The Greatest American "Science fiction, Fantasy" 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 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.

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. 26. Out Of Space And Time by Clark Ashton Smith

    "Out Of Space And Time" is a collection of fantastical and imaginative short stories that transport readers to otherworldly realms and dimensions. From encounters with ancient gods and mythical creatures to journeys through time and space, the author weaves together captivating tales that blur the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. With vivid descriptions and richly developed characters, this book invites readers to explore the unknown and embrace the limitless possibilities of the imagination.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Glory Road by Robert A. Heinlein

    In this science fiction adventure, a former soldier, weary from the mundanity of life after war, stumbles upon an opportunity for excitement when he answers an unusual classified ad. This leads him to a beautiful and mysterious woman who whisks him away on an intergalactic quest. Together, they embark on a perilous journey across fantastical worlds, facing strange creatures and challenging puzzles, in search of a legendary artifact. The protagonist must navigate the perils of this alien landscape and the complexities of his companions, all while grappling with the nature of heroism, destiny, and his own desires.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Girl, The Gold Watch And Everything by John D. MacDonald

    In this whimsical science fiction tale, a down-on-his-luck protagonist inherits a peculiar watch from his eccentric uncle that has the power to stop time. As he grapples with this extraordinary ability, he finds himself on a wild adventure, dodging greedy opportunists, nefarious villains, and government agents, all while trying to understand the true potential of his newfound gadget. Along the way, he is joined by a resourceful and enigmatic young woman, and together they navigate the chaos, discovering love and the true meaning of time and existence.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Book Of Ptath by A. E. van Vogt

    In "The Book of Ptath," a powerful god-like being from two hundred million years in the future awakens in the body of a man in the 20th century after a cataclysmic war. With no memory of his past, he must navigate a world vastly different from the one he once ruled. The novel delves into themes of power, identity, and the cyclical nature of history as the protagonist embarks on a quest to regain his memories and understand the forces that have shaped the destiny of both his past and present worlds. His journey is fraught with challenges as he encounters other powerful beings and confronts the complexities of time, existence, and his own godhood.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Darker Than You Think by Jack Williamson

    In this classic science fiction novel, the protagonist, a journalist, is thrust into a hidden world of ancient, shape-shifting sorcerers who have lived alongside humanity for eons. After the death of a renowned anthropologist who uncovered their existence, the journalist discovers he may be one of these powerful beings, known as the Children of the Night. As he grapples with his newfound abilities and identity, he must navigate a world where magic is real, morality is complex, and a battle between humans and these supernatural entities is imminent. The novel explores themes of identity, power, and the thin line between good and evil.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Castle Of Iron by L. Sprague de Camp

    In "The Castle of Iron," readers are transported into a fantastical world of magic and adventure, where the protagonist, an adept in the arcane arts, finds himself and his companion inadvertently transported to a medieval realm. There, they must navigate the complex social hierarchy and political intrigue of a land where sorcery and swordplay are the means to power. The duo's quest to return to their own world is further complicated by the discovery of a mysterious and powerful artifact, the titular castle, which is made entirely of iron and holds secrets that could alter the fabric of reality itself. As they delve deeper into the enigma of the castle, they must confront formidable foes and unravel the castle's enigmatic puzzles to find a way back home.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Sinful Ones by Fritz Leiber

    In "The Sinful Ones," the protagonist stumbles upon a startling discovery that most of humanity is living in an oblivious, trance-like state, controlled by a mysterious force. When he accidentally becomes "awake," he finds himself on the run from sinister entities that seek to maintain the status quo. As he navigates this hidden reality, he encounters other awakened individuals and becomes embroiled in a struggle for freedom and the very essence of human consciousness, challenging the boundaries of reality and the nature of existence itself.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Shrinking Man by Richard Matheson

