The Greatest Icelandic, New Zealand "Fiction" Books Since 2000

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Icelandic

New Zealand

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. Jar City by Arnaldur Indriðason

    In this gripping Icelandic crime novel, a seasoned detective investigates the murder of an elderly man, only to uncover a web of long-buried secrets. As the detective delves deeper into the case, he discovers a connection to a decades-old unsolved rape, a mysterious genetic condition, and a hidden "jar city" of preserved human tissue samples. The investigation challenges the detective to confront ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic privacy and the ghosts of the past, while navigating the complexities of his own personal life. The novel intertwines a compelling mystery with the stark atmosphere of Iceland, creating a dark and thought-provoking narrative that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

    The 5468th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Dogside Story by Patricia Grace

    "Dogside Story" is set in a coastal Maori community in New Zealand, where the residents grapple with issues of tradition, identity, and change. The narrative revolves around the tensions between the local community and external forces, including government authorities and developers. Central to the story is the protagonist's struggle to uphold his family's honor while navigating the challenges of modern life and maintaining cultural heritage. The novel explores themes of kinship, community resilience, and the impact of colonization, providing a rich portrayal of Maori life and the complexities of maintaining ancestral connections in a changing world.

    The 6464th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Silence Of The Grave by Arnaldur Indriðason

    In this gripping crime novel, a skeleton is discovered half-buried in a construction site on the outskirts of Reykjavik, leading Detective Erlendur and his team on a haunting journey into Iceland's past. As they dig deeper, the investigation intertwines with a decades-old mystery involving domestic violence, unresolved family secrets, and the enduring impact of war. The narrative masterfully weaves between the present investigation and the tragic events of the past, revealing the silent horrors that lie buried in human lives. Through its intricate plot and deep exploration of its characters' inner lives, the story not only uncovers the truth behind the bones but also reflects on the nature of violence, memory, and redemption.

    The 6718th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Strange Shores by Arnaldur Indriðason

    In this gripping installment of a popular Nordic noir series, the protagonist, a deeply introspective detective, embarks on a personal journey that intertwines with an official investigation into a decades-old case. Set against the haunting and desolate backdrop of Iceland's landscape, the detective delves into the mysterious disappearance of a woman during a snowstorm, a case that has remained unsolved and has personal significance to him. As he uncovers long-buried secrets and confronts his own demons, the narrative explores themes of loss, redemption, and the inescapable nature of the past. The detective's quest for truth leads to a poignant and unexpected resolution, making this story a compelling blend of human emotion and suspenseful mystery.

    The 9529th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Silence Of The Sea by Yrsa Sigurdardottir

    This gripping novel delves into the mysterious disappearance of a luxury yacht that arrives in Reykjavik harbor with no one on board. The story intertwines the investigation led by lawyer Thóra Gudmundsdóttir with the harrowing journey of the missing family at sea, revealing a chilling tale of secrets, survival, and sinister forces at play. As Thóra digs deeper into the yacht's voyage and the family's past, she uncovers a web of deceit that challenges her understanding of justice and morality, leading to a suspenseful and haunting conclusion.

    The 9670th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Chimes by Anna Smaill

    Set in a dystopian future where the written word is forbidden and memories are washed away by the melodic power of the Chimes, the novel follows a young man with a unique gift for remembering the past. He joins a group of memory keepers who are fighting against the oppressive order that controls society through music. As he embarks on a journey filled with danger and discovery, he uncovers the truth about his own past and the potential to change the future. The narrative weaves a tale of resistance, the importance of memory, and the power of music to both dominate and liberate.

    The 10236th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Harrow The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

    In this darkly imaginative and complex sequel, the protagonist, a necromancer with unmatched powers, confronts the aftermath of an epic space battle and the loss of her mentor. Now, she must navigate the treacherous politics of an immortal empire as its empress's right hand. While grappling with unreliable memories and a mind that seems to be unraveling, she faces internal and external threats, including potential madness and a lingering, enigmatic enemy. As she trains in the arcane arts of the dead, she must solve the mysteries of her past and the riddles of her present to protect the future of her world.

    The 11253rd 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