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.
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
- 11-20: The Elite Guard: Fantasy Books That Could Have Been In The Top #10
- 21-50: The Powerhouse Tier: 30 Fantasy Classics Every Reader Knows
- 51-75: The Next Quests: Unearthing Fantasy's Hidden Gems
- 76-100: The Wildcard Picks: 25 Genre-Bending Fantasy Gems
1-10: The Apex / The Undisputed Titans
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ancient gods live! A spectacular, magical American road trip exploring faith and forgotten power.
11-20: The Elite Guard: Fantasy Books That Could Have Been In The Top #10
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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19. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
A beautifully written, heartbreaking epic about memory, identity, and reclaiming a magically forgotten nation.
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20. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett
An angel and a demon, too fond of Earth, hilariously try to stop the Antichrist.
21-50: The Powerhouse Tier: 30 Fantasy Classics Every Reader Knows
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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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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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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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24. Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake
A magnificent, decaying castle and its inhabitants. Hauntingly beautiful, unique, and deeply atmospheric fantasy.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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44. Vicious by VE Schwab
A brilliant, sharp, and morally gray superhero deconstruction featuring compelling antiheroes and fantastic powers.
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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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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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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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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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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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50. Sabriel by Garth Nix
Fantastic entry into necromancy fantasy; a compelling journey into the Old Kingdom with memorable bells and duty.
51-75: The Next Quests: Unearthing Fantasy's Hidden Gems
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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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52. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
A darker, cynical take on Narnia; magic school meets real-world messy, complex adulthood.
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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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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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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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56. The Black Company by Glen Cook
Gritty, military fantasy told from the dark, cynical viewpoint of mercenaries; revolutionary stuff.
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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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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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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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60. Duncton Wood by William Horwood
A heartfelt, poignant saga of moles fighting for peace and faith; beautiful animal fantasy.
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61. Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan
Haunting, visceral, and richly dark fairy tale retelling; intense and unforgettable prose.
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62. Palimpsest by Catherynne M Valente
Surreal, poetic journey into a dream-like, sexually charged secret city accessed via tattooing.
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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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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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65. Weaveworld by Clive Barker
Wildly imaginative, grotesque, and epic horror-fantasy; a journey into a hidden, living tapestry.
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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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67. Dawnthief by James Barclay
Fast-paced, action-packed adventure featuring tough, flawed heroes facing devastating ancient magic.
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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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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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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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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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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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73. Kraken by China Mieville
Bizarre, brilliant urban fantasy about a stolen giant squid and London's surreal underworld.
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74. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
Groundbreaking space opera exploring consciousness and gender; highly intelligent and immersive sci-fi.
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75. The Steerswoman by Rosemary Kirstein
A fascinating journey of discovery driven by curiosity, merging fantasy with scientific method.
76-100: The Wildcard Picks: 25 Genre-Bending Fantasy Gems
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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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77. Dune by Frank Herbert
Epic, profound space opera. Its complex ecology and politics established genre standards. Essential classic.
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78. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
Sprawling, intricate narrative connecting lives across time and reality. Beautifully written, deeply ambitious.
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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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80. Circe by Madeline Miller
Lyrical and deeply moving retelling of a misunderstood goddess. Powerful, human, utterly enchanting.
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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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82. Swan Song by Robert McCammon
Post-apocalyptic tale of good versus evil and desperate survival. Sweeping, emotional, incredibly gripping.
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83. The Stand by Stephen King
A monumental, terrifying vision of civilization's collapse and rebirth. Massive scope, unforgettable characters.
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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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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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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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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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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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89. Engine Summer by John Crowley
Meditative, beautiful post-apocalyptic journey of a curious wanderer. Subtle, poetic, absolutely mesmerising.
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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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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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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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93. Babel by R. F. Kuang
A powerful, devastating exploration of colonialism and language. Brilliant academic dark fantasy; essential reading.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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100. Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman
A terrifying medieval horror novel with unexpected heart. Dark, gripping, and surprisingly emotional apocalypse story.