    The novel follows the story of Scott Carey, who, after being exposed to a combination of pesticides and radiation, begins to shrink at a rate of one-seventh of an inch per day. As he becomes smaller and smaller, Carey must face not only the physical dangers of his ever-decreasing size but also the psychological trauma of becoming less significant in a world that seems to be growing larger and more threatening. His struggle for survival becomes both a physical battle with creatures like spiders and a philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence, identity, and what it truly means to be human in the face of incomprehensible circumstances.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Deathbird Stories by Harlan Ellison

    "Deathbird Stories" is a collection of dark and thought-provoking tales that explore the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions. Through a blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, the stories delve into themes of religion, mythology, and the destructive power of greed. With vivid and imaginative storytelling, the author challenges societal norms and forces readers to confront their own beliefs and values.

    The 4053rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The White Dragon by Anne McCaffrey

    In a world where telepathic dragons and their human riders protect the land from threadlike spores that rain down from the sky, "The White Dragon" follows the young Lord Jaxom and his unique dragon, Ruth. As the smallest and only white dragon on the planet, Ruth's intelligence and ability to travel through time make the duo an extraordinary pair. Jaxom, caught between his noble responsibilities and his bond with Ruth, must navigate political intrigue and ancient traditions as they work together to prove their worth. Their journey is one of self-discovery, as they embrace their unique roles in a society that values conformity, ultimately playing a pivotal role in the survival and evolution of their world.

    The 4394th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. White Light by Rudy Rucker

    In the novel, the protagonist, a mathematician, grapples with the complexities of infinity and the nature of reality as he navigates a surreal landscape that blurs the lines between mathematical concepts and the physical world. His journey through a bizarre universe filled with higher-dimensional spaces, sentient numbers, and a constant interplay between mathematical theory and tangible existence challenges his perceptions and offers a unique exploration of consciousness and the cosmos. The narrative combines elements of science fiction and mathematical philosophy, presenting a thought-provoking dive into the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the realm of the known.

    The 4537th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Tales Of The Dying Earth by Jack Vance

    This book is a seminal work in the science fantasy genre, set in a far future where the sun is dimming and magic has risen to prominence alongside decaying technology. The collection of interlinked stories explores the adventures and misadventures of various eccentric and morally ambiguous characters, including skilled wizards, cunning rogues, and enigmatic beings. They navigate a world filled with ancient ruins, arcane spells, and exotic creatures, all under the looming shadow of an expiring Earth. The narrative is renowned for its rich language, imaginative landscapes, and the intricate societies that inhabit this twilight realm.

    The 4687th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. 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 4797th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Shadow & Claw by Gene Wolfe

    "Shadow & Claw" is a science fiction novel set in a distant future where the Earth's sun is dying out. The protagonist is a highly skilled torturer belonging to a guild, who is exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. The narrative follows his journey through a world filled with strange creatures, ancient technologies, and complex political machinations. The protagonist, armed with a sword that can cut through any material, must navigate this world, dealing with love, loss, and betrayal, while also questioning the nature of his own reality.

    The 4839th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Digging Leviathan by James P. Blaylock

    In this steampunk adventure, set in an alternate 1960s California, two young boys with a passion for the works of a Jules Verne-like novelist embark on a fantastical journey. They become entangled in a quest to reach the center of the Earth, a dream pursued by their fathers before them. The boys' mission is fraught with eccentric characters, including a mad scientist and a secretive society, as they navigate a world filled with bizarre contraptions and prehistoric creatures. Their voyage is not only a physical one but also a rite of passage, as they discover the true meaning of friendship and courage.

    The 4858th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Dream Years by Lisa Goldstein

    In "The Dream Years," a novel blending historical fiction with elements of fantasy, a young poet in 1920s Paris discovers a surreal ability to travel through time. As the Roaring Twenties swirl around him, he becomes entangled with a group of avant-garde artists and intellectuals, including historical figures from the Dada and Surrealist movements. The narrative takes a turn when he falls in love with a woman from the politically tumultuous 1960s, leading to a poignant exploration of the intersection between art, love, and the impact of social upheaval across different eras. The novel delves into the complexities of attempting to alter history while questioning the role of destiny and the power of creative expression.

