The Greatest "Fiction, Fantasy, Time travel" Books Since 1980

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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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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.

Time travel

The category of "Time travel" books typically involves stories where characters travel through time, either intentionally or accidentally, to different eras or periods in history. These books often explore the consequences of altering the past or future, and the challenges and dangers that come with navigating different time periods. Time travel books can span a variety of genres, including science fiction, historical fiction, romance, and adventure, and offer readers a unique perspective on the possibilities and complexities of time travel.

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  1. 1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

    The novel follows a World War II nurse who accidentally time travels back to 18th century Scotland. There, she meets a handsome and brave Scottish warrior and is torn between her loyalty to her husband in her own time and her growing love for the warrior. As she becomes more entwined in the past, she must navigate the dangers of a time not her own, including political unrest and violence, while trying to find a way back home.

    The 900th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers

    "The Anubis Gates" is a thrilling time-travel adventure set in 19th-century London. When a wealthy industrialist organizes a trip back in time to witness a famous poet's lecture, the journey takes an unexpected turn. The protagonist, Brendan Doyle, finds himself trapped in the past, caught in a web of magic, Egyptian mythology, and a secret society. As he navigates through dangerous encounters and encounters historical figures, Doyle must unravel the mysteries of time travel and find a way back to his own time before it's too late.

    The 1357th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Replay by Ken Grimwood

    The novel centers around a man who experiences an extraordinary phenomenon: after dying of a heart attack, he awakens as his younger self in college but with all his memories intact. He relives his life with the knowledge of the future, making different choices and experiencing alternate paths, only to die again and restart the cycle. As he continues to "replay" his life, he explores the possibilities of love, wealth, and personal fulfillment, while grappling with the existential questions and the psychological toll of his unique situation. The story delves into themes of destiny, regret, and the human desire to correct past mistakes.

    The 2253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Night Watch by Terry Pratchett

    "Night Watch" is a satirical fantasy novel that follows the story of Sam Vimes, a city watch commander who is transported back in time. He must navigate the complexities of the past, assume the identity of his old mentor, and prevent a violent revolution, all while trying to find a way back to his own time. The book is filled with humor, social commentary, and a detailed fantasy world.

    The 2731st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 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 4899th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Ancient Future Trilogy by Traci Harding

    The series blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction, following the journey of a young woman who is transported back in time to the age of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. With her knowledge of the future and her emerging psychic abilities, she becomes a pivotal figure in the ancient world, influencing historical events and intertwining her destiny with legendary characters. As she navigates the challenges of her new life, she also uncovers mysteries that link the past, present, and future, revealing a timeless battle between light and darkness. Her adventures across time explore themes of destiny, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of all things.

    The 6549th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. 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
  8. 8. Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle

    In the novel, two teenage brothers accidentally travel back in time to the era just before the biblical flood. Stranded in a pre-deluvian world filled with seraphim, nephilim, and other mystical beings, they find themselves embroiled in the lives and struggles of the people of that time. As they search for a way back to their own time, they encounter love, temptation, and the impending catastrophe of the great flood, learning valuable lessons about responsibility and the complexity of human nature along the way.

    The 6640th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Thief Of Time by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the concept of time is personified and at risk as a young clockmaker is tricked into creating a time-stopping clock, which could bring about the end of the world. Meanwhile, the history monks, guardians of time, along with the anthropomorphic personification of Death and his granddaughter, work to prevent this temporal catastrophe. The narrative weaves through multiple storylines filled with quirky characters, including a martial arts monk with a talent for baking, as they confront the nature of time, the importance of living in the moment, and the challenge of managing an increasingly unstable reality. The book combines humor, philosophy, and a richly detailed world to explore the complexities of time and human existence.

    The 6982nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. 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 7002nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon

    The book is the second installment in a historical fiction series that weaves together romance, science fiction, and adventure. It continues the story of a 20th-century Englishwoman who has time-traveled to 18th-century Scotland and fallen in love with a dashing Highland warrior. As the Jacobite rebellion leads to the fateful Battle of Culloden, the couple faces the threat of being torn apart by the tumultuous events of history. Interwoven with their past is the present-day narrative of their daughter, who discovers her parents' remarkable story and the truth of her own origins. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of the past on the present.

    The 8289th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. 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
  13. 13. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

    In a parallel 1985 where literature is taken to extremes, a literary detective named Thursday Next navigates a world where the boundaries between reality and fiction are blurred. When a criminal mastermind begins kidnapping characters from classic novels, Thursday must enter the pages of Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" to pursue the villain and restore the beloved story to its rightful course. Her journey is fraught with danger, wit, and a touch of romance, as she contends with a time-traveling father, a pet dodo, and the complexities of her own life entwined with the fictional landscapes she protects.

