The Greatest New Zealander, New Zealand, Australian "Fiction, Fantasy" Books Since 2000

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

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.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

New Zealander

New Zealand

Australian

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. Deltora Quest Series by Emily Rodda

    The series is a collection of fantasy novels that follow the journey of a young boy named Lief, who is tasked with finding the seven lost gems of the Belt of Deltora. Accompanied by his companions Barda and Jasmine, he must travel across the land of Deltora, facing numerous challenges and adversaries, in order to restore the belt's magical properties and overthrow the tyrannical rule of the Shadow Lord. Each gem is hidden in a perilous location and guarded by a fearsome guardian, requiring courage, wit, and perseverance to be retrieved. The quest is not only a physical adventure but also a journey of self-discovery for the heroes as they learn the importance of friendship, trust, and bravery.

    The 6853rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. 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 8176th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Rules Of Summer by Shaun Tan

    "Rules of Summer" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking picture book that explores the complex relationship between two young boys during their summer vacation. Through a series of surreal and imaginative illustrations, the book delves into themes of friendship, power dynamics, and the unspoken rules that govern their interactions. With its rich imagery and open-ended narrative, "Rules of Summer" invites readers to reflect on the nuances of human relationships and the lessons learned during the season of growth and change.

    The 8251st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

    "Tender Morsels" is a dark and evocative fantasy novel that explores themes of trauma, healing, and the complexities of human emotion. The story follows Liga, a young woman who, after enduring unspeakable abuse, escapes to a parallel world where she can raise her daughters in peace, away from the horrors of her past. However, the barrier between her safe haven and the real world begins to weaken, and the intrusion of outsiders threatens the sanctuary she has created. As her daughters grow and encounter the challenges of their own desires and the allure of the harsher, real world, the novel delves into the difficult journey of confronting pain, the power of resilience, and the bittersweet process of letting go for the sake of growth and transformation.

    The 9712th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Chimes by Anna Smaill

    Set in a dystopian future where the written word is forbidden and memories are washed away by the melodic power of the Chimes, the novel follows a young man with a unique gift for remembering the past. He joins a group of memory keepers who are fighting against the oppressive order that controls society through music. As he embarks on a journey filled with danger and discovery, he uncovers the truth about his own past and the potential to change the future. The narrative weaves a tale of resistance, the importance of memory, and the power of music to both dominate and liberate.

    The 10266th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Kurangaituku by Whiti Hereaka

    "Kurangaituku" by Whiti Hereaka is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the life of a young Maori girl named Te Arepa. Set in New Zealand, the story follows Te Arepa as she navigates the challenges of her cultural identity, family dynamics, and the impact of colonization. Through her journey, the book explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of storytelling. With its rich cultural backdrop and engaging narrative, "Kurangaituku" offers a compelling exploration of identity and the complexities of the human experience.

    The 10556th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Frogkisser by Garth Nix

    "Frogkisser" by Garth Nix is a whimsical fairy tale about a young princess named Anya who is tasked with saving her kingdom from an evil sorcerer. Along the way, she must go on a quest to gather magical items and enlist the help of various creatures, including talking dogs and a transformed prince who has been turned into a frog. With humor and heart, Anya learns the true meaning of bravery, friendship, and what it means to be a hero.

    The 10809th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Harrow The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

    In this darkly imaginative and complex sequel, the protagonist, a necromancer with unmatched powers, confronts the aftermath of an epic space battle and the loss of her mentor. Now, she must navigate the treacherous politics of an immortal empire as its empress's right hand. While grappling with unreliable memories and a mind that seems to be unraveling, she faces internal and external threats, including potential madness and a lingering, enigmatic enemy. As she trains in the arcane arts of the dead, she must solve the mysteries of her past and the riddles of her present to protect the future of her world.

    The 11279th 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