    The 4928th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. 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 5694th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Claw Of The Conciliator by Gene Wolfe

    The Claw of the Conciliator continues the journey of a young torturer named Severian, who has been exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. Now in possession of a powerful gem known as the Claw of the Conciliator, he travels through a far-future Earth, where society has regressed to a quasi-medieval state. Along the way, he encounters numerous adventures and strange creatures, while dealing with his own moral dilemmas and the mystery of his own identity. His journey is not just physical, but also a spiritual and psychological one, as he struggles to reconcile his past actions with his current path.

    The 5878th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny

    The book is a science fiction and fantasy blend that tells the story of a far-future world where the original human colonists have developed technology that allows them to take on the aspects of Hindu gods, effectively granting them immortality and immense power. The story's protagonist, who aligns himself with the figure of the Buddha, seeks to undermine this new pantheon's despotic rule and bring enlightenment and freedom to the mortal populace. He navigates a complex landscape of politics, religion, and rebellion, using both cunning and philosophical insight to challenge the status quo and offer a different path for humanity's evolution.

    The 5920th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. A Wind In The Door by Madeleine L'Engle

    In this fantastical science fiction novel, a young girl embarks on an extraordinary adventure to save her ailing brother. With the help of a few peculiar friends, including a cherubim and a teacher who transforms into a dragon, they journey into the microscopic universe within the brother's cells. There, they face the malevolent force of Echthroi, creatures determined to spread chaos and unmake the fabric of reality. As the protagonists confront challenges that test their courage and understanding of the universe, the story delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of all life, ultimately revealing that the fight to maintain balance and harmony is as much internal as it is external.

    The 5969th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe

    The third book in a science fiction series, "The Sword of the Lictor" follows the journey of a professional torturer who, after questioning the morality of his profession, flees his post in the city of Thrax with a mysterious and magical woman. The pair face various challenges and encounter a range of creatures and characters in their quest for freedom and answers. The book combines elements of fantasy, philosophy, and dystopian fiction to explore themes of power, morality, and the nature of reality.

    The 6084th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson

    The book is an alternate history novel that explores a world in which the Black Death plague of the 14th century was far more lethal to Europeans, nearly wiping them out. As a result, world history is dramatically reshaped: Islamic and Buddhist societies emerge as the dominant global powers, leading to vastly different technological, cultural, and social developments. The narrative spans several centuries, following a group of characters who are reincarnated into various lives and roles, allowing the reader to experience the evolution of this alternate world through their interconnected stories. The novel delves into themes of history, religion, technology, and human nature, all while imagining a world both familiar and strange, shaped by different forces and ideas than those that have shaped our own history.

    The 6228th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. The Citadel of the Autarch by Gene Wolfe

    The Citadel of the Autarch is the final book in a four-part series set in a far future post-apocalyptic Earth. The protagonist, a man named Severian, is an exiled executioner who has been travelling through a world where society has regressed to a technology level similar to the Middle Ages. Severian becomes embroiled in a war against alien invaders, and his journey ultimately leads him to the titular Citadel where he must confront the Autarch, the ruler of the Commonwealth. The book combines elements of science fiction and fantasy, exploring themes of memory, truth, and the nature of power.

    The 6419th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. 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 6471st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Always Coming Home by Ursula K. Le Guin

    This novel is a combination of fiction, folklore, poetry, and anthropology set in a post-apocalyptic future in Northern California. It revolves around a tribal society known as the Kesh, who have developed a sustainable lifestyle and a rich cultural heritage after the fall of our current civilization. The narrative is interspersed with the Kesh's myths, poems, and rituals, and is primarily seen through the eyes of a woman named Stone Telling, who recounts her journey from her tribal home to a patriarchal dystopian city and back.

    The 6496th 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