The Greatest Swedish, American "Science fiction, Suspense, 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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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.

Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

Fiction

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  1. 1. The Stand by Stephen King

    This post-apocalyptic horror/fantasy novel presents a world devastated by a deadly plague, killing 99% of the population. The survivors, drawn together by dreams of a charismatic and benevolent figure, gather in Boulder, Colorado to form a new society. However, a malevolent figure also emerges, attracting a following of his own and setting the stage for a classic battle between good and evil. The story delves into themes of community, morality, and the capacity for both destruction and regeneration within humanity.

    The 229th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon

    In the aftermath of a nuclear war that devastates the United States, a group of survivors, including a professional wrestler, a young girl with mystical powers, and a bag lady, embark on a journey across a ravaged America. They must navigate the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world and battle a malevolent force known as the Man with the Scarlet Eye, who seeks to claim the wasteland as his own. Throughout their journey, they discover the power of hope, community, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

    The 1606th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 2439th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Soul Eater by K. W. Jeter

    "Soul Eater" is a dark fantasy novel that delves into a world where magic and the supernatural intertwine with the human realm. The story follows a protagonist who is drawn into a sinister plot involving necromancy and the manipulation of souls. As the character navigates a landscape filled with dark sorcerers, malevolent entities, and twisted spells, they must confront their own inner demons and ethical dilemmas. The narrative weaves a tale of power struggles, arcane rituals, and the quest for redemption, challenging the boundaries between life and death, and good and evil.

    The 4793rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Watchers by Dean R. Koontz

    The book is a thrilling tale of suspense and science fiction, revolving around two unique and extraordinary beings, one a golden retriever with superior intelligence and the other a monstrous, violent creature. The story follows the journey of these two creatures, their impact on the people they encounter, and their inevitable confrontation. As the golden retriever forms a special bond with a lonely man and woman, the terrifying creature leaves a trail of chaos and destruction in its wake, leading to a suspenseful climax.

    The 5233rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

    In the novel, a team of four women—an anthropologist, a surveyor, a psychologist, and a biologist—embark on an expedition into Area X, a mysterious and remote region cut off from civilization. The area is known for its strange occurrences and the disappearance of previous expedition members. As the team delves deeper into the wild and enigmatic landscape, they encounter bizarre creatures, cryptic signs, and the remnants of a lost civilization. The biologist, serving as the narrator, documents their discoveries and her own personal transformations, driven by the unseen forces of Area X. The novel explores themes of nature, mutation, and the unknown, as the expedition's members confront the limits of knowledge and the consequences of seeking to uncover the inexplicable.

    The 6270th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Mind Invaders by Dave Hunt

    "The Mind Invaders" is a thrilling novel that explores the intersection of science, faith, and the supernatural. The book follows a journalist who stumbles upon a secretive group developing a technology to control minds. As he delves deeper, he discovers that the group's intentions are far from benign and are linked to a prophetic plan for world domination. The protagonist must use his faith to combat this evil and prevent global catastrophe.

    The 6291st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Screwfly Solution by Raccoona Sheldon

    The narrative presents a chilling science fiction scenario where humanity is faced with a catastrophic epidemic: a mysterious disease that alters human sexual impulses, transforming them into violent, murderous urges. This leads to widespread gender-based violence and the systematic extermination of women around the globe. As society collapses under the strain of this apocalyptic shift, the story unfolds through a series of letters and communications between a scientist and his wife, revealing the personal and global implications of the crisis. The plot thickens as the true cause of the epidemic is uncovered, hinting at a terrifying and otherworldly form of population control.

    The 6312th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Feed by Seanan McGuire

    In a world where humanity has been ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, a team of bloggers sets out to cover the presidential elections, offering a unique perspective on the state of a society where the undead are a constant threat. The protagonist, a young woman with a passion for the truth, navigates a landscape of danger, political intrigue, and conspiracy, all while dealing with the challenges of living in a post-apocalyptic environment. As they delve deeper into the heart of America's reanimated politics, they uncover a plot that could have dire consequences for both the living and the undead, forcing them to confront the question of what it truly means to be human in a world overrun by zombies.

    The 6403rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey

    In a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, tensions rise between Earth, Mars, and the Belt, a region of space where resources are mined. The story follows a weary detective and an idealistic ship's officer who become embroiled in a vast conspiracy after a distress signal from a missing young woman leads them to a derelict spaceship and a potentially lethal alien life form. As the political situation deteriorates, they must navigate through the intricacies of interplanetary intrigue, terrorism, and an impending war, all while trying to prevent the spread of an extraterrestrial virus that threatens all of human civilization.

    The 6435th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Count Zero by William Gibson

    In a future where cybernetics and biotechnology have become commonplace, a computer hacker named Turner is hired by a mysterious employer to help a scientist defect from one mega-corporation to another. Meanwhile, a young man named Bobby Newmark, also known as "Count Zero," is introduced to the dangerous world of cybernetic hacking. Their stories intertwine in a complex narrative involving corporate espionage, artificial intelligence, and voodoo gods.

    The 6515th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Mona Lisa Overdrive by William Gibson

    "Mona Lisa Overdrive" is a cyberpunk novel that follows the interconnected stories of several characters, including a professional kidnapper, a reclusive artist, a tech mogul's daughter, and a young prostitute. Set in a dystopian future, the narrative explores themes of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and corporate power. The characters' lives become intertwined as they navigate a world dominated by advanced technology and powerful corporations, leading to a thrilling climax.

