The Greatest American "Fiction, High Fantasy" 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 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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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. 26. Moreta by Anne McCaffrey

    In a world where telepathic dragons and their riders protect the populace from threadfall, a virulent plague threatens to decimate both human and dragonkind. The novel follows Moreta, one of the dragon riders, as she races against time to find a cure and orchestrate a daring plan to save her world. As the epidemic spreads, Moreta must navigate the intricate politics of her society and the limitations of her own mortality, culminating in a desperate act of heroism that solidifies her place in the annals of her world's history.

    The 6539th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Belgariad by David Eddings

    The series follows the journey of a young farm boy who discovers his extraordinary destiny as the heir to a powerful artifact that must be retrieved to prevent a dark god from dominating the world. Raised in a rural village, he is initially unaware of his royal lineage and the prophecy that foretells his role in an epic battle between good and evil. As he travels across diverse lands with a group of companions, including a wise old sorcerer, a fierce knight, a cunning thief, and a beautiful princess, he learns about his true heritage and the magical powers he possesses. Together, they face numerous challenges and adversaries, all while the fate of the world hangs in the balance, culminating in a climactic confrontation with the forces of darkness.

    The 6557th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Talking To Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

    In this enchanting fantasy novel, the story follows a young protagonist who embarks on a perilous journey through a magical forest to find his missing father, the King. Along the way, he encounters a cast of whimsical characters, including a feisty princess, a deceitful witch, and a variety of talking animals. His adventure is filled with riddles, spells, and dragon encounters, which challenge his wit and courage. As the final installment in a series, the book wraps up the overarching narrative with clever twists and the revelation of long-held secrets, ultimately leading to a confrontation with a powerful enemy and a quest to restore peace to the kingdom.

    The 6612th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Dragonsdawn by Anne McCaffrey

    In this science fiction novel, a group of colonists from Earth seek to establish a new society on the distant planet of Pern. As they struggle to adapt to their new environment, they are unprepared for the deadly Thread falling from the sky, which destroys all organic matter it touches. The colonists' survival depends on genetically engineered dragons, created from native lifeforms, which can burn the Thread out of the sky with their fiery breath. The bond between the dragons and their human riders becomes the cornerstone of Pernese society, as they work together to defend their home against the periodic onslaughts. The novel explores themes of pioneering, human ingenuity, and the forging of a symbiotic relationship between humans and dragons in the face of adversity.

    The 6733rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey

    In a world where political intrigue and divine destinies intertwine, a young woman born with a scarlet mote in her eye is marked by the gods for a unique destiny. Trained in the arts of love and espionage, she navigates the complex web of courtly life in a realm where sensuality and pain are intertwined. As a pawn and a player in the game of thrones, she uses her unique gifts to uncover secrets and protect her homeland, all while serving a mysterious patron whose motives are as enigmatic as the unfolding divine plan. Her journey is one of self-discovery, loyalty, and betrayal, set against a backdrop of opulence, ritual, and power struggles, where love can be both a weakness and a formidable weapon.

    The 6852nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. A Stranger In Olondria by Sofia Samatar

    The novel explores the transformative power of literature through the eyes of a young pepper merchant from a remote island who, upon visiting the sophisticated and literate land of Olondria, becomes haunted by the ghost of an illiterate girl. As he navigates the complex cultural landscape, he finds himself embroiled in a political and religious conflict surrounding the nature of literacy, storytelling, and the written word. The protagonist's journey is a rich tapestry of sensory experiences and a poignant meditation on the ways in which stories define and give meaning to our lives.

    The 6924th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Last Stop On Market Street by Matt de la Peña

    "Last Stop On Market Street" is a heartwarming children's book that tells the story of a young boy named CJ and his grandmother as they embark on their weekly bus ride across town. Along the way, CJ learns valuable life lessons about gratitude, empathy, and the beauty in the world around him, ultimately realizing that the journey itself is just as important as the destination. With its vibrant illustrations and poignant narrative, this book celebrates the power of perspective and the joy of finding beauty in unexpected places.

