The Greatest Indian, Chinese, German "Fiction, Speculative Fiction" 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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Fiction

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 River Sutra by Gita Mehta

    "The River Sutra" by Gita Mehta is a captivating novel that explores the intertwining lives of various characters along the sacred river Narmada in India. Through vivid storytelling and rich descriptions, the book delves into themes of spirituality, love, and the search for meaning in life. As the characters embark on journeys of self-discovery, the river serves as a powerful metaphor for the flow of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. With its lyrical prose and thought-provoking narrative, "The River Sutra" offers a profound exploration of the human experience and the timeless wisdom of ancient traditions.

    The 1839th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu

    The book is a science fiction novel that intertwines the cultural revolution of China with a complex narrative involving astrophysics, virtual reality, and alien contact. It follows a disillusioned scientist who, after suffering personal tragedy during the Cultural Revolution, sends a message into space, only to receive a response from an alien civilization on the brink of destruction. As the aliens plan their migration to Earth, a secret organization works to facilitate the invasion, while a disparate group of scientists and military personnel attempt to understand and prevent the impending extraterrestrial crisis. The novel grapples with themes of human nature, technological advancement, and the vast, often incomprehensible universe.

    The 1968th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Swarm by Frank Schatzing

    "The Swarm" is a science fiction novel that explores the disastrous consequences of mankind's exploitation of the world's oceans. The narrative follows a group of scientists around the world as they try to understand a series of inexplicable, catastrophic natural disasters. They eventually discover that these events are not random but are the result of a collective intelligence in the sea, a swarm of marine life that has decided to fight back against humanity's destruction of their habitat. The book combines elements of ecological thriller, disaster novel, and speculative fiction as it explores the potential consequences of human interference with the natural world.

    The 3162nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

    The book revolves around a young girl named Meggie and her father Mo, who possesses a unique ability to bring characters from books to life by reading aloud. This gift, however, comes with a price, as they are entangled in a dangerous adventure when a villain from a fantasy book called "Inkheart" is accidentally summoned into the real world. As they struggle to fix the chaos caused by this crossover, they must navigate a treacherous world of magic and betrayal, while attempting to thwart the villain's sinister plans and protect the balance between reality and the fantastical realms of literature.

    The 3185th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The 13 1/2 Lives Of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers

    The book is a whimsical fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a blue bear as he navigates a world filled with bizarre creatures and surreal landscapes. With half a life more than the usual allotment for his species, the protagonist recounts his experiences, which range from being raised by mini-pygmies to attending an academy for gifted creatures, and from escaping the clutches of a carnivorous island to befriending a sentient tornado. Each of his thirteen and a half lives is a unique tale of curiosity, learning, and survival, set in a richly imagined universe that defies the ordinary at every turn.

    The 3687th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

    The book is a fantasy novel set in a world inspired by China's 20th century history. The protagonist, a war orphan, defies societal expectations by acing the empire-wide examination and earning a place at the prestigious military academy. However, her triumph is short-lived as she becomes embroiled in a violent conflict, which forces her to delve into the depths of her own magical abilities, inspired by shamanism. The story intertwines the brutal realities of war, mythology, and the exploration of power in a deeply divided society.

    The 6495th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Jade City by Fonda Lee

    In a bustling city ruled by powerful crime families, the Kauls, who possess the rare ability to harness the magical powers of jade, struggle to maintain their control amidst rising tensions and rivalries. As the city teeters on the brink of chaos, the Kaul siblings find themselves caught in a dangerous web of betrayal, loyalty, and ambition, where the fate of their family and their city hangs in the balance. With vivid world-building and intricate character dynamics, "Jade City" is a gripping tale of power, honor, and the price of maintaining control.

    The 6587th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Janet Song

    "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" is a children's fantasy novel about a young girl named Minli who lives in a poor village at the base of a mountain. She sets out on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon, hoping he can answer her family's prayers for a better life. Along the way, she meets a talking goldfish, a dragon who cannot fly, and other magical creatures. Through her adventures, Minli learns valuable lessons about gratitude, kindness, and the power of storytelling.

    The 6670th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Death's End by Cixin Liu

    In this science fiction epic, humanity confronts an uncertain future as the universe teeters on the brink of destruction. The narrative weaves through time and space, following a complex tapestry of characters and civilizations as they grapple with advanced alien technologies, cosmic dilemmas, and philosophical quandaries. The story explores the depths of human ingenuity and the vastness of the cosmos, culminating in a profound examination of survival, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of life in the face of an unfathomable cosmos. With a blend of hard science fiction and imaginative speculation, the novel pushes the boundaries of human understanding and presents a grand vision of the ultimate fate of the universe.

    The 7015th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu

    In the second installment of a renowned science fiction trilogy, humanity is faced with an impending alien invasion, set to occur in four centuries. The world turns to the Wallfacer Project, a strategic initiative that appoints four individuals with the power to execute plans to combat the extraterrestrial threat, their strategies hidden even from humanity to prevent the aliens from gaining foreknowledge. One of these Wallfacers, a disillusioned astronomer, devises a complex plan involving astrophysics, sociology, and game theory, all while grappling with the philosophical implications of a universe where survival is predicated on a dark forest theory, where civilizations are hunters lying in wait, ready to strike out of fear and self-preservation.

    The 7914th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Raavan & Eddie by Kiran Nagarkar

    "Raavan & Eddie" is a captivating coming-of-age story set in the bustling streets of Mumbai. The book follows the lives of two young boys, Raavan and Eddie, who grow up in the same chawl and share a unique bond. As they navigate the challenges of poverty, family dynamics, and societal expectations, their friendship is tested, and their dreams take them on unexpected paths. With humor, heart, and a vivid depiction of Mumbai's vibrant culture, this novel explores themes of identity, love, and the pursuit of dreams in a rapidly changing world.

    The 9709th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. When Dreams Travel by Githa Hariharan

    "When Dreams Travel" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complex themes of identity, memory, and the power of dreams. Set in India, the story follows the lives of three individuals from different backgrounds who are brought together by a shared dream. As they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind their dreams, they are confronted with their own pasts and the interconnectedness of their lives. Hariharan's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions create a captivating narrative that delves into the depths of the human psyche and the universal longing for self-discovery.

    The 9935th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Carpet Makers by Andreas Eschbach

    This science fiction novel unfolds on a planet where the entire economy and culture revolve around the intricate craft of making carpets from the hair of the craftsmen's wives and daughters. These carpets are highly prized by the galaxy's elite, not just for their beauty but for a mysterious purpose known only to the empire's emperor. The story intricately weaves together the lives of various characters across different planets, revealing the dark secrets behind the carpet-making tradition and the oppressive regime that sustains it. As the narrative progresses, it delves into themes of rebellion, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom, culminating in a revelation that challenges the very foundation of the characters' understanding of their world and their place within the galaxy.

    The 10196th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Calcutta Chromosome by Amitav Ghosh

    "The Calcutta Chromosome" by Amitav Ghosh is a captivating science fiction novel that intertwines the stories of Antar, a computer programmer in New York, and Murugan, a former employee of the British Indian Medical Service in Calcutta. As Antar delves into the mysterious disappearance of Murugan, he becomes immersed in a complex web of history, science, and conspiracy. The book explores themes of time travel, medical research, and the pursuit of knowledge, taking readers on a thrilling journey through the streets of Calcutta and the depths of the human mind.

    The 10548th 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.

Download