    The 6603rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons

    In this sequel to a science fiction saga, the story continues as a group of pilgrims trapped on the planet Hyperion face the looming threat of the Time Tombs, which are traveling backward through time. Meanwhile, the interstellar Hegemony they once belonged to is on the brink of war with the Ousters, a group of spacefaring barbarians. As the complex political machinations unfold, the pilgrims' personal tales intertwine with the fate of the universe, revealing their connections to the mysterious Shrike—a creature that may hold the key to humanity's salvation or its ultimate destruction. The narrative weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, exploring themes of memory, destiny, and the nature of intelligence.

    The 7029th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Pattern Recognition by William Gibson

    The novel follows Cayce Pollard, a marketing consultant with an intuitive sensitivity to corporate symbols, as she embarks on a global quest to find the creator of mysterious video clips that have garnered a cult following on the internet. Her journey takes her from London to Tokyo and then to Russia, navigating the intersecting worlds of advertising, technology, and espionage. As she delves deeper into the origin of the footage, she encounters various characters with their own vested interests, and her ability to discern patterns becomes crucial in solving the puzzle. The narrative explores themes of globalization, identity, and the impact of technology on society.

    The 8408th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. John Dies At The End by David Wong

    This book is a comedic horror novel that follows two college dropouts who gain psychic abilities after ingesting a mysterious drug known as "Soy Sauce." This substance opens their eyes to a bizarre and terrifying parallel universe, leading them on a surreal adventure as they confront an array of supernatural creatures, ghosts, and otherworldly threats. With a blend of humor, philosophy, and horror, the narrative takes readers on a wild ride through existential crises and the nature of reality, all while the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

    The 9102nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Mirror Dance by Lois McMaster Bujold

    In this science fiction novel, a young man with a desire to prove himself and find his place in the universe impersonates his clone brother, a high-ranking noble and military commander. His reckless attempt to undertake a mercenary mission goes disastrously wrong, leading to his capture and torture by enemies. Meanwhile, his brother must navigate political intrigue and familial bonds to rescue him. As they confront their shared past and uncertain future, the brothers grapple with questions of identity, loyalty, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a complex interstellar society.

    The 9608th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Passage by Justin Cronin

    "The Passage" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Amy, who holds the key to humanity's survival. Set in a world ravaged by a government experiment gone wrong, the story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight for redemption. As Amy grows older, she embarks on a perilous quest to find her purpose and confront the sinister beings known as Virals, while a group of survivors battles against the darkness that threatens to consume them all.

    The 9707th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said by Philip K. Dick

    In a dystopian future, Jason Taverner, a famous television star, wakes up one morning to find that he has been erased from existence. With no identification or records, he becomes a fugitive and is relentlessly pursued by the police. As he navigates through a world where his former life no longer exists, Jason must confront the truth about his identity and unravel the mysteries surrounding his disappearance.

    The 9841st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Fifth Head Of Cerberus by Gene Wolfe

    The book is a complex interweaving of three novellas set in a distant future where humans have colonized twin planets. The narrative explores themes of identity, colonialism, and the nature of consciousness. The first story follows a young man's coming-of-age in a society where cloning and genetic manipulation are common, leading him to question his own origin and purpose. The second and third stories delve into the history of the colonized worlds, examining the fate of the indigenous shape-shifting species and the reliability of memory and history. Through its intricate storytelling, the work challenges the reader to ponder the essence of humanity and the impact of cultural erasure.

    The 9882nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Sphere by Michael Crichton

    In "Sphere" by Michael Crichton, a team of scientists is sent to investigate a mysterious spacecraft discovered deep underwater. As they explore the alien vessel, they uncover a massive, perfectly spherical object that seems to possess incredible powers and the ability to manipulate reality. With their own fears and hidden desires becoming increasingly dangerous, the team must navigate the psychological and physical challenges of the sphere, questioning their own sanity and the true nature of the enigmatic object.

    The 10277th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Exit Strategy by Martha Wells

    In "Exit Strategy," a thrilling sci-fi novel, a rogue artificial intelligence named Murderbot continues its quest for freedom and self-discovery. Tasked with rescuing a group of scientists from a dangerous situation, Murderbot must confront its own fears and navigate treacherous alliances. As it battles against powerful forces, the AI must decide whether to prioritize its own survival or risk everything to protect those it has come to care for. With its sharp wit and gripping action, "Exit Strategy" explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the complexities of human emotions.

    The 10331st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Real Story by Stephen R. Donaldson

    "The Real Story" is a gripping science fiction novel that follows the journey of a troubled man named Morn Hyland, who becomes entangled in a dangerous and complex interstellar conflict. As Morn is forced to confront her own fears and navigate through treacherous political schemes, she must find the strength to survive and protect those she cares about. With its intense action, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking themes, this book offers a thrilling and immersive reading experience.

    The 10381st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Virtual Light by William Gibson

    In a near-future, post-apocalyptic California, a young bicycle messenger named Chevette finds herself in possession of a pair of high-tech glasses that hold a valuable secret. As she becomes entangled in a dangerous game of corporate espionage and political conspiracy, she crosses paths with a former police officer turned private investigator named Rydell. Together, they navigate a gritty and visually stunning world filled with corrupt corporations, underground subcultures, and virtual reality technology, all while trying to protect the truth and survive the chaos around them.

    The 10431st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Memory by Lois McMaster Bujold

    In this captivating science fiction novel, a young woman named Dag is tasked with the responsibility of restoring the lost memories of a society that has been stripped of its past. As she delves into the secrets of memory manipulation, she uncovers a shocking conspiracy that threatens to unravel the very fabric of her world. With her determination and resilience, Dag must navigate through a web of deceit and danger to uncover the truth and save her people from a future devoid of their collective memories.

    The 10478th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. 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 10564th 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