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 '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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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.
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76. Hildegarde by Léo Henry
Set against the backdrop of a medieval world teetering on the brink of transformation, this narrative follows the journey of a visionary woman whose spiritual and intellectual pursuits defy the constraints of her time. As she navigates the intricate web of politics, religion, and personal ambition, her story unfolds with a rich tapestry of mysticism, music, and the relentless quest for knowledge. Her life becomes a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring impact of a singular voice in a world eager for change.
The 11411th Greatest Book of All Time -
77. Teatro Grottesco by Thomas Ligotti
The book is a collection of unsettling and atmospheric short stories that delve into themes of existential dread, the uncanny, and the grotesque. Each tale explores the dark and surreal aspects of human experience, often blurring the line between reality and nightmare. The narratives are imbued with a sense of foreboding and often feature characters who confront the absurdity and horror of existence. Through its haunting prose and vivid imagery, the collection evokes a world where the familiar becomes strange and the boundaries of sanity are constantly tested.
The 11443rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
78. Furnace by Livia Llewellyn
Stories
"Furnace" is a collection of dark and surreal short stories that delve into the depths of human depravity, desire, and despair. The narratives, rich with grotesque and erotic imagery, explore the boundaries of horror and fantasy, often blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. The tales within this anthology are characterized by their lush prose and haunting themes, taking readers on a journey through twisted landscapes and the darkest corners of the psyche, where the monstrous and the beautiful intertwine in a disturbing dance of the macabre.
The 11470th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
79. Forget The Sleepless Shores by Sonya Taaffe
Stories
"Forget The Sleepless Shores" is a collection of speculative fiction and poetry that weaves together a tapestry of haunting tales and lyrical explorations. The works within this anthology traverse the landscapes of myth, history, and the supernatural, delving into themes of memory, loss, and longing. Readers are invited into worlds where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur, where ancient gods and mortals interact, and where the echoes of old tragedies reverberate into the present. The prose is rich and evocative, challenging the reader to embark on a journey through eerie and otherworldly narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
The 11608th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
80. Little Star by John Ajvide Lindqvist
The novel tells the chilling story of a young girl discovered in the woods and raised in secret by a washed-up musician and his wife. As she grows, her extraordinary singing talent becomes apparent, but so does her unsettling nature. The girl, named Theres, eventually forms a bond with another troubled teenager, Teresa, and together they embark on a dark and violent journey fueled by their shared sense of alienation and desire for revenge against a world that has marginalized them. The narrative explores themes of identity, fame, and the destructive power of obsession, culminating in a haunting and tragic climax.
The 11638th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
81. The Furrows by Namwali Serpell
An Elegy
"The Furrows" is a collection of short stories by Namwali Serpell that explore the complexities of human relationships and the impact of societal norms and expectations. Set in Zambia, the stories touch on themes of love, loss, identity, and power dynamics. From a young girl navigating her way through a new school to a woman struggling to come to terms with her mother's death, each story offers a unique perspective on the human experience. Serpell's writing is both lyrical and poignant, capturing the nuances of everyday life with sensitivity and insight.
The 11663rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
82. The Ballad Of Black Tom by Victor LaValle
The book reimagines the early 20th-century horror landscape by centering on a Black protagonist, Charles Thomas Tester, in 1920s Harlem. Tester, a street musician and hustler, becomes entangled in the dark and supernatural underbelly of New York City when he delivers an occult tome to a reclusive sorceress. His actions catch the attention of malevolent forces, leading to a series of events that expose the racial tensions and eldritch horrors lurking beneath the city's surface. As Tester's involvement with these arcane powers deepens, he is transformed in ways that challenge the very fabric of reality, culminating in a confrontation with otherworldly consequences. The narrative serves as both a critique of Lovecraftian racism and a compelling tale of cosmic horror and societal injustice.
The 11802nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
83. The Ritual by Adam Nevill
This novel is a gripping tale of four old university friends who reunite for a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness, only to find themselves lost and stumbling upon an ancient evil lurking in the forest. As they delve deeper into the woods, they encounter a series of increasingly terrifying phenomena, including pagan symbols and unsettling artifacts, which suggest that they are not alone. Their journey quickly turns into a nightmare as they are hunted by a sinister presence, forcing them to confront not only the dark forces pursuing them but also the personal demons that have driven them apart over the years. This story masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, creating a chilling and unforgettable experience.