    The 7009th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. 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
  9. 34. In The Hand Of The Goddess by Tamora Pierce

    The book follows the journey of a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to pursue her dream of becoming a knight. Under the guise of her male identity, she navigates the challenges of knight training, battles with mythical creatures, and confronts political intrigue within the kingdom. With the protection of a goddess, she develops her magical abilities and forms deep friendships, all while keeping her true identity a secret. As she grows stronger and more skilled, she must prepare to face her ultimate test to achieve her knighthood while dealing with the growing threat of an enemy who seeks to overthrow the kingdom.

    The 7132nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare

    In this urban fantasy novel, the third installment of a series, the protagonist, a young Shadowhunter, travels to the titular city, a place of great significance to the secretive world of demon hunters, warlocks, vampires, and other supernatural beings. She is on a quest to find a cure for her poisoned mother, but her mission quickly becomes entangled with a larger conflict as she uncovers dark secrets about her family's past and the true nature of the Shadowhunters. As the city becomes a battleground, alliances are tested, and the protagonist must confront a powerful enemy who threatens to destroy everything she holds dear, all while grappling with her evolving feelings for her enigmatic companion.

    The 7768th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Woman Who Rides Like A Man by Tamora Pierce

    In this fantasy novel, the protagonist, a young woman knight with magical abilities, finds herself in a desert tribe where she must prove herself to skeptical locals and navigate complex cultural norms. As she teaches magic to local girls, she also confronts her own inner demons and a power-hungry sorcerer. Through her strength and determination, she challenges gender roles and earns respect, while also dealing with matters of the heart and the expectations placed upon her as a knight and a mage.

    The 7833rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Crystal Shard by R.A. Salvatore

    In the icy realm of Icewind Dale, a young barbarian named Wulfgar seeks to prove his worth, while the cunning dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden, an outcast from his own people, strives to find his place in the world. Their lives are thrown into chaos when a powerful mage discovers a magical crystal shard with the ability to dominate the minds of others. As the shard's dark influence spreads, the two unlikely heroes must join forces with a dwarf named Bruenor and a halfling, Regis, to prevent the malevolent artifact from unleashing an ancient evil upon their land, facing a host of dangerous creatures and treacherous enemies in their quest to keep the shard from the clutches of those who would use its power for domination.

    The 7931st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce

    In this fantasy novel, the final installment of a quartet, a young female warrior completes her transformation from a stubborn apprentice to a powerful and confident knight. She embarks on a quest to recover a legendary artifact that could save her kingdom from impending danger. Alongside her loyal companions, including a prince, a mage, and other magical beings, she faces a series of challenges that test her skills, courage, and determination. As political intrigue and battles loom, the heroine must confront her own personal demons and make difficult choices that will shape her destiny and the future of the realm she is sworn to protect.

    The 8040th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. 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
  15. 40. The Sword Of Truth by Terry Goodkind

    In this epic fantasy novel, a young woods guide named Richard Cypher embarks on a quest to stop the sinister spread of the dark magic that threatens his world. After the brutal murder of his father, Richard's life is turned upside down when he discovers his own hidden destiny and the powerful artifact known as the Sword of Truth. Guided by a mysterious woman named Kahlan and a wizard named Zedd, Richard must navigate a world of dangerous magic and political intrigue, confronting his own fears and moral dilemmas while fighting to prevent a tyrannical ruler from unleashing an ancient and malevolent power.

    The 8392nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Grace Of Kings by Ken Liu

    In a sweeping fantasy epic set in a world inspired by the historical legends of China, two unlikely friends, a bandit and a duke, lead a rebellion against a tyrannical emperor. Their successful revolution ushers in a new era of chaos and conflict as the two heroes, driven by vastly different visions of justice and governance, find themselves at odds. The novel weaves intricate themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of power and ambition, as the characters navigate a richly detailed world of gods, airships, and divine interventions. The story is as much about the cost of victory as it is about the bonds of friendship and the unpredictable nature of grace.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Lies Of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

    The book follows the tale of a cunning young thief, raised among a band of con artists and pickpockets, as he navigates the perilous underworld of a Venice-like city. Gifted in the art of deception and driven by a love for adventure and riches, he orchestrates elaborate heists, outwitting the wealthy nobility and rival gangs. However, when a mysterious and powerful adversary threatens the fragile peace of the criminal world, the protagonist must use all his wits and bravery to protect his friends, challenge the status quo, and survive the escalating dangers of his chosen life of crime.

