Science Fiction Fantasy Books: Best Reads – Page 2

49

Kings of the Wyld

By Nicholas Eames

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 68,079 reviews. 4.26 · 68,079 reviews

In Kings of the Wyld, Nicholas Eames follows Clay Cooper, a retired mercenary whose legendary band has long since scattered into comfortable decline. When his former comrade arrives begging for help to save his daughter from a city surrounded by an o…

In Kings of the Wyld, Nicholas Eames follows Clay Cooper, a retired mercenary whose legendary band has long since scattered into comfortable decline. When his former comrade arrives begging for help to save his daughter from a city surrounded by an overwhelming hostile force, Clay reluctantly agrees to reunite their aging crew. The group’s trek across the monster-infested wilderness known as the Heartwyld blends epic fantasy warfare, dangerous magic, and irreverent humor, as these once-great fighters confront both external threats and their own diminished abilities. The novel balances large-scale action with character-focused storytelling, emphasizing camaraderie, middle-aged protagonists, and the cost of returning to a life of violence.

Book 1 of The Band series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Action Humor Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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50

Homeland

By R.A. Salvatore

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 100,077 reviews. 4.26 · 100,077 reviews

Homeland by R.A. Salvatore traces the early life of Drizzt Do’Urden, a dark elf born into a ruthless matriarchal house in the subterranean city of Menzoberranzan. Marked from birth for sacrifice to the spider goddess Lolth, Drizzt survives through a…

Homeland by R.A. Salvatore traces the early life of Drizzt Do’Urden, a dark elf born into a ruthless matriarchal house in the subterranean city of Menzoberranzan. Marked from birth for sacrifice to the spider goddess Lolth, Drizzt survives through a twist of fate and is pushed into rigorous training as a warrior and student at the drow Academy. As he masters swordplay and arcane tactics in this high fantasy setting, he becomes increasingly disturbed by the cruelty, political intrigue, and constant warfare that define his people’s culture. The novel follows his growing moral rebellion against an evil society, setting the stage for his transformation from loyal son and weapon in a magical underworld to an outcast determined to live by his own code.

Book 1 of The Dark Elf Trilogy series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Sword and Sorcery Rebellion Academy Male Protagonist

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51

The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station

By Fay Abernethy

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 460 reviews. 4.26 · 460 reviews

The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station by Fay Abernethy blends cozy science fiction with light fantasy as an alien-run orbital station secretly shields Earth from hostile forces. Hanna Abebe, an undocumented cleaner in London, is pulled from a li…

The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station by Fay Abernethy blends cozy science fiction with light fantasy as an alien-run orbital station secretly shields Earth from hostile forces. Hanna Abebe, an undocumented cleaner in London, is pulled from a life on the streets into a hidden training school for Shantivira fighter pilots, only to suspect betrayal among the recruits. On Dartmoor, horse rider Lucy Cooper encounters a shapeshifter who offers her a place on the same programme, while a shadowy group pressures her to spy on the station’s true intentions. Above them all, bored station captain Joe Llewellyn faces an unexpected crisis when an asteroid strike on the International Space Station forces him to reveal the existence of aliens, drawing these intertwined human and non-human loyalties into open conflict.

Book 1 of The Shantivira series

Fantasy Magic Science Fiction Cozy Shapeshifters Space Opera Aliens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Animals

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52

Battle Spire

By Michael R. Miller

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 1,341 reviews. 4.26 · 1,341 reviews

Battle Spire by Michael R. Miller blends virtual reality fantasy with high-stakes science fiction. Jack Kross logs into a massively popular VR role-playing game and finds himself trapped when a hacker seizes control, imprisoning millions of players i…

Battle Spire by Michael R. Miller blends virtual reality fantasy with high-stakes science fiction. Jack Kross logs into a massively popular VR role-playing game and finds himself trapped when a hacker seizes control, imprisoning millions of players inside the digital world. Stranded at low level in the Scavenger class and stuck in the very tower used as the terrorists’ stronghold, he must rely on crafting, improvised gear, and traps to survive. As his real-world body endures dangerous conditions, Jack forms uneasy alliances with a ruthless dungeon master and an unreliable AI, racing to outwit their captors before time runs out for everyone connected to the game.

Book 1 of Hundred Kingdoms series

Role Playing Games Science Fiction Crafts Virtual Reality Classics Survival Progression Fantasy Male Protagonist

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53

The Orb of Cairado

By Katherine Addison

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 1,078 reviews. 4.26 · 1,078 reviews

Set in the world of The Goblin Emperor, The Orb of Cairado offers an unlikely hero in historian Ulcetha Zhorvena.Five years ago, Ulcetha was studying at the University of Cairado, working his way toward becoming a scholar first-class in the Departmen…

Set in the world of The Goblin Emperor, The Orb of Cairado offers an unlikely hero in historian Ulcetha Zhorvena.

Five years ago, Ulcetha was studying at the University of Cairado, working his way toward becoming a scholar first-class in the Department of History. Then a prize artifact disappeared and Ulcetha, deftly framed, was kicked out. Now he works for a crooked importer, using his knowledge of elven history to write provenances for the fake artifacts Salathgarad sells.

When the airship Wisdom of Choharo explodes, killing the emperor and three of his four sons, it takes with it Ulcetha's best friend, Mara Lilana. But Mara leaves behind a puzzle--the one thing Ulcetha can't resist. And the puzzle leads Ulcetha back to the Department of History... and maybe the chance to clear his name.

Book 1.1 of The Chronicles of Osreth series

Fantasy Adult Science Fiction High Fantasy Mystery Steampunk Short Stories

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54

World-Tree Online

By E.A. Hooper

Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars, based on 2,550 reviews. 4.26 · 2,550 reviews

World-Tree Online by E.A. Hooper blends science fiction and fantasy in a near-future where the AI ARKUS revolutionizes medicine and virtual reality. In 2058, its flagship VRMMO, World-Tree Online, lets players experience radically accelerated time, t…

World-Tree Online by E.A. Hooper blends science fiction and fantasy in a near-future where the AI ARKUS revolutionizes medicine and virtual reality. In 2058, its flagship VRMMO, World-Tree Online, lets players experience radically accelerated time, turning hours into what feels like years of life inside a vast magical world. When an update malfunctions, millions are trapped for what will feel like centuries, including Vincent, an older gamer who uncovers a physics exploit that could change the game’s balance of power. His discovery draws the attention of Lucas, the last remaining moderator, who uses his administrative abilities as a weapon, forcing Vincent to decide how to survive and possibly challenge a tyrant within an endlessly unfolding virtual realm.