The 11923rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
84. Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh
The Island of Monsters
"Spirit Hunters" is a gripping tale of a young girl who moves into a new house with her family, only to discover that it harbors dark secrets and restless spirits. As eerie events unfold and her younger brother's behavior becomes increasingly strange, she must confront the chilling truth about the supernatural forces at play. With the help of her grandmother and her own burgeoning abilities as a spirit hunter, she embarks on a perilous journey to save her brother and put the troubled spirits to rest, uncovering her family's hidden past and her own connection to the spirit world in the process.
The 11926th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
85. Sorcerer To The Crown by Zen Cho
"Sorcerer To The Crown" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a magical version of Regency England. The story follows Zacharias, the first African Sorcerer Royal, as he navigates the treacherous world of politics and magic. With the help of his bold and resourceful assistant, Prunella, they uncover a dark secret threatening the balance of power between humans and magical beings. As they embark on a dangerous journey, they must confront prejudice, unravel mysteries, and challenge the norms of society to restore harmony in the magical realm.
The 11927th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
86. Infidel by Pornsak Pichetshote
"Infidel" is a gripping graphic novel that delves into the themes of xenophobia and racism through the lens of supernatural horror. The story follows an American Muslim woman and her multiethnic neighbors who live in a building haunted by malevolent entities that feed on and are fueled by bigotry. As the hauntings become increasingly violent and bizarre, the protagonist must confront both the specters of hatred manifesting around her and the real-world prejudices that pervade her community. The narrative weaves a chilling tale that examines the insidious nature of fear and intolerance, while also delivering a compelling and terrifying ghost story.
The 12018th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
87. The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 1
"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.
The 12024th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
88. Rosewater by Tade Thompson
The Wormwood Trilogy
"Rosewater" by Tade Thompson is a captivating science fiction novel set in a future Nigeria. The story follows Kaaro, a government agent with psychic abilities who works in the town of Rosewater, built around an alien biodome that heals and grants powers to those who enter it. As Kaaro navigates the complex world of telepathy, government conspiracies, and a mysterious alien presence, he becomes entangled in a dangerous plot that could change the fate of humanity. With its rich world-building and thought-provoking exploration of power and identity, "Rosewater" is a thrilling and immersive read.
The 12077th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
89. A Gathering Of Shadows by V. E. Schwab
In this fantasy sequel, the story continues to follow the adventures of Kell, an Antari magician who can travel between parallel Londons, and Lila Bard, a daring thief who has seized a chance to escape her grey life for a more colorful one. As Red London prepares for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic—a dark force is growing, threatening to engulf all the Londons in darkness. Meanwhile, Lila and Kell must navigate their evolving relationship and the dangers that come with it, as they grapple with their identities and the consequences of their actions in a world where peril and magic intertwine.
The 12077th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
90. Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes
The novel is a chilling blend of crime thriller and supernatural horror set in Detroit, where a series of gruesome murders baffle the police and unsettle the city. The story follows Detective Gabriella Versado as she investigates the bizarre killings, which involve victims being grotesquely transformed into disturbing art pieces. As the narrative unfolds, it weaves together the lives of several characters, including a struggling journalist, a homeless man, and a young girl, all of whom are drawn into the mystery. The book explores themes of obsession, transformation, and the blurred lines between reality and nightmare, culminating in a tense and eerie climax.
The 12118th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
91. A Conjuring Of Light by V. E. Schwab
In this thrilling conclusion to a dark fantasy trilogy, the magical city of Red London is under threat from a malevolent force that has already wreaked havoc in neighboring worlds. The story follows a group of heroes, including a roguish pirate, a stubborn prince, and a powerful magician, as they band together to protect their home from the encroaching darkness. With high stakes and a blend of adventure, romance, and sorcery, the characters must navigate treacherous politics, personal demons, and an epic confrontation with an ancient enemy. The fate of multiple worlds hangs in the balance as they attempt to perform a dangerous act of magic—a conjuring of light—to vanquish the shadow once and for all.
