The Greatest "Fiction" 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 284 '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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  1. 1526. Europe In Winter by Dave Hutchinson

    This novel is a thrilling continuation of a science fiction series set in a fragmented future Europe, where borders are fluid and allegiances are ever-changing. The story follows a complex web of spies, assassins, and ordinary citizens as they navigate a continent where the Union is crumbling and new polities emerge. With a blend of espionage, political intrigue, and speculative technology, the narrative delves into the heart of a Europe transformed by micro-states, secretive factions, and the mysterious Community. As the protagonist uncovers a conspiracy that could alter the balance of power, the book explores themes of identity, sovereignty, and the nature of statehood in a rapidly changing world.

  2. 1527. The Rift by Nina Allan

    The novel is a speculative fiction tale that intricately weaves the story of two sisters, Selena and Julie, after Julie mysteriously disappears and then reappears, claiming to have been on another planet. The narrative delves into themes of memory, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family, as Selena tries to unravel the truth behind her sister's disappearance. Through a blend of science fiction and psychological drama, the book explores the impact of trauma and the nature of reality, challenging the reader to question what is truly possible in a universe that may be stranger and more complex than it first appears.

  3. 1528. The Art Of Starving by Sam J. Miller

    This novel follows the life of a young, gay teenager who believes that his eating disorder grants him supernatural abilities, enabling him to see the truth about people's intentions and to manipulate the world around him. As he navigates the complexities of high school, bullying, and family issues, he embarks on a dark and dangerous journey of self-discovery. The story is a raw and powerful exploration of desire, the need for control, and the struggle to find one's place in the world, all while dealing with the challenges of growing up and the painful realities of human vulnerability.

  4. 1529. The Bitter Twins by Jen Williams

    In this enthralling sequel to a celebrated fantasy series, the world is on the brink of war, and an unlikely group of heroes must band together to save it from destruction. The narrative weaves together the fates of a war-beast and her dragon rider, a pair of mismatched siblings, and a group of magical, ancient creatures with the power to change the course of history. As they face internal conflicts, betrayals, and the looming threat of an otherworldly invasion, their paths intertwine in a desperate quest to harness old magics and forge new alliances. This epic tale of courage, friendship, and the complex nature of heroism dives deep into the heart of a richly imagined fantasy world, challenging the boundaries between good and evil, and exploring the costs of survival in the face of unspeakable odds.

  5. 1530. Embers Of War by Gareth L. Powell

    This science fiction novel delves into the aftermath of a brutal interstellar war, focusing on the sentient warship Trouble Dog and her crew. The Trouble Dog, haunted by her actions during the war, has resigned from the Conglomeration fleet and joined an organization dedicated to saving human lives. When a civilian liner is attacked in a disputed galaxy, the Trouble Dog and her diverse crew of humans and AI are called to undertake a rescue mission. As they navigate political intrigue and face off against a genocidal enemy, the crew must confront their own pasts and the war's lingering scars. The novel explores themes of redemption, the moral complexities of war, and the possibility of finding peace and purpose in its aftermath.

  6. 1531. The Bone Ships by RJ Barker

    This novel is set in a vividly imagined world where two nations are locked in a perpetual war, fought on the high seas with ships made from the bones of long-extinct dragons. The story follows the crew of the Tide Child, a ship of the damned manned by criminals and social outcasts, led by a disgraced captain. When they are tasked with a seemingly impossible mission to hunt down the last of the legendary sea dragons, the crew sees it as a chance for redemption. As they embark on their perilous journey, they must navigate treacherous waters, rival ships, and their own personal demons. The narrative is rich with maritime lore, complex characters, and themes of sacrifice, survival, and redemption, making it a gripping tale of high-seas adventure and human resilience.

  7. 1532. Riverland by Fran Wilde

    In this captivating fantasy novel, two sisters find themselves in a hidden, magical world beneath their abusive household, where dreams and reality intertwine. As they navigate this enchanting yet dangerous realm, they must confront their fears and the secrets of their family's past. With the safety of both worlds hanging in the balance, the sisters learn the power of resilience, the importance of facing truths, and the strength found in sisterhood. Through their journey, the novel explores themes of escape, protection, and the courage it takes to stand up against adversity.

  8. 1533. A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker

    In a future where public gatherings are illegal due to terrorist attacks and a pandemic, society has adapted to isolation, with virtual reality concerts replacing live events. The story follows a musician who once thrived on the energy of live performances and a talent scout for a corporate entertainment company, as they navigate this new world. The musician, longing for the connection that once came with her art, becomes involved in an underground music scene, defying the law to perform for small, secret gatherings. Meanwhile, the talent scout, whose job is to find musicians for virtual performances, begins to question the sterile world she's helping to perpetuate. Their paths intersect, leading to a powerful exploration of the importance of community and the transformative power of music in a world where the very essence of human connection has been fundamentally altered.

