The Greatest "Suspense, Fiction, Fantasy" Books Since 2000

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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

Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

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.

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  1. 1. We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

    "We Need To Talk About Kevin" is a gripping and unsettling novel that explores the complex relationship between a mother and her troubled son. Told through a series of letters written by the mother to her estranged husband, the book delves into the aftermath of a horrific school massacre committed by Kevin. As the mother reflects on her own guilt, fears, and doubts, she questions whether her own actions and choices played a role in shaping Kevin's violent nature. This thought-provoking and chilling narrative explores themes of nature versus nurture, parental responsibility, and the profound impact of tragedy on a family.

  2. 2. Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

    In a gritty and dangerous city, a notorious gang leader named Kaz Brekker is offered a life-changing heist that could make him unimaginably rich. He assembles a team of skilled outcasts, each with their own unique talents, to pull off an impossible mission. As they navigate through treacherous streets and face deadly enemies, the group must rely on their wits and trust each other to survive. Along the way, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and unexpected alliances are formed, all while the fate of their world hangs in the balance.

  3. 3. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

    The protagonist, a middle-aged man, returns to his childhood home for a funeral and is drawn to the farm at the end of the road where he encounters a pond that was once an ocean in his childhood memories. He recalls a series of strange and terrifying events that occurred when he was seven, involving the mystical Hempstock women who live on the farm and their battle against malevolent supernatural entities that threatened his existence. The book explores themes of memory, magic, and the darkness that lies beneath the surface of everyday life.

  4. 4. 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.

  5. 5. The Changeling by Victor LaValle

    The novel is a dark fairy tale that explores themes of parenthood, identity, and the impact of technology on modern life. It follows Apollo Kagwa, an antiquarian book dealer from New York City, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Emma, commits a horrific act and then disappears. As Apollo searches for answers, he is drawn into a world filled with mythical creatures, secretive societies, and ancient folklore. Along his journey, he must confront his own past and the dark history of his family while navigating a city that seems to harbor magical secrets. The story blends the fantastical with the everyday to create a narrative that examines the fears and anxieties of being a parent in the 21st century.

  6. 6. 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.

  7. 7. 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.

  8. 8. Minion by L. A. Banks

    In this urban fantasy novel, the protagonist is a young woman with a unique heritage who is destined to fight against supernatural forces threatening humanity. Trained as a vampire huntress, she navigates a world filled with danger and darkness, where vampires and demons are very real and very lethal. With the help of her friends and allies, she must embrace her destiny and use her skills and powers to protect the innocent and battle the evil entities that seek to spread chaos and destruction. Balancing her personal life with her responsibilities as a huntress, she confronts the challenges of her calling while uncovering deeper secrets about her own mysterious past and the complex world she is a part of.

  9. 9. 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.

  10. 10. The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross

    The book is a unique blend of espionage thriller and Lovecraftian horror, following a tech-savvy protagonist who works for a clandestine British agency responsible for suppressing dangerous occult phenomena. The narrative weaves together bureaucratic satire with supernatural elements, as the protagonist must navigate the perils of office politics and eldritch abominations alike. Tasked with halting extradimensional entities from wreaking havoc on Earth, he uncovers a sinister plot that threatens to unleash an unspeakable horror, leading to a high-stakes mission that blurs the lines between advanced technology and ancient magical forces.

  11. 11. This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El Mohtar, Max Gladstone

    In this epistolary science fiction novel, two rival agents, Red and Blue, find themselves on opposite sides of a sprawling temporal conflict known as the Time War. As they carry out missions to manipulate the strands of history for their respective factions, their paths cross in unexpected ways. Through a series of secret letters left across time and space, what begins as taunting correspondence evolves into a deep, forbidden connection. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of time-travel and intrigue, exploring themes of love, identity, and the consequences of actions within the ever-shifting sands of time. As their bond deepens, Red and Blue must ultimately decide where their loyalties lie and what sacrifices they are willing to make for a chance at a future together.

  12. 12. The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

    In this historical fiction novel, we follow the continuing adventures of a time-traveling nurse from the 20th century and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. Set against the backdrop of the looming American Revolution, the couple struggles to maintain their family and homestead while dealing with the political and social unrest of the era. The story intertwines romance, historical events, and fantasy elements as the couple faces challenges that test their bond and their ability to shape their destiny amidst the fiery cross of change and rebellion.

  13. 13. Trail Of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

    In a post-apocalyptic world where rising waters have drowned much of the earth, the story unfolds on a Native American reservation that has survived the cataclysm. The protagonist, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities, navigates a landscape steeped in the lore and gods of her indigenous culture. As she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a series of brutal murders, she is accompanied by an enigmatic medicine man with secrets of his own. Together, they confront not only malevolent creatures from legend but also the darker aspects of humanity and personal trauma, all set against the backdrop of a world struggling to rebuild from environmental and societal collapse.

  14. 14. A Breath Of Snow And Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

    In this installment of the historical fiction series, the story continues to follow the lives of a time-traveling 20th-century doctor and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. As the American Revolution looms, the couple faces personal tragedies, political upheaval, and the constant threat of violence. They struggle to protect their family and their community in the backwoods of North Carolina, all while dealing with the complexities of their unique situation and the implications of knowing the future. The novel blends romance, adventure, and historical detail, creating a vivid and tumultuous world for its characters.

  15. 15. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

    The book revolves around a young woman with a troubled past who is given a second chance through a scholarship to an elite university, where she becomes involved with the secretive societies that practice magic and the occult. Tasked with monitoring their activities, she uncovers a series of supernatural crimes and mysteries that she must solve, using her own newfound magical abilities and wits. As she delves deeper into the university's hidden world, she confronts the dark power and privilege that fuel these ancient organizations, while also grappling with her own personal demons and histories.

