The 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time: The Definitive Ranking

Are you ready to discover your next epic obsession? Fantasy is the genre of limitless possibility, but with thousands of titles available, finding the true masterpieces can be a quest in itself. That's why we’ve undertaken the monumental task of compiling the Top 100 Fantasy Books—a meticulous, definitive ranking of the greatest fantasy novels of all time.

This isn't just a list; it's the culmination of expert opinions, historical impact, and pure reader devotion, crafted specifically to guide you to the pinnacle of imaginative storytelling. Whether you're searching for the foundational pillars of the genre, the grand adventures of epic fantasy, or the modern intrigue of urban fantasy, every entry here is a guaranteed must-read fantasy book.

Dive in to explore the giants who built the genre (like Tolkien and Le Guin) alongside the contemporary masters dominating the bestseller lists. Your journey to the best fantasy books starts now. Scroll down, find your current favorite, and perhaps discover the legendary title you never knew you were missing!

1-10: The Apex / The Undisputed Titans

  1. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien book cover
    1. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
    The definitive fantasy masterpiece! An astonishing, world-changing epic of fellowship, courage, and breathtaking literary magic.
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  2. A Game Of Thrones by George R. R. Martin book cover
    2. A Game Of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
    Dragons, deceit, and destiny! A political masterpiece and fantasy epic that will consume your entire life.
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  3. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss book cover
    3. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
    This is an absolutely stunning, lyrical masterpiece of magic, music, and utterly unforgettable, thrilling adventure.
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  4. The Earthsea Quartet by Ursula Le Guin book cover
    4. The Earthsea Quartet by Ursula Le Guin
    A literary masterpiece exploring balance, responsibility, and self-acceptance through Ged's essential coming-of-age journey.
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  5. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke book cover
    5. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
    Magic returns to England with wit, scholarship, and dazzling, immersive scope. A triumph of imagination!
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  6. The Colour Of Magic by Terry Pratchett book cover
    6. The Colour Of Magic by Terry Pratchett
    Terry Pratchett's hilarious, chaotic, and wonderfully imaginative fantasy debut! A magnificent, absurd adventure.
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  7. Assassin\'s Apprentice by Robin Hobb book cover
    7. Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
    A stunning, character-driven journey into pain and purpose. Essential, intimate, and unforgettable fantasy.
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  8. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin book cover
    8. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
    A stunning, tectonic world of broken civilizations and immense power. Groundbreaking, essential science fantasy.
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  9. Gardens Of The Moon by Steven Erikson book cover
    9. Gardens Of The Moon by Steven Erikson
    A massive, stunning fantasy epic. Gods, empires, and gritty marines collide in brilliant, unforgettable chaos.
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  10. American Gods by Neil Gaiman book cover
    10. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
    Ancient gods live! A spectacular, magical American road trip exploring faith and forgotten power.
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11-20: The Elite Guard: Fantasy Books That Could Have Been In The Top #10

  1. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch book cover
    11. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
    This thrilling, witty fantasy follows Locke Lamora, a genius con artist, and his unforgettable band of brothers.
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  2. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville book cover
    12. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
    Mieville's staggering New Weird epic is a masterpiece of grotesque imagination and spectacular invention.
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  3. The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson book cover
    13. The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
    Brilliant world-building and epic revolution! A masterclass in heist fantasy with the most innovative, metallic magic.
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  4. The Once And Future King by T. H. White book cover
    14. The Once And Future King by T. H. White
    T. H. White's luminous prose transforms folklore into a witty, character-driven, deeply human masterpiece.
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  5. The Gunslinger by Stephen King book cover
    15. The Gunslinger by Stephen King
    A desperate, mythic quest begins; hunting destiny across a stunningly desolate parallel universe. Essential reading.
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  6. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan book cover
    16. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
    A necessary, beautiful journey beginning an epic, deeply-rooted quest for the light against ancient shadow.
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  7. Lord Foul\'s Bane by Stephen Donaldson book cover
    17. Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen Donaldson
    An anti-hero's denial of a magical parallel world explores profound psychological dislocation and denial.
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  8. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie book cover
    18. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
    Brutal, cynical, and hilarious. Three broken anti-heroes navigate a relentlessly grim fantasy world.
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  9. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay book cover
    19. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
    A beautifully written, heartbreaking epic about memory, identity, and reclaiming a magically forgotten nation.
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  10. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett book cover
    20. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett
    An angel and a demon, too fond of Earth, hilariously try to stop the Antichrist.
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21-50: The Powerhouse Tier: 30 Fantasy Classics Every Reader Knows