  9. 1534. The Once And Future Witches by Alix E Harrow

    In this enchanting narrative set at the cusp of the 19th and 20th centuries, the story weaves together the lives of three sisters who, estranged and battered by their past, find themselves drawn together in the suffragist movement of New Salem. Amidst the fervor for women's rights, they discover that the echoes of witchcraft from their childhood hold the key to unlocking not just personal empowerment but also societal change. As they delve deeper into the forgotten words and ways of witchcraft, they face a society vehemently opposed to both their gender and their magic. This tale masterfully blends the struggle for equality with the mystical, proposing that the fight for women's rights is intertwined with a deeper, magical battle for freedom and recognition.

  10. 1535. City Of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky

    This novel is a gripping tale set in a city on the brink of collapse, where political intrigue, social unrest, and ancient secrets converge. As the city faces imminent disaster, a diverse cast of characters, including a disillusioned veteran, a determined investigator, and a scholar of the arcane, find their fates intertwined. Each must navigate the treacherous waters of power struggles and dark magic in a desperate bid to save themselves and possibly the city itself. The narrative weaves together their stories, exploring themes of survival, redemption, and the impact of past choices on the present. Through its intricate plot and richly developed world, the book offers a compelling exploration of the complexities of leadership and the cost of last chances.

  11. 1536. Ruby Finley Vs. The Interstellar Invasion by K. Tempest Bradford

    In this captivating science fiction adventure, readers are introduced to Ruby Finley, a young girl whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she encounters a group of aliens. These aren't your typical extraterrestrial visitors; they're on the run and in desperate need of Ruby's help to save their planet from an impending interstellar invasion. As Ruby embarks on this unexpected journey, she discovers her own inner strength and the true value of friendship and courage. Set against a backdrop of cosmic battles and intergalactic intrigue, this story combines elements of fantasy and science fiction to explore themes of resilience, diversity, and the importance of standing up for what's right, making it a thrilling read for young adventurers.

  12. 1537. Wayfarers by Becky Chambers

    "Wayfarers" is a science fiction series that takes readers on a journey through a richly imagined universe filled with diverse species and cultures. The series focuses on the lives and interactions of its characters, who often find themselves on a spaceship or space station, exploring themes of identity, family, and belonging. Each book stands on its own, telling a unique story that delves into the complexities of interspecies politics, personal relationships, and the quest for meaning in a vast and varied cosmos. The narrative is celebrated for its warm, character-driven approach, offering a refreshing take on the genre that prioritizes the heart and soul of its ensemble over traditional space opera tropes.

  13. 1538. Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

    "Authority" is the second book in a trilogy that delves into the mysteries of a clandestine government agency tasked with investigating an enigmatic and dangerous region known as Area X. The narrative follows a character brought in to oversee the agency after the tumultuous events of the first expedition. As he attempts to assert control and understand the strange occurrences within Area X, he encounters uncooperative staff, cryptic notes left by his predecessor, and the unsettling realization that the contamination thought to be contained within Area X may have more influence over the agency than previously believed. The protagonist's journey is one of psychological unraveling, as he grapples with the opaque hierarchy of the organization and the increasingly blurred lines between reality and the otherworldly phenomena associated with the area he is supposed to manage.

  14. 1539. Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer

    "Acceptance" is the final installment in a science fiction trilogy that delves into the mysteries of Area X, a surreal and ever-changing landscape that defies explanation and has claimed the lives and sanity of many who have ventured into it. As the narrative shifts between multiple characters and timelines, the novel explores the fates of the expedition members, the origins of Area X, and the secretive agency attempting to understand it. The story weaves together the past and present, blending elements of horror, environmental science, and psychological drama to reveal the profound and often terrifying transformations wrought by this enigmatic zone. Through the eyes of a lighthouse keeper, a former director of the agency, and others deeply affected by Area X, the book examines themes of identity, the human impact on the environment, and the unknowable nature of the world around us.

  15. 1540. The Last Emperox by John Scalzi

    In the thrilling conclusion to a space opera trilogy, the story follows the newly crowned leader of an interstellar empire as she grapples with unexpected threats to her rule and the stability of the empire. As an ancient and sprawling network of human-occupied planets faces imminent collapse due to the failure of the extradimensional flow streams that connect them, political intrigue, assassination attempts, and complex alliances abound. The protagonist must navigate treacherous political waters, confront her own mortality, and make impossible choices to save her empire and billions of lives, all while dealing with the legacy of her unpredictable predecessor and the looming specter of an existential crisis.

  16. 1541. Radiance by Catherynne M. Valente

    "Radiance" is a genre-blending novel that weaves together a tapestry of mystery and speculative fiction, set in an alternate universe where the golden age of Hollywood intersects with space exploration. The story revolves around Severin Unck, a documentary filmmaker and the daughter of a movie mogul, who disappears while investigating the strange happenings on the distant planet of Venus. Her vanishing act leads to a labyrinthine journey through a solar system alive with silent film stars, space whales, and other bizarre wonders, as characters attempt to piece together the puzzle of her disappearance through films, scripts, and interviews. The narrative explores themes of storytelling, the nature of reality, and the impact of cinema, all while challenging the traditional structure of a novel with its unique, non-linear approach.