    The 9054th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

    In this historical fiction novel, we follow the continuing adventures of a time-traveling nurse from the 20th century and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. Set against the backdrop of the looming American Revolution, the couple struggles to maintain their family and homestead while dealing with the political and social unrest of the era. The story intertwines romance, historical events, and fantasy elements as the couple faces challenges that test their bond and their ability to shape their destiny amidst the fiery cross of change and rebellion.

    The 9057th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. A Breath Of Snow And Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

    In this installment of the historical fiction series, the story continues to follow the lives of a time-traveling 20th-century doctor and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. As the American Revolution looms, the couple faces personal tragedies, political upheaval, and the constant threat of violence. They struggle to protect their family and their community in the backwoods of North Carolina, all while dealing with the complexities of their unique situation and the implications of knowing the future. The novel blends romance, adventure, and historical detail, creating a vivid and tumultuous world for its characters.

    The 9339th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Dreaming Dragons by Damien Broderick

    In this science fiction novel, a group of scientists embarks on a groundbreaking journey into the Dreamtime, a realm that bridges the gap between the ancient past and the far future. As they explore this mysterious dimension, they encounter an advanced race of dragon-like beings who possess profound knowledge and technology. The narrative weaves together themes of time travel, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all life, challenging the characters to confront the nature of reality and their own place within the cosmic tapestry. The story delves into the complexities of human evolution, the potential for alternate timelines, and the existential risks and rewards of encountering other intelligent life forms.

    The 10039th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Many Coloured Land by Julian May

    In a future where time travel is possible, a group of misfits from different eras are recruited to journey back to prehistoric Earth. As they navigate the dangers of this ancient world, they discover that they possess unique psychic abilities. With conflicts arising among themselves and encounters with other time-traveling factions, they must learn to harness their powers and survive the perils of the past. This captivating science fiction novel explores themes of identity, adventure, and the complexities of human relationships.

    The 10069th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Many-Colored Land by Julian May

    In "The Many-Colored Land," a group of misfits and adventurers from the 22nd century, disillusioned with the technologically advanced and psychically-gifted society they live in, volunteer to travel back in time to the Pliocene Epoch through a one-way time portal. Upon arrival, they expect an idyllic existence but instead find themselves in a dangerous world dominated by alien races—the exotic and psychic Tanu and the savage, beastly Firvulag. The travelers must navigate a complex social hierarchy and confront their own personal demons while struggling to survive in this prehistoric land, where they are forced to choose sides in an epic conflict that predates human history.

    The 10284th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Glimpses by Lewis Shiner

    "Glimpses" is a speculative fiction novel that delves into the poignant journey of a man who discovers he has the extraordinary ability to travel back in time through his intense connection to music. Struggling with personal loss and a yearning for what might have been, he uses this gift to attempt to heal the wounds of the past by seeking out legendary rock musicians and helping them complete their most famous unfinished albums. As he navigates the complexities of the past and the intricacies of the music industry, he learns profound lessons about life, loss, and the transformative power of music, ultimately finding a deeper understanding of his own reality and the missed opportunities within it.

    The 10490th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Crown of Dalemark by Diana Wynne Jones

    "The Crown of Dalemark" is the fourth and final book in the Dalemark Quartet series by Diana Wynne Jones. The story follows Maewen, a young girl who is transported from her own time to the land of Dalemark where she becomes involved in a dangerous struggle for the throne. With the help of her friends, Maewen embarks on a journey to find the missing crown of Dalemark and restore the rightful ruler to the throne. Along the way, she discovers the truth about her own past and the role she must play in the future of Dalemark. The book is a thrilling conclusion to the series, filled with magic, adventure, and unexpected twists.

    The 10490th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Freedom Maze by Delia Sherman

    "The Freedom Maze" by Delia Sherman is a time-travel adventure story about a thirteen-year-old girl named Sophie who is sent back in time to the year 1860. Sophie, who is half African-American and half white, finds herself living on a Louisiana plantation where she is mistaken for a slave. As she struggles to survive in her new environment, she learns about the harsh realities of slavery and the importance of fighting for freedom. With the help of some unexpected allies, Sophie embarks on a dangerous journey to find her way back to her own time while also confronting the injustices of the past.

    The 10676th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Necessity by Jo Walton

    "Necessity" is the third book in a philosophical science fiction series that follows the residents of a distant planet created by the goddess Athena to experiment with Plato's ideal society. The story takes place generations after the founding of the city, where gods, humans, and sentient robots coexist. The narrative explores complex themes such as the nature of choice, the existence of gods, and the development of societies. When the planet faces a potential existential threat, its inhabitants must grapple with their destiny and the implications of their existence within a universe where the lines between myth and reality are blurred.

    The 11179th 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