  1. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien book cover
    21. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
    A cosy hobbit joins eccentric dwarves on a perilous quest to reclaim dragon-guarded treasure.
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  2. The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis book cover
    22. The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
    Four siblings step through a wardrobe and fulfill their destined identities in a magical, frozen world.
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  3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher\'s Stone by J. K. Rowling book cover
    23. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling
    A thrilling, whimsical journey where friendship, magic, and destiny bloom within enchanted halls.
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  4. Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake book cover
    24. Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake
    A magnificent, decaying castle and its inhabitants. Hauntingly beautiful, unique, and deeply atmospheric fantasy.
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  5. Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings book cover
    25. Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings
    This quest provides necessary moral clarity, mapping out a vast political geography with commendable historical scope.
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  6. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman book cover
    26. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
    Pullman masterfully uses the externalized soul to create a philosophically rich, identity-exploring parallel world.
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  7. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman book cover
    27. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
    A wonderfully imagined, gritty, subterranean London adventure that is intoxicating, full of mythology and compelling magic.
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  8. Magician by Raymond E. Feist book cover
    28. Magician by Raymond E. Feist
    A grand, multi-world conflict built on satisfying political lore and the expansive clash of different cultures.
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  9. The Princess Bride by William Goldman book cover
    29. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
    This is a delightful, morally clear fairytale, perfectly executed with wit and genuine, enduring emotion.
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  10. The Last Unicorn by Peter S Beagle book cover
    30. The Last Unicorn by Peter S Beagle
    This is a timeless, elegiac fable, profoundly moving and steeped in the Moral Purpose of enduring sacrifice.
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  11. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson book cover
    31. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
    Monumental scope, intricate political history, and a rigorously detailed, world-shaping system of moral purpose.
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  12. Watership Down by Richard Adams book cover
    32. Watership Down by Richard Adams
    Watership Down is a profound, epic adventure of courage, leadership, and the primal struggle for freedom.
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  13. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin book cover
    33. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin
    Politically complex fantasy with compelling gods and a deeply satisfying, surprising protagonist journey.
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  14. Alice\'s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll book cover
    34. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
    A delightfully nonsensical journey through a world of witty wordplay and unforgettable, madcap characters.
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  15. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey book cover
    35. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
    Pern's incredible bond between humans and dragons is beautifully told; a classic of sci-fi fantasy.
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  16. The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams book cover
    36. The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams
    Epic scope and world-building that is foundational to modern fantasy; richly detailed and rewarding.
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  17. The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks book cover
    37. The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
    Classic high fantasy adventure, great for readers seeking quests, magic, and battles against dark forces.
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  18. The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks book cover
    38. The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
    Gritty, fast-paced tale of an assassin's apprenticeship in a dark city's dangerous, thrilling underbelly.
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  19. Legend by David Gemmell book cover
    39. Legend by David Gemmell
    A timeless, visceral story of courage, sacrifice, and the unwavering defense of home against overwhelming odds.
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  20. The Poppy War by R F Kuang book cover
    40. The Poppy War by R F Kuang
    Brutal, unflinching military fantasy exploring the devastating cost of war, power, and ambition.
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  21. The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay book cover
    41. The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay
    Stunningly lyrical, high fantasy woven with beautiful prose and profound, unforgettable emotional depth.
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  22. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch book cover
    42. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
    A witty, modern urban fantasy procedural where London bobbies deal with magic and supernatural crime.
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  23. The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper book cover
    43. The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper
    Timeless middle-grade fantasy; a truly magical and atmospheric tale of light versus ancient darkness.
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  24. Vicious by VE Schwab book cover
    44. Vicious by VE Schwab
    A brilliant, sharp, and morally gray superhero deconstruction featuring compelling antiheroes and fantastic powers.
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  25. The City and the City by China Mieville book cover
    45. The City and the City by China Mieville
    A uniquely clever, surreal, and unforgettable urban fantasy where two cities occupy the same space.
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  26. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison book cover
    46. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
    A gentle, heartwarming story of a half-goblin emperor navigating court politics with kindness and grace.
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  27. Jade City by Fonda Lee book cover
    47. Jade City by Fonda Lee
    A mesmerizing blend of magic, martial arts, and organized crime in a fantastic, vibrant, detailed world.
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  28. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia McKillip book cover
    48. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia McKillip
    Elegant, magical prose tells a deeply enchanting tale of solitude, power, and unexpected love.
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  29. The Sudden Appearance of Hope by Claire North book cover
    49. The Sudden Appearance of Hope by Claire North
    A beautifully written, bittersweet exploration of a woman who is instantly forgotten by everyone she meets.
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  30. Sabriel by Garth Nix book cover
    50. Sabriel by Garth Nix
    Fantastic entry into necromancy fantasy; a compelling journey into the Old Kingdom with memorable bells and duty.
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51-75: The Next Quests: Unearthing Fantasy's Hidden Gems