Book 1 of World-Tree Trilogy series

Role Playing Games Science Fiction Virtual Reality Progression Fantasy Artificial Intelligence Male Protagonist

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55

The Rithmatist

By Brandon Sanderson

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars, based on 75,517 reviews. 4.25 · 75,517 reviews

In The Rithmatist, Brandon Sanderson sets a young adult fantasy mystery in a steampunk-influenced version of the American Isles, where magic is drawn in chalk. Joel, a student at Armedius Academy and the son of the school’s chalkmaker, longs to join…

In The Rithmatist, Brandon Sanderson sets a young adult fantasy mystery in a steampunk-influenced version of the American Isles, where magic is drawn in chalk. Joel, a student at Armedius Academy and the son of the school’s chalkmaker, longs to join the elite Rithmatists who animate Chalklings and defend the realm from dangerous creatures massing near Nebrask. When Rithmatist students begin vanishing under violent circumstances, Joel is assigned to assist a professor investigating the attacks, working alongside his classmate Melody. As they follow the evidence, Joel uncovers hidden aspects of Rithmatics that challenge what the academy and the wider world believe about this magical art and its role in an ongoing war.

Book 1 of Rithmatist series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Young Adult Mystery War Childrens Academy Male Protagonist Steampunk

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56

Towers of Heaven

By Cameron Milan

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars, based on 4,324 reviews. 4.25 · 4,324 reviews

Towers of Heaven (Towers of Heaven, #1) by Cameron Milan is set in a future Earth where six towering structures appear, each filled with magical creatures and powerful artifacts. The story follows the last survivor of a group that conquers the final…

Towers of Heaven (Towers of Heaven, #1) by Cameron Milan is set in a future Earth where six towering structures appear, each filled with magical creatures and powerful artifacts. The story follows the last survivor of a group that conquers the final floor of one tower, who uses a granted wish to travel back in time. His objective is to stop the catastrophic events triggered by the towers and save humanity from near extinction. This novel blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and urban fantasy with themes of survival and time travel.

Book 1 of Towers of Heaven series

Role Playing Games Post Apocalyptic Science Fiction Monsters Time Travel War Apocalyptic Survival LitRPG Progression Fantasy Reincarnation Revenge Strong Protagonist Tower Climbing Zero to Hero Royal Road Male Protagonist

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57

Ravenor

By Dan Abnett

Rated 4.24 out of 5 stars, based on 6,469 reviews. 4.24 · 6,469 reviews

Ravenor by Dan Abnett follows Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor, a powerful but physically crippled Imperial agent who operates from a life-support throne, directing a small, specialized warband. Tasked with uncovering corruption within the Imperium, Ravenor…

Ravenor by Dan Abnett follows Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor, a powerful but physically crippled Imperial agent who operates from a life-support throne, directing a small, specialized warband. Tasked with uncovering corruption within the Imperium, Ravenor and his team track criminal networks, psychic threats, and political conspiracies that intersect with wider military and planetary conflicts. As their investigation deepens, they confront evidence that the rot extends far beyond local crime into the highest levels of Imperial power. Blending science fiction, dark fantasy, and space opera elements, the novel emphasizes methodical investigation, covert operations, and the moral strain of waging war in the shadows.

Book 1 of Ravenor series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction War Military Fiction Space Opera Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Crime

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58

The Zero Blessing

By Christopher G. Nuttall

Rated 4.24 out of 5 stars, based on 1,835 reviews. 4.24 · 1,835 reviews

The Zero Blessing by Christopher G. Nuttall follows twelve-year-old Caitlyn Aguirre, the only non-magical child in a powerful sorcerous family. Sent with her gifted sisters to Jude’s Sorcerous Academy as a final attempt to awaken her magic, she must…

The Zero Blessing by Christopher G. Nuttall follows twelve-year-old Caitlyn Aguirre, the only non-magical child in a powerful sorcerous family. Sent with her gifted sisters to Jude’s Sorcerous Academy as a final attempt to awaken her magic, she must navigate demanding classes and social pressures without the basic abilities her classmates take for granted. As Caitlyn searches for any sign of power, she stumbles onto an old secret buried within the academy’s history that may explain her apparent lack of talent. This young adult fantasy blends school-of-magic adventure, a determined female protagonist, and a gradual zero-to-hero arc with hints of deeper, possibly science fiction–tinged mysteries behind the world’s magic.

Book 1 of The Zero Enigma series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist Academy

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59

Super Sales on Super Heroes

By William D. Arand

Rated 4.23 out of 5 stars, based on 7,844 reviews. 4.23 · 7,844 reviews

Super Sales on Super Heroes by William D. Arand follows Felix, a man with the unusual ability to upgrade any item he owns, though his power is initially too weak to be practical. Set in a city overtaken by a Super Villain and transformed into a city-…

Super Sales on Super Heroes by William D. Arand follows Felix, a man with the unusual ability to upgrade any item he owns, though his power is initially too weak to be practical. Set in a city overtaken by a Super Villain and transformed into a city-state, the story explores how Felix navigates this altered society where corruption and crime persist despite the new regime. Combining elements of urban fantasy, science fiction, and romance, the novel includes mature themes such as graphic violence and complex interpersonal dynamics within a partial harem structure.

Book 1 of Super Sales on Super Heroes series

Harem Romance Science Fiction Monsters Superheroes Military Fiction Thriller Survival LitRPG Progression Fantasy Revenge Strong Protagonist Anti-Hero Zero to Hero Male Protagonist

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60

The Lost War

By Justin Lee Anderson

Rated 4.23 out of 5 stars, based on 3,296 reviews. 4.23 · 3,296 reviews

The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson follows Aranok, a draoidh newly appointed as the king’s envoy in a realm that distrusts his kind. Tasked with escorting an exiled foreign queen back to her throne, he leads a mismatched band across Eidyn, a land st…

The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson follows Aranok, a draoidh newly appointed as the king’s envoy in a realm that distrusts his kind. Tasked with escorting an exiled foreign queen back to her throne, he leads a mismatched band across Eidyn, a land still scarred by war, demon attacks, roaming Reivers, and spreading plague. As their journey progresses, unexplained deaths, shifting alliances, and buried secrets turn a straightforward political mission into a dark tangle of conspiracies. Blending epic and high fantasy with elements of mystery, war, and political intrigue, the novel centers on a strong male protagonist navigating magic, demons, and fragile loyalties in an unstable kingdom.

