The Greatest "Speculative Fiction, Time travel" Books of All Time

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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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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.

Time travel

The category of "Time travel" books typically involves stories where characters travel through time, either intentionally or accidentally, to different eras or periods in history. These books often explore the consequences of altering the past or future, and the challenges and dangers that come with navigating different time periods. Time travel books can span a variety of genres, including science fiction, historical fiction, romance, and adventure, and offer readers a unique perspective on the possibilities and complexities of time travel.

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  1. 26. Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle

    In the novel, two teenage brothers accidentally travel back in time to the era just before the biblical flood. Stranded in a pre-deluvian world filled with seraphim, nephilim, and other mystical beings, they find themselves embroiled in the lives and struggles of the people of that time. As they search for a way back to their own time, they encounter love, temptation, and the impending catastrophe of the great flood, learning valuable lessons about responsibility and the complexity of human nature along the way.

    The 6648th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Thief Of Time by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the concept of time is personified and at risk as a young clockmaker is tricked into creating a time-stopping clock, which could bring about the end of the world. Meanwhile, the history monks, guardians of time, along with the anthropomorphic personification of Death and his granddaughter, work to prevent this temporal catastrophe. The narrative weaves through multiple storylines filled with quirky characters, including a martial arts monk with a talent for baking, as they confront the nature of time, the importance of living in the moment, and the challenge of managing an increasingly unstable reality. The book combines humor, philosophy, and a richly detailed world to explore the complexities of time and human existence.

    The 6997th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons

    In this sequel to a science fiction saga, the story continues as a group of pilgrims trapped on the planet Hyperion face the looming threat of the Time Tombs, which are traveling backward through time. Meanwhile, the interstellar Hegemony they once belonged to is on the brink of war with the Ousters, a group of spacefaring barbarians. As the complex political machinations unfold, the pilgrims' personal tales intertwine with the fate of the universe, revealing their connections to the mysterious Shrike—a creature that may hold the key to humanity's salvation or its ultimate destruction. The narrative weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, exploring themes of memory, destiny, and the nature of intelligence.

    The 7017th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The End Of Eternity by Isaac Asimov

    "The End of Eternity" is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores the concept of time travel and its consequences. Set in a future where a secretive organization called Eternity monitors and manipulates time to prevent catastrophic events, the story follows Andrew Harlan, a "Technician" tasked with altering the past to shape a more desirable future. However, when Harlan falls in love with a woman from the past, he begins to question the morality and ethics of his actions, ultimately leading to a mind-bending revelation about the true nature of Eternity.

    The 7929th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Door Into Summer by Robert A. Heinlein

    In this science fiction novel, a talented engineer named Dan Davis finds himself betrayed by his business partner and girlfriend. Disillusioned and heartbroken, he decides to enter suspended animation until the year 2000. However, when he wakes up, he discovers that it is only 30 years later and the world has drastically changed. Determined to seek justice and reclaim his life, Dan embarks on a thrilling journey through time, encountering advanced technology, unexpected allies, and the possibility of finding love again.

    The 7934th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon

    The book is the second installment in a historical fiction series that weaves together romance, science fiction, and adventure. It continues the story of a 20th-century Englishwoman who has time-traveled to 18th-century Scotland and fallen in love with a dashing Highland warrior. As the Jacobite rebellion leads to the fateful Battle of Culloden, the couple faces the threat of being torn apart by the tumultuous events of history. Interwoven with their past is the present-day narrative of their daughter, who discovers her parents' remarkable story and the truth of her own origins. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of the past on the present.

    The 8318th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis

    In this comedic science fiction novel, a time-traveling historian is sent back to Victorian England to recover a missing artifact and correct a temporal anomaly that threatens to alter history. Amidst the chaos of trying to adhere to the peculiarities of the era, he must also deal with an eccentric cast of characters, including a lovable but troublesome bulldog. As he navigates the complexities of time travel and the nuances of historical events, the protagonist finds himself entangled in a series of humorous misadventures that challenge the very rules of time and space, all while trying to ensure the past remains intact.

