The Greatest "Suspense, Supernatural, Fiction, Fantasy" 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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Genres

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.

Supernatural

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.

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. Salem's Lot by Stephen King

    In a small town called Salem's Lot, a writer returns to his childhood home to find that the town is being plagued by a mysterious evil force. As the residents slowly succumb to the darkness, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to fight against the ancient and powerful vampire who is responsible for the town's descent into chaos. With a chilling atmosphere and intense suspense, this novel explores the themes of fear, loss, and the battle between good and evil.

    The 798th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Sandman by Neil Gaiman

    "Sandman" is a dark and fantastical series that follows the character Dream, also known as Morpheus, one of the seven Endless who personify certain universal concepts that transcend beyond gods. The narrative explores Dream's realm and responsibilities, his interactions with humans, gods, and his own family, as well as the consequences when he is captured and subsequently escapes after 70 years. The series is renowned for its blending of myth, history, and contemporary issues, creating a richly nuanced universe that delves into the nature of storytelling itself.

    The 1102nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. 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 1602nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon

    Set in the 1960s in the fictional town of Zephyr, Alabama, the novel follows the life of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson, whose life takes a mysterious turn when he witnesses his father attempt to save a man from a sinking car. The man is already handcuffed to the steering wheel, dead by strangulation. This event triggers a series of adventures and mysteries that Cory must unravel, all the while dealing with the challenges and joys of growing up. The book is a rich blend of nostalgia, magic realism, and the dark undercurrents of life in the American South.

    The 2223rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Complete Short Stories Of Ambrose Bierce by Ambrose Bierce

    "The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce" is a collection of gripping and thought-provoking tales that showcase the author's mastery of the short story form. Bierce's stories delve into the dark recesses of the human psyche, exploring themes of war, death, and the supernatural. With his sharp wit and incisive writing style, Bierce crafts narratives that are both entertaining and deeply unsettling, leaving readers pondering the complexities of the human condition long after they have finished reading.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Waking the Moon by Elizabeth Hand, Elisabeth Hand

    "Waking the Moon" is a dark fantasy novel that follows the story of Sweeney Cassidy, a college student who becomes involved in a secret society dedicated to the worship of the Moon Goddess. As Sweeney delves deeper into the society's rituals and beliefs, she uncovers a sinister plot to awaken the goddess and unleash her power upon the world. With the help of her friends and a mysterious stranger, Sweeney must stop the society's plans before it's too late. The novel explores themes of power, feminism, and the dangers of blindly following tradition.

    The 4454th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

    In a gritty and dangerous city, a notorious gang leader named Kaz Brekker is offered a life-changing heist that could make him unimaginably rich. He assembles a team of skilled outcasts, each with their own unique talents, to pull off an impossible mission. As they navigate through treacherous streets and face deadly enemies, the group must rely on their wits and trust each other to survive. Along the way, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and unexpected alliances are formed, all while the fate of their world hangs in the balance.

    The 4757th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. A Nest Of Nightmares by Lisa Tuttle

    "A Nest of Nightmares" by Lisa Tuttle is a chilling and suspenseful psychological thriller that follows the life of a young woman named Sarah, who moves into a seemingly idyllic small town to start afresh. However, as she settles into her new home, she begins to experience a series of inexplicable and terrifying events that unravel the town's dark secrets. With each twist and turn, Sarah finds herself questioning her sanity and the true nature of the people around her, leading to a shocking climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 5019th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Wizard And Glass by Stephen King

    In the fourth installment of a dark fantasy series, a gunslinger and his companions continue their quest for the Dark Tower, a mythical structure that is the nexus of all universes. Along their journey, the gunslinger recounts a poignant tale from his youth, a story of first love and tragic loss set in a haunting Wild West-like world filled with magic and menace. As he shares his past with his current ka-tet (group bound by fate), the narrative weaves a rich tapestry that deepens the lore of his world and reveals the depths of his character, all while the group faces new threats and the relentless pull of their ultimate goal.

    The 6531st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Anita Blake by Laurell K. Hamilton

    This series introduces readers to a world where vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings are legal citizens of the United States, and follows the life of Anita Blake, a professional zombie raiser, vampire executioner, and supernatural consultant for the police. Set in St. Louis, Missouri, Anita navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life, dealing with various supernatural mysteries, crimes, and often finding herself in the middle of vampire politics. As the series progresses, Anita's powers and relationships with the supernatural community grow, leading her into ever more dangerous and morally ambiguous situations. The blend of urban fantasy, horror, and mystery, along with a strong, complex female protagonist, has garnered a dedicated fan base.

    The 6737th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. 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 7017th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. 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 8150th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Invisible Life Of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab

    The book follows the story of a young woman in 18th-century France who, desperate to escape an arranged marriage and yearning for freedom, makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious god-like figure to live forever without being remembered by anyone she meets. Her immortality becomes a curse as she moves through the centuries, leaving no mark on the world until, 300 years later, she stumbles upon a young man in a bookstore who, to her shock, remembers her name. This encounter unfolds into a tale of love, memory, and the intrinsic value of leaving one's mark on the world.