Book 1 of Eidyn series

Fantasy Magic Demons Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Mystery War Dark Fantasy Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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61

Heretical Fishing

By Haylock Jobson

Rated 4.23 out of 5 stars, based on 9,765 reviews. 4.23 · 9,765 reviews

Heretical Fishing by Haylock Jobson follows Fischer, a reluctant male protagonist transported to a fantasy world governed by a malfunctioning magical System. Instead of chasing levels, glory, or epic quests, he focuses on eccentric fishing methods an…

Heretical Fishing by Haylock Jobson follows Fischer, a reluctant male protagonist transported to a fantasy world governed by a malfunctioning magical System. Instead of chasing levels, glory, or epic quests, he focuses on eccentric fishing methods and befriending every animal he can, including a notably overachieving pet crab. As cosmic forces stir and strange cults, scheming nobles, and misfiring magic converge on his quiet life, Fischer is pushed into an adventure he never wanted. Blending LitRPG mechanics, progression fantasy elements, and light-hearted comedy within an epic fantasy setting, the novel offers a speculative twist on the summoned-hero premise.

Book 1 of Heretical Fishing series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Comedy Science Fiction Epic Fantasy Speculative Fiction LitRPG Progression Fantasy Male Protagonist Animals

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62

The Wild Robot

By Peter Brown

Rated 4.22 out of 5 stars, based on 124,761 reviews. 4.22 · 124,761 reviews

In The Wild Robot, Peter Brown introduces Roz, a mechanical outsider who wakes on an isolated island with no memory and no guidance. Designed for technology, not wilderness, she must study storms, terrain, and wary animal neighbors in order to endure…

In The Wild Robot, Peter Brown introduces Roz, a mechanical outsider who wakes on an isolated island with no memory and no guidance. Designed for technology, not wilderness, she must study storms, terrain, and wary animal neighbors in order to endure. As Roz gradually learns animal languages and customs, uneasy encounters turn into fragile alliances that reshape both her and the island community. Blending science fiction with animal adventure, this middle-grade novel explores survival, adaptation, and the uneasy meeting point between artificial intelligence and the natural world.

Book 1 of The Wild Robot series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction Young Adult Survival Childrens Robots Non-human Protagonist Animals

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63

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

By Douglas Adams

Rated 4.22 out of 5 stars, based on 2,037,603 reviews. 4.22 · 2,037,603 reviews

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary Englishman abruptly removed from Earth moments before its destruction to clear space for a hyperspatial express route. Rescued by Ford Prefect, a disguised alien r…

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary Englishman abruptly removed from Earth moments before its destruction to clear space for a hyperspatial express route. Rescued by Ford Prefect, a disguised alien researcher for a notorious electronic guidebook, Arthur is swept into a chaotic tour of the galaxy that mixes absurd bureaucracy, philosophical asides, and deadpan humor. Alongside the erratic galactic president Zaphod Beeblebrox, the capable Trillian, and the morose robot Marvin, Arthur confronts both cosmic scale events and the trivialities of everyday life. This classic science fiction comedy blends space opera adventure with a wry, often psychological look at meaning, survival, and the strange habits of intelligent beings.

Book 1 of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series

Fantasy Adventure Humor Comedy Science Fiction Space Opera Classics Aliens Robots Male Protagonist Psychological

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64

Penric’s Demon

By Lois McMaster Bujold

Rated 4.22 out of 5 stars, based on 12,837 reviews. 4.22 · 12,837 reviews

In Penric’s Demon, Lois McMaster Bujold introduces Lord Penric, a well-meaning young nobleman whose life veers off course when he stops to aid an injured holy woman on the road to his arranged engagement. The dying Temple divine, dedicated to the Bas…

In Penric’s Demon, Lois McMaster Bujold introduces Lord Penric, a well-meaning young nobleman whose life veers off course when he stops to aid an injured holy woman on the road to his arranged engagement. The dying Temple divine, dedicated to the Bastard god of mischance, unintentionally passes her demon and its accumulated magical talents into Penric’s keeping. Suddenly host to a powerful supernatural presence, he must navigate religious authorities, political suspicion, and his own uneasy partnership with the demon. Set in the World of the Five Gods, this fantasy novella blends divine magic, demons, and high-stakes adventure around a reluctant but capable male protagonist.

Book 1 of Penric and Desdemona (Publication order) series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Demons Science Fiction Gods High Fantasy Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Short Stories Heroic Fantasy

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65

Emergence

By David R. Palmer

Rated 4.22 out of 5 stars, based on 2,083 reviews. 4.22 · 2,083 reviews

Emergence by David R. Palmer follows Candidia Maria Smith-Foster, an eleven-year-old girl who discovers she belongs to a new human offshoot after a global catastrophe. When a bionuclear assault devastates the world and her father, a covert biowarfare…

Emergence by David R. Palmer follows Candidia Maria Smith-Foster, an eleven-year-old girl who discovers she belongs to a new human offshoot after a global catastrophe. When a bionuclear assault devastates the world and her father, a covert biowarfare specialist, is summoned to Washington, Candy survives in an underground shelter with only her pet bird for company. As she ventures out into a largely empty, post-apocalyptic landscape, she must navigate the ruins of civilization, understand her unusual abilities, and determine whether any other survivors share her genetic legacy. The novel blends science fiction and dystopian adventure with a young yet capable female protagonist at its center.

Book 1 of The Emergence Chronicles series

Fantasy Adventure Post Apocalyptic Science Fiction Dystopia Young Adult Speculative Fiction Apocalyptic Survival Strong Protagonist Non-human Protagonist Female Protagonist

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66

Cephrael's Hand

By Melissa McPhail

Rated 4.21 out of 5 stars, based on 3,971 reviews. 4.21 · 3,971 reviews

Cephrael's Hand by Melissa McPhail opens on the realm of Alorin, weakened centuries after the Adept Wars and facing the slow extinction of its magic-wielding race. Adept Vestal Raine D’Lacourte is tasked with tracking down Bjorn van Gelderan, a notor…

Cephrael's Hand by Melissa McPhail opens on the realm of Alorin, weakened centuries after the Adept Wars and facing the slow extinction of its magic-wielding race. Adept Vestal Raine D’Lacourte is tasked with tracking down Bjorn van Gelderan, a notorious figure whose knowledge may be the key to reversing this decline. Elsewhere, Prince Ean val Lorian’s pursuit of his blood-brother’s killer pulls him into a web of political intrigue surrounding the Eagle Throne and a shadowy First Lord. In the Nadori desert, the soldier Trell’s search for his lost past entangles him with dangerous Wildlings, linking his fate to the same hidden power shaping war, revenge, and high-stakes conflict across this epic fantasy world.