    The 8450th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Many Coloured Land by Julian May

    In a future where time travel is possible, a group of misfits from different eras are recruited to journey back to prehistoric Earth. As they navigate the dangers of this ancient world, they discover that they possess unique psychic abilities. With conflicts arising among themselves and encounters with other time-traveling factions, they must learn to harness their powers and survive the perils of the past. This captivating science fiction novel explores themes of identity, adventure, and the complexities of human relationships.

    The 8568th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Oh Pure And Radiant Heart by Lydia Millet

    In "Oh Pure and Radiant Heart," three scientists responsible for the development of the atomic bomb—Oppenheimer, Fermi, and Szilard—mysteriously appear in the 21st century. Unaware of how they got there, they confront a world shaped by the very technology they helped create. As they grapple with their feelings of guilt and responsibility, they become involved with a librarian and her husband, embarking on a journey that takes them across the United States. The narrative weaves together the past and the present, exploring the impact of nuclear weapons on humanity and the scientists' quest for redemption in a world on the brink of forgetting the horrors of the past.

    The 8682nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. 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.

    The 8942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

    In a parallel 1985 where literature is taken to extremes, a literary detective named Thursday Next navigates a world where the boundaries between reality and fiction are blurred. When a criminal mastermind begins kidnapping characters from classic novels, Thursday must enter the pages of Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" to pursue the villain and restore the beloved story to its rightful course. Her journey is fraught with danger, wit, and a touch of romance, as she contends with a time-traveling father, a pet dodo, and the complexities of her own life entwined with the fictional landscapes she protects.

    The 9083rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. 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.

    The 9086th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. 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.

    The 9367th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. No Enemy But Time by Michael Bishop

    The novel is a poignant exploration of time travel and human emotion, where the protagonist, a man with the extraordinary ability to project himself mentally through time, volunteers for a government experiment and finds himself in prehistoric Africa. There, he becomes deeply entwined with a group of hominids, forming profound connections that transcend the boundaries of time. As he navigates the challenges of survival and the complexities of human and hominid interaction, the narrative delves into themes of loneliness, the essence of humanity, and the enduring impact of love and family, all while questioning the immutable nature of time and our place within its tapestry.

    The 9660th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Dancers At The End Of Time by Michael Moorcock

    Set in a far-flung, decadent future where the Earth is at the brink of its existence, the narrative unfolds in a society that has mastered time travel and harnessed the power to manipulate reality. The inhabitants, who are the last remnants of humanity, live in a state of hedonistic and aesthetic abandon, with little regard for consequences. The story centers around a love affair between a time-traveling aristocrat from this era and a 19th-century woman, whose arrival disrupts the status quo. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, they explore various epochs and grapple with the moral and philosophical dilemmas posed by their vastly different worldviews and the impending collapse of their time.

    The 9875th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Paradox Men by Charles L. Harness

    Set in a future where the United States has become a dictatorship known as the Imperial States of America, the narrative revolves around a group of rebels who possess extraordinary abilities, such as telekinesis and telepathy. The story follows Alar, a man with amnesia and a mysterious past, who becomes entangled with the Paradox Men, a band of revolutionaries intent on overthrowing the oppressive regime. As Alar's memories slowly return, he discovers his crucial role in both the past and future of humanity, involving time travel, a pivotal duel, and the fate of the world hanging in the balance. The novel combines elements of science fiction and adventure, exploring themes of power, identity, and the cyclical nature of history.

    The 9875th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Year Of The Quiet Sun by Wilson Tucker

    The novel is a science fiction tale that explores the concept of time travel and its implications on human society. Set in a near-future America, the story follows a government project that sends a team of researchers back and forth in time to gather information about the future of the nation and the world. As the team witnesses various potential timelines, they grapple with ethical dilemmas, the consequences of their knowledge, and the impact of their actions on the course of history. The narrative delves into themes of political unrest, social decay, and the responsibility that comes with foresight, all while questioning the very nature of destiny and free will.

    The 9875th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Time Patrol by Poul Anderson

    In "The Time Patrol," readers are introduced to a fascinating world where time travel has become a reality, leading to the formation of an organization dedicated to preserving history as it is known. The narrative follows the adventures of the Patrol's agents as they navigate various epochs, from ancient cities to future civilizations, to prevent temporal anomalies and ensure the integrity of the timeline. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores the complexities and ethical dilemmas of time travel, the intricacies of human history, and the unending quest to protect the past and future from those who seek to alter it for their own gain.