  1. Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay book cover
    51. Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay
    Stunningly beautiful historical fantasy; deeply emotional story of duty, art, and empire's cost.
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  2. The Magicians by Lev Grossman book cover
    52. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
    A darker, cynical take on Narnia; magic school meets real-world messy, complex adulthood.
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  3. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey book cover
    53. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
    Intricate world-building and politically charged romance; a compelling, unique hero serving the Light.
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  4. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern book cover
    54. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
    Enchanting, atmospheric prose weaves a magical, secretive love story under a black and white canvas.
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  5. The Golem and the Djinni by Helene Wecker book cover
    55. The Golem and the Djinni by Helene Wecker
    A charming, reflective tale of two mythical beings navigating 19th-century New York.
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  6. The Black Company by Glen Cook book cover
    56. The Black Company by Glen Cook
    Gritty, military fantasy told from the dark, cynical viewpoint of mercenaries; revolutionary stuff.
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  7. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon book cover
    57. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
    Epic, sweeping scope with queens, dragons, and world-saving stakes; a vibrant fantasy tapestry.
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  8. The 10,000 Doors of January by Alix E Harrow book cover
    58. The 10,000 Doors of January by Alix E Harrow
    A lyrical, heartfelt adventure about secret doors, the power of words, and finding belonging.
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  9. Some Kind of Fairy Tale by Graham Joyce book cover
    59. Some Kind of Fairy Tale by Graham Joyce
    Subtle, realistic fantasy exploring the lasting, disorienting effects of time spent in Faerie.
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  10. Duncton Wood by William Horwood book cover
    60. Duncton Wood by William Horwood
    A heartfelt, poignant saga of moles fighting for peace and faith; beautiful animal fantasy.
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  11. Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan book cover
    61. Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan
    Haunting, visceral, and richly dark fairy tale retelling; intense and unforgettable prose.
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  12. Palimpsest by Catherynne M Valente book cover
    62. Palimpsest by Catherynne M Valente
    Surreal, poetic journey into a dream-like, sexually charged secret city accessed via tattooing.
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  13. The Moon and the Sun by Vonda N McIntyre book cover
    63. The Moon and the Sun by Vonda N McIntyre
    Fascinating court intrigue meets merfolk discovery; a lovely blend of history and fantasy.
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  14. Alif the Unseen by G Willow Wilson book cover
    64. Alif the Unseen by G Willow Wilson
    A brilliant modern fable blending technology and djinn; funny, smart, and culturally rich.
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  15. Weaveworld by Clive Barker book cover
    65. Weaveworld by Clive Barker
    Wildly imaginative, grotesque, and epic horror-fantasy; a journey into a hidden, living tapestry.
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  16. The Heir of Night by Helen Lowe book cover
    66. The Heir of Night by Helen Lowe
    Classic high fantasy with a strong sense of destiny, great characters, and a fascinating culture.
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  17. Dawnthief by James Barclay book cover
    67. Dawnthief by James Barclay
    Fast-paced, action-packed adventure featuring tough, flawed heroes facing devastating ancient magic.
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  18. The Sum of All Men by David Farland book cover
    68. The Sum of All Men by David Farland
    An imaginative world of "runelords" and sacrifices; dark, epic fantasy with high stakes.
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  19. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden book cover
    69. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
    A gorgeously atmospheric, Russian-inspired fairy tale about faith, folklore, and winter.
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  20. Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell book cover
    70. Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
    Wacky, creative world of floating rock and airships; fun, inventive, visually fantastic adventures.
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  21. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier book cover
    71. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
    A beautiful, emotional retelling of the Six Swans with rich Celtic mythology and deep devotion.
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  22. The Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz book cover
    72. The Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
    A clever, meta-mystery perfect for book lovers; a brilliant twist on the classic whodunit.
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  23. Kraken by China Mieville book cover
    73. Kraken by China Mieville
    Bizarre, brilliant urban fantasy about a stolen giant squid and London's surreal underworld.
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  24. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie book cover
    74. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
    Groundbreaking space opera exploring consciousness and gender; highly intelligent and immersive sci-fi.
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  25. The Steerswoman by Rosemary Kirstein book cover
    75. The Steerswoman by Rosemary Kirstein
    A fascinating journey of discovery driven by curiosity, merging fantasy with scientific method.
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76-100: The Wildcard Picks: 25 Genre-Bending Fantasy Gems