Book 1 of A Pattern of Shadow & Light series

Fantasy Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Revenge Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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67

Kings of Paradise

By Richard Nell

Rated 4.21 out of 5 stars, based on 4,323 reviews. 4.21 · 4,323 reviews

Kings of Paradise by Richard Nell opens an epic, low-fantasy trilogy set between a frozen wasteland and a tropical island empire on the brink of upheaval. In the brutal north, Ruka, a disfigured outcast marked as a demon since birth, survives through…

Kings of Paradise by Richard Nell opens an epic, low-fantasy trilogy set between a frozen wasteland and a tropical island empire on the brink of upheaval. In the brutal north, Ruka, a disfigured outcast marked as a demon since birth, survives through ruthless intelligence and nurtures a meticulous plan for revenge. Far to the south, Kale, the indulged but disappointing youngest son of a sorcerer king, is forced into service with common soldiers, where war, politics, and forbidden love push him toward unexpected power. As these two male protagonists come of age in violently different cultures, their fates move toward collision in a dark narrative of ambition, vengeance, and shifting kingdoms.

Book 1 of Ash and Sand series

Fantasy Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Dark Fantasy Dark Coming Of Age Revenge Political Intrigue Male Protagonist Violence

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68

Wild Seed

By Octavia E. Butler

Rated 4.21 out of 5 stars, based on 40,480 reviews. 4.21 · 40,480 reviews

Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler follows Doro, an immortal being who survives by inhabiting and destroying human bodies, as he searches across centuries for people with unusual abilities. His ambitions are challenged when he encounters Anyanwu, a power…

Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler follows Doro, an immortal being who survives by inhabiting and destroying human bodies, as he searches across centuries for people with unusual abilities. His ambitions are challenged when he encounters Anyanwu, a powerful shapeshifter whose control over her own body grants her extraordinary resilience and healing. Set between West Africa and the Americas, the novel blends historical fiction and speculative science fiction to explore power, survival, and the ethics of creating a new kind of people. Through the tense relationship between these two near-godlike figures, Butler examines domination, resistance, and psychological manipulation over a long span of time.

Book 1 of Patternist series

Fantasy Adult Science Fiction Gods Shapeshifters Historical Fiction Speculative Fiction Rebellion Male Protagonist Psychological

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69

Future Reborn

By Daniel Pierce

Rated 4.20 out of 5 stars, based on 1,115 reviews. 4.20 · 1,115 reviews

Future Reborn (Future Reborn #1) by Daniel Pierce is set two thousand years in the future in a post-apocalyptic world marked by warring tribes, mutated creatures, and supernatural beings. The protagonist, Jack Bowman, agrees to a cryogenic freezing e…

Future Reborn (Future Reborn #1) by Daniel Pierce is set two thousand years in the future in a post-apocalyptic world marked by warring tribes, mutated creatures, and supernatural beings. The protagonist, Jack Bowman, agrees to a cryogenic freezing experiment for financial gain but awakens to a drastically changed environment and encounters two women who introduce him to this dangerous new reality. As Jack navigates survival amid hostile forces, he discovers a transformation within himself that alters his humanity. The novel blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopia with mature themes and adult content.

Book 1 of Future Reborn series

Harem Adult Post Apocalyptic Science Fiction Dystopia Monsters War Apocalyptic Survival Progression Fantasy Reincarnation Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Male Protagonist

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70

The Mysterious Benedict Society

By Trenton Lee Stewart

Rated 4.20 out of 5 stars, based on 176,902 reviews. 4.20 · 176,902 reviews

In The Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart introduces four unusually gifted children who pass a strange series of intelligence and logic tests advertised in a newspaper. Chosen by the enigmatic Mr. Benedict, they form a small team and ar…

In The Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart introduces four unusually gifted children who pass a strange series of intelligence and logic tests advertised in a newspaper. Chosen by the enigmatic Mr. Benedict, they form a small team and are sent undercover to the isolated Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, a school whose lack of rules conceals something far more troubling than strict teachers or difficult exams. As they navigate secret passages, coded messages, and psychological manipulation, the boys and girls must rely on their distinct strengths and quick thinking to uncover a hidden threat. Blending mystery, light science fiction elements, and adventure, this young adult novel follows strong child protagonists facing escalating suspense in an academic setting.

Book 1 of The Mysterious Benedict Society series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction Young Adult Mystery Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Academy Male Protagonist Suspense

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71

Arcane

By Sever Bronny

Rated 4.19 out of 5 stars, based on 3,762 reviews. 4.19 · 3,762 reviews

Arcane by Sever Bronny introduces Augum, a fourteen-year-old orphan in a quasi-medieval kingdom torn apart by war and a ruthless usurper. Alongside his friends Bridget and Leera, he trains under the formidable warlock Anna Atticus Stone, whose posses…

Arcane by Sever Bronny introduces Augum, a fourteen-year-old orphan in a quasi-medieval kingdom torn apart by war and a ruthless usurper. Alongside his friends Bridget and Leera, he trains under the formidable warlock Anna Atticus Stone, whose possession of a legendary artifact draws the attention of a conquering tyrant obsessed with seven mythic relics. As the three young would-be warlocks explore an abandoned castle, confront buried secrets, and endure demanding magical instruction, Augum must face the scars of his past and the consequences of betrayal. Blending epic and high fantasy with coming-of-age themes, this young adult adventure centers on loyalty, courage, and the cost of power in a world on the brink of ruin.