  16. 16. The Shadow Year by Jeffrey Ford

    In "The Shadow Year," a coming-of-age tale is woven around a young boy and his siblings as they navigate the complexities of childhood in 1960s suburban America. The novel captures the essence of innocence and the loss thereof, as the siblings create a miniature replica of their town in their basement, which becomes a fantastical escape from reality. However, their make-believe world is threatened by a series of mysterious and sinister events in their actual town, leading them to confront a creeping darkness that parallels their transition from the simplicity of childhood to the murkier shades of adult life. The story is a poignant exploration of memory, reality, and the shadows that linger at the edges of innocence.

  17. 17. Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand

    In this gothic novel, a 1970s British acid folk band retreats to an ancient country house to create their next album, only to find themselves enveloped by supernatural occurrences. As the young musicians are drawn into the eerie atmosphere of Wylding Hall, the strange environment fuels their creativity, leading to the creation of a legendary album. However, the summer takes a dark turn when the lead singer mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind a tangle of haunting memories and unanswered questions that persist for decades, until the surviving band members reluctantly confront their past in a series of interviews, revealing the chilling truth behind the disappearance.

  18. 18. The Ballad Of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

    The book reimagines the early 20th-century horror landscape by centering on a Black protagonist, Charles Thomas Tester, in 1920s Harlem. Tester, a street musician and hustler, becomes entangled in the dark and supernatural underbelly of New York City when he delivers an occult tome to a reclusive sorceress. His actions catch the attention of malevolent forces, leading to a series of events that expose the racial tensions and eldritch horrors lurking beneath the city's surface. As Tester's involvement with these arcane powers deepens, he is transformed in ways that challenge the very fabric of reality, culminating in a confrontation with otherworldly consequences. The narrative serves as both a critique of Lovecraftian racism and a compelling tale of cosmic horror and societal injustice.

  19. 19. Alice by Christina Henry

    In this dark and twisted retelling of a classic fairytale, Alice finds herself trapped in a nightmarish version of Wonderland. With the help of a mysterious man named Hatcher, she embarks on a dangerous journey to escape the clutches of the sadistic ruler known as the Rabbit. As they navigate through the grotesque and violent world, Alice and Hatcher uncover the truth about their own pasts and must confront their inner demons in order to survive.

  20. 20. The Sudden Appearance Of Hope by Claire North

    The novel centers around Hope Arden, a woman who is afflicted with a peculiar condition that makes her unmemorable to everyone she encounters, effectively rendering her invisible in society. Despite her unique challenge, Hope becomes a master thief, capitalizing on her ability to slip through the cracks of people's consciousness. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she steals a piece of jewelry that ties her to a sinister technology company with a global influence. As she delves deeper into the company's operations, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens her anonymity and the very fabric of her existence, leading her on a journey that challenges the nature of identity, memory, and what it means to be truly seen.

  21. 21. The Way Of Shadows by Brent Weeks

    The book is a gripping tale set in a gritty world of political intrigue and dark magic, where a street orphan becomes apprenticed to a master assassin. Under his mentor's guidance, the young apprentice learns the lethal skills necessary to survive in a treacherous city where nobles vie for power. As he hones his craft, he is drawn into a web of conspiracy, and must navigate a complex landscape of loyalty, honor, and betrayal. With his newfound abilities, he confronts the shadows of his past and the uncertain promise of his future in a dangerous quest for redemption and power.

  22. 22. Caliban's War by James S. A. Corey

    In the gripping sequel to a science fiction series set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, tensions escalate as Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance vie for control and resources. The discovery of a mysterious alien protomolecule has already wrought havoc on human civilization, and now, the fragile peace is threatened by new confrontations. When a high-ranking official's daughter goes missing on Ganymede, a soldier, a detective, a politician, and a rogue scientist must unite to unravel a conspiracy that could lead to war and the spread of the alien substance, risking all of human existence. Their journey takes them across the solar system, where they encounter monstrous creations, political intrigue, and questions about what it means to be human.

  23. 23. Jade War by Fonda Lee

    In the gripping sequel to a fantasy saga set in an Asia-inspired metropolis, two clans wage a violent turf war for control of magical jade, which grants its users enhanced abilities. As the struggle for supremacy escalates, the Kaul family of the No Peak clan must navigate dangerous political waters, both within their city and on the international stage, to protect their hold on power. Amidst betrayal, bloody skirmishes, and complex alliances, the Kauls are also confronted with the personal costs of their ambitions, as they strive to uphold their family's honor and legacy in a world where loyalty is scarce and enemies are everywhere.

  24. 24. Blackwing by Ed McDonald

    In a gritty, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by otherworldly forces and magic, a battle-scarred bounty hunter navigates a landscape of devastation and corruption. Tasked with protecting a powerful noblewoman who may hold the key to turning the tide against the encroaching darkness, the hunter is drawn into a web of political intrigue and ancient powers. As monstrous enemies and twisted magic threaten to overrun humanity, he must confront his own demons and make impossible choices to save the remnants of a world on the brink of collapse.

  25. 25. Middlegame by Seanan McGuire

    In a world where alchemy and science intertwine, two extraordinary children, Roger and Dodger, find themselves part of a grand, sinister plan to manifest the Doctrine of Ethos, the power that controls the universe. Separated at birth, the twins are unknowingly designed to embody the forces of language and mathematics, respectively. As they grow up miles apart, a mysterious psychic connection draws them together, allowing them to share their unique talents. Their creator, an ambitious alchemist, watches from the shadows, intending to use them to achieve godhood. The twins must navigate a complex chessboard of power, manipulation, and destiny, as they struggle to understand their abilities and the cosmic game they are pawns in. With the fabric of reality at stake, Roger and Dodger must confront their own humanity and the daunting path that lies before them.

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