    The 10020th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Dreaming Dragons by Damien Broderick

    In this science fiction novel, a group of scientists embarks on a groundbreaking journey into the Dreamtime, a realm that bridges the gap between the ancient past and the far future. As they explore this mysterious dimension, they encounter an advanced race of dragon-like beings who possess profound knowledge and technology. The narrative weaves together themes of time travel, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all life, challenging the characters to confront the nature of reality and their own place within the cosmic tapestry. The story delves into the complexities of human evolution, the potential for alternate timelines, and the existential risks and rewards of encountering other intelligent life forms.

    The 10080th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. In The Garden Of Iden by Kage Baker

    Set in the 24th century, "In The Garden Of Iden" follows the story of Mendoza, a young woman who is plucked from her 16th-century Spanish life and transformed into a cyborg by the Company. Tasked with preserving rare plant species from the past, Mendoza is sent back in time to Elizabethan England. As she navigates the complexities of love, loyalty, and the ethics of time travel, Mendoza discovers the true nature of the Company and the extent of her own humanity.

    The 10082nd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Big Time by Fritz Leiber

    "The Big Time" is a science fiction novel that delves into the concept of a temporal war, where two factions, the Spiders and the Snakes, battle across history to shape the future to their design. The story unfolds in a rest-and-recreation station outside of normal time and space, known as The Place, where soldiers from different eras are recruited to fight in this endless conflict. The narrative is driven by the personal experiences and interactions of these soldiers, particularly focusing on the perspective of Greta, an entertainer at The Place, as they grapple with the implications of their existence outside of time and the moral complexities of their roles in the war. The novel explores themes of identity, causality, and the nature of conflict, all within the confines of a tightly controlled setting that challenges the very notion of reality.

    The 10138th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis

    This two-volume science fiction narrative follows a group of historians from 2060 who travel back to World War II-era England for research purposes. However, their mission goes awry when they become trapped in the past due to irregularities in the time travel system. As they navigate the dangers of the Blitz and other historical events, they must also confront the possibility that their actions could alter history. The characters grapple with the chaos of war, the intricacies of time travel, and the moral dilemmas of potentially impacting the future, all while trying to find a way back to their own time.

    The 10201st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Bid Time Return by Richard Matheson

    The novel centers around a disenchanted and lonely playwright who, while staying at a historic hotel, becomes captivated by a photograph of a beautiful stage actress from the late 19th century. Obsessively drawn to her, he discovers a way to time travel and meets the actress in the past, where they embark on a deeply passionate and bittersweet romance. As he navigates the complexities of time and love, he must confront the heart-wrenching reality that their time together may be fleeting and that their love, while timeless, faces insurmountable obstacles.

    The 10214th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Glimpses by Lewis Shiner

    "Glimpses" is a speculative fiction novel that delves into the poignant journey of a man who discovers he has the extraordinary ability to travel back in time through his intense connection to music. Struggling with personal loss and a yearning for what might have been, he uses this gift to attempt to heal the wounds of the past by seeking out legendary rock musicians and helping them complete their most famous unfinished albums. As he navigates the complexities of the past and the intricacies of the music industry, he learns profound lessons about life, loss, and the transformative power of music, ultimately finding a deeper understanding of his own reality and the missed opportunities within it.

    The 10527th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Crown of Dalemark by Diana Wynne Jones

    "The Crown of Dalemark" is the fourth and final book in the Dalemark Quartet series by Diana Wynne Jones. The story follows Maewen, a young girl who is transported from her own time to the land of Dalemark where she becomes involved in a dangerous struggle for the throne. With the help of her friends, Maewen embarks on a journey to find the missing crown of Dalemark and restore the rightful ruler to the throne. Along the way, she discovers the truth about her own past and the role she must play in the future of Dalemark. The book is a thrilling conclusion to the series, filled with magic, adventure, and unexpected twists.

    The 10527th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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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