Book 1 of The Arinthian Line series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Action Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Medieval Sword and Sorcery Coming Of Age Male Protagonist

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72

The Shadow of the Gods

By John Gwynne

Rated 4.19 out of 5 stars, based on 102,320 reviews. 4.19 · 102,320 reviews

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne opens a Norse-inspired epic fantasy set in Vigrið, a fractured land still marked by the long-ago extinction of its gods. As rival jarls maneuver for advantage and monstrous creatures roam forests and mountains, t…

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne opens a Norse-inspired epic fantasy set in Vigrið, a fractured land still marked by the long-ago extinction of its gods. As rival jarls maneuver for advantage and monstrous creatures roam forests and mountains, the remains of those fallen deities offer dangerous magical power to those willing to claim it. The novel follows three central figures: a huntress on a perilous mission, a battle-hungry noblewoman who has turned away from comfort, and a thrall seeking revenge within the mercenary company known as the Bloodsworn. Their intersecting paths drive a dark, war-torn narrative of magic, dragons, and ancient mythology returning to shape the fate of their world.

Book 1 of The Bloodsworn Saga series

Fantasy Magic Adult Science Fiction Dragons Epic Fantasy Monsters High Fantasy War Mythology Revenge Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist

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73

Assassin's Apprentice

By Robin Hobb

Rated 4.19 out of 5 stars, based on 414,093 reviews. 4.19 · 414,093 reviews

Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb introduces Fitz, the illegitimate son of a prince, who is brought from the margins of the royal estate into the heart of a medieval-style court. Trained in weapons, letters, and etiquette, he is also apprenticed to…

Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb introduces Fitz, the illegitimate son of a prince, who is brought from the margins of the royal estate into the heart of a medieval-style court. Trained in weapons, letters, and etiquette, he is also apprenticed to the king’s assassin, learning to use both steel and secrecy in service of the crown. Gifted with a dangerous form of animal magic and surrounded by political intrigue, Fitz must navigate shifting loyalties as coastal raids and a mysterious curse threaten the kingdom. This first volume in an epic fantasy series blends coming-of-age struggles with questions of power, identity, and the cost of obedience.

Book 1 of The Farseer Trilogy series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult Medieval Political Intrigue Assassins Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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74

Born of Night

By Sherrilyn Kenyon

Rated 4.19 out of 5 stars, based on 28,447 reviews. 4.19 · 28,447 reviews

Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon opens the Ichidian Universe with a blend of science fiction, paranormal elements, and high-intensity military action. Nykyrian Quikiades, a former League assassin now marked for death by his own organization, is assi…

Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon opens the Ichidian Universe with a blend of science fiction, paranormal elements, and high-intensity military action. Nykyrian Quikiades, a former League assassin now marked for death by his own organization, is assigned to guard Kiara Zamir, whose father’s political stance has made her a target in an interstellar power struggle. Kiara’s past trauma at the hands of assassins makes relying on Nykyrian almost unbearable, yet the escalating threats force them into close alliance. As enemies close in from all sides, the novel focuses on their uneasy partnership, the ethics of state-sanctioned killing, and the difficulty of trust and intimacy in a world shaped by war and corruption.

Book 1 of The League: Nemesis Rising series

Fantasy Action Adult Romance Science Fiction Urban Fantasy War Military Fiction Paranormal Aliens Assassins Male Protagonist

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75

The Curse of Chalion

By Lois McMaster Bujold

Rated 4.19 out of 5 stars, based on 43,418 reviews. 4.19 · 43,418 reviews

In The Curse of Chalion, Lois McMaster Bujold follows Cazaril, a war-scarred veteran who returns to the noble house where he once served and is unexpectedly appointed tutor and secretary to Royesse Iselle, sister to the heir to the throne. Drawn back…

In The Curse of Chalion, Lois McMaster Bujold follows Cazaril, a war-scarred veteran who returns to the noble house where he once served and is unexpectedly appointed tutor and secretary to Royesse Iselle, sister to the heir to the throne. Drawn back toward the royal court he dreads, Cazaril must navigate political intrigue, old enemies in positions of power, and a long-standing supernatural curse that threatens the entire ruling family. As divine forces, forbidden magic, and demonic dangers converge, he is forced into choices that test his loyalty, faith, and sense of honor. The novel blends epic and high fantasy with adult themes of power, sacrifice, and the ambiguous role of gods in human affairs.

Book 1 of World of the Five Gods (Publication) series

Fantasy Magic Demons Adult Romance Science Fiction Gods Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Political Intrigue Male Protagonist

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76

Confessions of a D-List Supervillain

By Jim Bernheimer

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 4,715 reviews. 4.18 · 4,715 reviews

Confessions of a D-List Supervillain by Jim Bernheimer follows Calvin Matthew Stringel, an armored criminal who operates at the fringes of a superhero-filled city. Known as Mechani-Cal, he is more mechanic and opportunist than mastermind, which makes…

Confessions of a D-List Supervillain by Jim Bernheimer follows Calvin Matthew Stringel, an armored criminal who operates at the fringes of a superhero-filled city. Known as Mechani-Cal, he is more mechanic and opportunist than mastermind, which makes him an unlikely participant in a failed world-domination plot that forces him into uneasy cooperation with idealistic heroes. The novel blends science fiction and urban fantasy elements with action and sardonic humor, focusing on Calvin’s perspective as an outsider navigating super teams, rival powered armor users, and temptations that challenge his self-serving code. Bernheimer uses this antihero viewpoint to explore the everyday logistics, moral gray areas, and workplace-style tensions of life in a world dominated by capes and “righteous do-gooders.”

Book 1 of D-List Supervillain series

Action Humor Comedy Science Fiction Superheroes Anti-Hero Male Protagonist

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77

Malice

By John Gwynne

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 61,231 reviews. 4.18 · 61,231 reviews

Malice: Award-winning epic fantasy inspired by the Iron Age (The Faithful and The Fallen Series Book 1) by John Gwynne follows Corban, a young warrior-in-training in the Banished Lands, a realm marked by ancient conflicts between men and giants. As n…

Malice: Award-winning epic fantasy inspired by the Iron Age (The Faithful and The Fallen Series Book 1) by John Gwynne follows Corban, a young warrior-in-training in the Banished Lands, a realm marked by ancient conflicts between men and giants. As new threats emerge with the awakening of giants and giant wyrms, Corban faces personal loss that forces him to confront the true cost of bravery. Amidst political tensions and supernatural forces, High King Aquilus seeks alliances to prepare for a looming war that prophecy says will be decided by two champions representing darkness and light. The novel blends elements of epic fantasy with a setting influenced by Iron Age warfare and mythology.

