The Greatest "Fiction, Romance, Historical fiction, Speculative Fiction" Books Since 2010

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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

Fiction

Romance

The Romance category of books typically involves stories that revolve around romantic relationships between two or more characters. These stories often explore themes of love, passion, and intimacy, and may include elements of drama, suspense, or humor. Romance novels can range from sweet and innocent to steamy and erotic, and may be set in a variety of time periods and locations. Overall, the Romance genre offers readers a chance to escape into a world of love and romance, where anything is possible.

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history. The unifying factor of speculative fiction is its departure from the narrative constraints of reality, exploring imaginative and often profound questions that challenge our understanding of the world and our place within it. These stories often delve into themes like the human condition, social commentary, and the exploration of philosophical and ethical dilemmas through the lens of the fantastical or the yet-to-be-possible. By pushing the boundaries of the known, speculative fiction invites readers to consider the myriad possibilities of existence and the potential consequences of our actions in worlds that are, at once, vastly different from and eerily similar to our own.

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  1. 1. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

    The novel is a reimagining of the ancient Greek epic of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled young prince who becomes the beloved companion of Achilles, the greatest warrior of his age. Their deep bond and affection for one another transform into a powerful love that defies the expectations of their society and the will of the gods. As they grow into men, their fates become increasingly intertwined with the legendary conflict at Troy, where honor, sacrifice, and destiny culminate in a poignant and tragic conclusion. The story explores themes of heroism, glory, and the humanizing effects of love against the backdrop of war and the capricious whims of immortals.

    The 2120th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 2457th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Invisible Life Of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab

    The book follows the story of a young woman in 18th-century France who, desperate to escape an arranged marriage and yearning for freedom, makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious god-like figure to live forever without being remembered by anyone she meets. Her immortality becomes a curse as she moves through the centuries, leaving no mark on the world until, 300 years later, she stumbles upon a young man in a bookstore who, to her shock, remembers her name. This encounter unfolds into a tale of love, memory, and the intrinsic value of leaving one's mark on the world.

    The 8363rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

    In this reimagined tale inspired by "One Thousand and One Nights," a young woman volunteers to marry a caliph known for taking a new bride each day only to execute her at dawn. She does this to avenge her best friend, one of his previous victims. However, as she weaves stories night after night to postpone her execution, she begins to see a different side to the ruler and uncovers secrets that could alter the course of the kingdom. Amidst a backdrop of magic, betrayal, and political intrigue, the woman finds herself torn between her mission for revenge and the unexpected feelings she develops for the man she intended to hate.

    The 8546th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Empire Of Sand by Tasha Suri

    "Empire of Sand" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a world inspired by Mughal India, where the protagonist, a young woman of noble descent, possesses an extraordinary magical ability tied to the dreams of the gods. Her heritage draws the attention of the empire's religious leader, who seeks to control her power for his own ends. As she is forced into a cruel bargain to use her abilities to maintain the empire's control over its people, she must navigate treacherous court politics, forbidden romance, and her own conflicted desires. With the fate of the empire and the lives of those she loves at stake, she embarks on a journey of resistance, self-discovery, and a fight for freedom against the forces that seek to use her for their own ambitions.

    The 9164th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The 10,000 Doors Of January by Alix E Harrow

    In this enchanting novel, a young girl named January Scaller discovers a mysterious book that reveals a world of secret doorways leading to other realms, each unique and wondrous. As she delves deeper into its pages, she learns about her own family's connections to these other worlds and their role in guarding these portals. Set against the backdrop of the early 1900s, the story weaves a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the power of words and stories to open doors to new possibilities. January must navigate a complex web of historical societies, hidden powers, and her own identity as she seeks to unlock the truth of her past and shape her destiny.

    The 10678th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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.

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