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 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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  1. 1626. Little Darlings by Melanie Golding

    This psychological thriller delves into the fragile reality of Lauren Tranter, a new mother to twins, who is convinced that her babies are in danger from a supernatural entity intent on stealing them and replacing them with changelings. After a harrowing encounter in the hospital, Lauren's fears are dismissed as the product of exhaustion and mental strain. However, when her twins disappear and are then found seemingly unharmed, Lauren's conviction only deepens, leading her into a desperate struggle to protect her children and prove her sanity. Set against a backdrop of folklore and modern-day anxieties about motherhood, the narrative weaves a chilling tale of paranoia, love, and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her children.

    The 11311th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 1627. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

    This novel weaves a mesmerizing tale of a young graduate student who discovers a mysterious book hidden in his university library, leading him on an extraordinary journey to a secret, magical underground world. Filled with pirates, painters, lovers, and thieves, the story delves into timeless tales of love, loss, and transformation. As he navigates this labyrinthine world, he encounters a series of intriguing characters and stories that intertwine with his own destiny, challenging his understanding of reality and his place within it. Rich with symbolism and deeply imaginative, the narrative explores themes of storytelling, fate, and the connections that bind us across time and space.

    The 11311th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 1628. Battle Ground by Jim Butcher

    In this thrilling installment of a popular urban fantasy series, the city of Chicago becomes the epicenter of a supernatural war. The protagonist, a wizard detective, must rally his allies, both mortal and magical, to defend the city against a formidable and ancient enemy leading an army of monsters. As the battle rages, the stakes are higher than ever, pushing the hero to the limits of his power and resolve. Loyalties are tested, and sacrifices are made, in a desperate fight not just for survival, but for the soul of the city itself. The narrative is packed with action, magic, and the series' hallmark witty dialogue, making it a gripping read from start to finish.

    The 11317th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 1629. The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher

    This novel follows a young woman who, after a personal upheaval, moves in with her uncle to help run his quirky museum of oddities. When she discovers a mysterious hole in the museum's wall, it leads her into a series of surreal, alternate realities filled with terrifying creatures and endless, hollow spaces. Teaming up with a fellow traveler, she embarks on a harrowing journey to find her way back home, facing not just the physical dangers of these other worlds but also confronting her deepest fears and insecurities. The narrative weaves a tale of adventure, horror, and self-discovery, as the protagonist learns the true meaning of courage and resilience in the face of the unknown.

    The 11317th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 1630. The Icarus Plot by Timothy Zahn

    In "The Icarus Plot," readers are plunged into a thrilling science fiction narrative that explores the complexities of human ambition, technological advancement, and the quest for freedom. The story follows a group of colonists on a distant planet who discover that their entire society is part of an elaborate experiment orchestrated by Earth's government. As they uncover the truth about their existence and the artificial limitations placed upon them, they must navigate a dangerous path toward autonomy, challenging their creators and risking everything for the sake of their own evolution and independence. This gripping tale weaves together themes of rebellion, ethics, and the human spirit's indomitable will to transcend constraints.

    The 11324th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 1631. A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

    In "A House With Good Bones," readers are plunged into a gripping tale of suspense and horror that revolves around Sam Montgomery, who returns to her childhood home only to confront unsettling family secrets and a sinister presence lurking within. As Sam delves deeper into her family's past, she uncovers dark truths that challenge her understanding of her mother's eccentric behavior and her own identity. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary house that harbors malevolent forces, this story masterfully blends elements of psychological horror with the complexities of familial relationships, leading to a chilling conclusion that questions the very nature of home and heritage.

    The 11327th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 1632. Witch King by Martha Wells

    In "The Witch King," readers are plunged into a captivating fantasy world where an ancient and powerful witch king, long thought to be a myth, is discovered to be very much alive. The narrative follows a group of characters, each with their own motives and secrets, as they navigate political intrigue, dark magic, and their own personal demons in an attempt to understand and possibly control the witch king's formidable powers. As alliances form and betrayals surface, the characters must confront the reality that the fate of their world hangs in the balance, challenging their beliefs and forcing them to question what they truly desire. This novel weaves together elements of magic, mystery, and adventure, creating a richly detailed and immersive experience for readers.

    The 11327th 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