  17. 1542. Sorcerer To The Crown by Zen Cho

    In a vivid reimagining of Regency England filled with magical intrigue, the story centers on the nation's first African Sorcerer Royal. He faces prejudice and a dwindling supply of magic in society. Amidst political machinations and societal expectations, he encounters a talented female magician whose abilities challenge the era's restrictive norms. As they navigate conspiracies and unearth secrets of the magical realm, they must also confront their own complicated relationship with power and identity, all while striving to revive England’s magic and reshape the very nature of sorcery in their world.

  18. 1543. The Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton

    Set in a society that strives to recreate the philosophical and communal ideals of Plato's Republic, "The Philosopher Kings" follows the lives of the inhabitants of this experimental city-state twenty years after its founding. The narrative centers around the political and personal upheavals that ensue after the death of one of the community's leaders, leading to a quest for vengeance and a journey across the sea. This odyssey confronts the characters with pirates, new societies, and divine encounters, all the while challenging their convictions and the practicality of their pursuit of the ideal. The story is a blend of speculative fiction and philosophical exploration, examining the complexities of human nature, governance, and the pursuit of knowledge and justice.

  19. 1544. The Just City by Jo Walton

    In this philosophical science fiction novel, the story revolves around the goddess Athena's ambitious experiment: to create a city based on the principles of Plato's Republic. With the help of time-travel and robots, she gathers scholars and thinkers from across history, as well as children to be educated as "philosopher kings," to populate the city. The narrative explores the complexities of implementing Plato's ideas in practice, examining issues of consent, the nature of excellence, and the pursuit of the greater good. As the experiment unfolds, the characters struggle with the challenges of realizing a theoretically just society and the ethical dilemmas that arise from their pursuit of an idealized vision of justice.

  20. 1545. The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

    The book is a gripping fantasy novel centered around Baru Cormorant, a young woman from a colonized island who is thrust into the heart of the empire that conquered her home. With her family torn apart by the empire's influence, Baru becomes an agent within the imperial bureaucracy, driven by a deep-seated desire to dismantle the colonial system from within. As she climbs the ranks, she must navigate treacherous political waters, conceal her true intentions, and make devastating sacrifices. Her journey is one of strategic brilliance, emotional turmoil, and the complex interplay between power, identity, and resistance, as she becomes entangled in a web of rebellion and deceit, questioning the price of her own soul in the quest for justice.

  21. 1546. Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire

    In a narrative that blends fantasy with a touch of the macabre, the story unfolds in a boarding school for children who have returned from magical worlds where they felt they truly belonged. These wayward souls struggle to adapt to their mundane lives, yearning to find their way back to the fantastical realms from which they were expelled. The protagonist, a girl who once wandered a land of the dead, must navigate the complex dynamics of her fellow students while the school becomes the setting of a mysterious and sinister series of events. As she delves into the investigation, the school's purpose and the students' stories intertwine, revealing the painful reality that not all doors to magical worlds can or should be reopened.

  22. 1547. The Paper Menagerie And Other Stories by Ken Liu

    The collection is an assemblage of speculative fiction stories that explore the nuances of identity, culture, and humanity through a blend of magical realism, science fiction, and fantasy. Each tale delves into complex themes such as the immigrant experience, the intersection of technology and society, and the struggles of individuality versus community expectations. The narratives are woven with a rich tapestry of emotional depth, often drawing from East Asian mythology and history, while also pushing the boundaries of genre to consider the future implications of current human behaviors and innovations. The anthology is celebrated for its lyrical prose and its ability to evoke both introspection and a profound empathy for its varied characters.

  23. 1548. A Gathering Of Shadows by V. E. Schwab

    In this fantasy sequel, the story continues to follow the adventures of Kell, an Antari magician who can travel between parallel Londons, and Lila Bard, a daring thief who has seized a chance to escape her grey life for a more colorful one. As Red London prepares for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic—a dark force is growing, threatening to engulf all the Londons in darkness. Meanwhile, Lila and Kell must navigate their evolving relationship and the dangers that come with it, as they grapple with their identities and the consequences of their actions in a world where peril and magic intertwine.

  24. 1549. City Of Blades by Robert Jackson Bennett

    In this dark and gripping fantasy sequel, a retired general is called back into service to investigate the disappearance of a government agent in a city that was once the heart of a magical civilization. The city, now ruins from a devastating war, holds a dangerous secret that could change the world—a miraculous technology that once powered an entire civilization, now sought by various factions for their own purposes. As the general delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters old adversaries and unearthly forces, and he must confront his own demons and the cost of his past actions while trying to prevent a cataclysm that could once again engulf the world in conflict.

  25. 1550. Necessity by Jo Walton

    "Necessity" is the third book in a philosophical science fiction series that follows the residents of a distant planet created by the goddess Athena to experiment with Plato's ideal society. The story takes place generations after the founding of the city, where gods, humans, and sentient robots coexist. The narrative explores complex themes such as the nature of choice, the existence of gods, and the development of societies. When the planet faces a potential existential threat, its inhabitants must grapple with their destiny and the implications of their existence within a universe where the lines between myth and reality are blurred.

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