    The 8580th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. 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
  19. 44. Words Of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson, Kate Reading, Michael Kramer

    In this epic fantasy sequel, the world of Roshar is further explored, with ancient oaths and legendary heroes coming to the forefront as the battle against the enigmatic and destructive forces known as the Voidbringers intensifies. The narrative follows multiple characters, including a once-slave who rises to become a military leader, a brilliant but troubled scholar who seeks forbidden knowledge, and a highprince burdened by his past and the expectations of his position. As they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and their own personal demons, their stories intertwine, revealing secrets about the mystical Knights Radiant and the true nature of the world-threatening Desolation that looms ever closer.

    The 8966th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Love And Sleep by John Crowley

    "Love and Sleep" is the second novel in a four-part series that weaves together elements of history, mythology, and magic. The narrative follows the life of Pierce Moffett, a historian who becomes entangled in a complex tapestry of events that span centuries. As Pierce delves deeper into the study of Renaissance hermeticism and the mysteries of the past, he also grapples with personal relationships and his own spiritual journey. The novel blends the metaphysical with the mundane, exploring themes of love, knowledge, and the pursuit of truth, all while challenging the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

    The 9090th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart

    "Bridge of Birds" is a fantasy novel set in ancient China, where a young man named Number Ten Ox sets out to find a cure for a mysterious illness that has befallen the children of his village. Along the way, he enlists the help of a wise and eccentric scholar named Master Li, and together they embark on a series of adventures that take them across the land. Along the way, they encounter gods, demons, and other supernatural beings, all while trying to uncover the truth behind the illness and save the children of the village.

    The 9122nd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Tehanu: The Last Book of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

    In this fantasy novel, the narrative shifts focus to a woman named Tenar, who has left behind her powerful past to live a quiet life on Gont Island. When she adopts a horribly burned girl named Therru, Tenar's life intertwines with that of the once-mighty wizard Ged, who has lost his magical powers. Together, they navigate a world where the balance of power is shifting, confronting both personal challenges and broader societal changes. The novel explores themes of gender, power, and the value of the mundane in contrast to the heroic, as it brings a new perspective to the rich tapestry of the series' universe.

    The 9161st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. The Dragon Republic by R. F. Kuang

    In this dark and gripping fantasy sequel, the protagonist, a young warrior and shaman, grapples with the aftermath of a brutal war and her own harrowing actions. Betrayed by allies and seeking redemption, she aligns with a new military force with the hope of transforming the corrupt empire into the titular republic. As she navigates political intrigue, battles monstrous forces, and confronts her inner demons, she must also contend with the destructive power of the gods and the weight of her burgeoning abilities. The novel explores themes of power, identity, and the cost of revolution in a richly detailed, war-torn world.

    The 9188th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Furies Of Calderon by Jim Butcher

    In a fantasy realm where humans bond with elemental forces known as furies, a young shepherd named Tavi struggles with his apparent lack of this magical connection. As his homeland, the Calderon Valley, faces an invasion by a savage tribe, Tavi finds himself embroiled in a desperate conflict. Without the aid of his own fury, he must rely on his wits and courage to help defend his people and uncover a deeper, sinister plot that threatens not only Calderon but the entire realm. Alongside a diverse cast of characters, including a powerful female Cursor and a steadfast warrior, Tavi's journey is one of growth, bravery, and the discovery of his own unique strengths.

    The 9289th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams

    In this epic fantasy novel, a young kitchen boy named Simon is swept up in a massive struggle when the ancient evil of the Sithi threatens the land. As the kingdom is torn by war and treachery following the death of its king, Simon discovers his destiny is intertwined with the fate of the realm. He embarks on a perilous journey, armed with only his wits and a mysterious sword, to awaken the legendary Storm King and confront the dark forces that seek to conquer the world. Along the way, he encounters a rich tapestry of characters, including noble allies, magical creatures, and fierce enemies, all while uncovering the secrets of his own hidden heritage and the mystical Dragonbone Chair.

    The 9487th 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