Book 1 of The Faithful and the Fallen series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Demons Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy Monsters High Fantasy War Medieval Angels Mythology Sword and Sorcery Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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78

The Pariah

By Anthony Ryan

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 18,309 reviews. 4.18 · 18,309 reviews

The Pariah by Anthony Ryan follows Alwyn Scribe, an outlaw raised in the forests of Albermaine, whose life of banditry ends when betrayal forces him into a brutal quest for revenge. Pressed into service as a soldier in the king’s army, he fights unde…

The Pariah by Anthony Ryan follows Alwyn Scribe, an outlaw raised in the forests of Albermaine, whose life of banditry ends when betrayal forces him into a brutal quest for revenge. Pressed into service as a soldier in the king’s army, he fights under Lady Evadine Courlain, a noble commander haunted by visions of a demonic catastrophe. As campaigns of war unfold and court factions maneuver for power, Alwyn must navigate shifting loyalties, political intrigue, and dark supernatural threats. The novel blends epic and grimdark fantasy elements, focusing on a hardened male protagonist caught between his criminal past and the demands of duty.

Book 1 of Covenant of Steel series

Fantasy Demons Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Dark Fantasy Dark Revenge Political Intrigue Male Protagonist

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79

AL:ICE

By Charles W. Lamb

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 2,164 reviews. 4.18 · 2,164 reviews

AL:ICE (AL:ICE, #1) by Charles W. Lamb follows Captain Jacob Thomas, a Marine Corps veteran who volunteers for a DARPA experiment and wakes up in a future where humanity has lost two centuries of technological progress and suffered massive population…

AL:ICE (AL:ICE, #1) by Charles W. Lamb follows Captain Jacob Thomas, a Marine Corps veteran who volunteers for a DARPA experiment and wakes up in a future where humanity has lost two centuries of technological progress and suffered massive population decline. Assisted by an AI named AL:ICE, Jacob escapes an abandoned lab and begins efforts to restore Earth, starting in central California’s farmlands before moving into orbit. The novel blends elements of military fiction, space opera, and dystopia as Jacob confronts the forces responsible for humanity’s downfall.

Book 1 of AL:ICE series

Adventure Harem Post Apocalyptic Science Fiction Dystopia War Military Fiction Space Opera Thriller Apocalyptic Survival Aliens Robots Strong Protagonist Artificial Intelligence Male Protagonist

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80

Shadow Blessed

By D.K. Holmberg

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 1,454 reviews. 4.18 · 1,454 reviews

Shadow Blessed by D.K. Holmberg follows Carth, a young woman whose life is shattered when the feared A’ras of Nyaesh murder her parents. In the aftermath, she uncovers that her family secretly prepared her to wield magic, leaving her with dangerous a…

Shadow Blessed by D.K. Holmberg follows Carth, a young woman whose life is shattered when the feared A’ras of Nyaesh murder her parents. In the aftermath, she uncovers that her family secretly prepared her to wield magic, leaving her with dangerous abilities she barely understands. As she learns to survive among swordsmen, sorcerers, and political tensions, Carth’s search for answers and revenge draws her into a wider conflict that threatens far more than her own future. Blending high fantasy adventure with hints of the paranormal and war, the novel centers on a determined female protagonist forced to decide how far she will go to protect new allies and an unexpected sense of belonging.

Book 1 of The Shadow Accords series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction High Fantasy Young Adult War Paranormal Revenge Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy

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81

Vicious

By V.E. Schwab

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 329,608 reviews. 4.18 · 329,608 reviews

Vicious by V.E. Schwab follows Victor and Eli, once intellectually matched college roommates whose research into near-death experiences and extraordinary abilities turns into a dangerous experiment. A decade after everything collapses, Victor escapes…

Vicious by V.E. Schwab follows Victor and Eli, once intellectually matched college roommates whose research into near-death experiences and extraordinary abilities turns into a dangerous experiment. A decade after everything collapses, Victor escapes from prison, intent on confronting Eli, and travels through a bleak urban landscape with a quiet young girl whose power makes her both asset and target. Eli, convinced he has a higher purpose, hunts others with abilities alongside a mysterious woman whose resolve matches his own. The novel blends dark academia, science fiction, and urban fantasy elements to explore ambition, moral ambiguity, and the blurred line between hero and villain.

Book 1 of Villains series

Science Fiction Superheroes Thriller Revenge Anti-Hero Male Protagonist

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82

The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian

By Robert E. Howard

Rated 4.18 out of 5 stars, based on 14,949 reviews. 4.18 · 14,949 reviews

The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian gathers fourteen original Conan stories by Robert E. Howard, arranged in the order they were written, along with the poem “Cimmeria.” This collection follows Conan the Barbarian across war-torn kingdoms, haunted ruin…

The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian gathers fourteen original Conan stories by Robert E. Howard, arranged in the order they were written, along with the poem “Cimmeria.” This collection follows Conan the Barbarian across war-torn kingdoms, haunted ruins, and strange lost cities, blending fantasy, adventure, horror, and early science fiction elements. Readers see the character in varied roles—mercenary, pirate, thief, and would-be king—confronting sorcery, monsters, and political intrigue with characteristic ferocity. The volume also includes drafts, notes, synopses, and maps that highlight Howard’s process in shaping one of the foundational figures of sword and sorcery fiction.

Book 1 of Conan the Cimmerian series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction War Classics Horror Sword and Sorcery Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Short Stories Violence

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83

Anathem

By Neal Stephenson

Rated 4.17 out of 5 stars, based on 76,112 reviews. 4.17 · 76,112 reviews

Anathem by Neal Stephenson follows Fraa Erasmas, a young scholar raised in a secluded monastic community devoted to mathematics, science, and philosophy, carefully insulated from the technologically driven outside world. When a rare ceremonial openin…

Anathem by Neal Stephenson follows Fraa Erasmas, a young scholar raised in a secluded monastic community devoted to mathematics, science, and philosophy, carefully insulated from the technologically driven outside world. When a rare ceremonial opening of the monastery’s gates coincides with signs of an unprecedented global crisis, Erasmas is drawn into a conflict that forces cloistered intellectuals and secular powers into uneasy cooperation. As religious tensions, political instability, and speculative technologies converge, he must leave his ordered life to confront threats that span his planet and what lies beyond it. The novel blends adventure, war, and speculative fiction with dense philosophical inquiry, using Erasmas’s perspective to explore faith, reason, and the costs of knowledge.