The 12227th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
92. The Possession Of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas
In a gripping tale of suspense and supernatural intrigue, a young woman finds herself ensnared in a web of dark secrets and ancient curses when she inherits a mysterious estate in the heart of Mexico. As she delves deeper into the history of her family's past, she encounters restless spirits and malevolent forces that threaten to consume her very soul. With the help of unlikely allies, she must confront her deepest fears and unravel the mysteries that bind her to the haunted legacy of her ancestors, all while battling the sinister entities that seek to claim her as their own.
The 12454th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
93. Secret Lives Of The Dead by Tim Lebbon
In a world where the boundary between life and death is blurred, a group of individuals discovers that the deceased have secrets that could alter the course of the living. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the afterlife, they uncover a hidden realm where the dead communicate through cryptic messages, revealing truths that challenge their understanding of existence. This gripping tale weaves elements of suspense and the supernatural, exploring themes of mortality, memory, and the enduring connections that transcend the grave.
The 12488th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
94. When The Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy
Set in a small, isolated town, the story delves into the mysterious and eerie events that unfold when a long-lost family member returns home after years of absence. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense, folklore, and psychological tension as the protagonist grapples with unsettling changes in their environment and the resurfacing of dark secrets. As the line between reality and myth blurs, the community must confront the haunting past and the chilling presence that threatens to unravel their lives.
The 12490th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
95. Old Soul by Susan Barker
Set against a backdrop of historical and contemporary China, this novel intricately weaves the lives of its characters through time, exploring themes of reincarnation and destiny. The story follows a protagonist who experiences vivid memories of past lives, each one intricately connected to the others, revealing a tapestry of love, betrayal, and redemption. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of their current life, they are drawn into a journey of self-discovery, uncovering the profound impact of their past actions and the enduring nature of the human soul.
The 12495th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
96. The Night Birds by Christopher Golden
Charlie Book, who studies and lives aboard the half‑sunken freighter Christabel off Galveston, finds his quiet routine upended when Ruby Cahill returns with a terrified woman and an infant seeking refuge. They take shelter on the ship’s eerie “floating forest” as a violent storm gathers and a menacing group closes in, while restless flocks of birds scour the coastline. Tense and atmospheric, the story follows their desperate attempt to survive one long, dangerous night.
The 12558th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
97. After Life by Gayle Forman
After a normal afternoon bike ride, Amber—who died seven years earlier—suddenly reappears, upending the lives of her family and the small community that never stopped mourning her. Her older sister Melissa, estranged parents, friends, and even strangers must confront grief, memory, and the lingering effects of Amber’s life and death. As Amber tries to understand who she was and why she’s back, the story explores identity, loss, and how one person’s life can ripple outward.
The 12611th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
98. A Winter Haunting by Dan Simmons
In this chilling tale, a man named Dale Stewart returns to his childhood hometown in rural Illinois to confront the ghosts of his past and recover from personal turmoil. Renting the farmhouse of his deceased friend, Dale finds himself enveloped in a haunting atmosphere filled with eerie occurrences and unsettling memories. As the winter deepens, he grapples with both supernatural forces and his own inner demons, blurring the lines between reality and the spectral. The story weaves psychological suspense with elements of horror, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the inescapable nature of one's past.
The 12704th Greatest Book of All Time -
99. Cold Skin by Albert Sánchez Piñol
Set on a desolate island near the Antarctic Circle, the story follows a weather observer who arrives to replace his predecessor, only to discover the island is besieged by mysterious, amphibious creatures that emerge from the sea each night. As he joins forces with the island's only other inhabitant, a reclusive lighthouse keeper, the two men must navigate their own psychological battles and the relentless attacks from the creatures. The narrative explores themes of isolation, survival, and the thin line between humanity and monstrosity, as the protagonist grapples with the nature of fear and the unknown.
The 12704th Greatest Book of All Time -
100. A Feast For The Eyes by Alex Crespo
On the foggy Oregon coast, a creature called the Watcher appears to feed on secrets. After Shay and her girlfriend Lauren are caught up in a strange attack, they recruit aspiring photographer Zoe and friends to document the legend before it exposes their hidden truths. Tense and atmospheric, the book blends queer romance and small-town mystery as the teens race to protect one another and their secrets.
The 12721st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org
Reading Statistics
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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.
DownloadTo download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.
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