The Greatest American "Science fiction, Fiction, High Fantasy" Books Since 1990

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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

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.

Fiction

High Fantasy

High Fantasy, as a literary genre, transports readers to entirely imagined worlds, distinct from our own, where magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests form the backbone of the narrative. These worlds often feature complex political systems, intricate lore, and a clear distinction between good and evil. Central to high fantasy are themes of heroism, adventure, and the struggle against formidable adversaries or forces. The genre is epitomized by works such as J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," where the detailed setting of Middle-earth, complete with its own languages, races, and history, sets the stage for a classic battle between the forces of light and darkness. High Fantasy offers an escape into worlds where the fantastical is the norm, inviting readers to explore realms where the limits are defined only by the breadth of the author's imagination.

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  1. 1. 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 4824th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. 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
  3. 3. The Stone Sky by N. K. Jemisin

    In this concluding volume of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the fate of a world hangs in the balance as a mother and daughter find themselves on opposite sides of an apocalyptic war. The mother, an orogene with the power to control seismic activity, embarks on a quest to end the perpetual disasters plaguing the earth by harnessing the power of an ancient, mythical obelisk. Meanwhile, her daughter, who possesses similar abilities, is manipulated by forces seeking to use her powers for their own ends. As their paths converge, the complex layers of oppression, survival, and the struggle for freedom are revealed, culminating in a climactic battle that will determine the future of their world.

    The 8157th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

    "The Goblin Emperor" is a fantasy novel set in a world where goblins are considered lower-class citizens. When the half-goblin, half-elf Maia unexpectedly becomes emperor, he must navigate court politics, assassination attempts, and the challenges of ruling a kingdom filled with treachery and deceit. With his kind heart and determination to bring justice, Maia strives to prove himself as a capable leader while uncovering the truth behind his father's mysterious death.

    The 8965th 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