Book 1 of Anathem series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction War Speculative Fiction Philosophy Cyberpunk Religious Conflict Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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84

Magician: Apprentice

By Raymond E. Feist

Rated 4.17 out of 5 stars, based on 103,833 reviews. 4.17 · 103,833 reviews

Magician: Apprentice by Raymond E. Feist introduces Pug, an orphan in the Kingdom of the Isles whose apprenticeship under the magician Kulgan never quite fits traditional expectations. As Pug’s unusual talents emerge, he is drawn from a quiet coastal…

Magician: Apprentice by Raymond E. Feist introduces Pug, an orphan in the Kingdom of the Isles whose apprenticeship under the magician Kulgan never quite fits traditional expectations. As Pug’s unusual talents emerge, he is drawn from a quiet coastal forest to the intrigues of court life and a fragile romance with a princess. When a rift in spacetime exposes his world to invaders from another realm, his unorthodox magic becomes central to a war that spans two worlds and pits cosmic forces of Order and Chaos against each other. This opening volume blends epic and high fantasy with portal fantasy elements and a focus on a young male protagonist coming into power amid large-scale conflict.

Book 1 of The Riftwar Saga series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Portal Fantasy Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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85

Forge of Darkness

By Steven Erikson

Rated 4.17 out of 5 stars, based on 10,160 reviews. 4.17 · 10,160 reviews

Forge of Darkness by Steven Erikson returns to the realm of Kurald Galain, where Mother Dark’s rule faces mounting pressure from a rising war hero, Vatha Urusander, whose supporters seek to reshape the existing order. As Lord Draconus resists this po…

Forge of Darkness by Steven Erikson returns to the realm of Kurald Galain, where Mother Dark’s rule faces mounting pressure from a rising war hero, Vatha Urusander, whose supporters seek to reshape the existing order. As Lord Draconus resists this political maneuvering, tensions within the ruling class deepen and the threat of civil war grows across this ancient land of gods and sorcery. Amid rumors, shifting alliances, and the stirrings of long-dormant powers, the First Sons of Darkness—Anomander, Andarist, and Silchas Ruin—find themselves entangled in conflicts that will define their people’s future. This opening volume in an epic, dark fantasy sequence emphasizes large-scale warfare, rebellion, and intricate political intrigue.

Book 1 of The Kharkanas Trilogy series

Fantasy Adult Science Fiction Gods Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Dark Fantasy Ruling Class Rebellion Political Intrigue

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86

Hard Magic

By Larry Correia

Rated 4.17 out of 5 stars, based on 16,319 reviews. 4.17 · 16,319 reviews

Hard Magic by Larry Correia blends noir detective fiction with alternate-history urban fantasy, following war veteran and licensed private investigator Jake Sullivan. Gifted with the power to manipulate gravity, Jake is recruited by federal agents to…

Hard Magic by Larry Correia blends noir detective fiction with alternate-history urban fantasy, following war veteran and licensed private investigator Jake Sullivan. Gifted with the power to manipulate gravity, Jake is recruited by federal agents to track a bank robber using similarly dangerous magic. When he realizes the suspect is an old ally whose abilities rival his own, he is pulled into a hidden conflict among rival magical cartels. As these factions maneuver for control and mark him for elimination, Jake navigates a world of paranormal warfare, steampunk-tinged technology, and escalating violence where every choice carries lethal consequences.

Book 1 of Grimnoir Chronicles series

Fantasy Magic Action Science Fiction Urban Fantasy Mystery War Paranormal Alternate History Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Steampunk Detective

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87

Red Sister

By Mark Lawrence

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 63,547 reviews. 4.16 · 63,547 reviews

Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor, #1) by Mark Lawrence introduces Nona Grey, a young girl taken from execution and raised in the Convent of Sweet Mercy, where girls are trained as lethal warriors. Over ten years, Nona develops formidable skills in co…

Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor, #1) by Mark Lawrence introduces Nona Grey, a young girl taken from execution and raised in the Convent of Sweet Mercy, where girls are trained as lethal warriors. Over ten years, Nona develops formidable skills in combat and uncovers deeper mysteries under the guidance of Abbess Glass. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and a declining empire, the story explores Nona’s struggle to control her violent past while navigating rivalries within the church and attracting imperial attention. The novel combines elements of fantasy and martial training with complex character dynamics.

Book 1 of Book of the Ancestor series

Fantasy Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult Martial Arts War Dark Fantasy Medieval Survival Enemies To Lovers Coming Of Age Political Intrigue Assassins Religious Conflict Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Female Protagonist

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88

Pawn of Prophecy

By David Eddings

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 112,135 reviews. 4.16 · 112,135 reviews

Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings opens The Belgariad with a classic high fantasy coming-of-age story set in a world shaped by ancient gods, warring kingdoms, and long-guarded relics. Garion, a sheltered farm boy, is drawn from his rural home when a…

Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings opens The Belgariad with a classic high fantasy coming-of-age story set in a world shaped by ancient gods, warring kingdoms, and long-guarded relics. Garion, a sheltered farm boy, is drawn from his rural home when a legendary artifact known as the Orb is stolen, threatening the fragile peace once guaranteed by the royal line of Riva. Guided by his enigmatic Aunt Pol and the wandering storyteller who visits her, he joins a small, wary company on a secretive quest across dangerous lands. As war looms and prophecy tightens around him, Garion is forced to confront magic, divine powers, and the possibility that his own past is bound to the fate of the world.

Book 1 of The Belgariad series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Gods Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Zero to Hero Male Protagonist Heroic Fantasy

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89

The Last Unicorn

By Peter S. Beagle, Patrick Rothfuss

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 124,371 reviews. 4.16 · 124,371 reviews

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, with an introduction by Patrick Rothfuss, follows a solitary unicorn who discovers that creatures like her may have vanished everywhere but in her ageless forest. Disturbed by rumors that she is the last of her ki…

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, with an introduction by Patrick Rothfuss, follows a solitary unicorn who discovers that creatures like her may have vanished everywhere but in her ageless forest. Disturbed by rumors that she is the last of her kind, she leaves her protected home and enters a more dangerous world shaped by mortality, human desire, and fading magic. Joined by an uncertain magician and a determined woman who refuses to be sidelined by age or convention, she travels toward a kingdom ruled by a king whose obsession has twisted both land and legend. This classic of high fantasy blends adventure, quiet humor, and melancholy as it explores identity, loss, and what it means to remain true to oneself in a changing world.