  1. The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolf book cover
    76. The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolf
    Incredible world-building and prose. A must-read for deep, challenging, philosophical fantasy.
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  2. Dune by Frank Herbert book cover
    77. Dune by Frank Herbert
    Epic, profound space opera. Its complex ecology and politics established genre standards. Essential classic.
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  3. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell book cover
    78. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
    Sprawling, intricate narrative connecting lives across time and reality. Beautifully written, deeply ambitious.
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  4. The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross book cover
    79. The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross
    The Atrocity Archives is a brilliant, hilarious blend of Lovecraftian horror, bureaucratic espionage, and spy thriller.
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  5. Circe by Madeline Miller book cover
    80. Circe by Madeline Miller
    Lyrical and deeply moving retelling of a misunderstood goddess. Powerful, human, utterly enchanting.
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  6. Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence book cover
    81. Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
    A grim, brutal, and compelling anti-hero journey. Sharp writing; dark fantasy at its most uncompromising.
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  7. Swan Song by Robert McCammon book cover
    82. Swan Song by Robert McCammon
    Post-apocalyptic tale of good versus evil and desperate survival. Sweeping, emotional, incredibly gripping.
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  8. The Stand by Stephen King book cover
    83. The Stand by Stephen King
    A monumental, terrifying vision of civilization's collapse and rebirth. Massive scope, unforgettable characters.
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  9. The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie book cover
    84. The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie
    A unique, brilliant fantasy told from the perspective of a powerful god. Innovative structure, clever world.
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  10. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo book cover
    85. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
    Dark, compelling secret society mystery set at Yale. Magic, ghosts, and excellent pacing make it thrilling.
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  11. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak book cover
    86. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
    A heartbreaking story narrated by Death. Profoundly moving and beautifully told; a unique literary experience.
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  12. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir book cover
    87. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
    Necromancers in space! Wildly original, hilarious, and deeply emotional. A brilliant, unique dark fantasy.
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  13. Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett book cover
    88. Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett
    Incredible magic system built on writing commands. Fast-paced, clever heist story with great character depth.
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  14. Engine Summer by John Crowley book cover
    89. Engine Summer by John Crowley
    Meditative, beautiful post-apocalyptic journey of a curious wanderer. Subtle, poetic, absolutely mesmerising.
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  15. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri book cover
    90. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
    A compelling tale of two women fighting for power and freedom. Excellent political intrigue and magic.
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  16. Storm Front by Jim Butcher book cover
    91. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
    Fast-paced urban fantasy introducing the witty wizard Harry Dresden. Great action and smart mysteries.
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  17. A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab book cover
    92. A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
    Travel between four different Londons. Imaginative, vibrant, and incredibly fun; a brilliant adventure series start.
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  18. Babel by R. F. Kuang book cover
    93. Babel by R. F. Kuang
    A powerful, devastating exploration of colonialism and language. Brilliant academic dark fantasy; essential reading.
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  19. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke book cover
    94. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
    A serene, mysterious labyrinth filled with statues and the sea. Quietly profound and beautifully realized; highly unique.
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  20. The Shadow Year by Jeffrey Ford book cover
    95. The Shadow Year by Jeffrey Ford
    A strange, beautiful exploration of childhood secrets and creativity. Literary fantasy that is deeply imaginative.
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  21. The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers book cover
    96. The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
    A heartwarming space adventure focused on friendship and found family. Gentle, uplifting, wonderfully character-driven.
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  22. Red Rising by Pierce Brown book cover
    97. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
    Intense, brutal, Roman-inspired science fiction. Excellent action and political manoeuvring; a truly addictive read.
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  23. The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett book cover
    98. The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
    A fascinating detective story set in a world of bizarre biology. Clever world-building meets gripping mystery.
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  24. Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky book cover
    99. Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
    The source of Stalker's Zone. Atmospheric, strange, and deeply influential science fiction masterpiece.
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  25. Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman book cover
    100. Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman
    A terrifying medieval horror novel with unexpected heart. Dark, gripping, and surprisingly emotional apocalypse story.
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