    The 8342nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Minion by L. A. Banks

    In this urban fantasy novel, the protagonist is a young woman with a unique heritage who is destined to fight against supernatural forces threatening humanity. Trained as a vampire huntress, she navigates a world filled with danger and darkness, where vampires and demons are very real and very lethal. With the help of her friends and allies, she must embrace her destiny and use her skills and powers to protect the innocent and battle the evil entities that seek to spread chaos and destruction. Balancing her personal life with her responsibilities as a huntress, she confronts the challenges of her calling while uncovering deeper secrets about her own mysterious past and the complex world she is a part of.

    The 8570th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Trail Of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

    In a post-apocalyptic world where rising waters have drowned much of the earth, the story unfolds on a Native American reservation that has survived the cataclysm. The protagonist, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities, navigates a landscape steeped in the lore and gods of her indigenous culture. As she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a series of brutal murders, she is accompanied by an enigmatic medicine man with secrets of his own. Together, they confront not only malevolent creatures from legend but also the darker aspects of humanity and personal trauma, all set against the backdrop of a world struggling to rebuild from environmental and societal collapse.

    The 9144th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

    The book revolves around a young woman with a troubled past who is given a second chance through a scholarship to an elite university, where she becomes involved with the secretive societies that practice magic and the occult. Tasked with monitoring their activities, she uncovers a series of supernatural crimes and mysteries that she must solve, using her own newfound magical abilities and wits. As she delves deeper into the university's hidden world, she confronts the dark power and privilege that fuel these ancient organizations, while also grappling with her own personal demons and histories.

    The 9610th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand

    In this gothic novel, a 1970s British acid folk band retreats to an ancient country house to create their next album, only to find themselves enveloped by supernatural occurrences. As the young musicians are drawn into the eerie atmosphere of Wylding Hall, the strange environment fuels their creativity, leading to the creation of a legendary album. However, the summer takes a dark turn when the lead singer mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind a tangle of haunting memories and unanswered questions that persist for decades, until the surviving band members reluctantly confront their past in a series of interviews, revealing the chilling truth behind the disappearance.

    The 9789th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. 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 9868th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko

    This novel is set in a contemporary Moscow where the forces of light and darkness coexist in a delicate balance, each side policing the other to prevent the other from gaining too much power. The story follows Anton Gorodetsky, a member of the Night Watch, an organization of Others who have sworn to serve the Light, as he navigates a complex world of magic, morality, and political intrigue. Anton's journey takes him through various missions that challenge his beliefs and loyalties, forcing him to confront difficult truths about the nature of good and evil. As he delves deeper into the shadowy world of the Others, he encounters vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings, all while trying to prevent a catastrophic war between the forces of Light and Darkness.

    The 10299th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Last Call by Tim Powers

    In "Last Call," a gripping blend of historical fantasy and modern-day thriller, the story delves into the mystical underbelly of Las Vegas, where a professional gambler discovers that a high-stakes card game played with a Tarot deck has the power to reshuffle reality itself. The protagonist must navigate a world where magic and mobsters intertwine, facing off against a formidable adversary who seeks to use the arcane game to become the Fisher King and wield control over the fate of the Western world. As he struggles to understand the rules of this supernatural game and the powers at play, he must confront his own past and make perilous alliances to protect himself and those he loves from the consequences of this cosmic gamble.

    The 10517th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Blackwing by Ed McDonald

    In a gritty, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by otherworldly forces and magic, a battle-scarred bounty hunter navigates a landscape of devastation and corruption. Tasked with protecting a powerful noblewoman who may hold the key to turning the tide against the encroaching darkness, the hunter is drawn into a web of political intrigue and ancient powers. As monstrous enemies and twisted magic threaten to overrun humanity, he must confront his own demons and make impossible choices to save the remnants of a world on the brink of collapse.

    The 10619th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. City Of Miracles by Robert Jackson Bennett

    In the concluding volume of a genre-blending trilogy, a once-powerful minister, now a reclusive fugitive, is thrust back into the chaotic world of political intrigue and divine magic following the murder of his old friend. Seeking vengeance, he navigates a city teeming with divine entities and their earthly agendas. As he uncovers secrets that could reshape the world, he finds himself becoming a linchpin in the struggle for power among the gods and their human conduits. The narrative weaves a tale of redemption, the cost of power, and the nature of miracles in a reality where the divine walk among men, and the fate of all rests on the brink of monumental change.

    The 11220th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Battle Ground by Jim Butcher

    In this thrilling installment of a popular urban fantasy series, the city of Chicago becomes the epicenter of a supernatural war. The protagonist, a wizard detective, must rally his allies, both mortal and magical, to defend the city against a formidable and ancient enemy leading an army of monsters. As the battle rages, the stakes are higher than ever, pushing the hero to the limits of his power and resolve. Loyalties are tested, and sacrifices are made, in a desperate fight not just for survival, but for the soul of the city itself. The narrative is packed with action, magic, and the series' hallmark witty dialogue, making it a gripping read from start to finish.

    The 11317th 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