Book 1 of The Last Unicorn series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy Monsters High Fantasy Young Adult Classics Childrens Non-human Protagonist Female Protagonist

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90

The Summer Dragon

By Todd Lockwood

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 3,302 reviews. 4.16 · 3,302 reviews

In The Summer Dragon, Todd Lockwood introduces Maia, a young woman raised in a remote aerie where her family breeds dragons for a powerful war-driven empire. As she prepares to claim her first breeding dragon, the sudden appearance of the legendary S…

In The Summer Dragon, Todd Lockwood introduces Maia, a young woman raised in a remote aerie where her family breeds dragons for a powerful war-driven empire. As she prepares to claim her first breeding dragon, the sudden appearance of the legendary Summer Dragon turns her quiet valley into the center of religious and political struggle. Competing factions attempt to control the dragon’s symbolic meaning, forcing Maia into dangerous choices that threaten her home, her future as a dragon handler, and her life. Confronting undead Horrors, an enigmatic enemy, and the remnants of an ancient civilization, she is drawn into an epic conflict that blends war, survival, and political intrigue with the intimate bond between dragon and rider.

Book 1 of The Evertide series

Fantasy Adventure Adult Science Fiction Dragons Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Survival Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist

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91

Sabriel

By Garth Nix

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 219,586 reviews. 4.16 · 219,586 reviews

Sabriel by Garth Nix introduces a young woman raised in the safety of a strict school in Ancelstierre, far from the unstable magic and restless Dead of the neighboring Old Kingdom. When her father, the Abhorsen, disappears, Sabriel must cross the bor…

Sabriel by Garth Nix introduces a young woman raised in the safety of a strict school in Ancelstierre, far from the unstable magic and restless Dead of the neighboring Old Kingdom. When her father, the Abhorsen, disappears, Sabriel must cross the border into a land shaped by ancient necromancy, warring powers, and dangerous Free Magic. As she learns to wield bells and charter marks against undead forces, she confronts both a rising threat and the legacy of her family’s role as guardians between life and death. This first book in the Abhorsen series blends high fantasy adventure with dark magic, war-torn landscapes, and a determined female protagonist facing the responsibilities of power.

Book 1 of Abhorsen series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction High Fantasy Young Adult War Zombies Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Necromancer

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92

Xenos

By Dan Abnett

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 14,798 reviews. 4.16 · 14,798 reviews

Xenos by Dan Abnett follows Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn, a relentless agent of the Imperium tasked with hunting heresy across a war-torn galaxy. When he uncovers signs of a far-reaching interstellar conspiracy, Eisenhorn is drawn into a dangerous pur…

Xenos by Dan Abnett follows Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn, a relentless agent of the Imperium tasked with hunting heresy across a war-torn galaxy. When he uncovers signs of a far-reaching interstellar conspiracy, Eisenhorn is drawn into a dangerous pursuit of the Necroteuch, an ancient and forbidden text tied to demonic forces. As he tracks cults, xenos threats, and hidden allies through grim spacefaring settings, the investigation blurs the line between justice and obsession. Blending science fiction, horror, and dark fantasy, this opening volume of the Eisenhorn trilogy introduces a morally complex protagonist operating in a universe defined by secrecy, conflict, and corruption.

Book 1 of Eisenhorn series

Fantasy Adventure Action Demons Science Fiction Mystery War Space Opera Horror Male Protagonist

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93

Neverwhere

By Neil Gaiman

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 564,492 reviews. 4.16 · 564,492 reviews

In Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman transforms modern London into a layered urban fantasy, revealing a hidden realm beneath the city’s streets. Richard Mayhew, an ordinary businessman, is thrust into London Below after helping a mysterious injured girl named…

In Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman transforms modern London into a layered urban fantasy, revealing a hidden realm beneath the city’s streets. Richard Mayhew, an ordinary businessman, is thrust into London Below after helping a mysterious injured girl named Door, and soon finds himself navigating tunnels, markets, and supernatural courts populated by angels, assassins, and otherworldly nobility. As Richard joins Door on her dangerous quest to uncover who destroyed her family, he must survive bizarre trials and ruthless enemies while questioning his own sense of identity and belonging. The novel blends dark fantasy, horror-tinged adventure, and subtle mythic elements to explore what is overlooked or discarded in contemporary life.

Book 1 of London Below series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Science Fiction Gods Urban Fantasy Supernatural Horror Survival Male Protagonist

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94

Shades of Grey

By Jasper Fforde

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 42,038 reviews. 4.16 · 42,038 reviews

Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde imagines a post-disaster society where class, law, and opportunity are determined by which colors a person can perceive. Eddie Russet, a young man from the lower-status House of Red who works for the Color Control Agen…

Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde imagines a post-disaster society where class, law, and opportunity are determined by which colors a person can perceive. Eddie Russet, a young man from the lower-status House of Red who works for the Color Control Agency, accepts this rigid hierarchy until he meets Jane, a Grey Nightseer from the village’s unlit outskirts. As Eddie uncovers hints of suppressed history, decayed technology, and arbitrary rules enforced through a strict merit system, he is drawn into subversive conversations that challenge the foundations of his world. Blending dystopian science fiction with dry humor, romance, and political intrigue, the novel follows Eddie’s reluctant shift from compliant citizen to potential rebel.

Book 1 of Shades of Grey series

Fantasy Humor Adult Romance Science Fiction Dystopia Mystery Rebellion Political Intrigue Male Protagonist

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95

Clean Sweep

By Ilona Andrews

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 64,044 reviews. 4.16 · 64,044 reviews

Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews introduces Dina Demille, an innkeeper whose quiet Texas bed-and-breakfast is actually a sentient, magically empowered refuge for travelers from distant worlds. Armed with a lethal broom and aided by her shape-shifting Shi…

Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews introduces Dina Demille, an innkeeper whose quiet Texas bed-and-breakfast is actually a sentient, magically empowered refuge for travelers from distant worlds. Armed with a lethal broom and aided by her shape-shifting Shih Tzu, Dina is drawn into protecting her unsuspecting suburban neighborhood when a predatory, otherworldly creature begins killing nearby. As she investigates, she must navigate uneasy alliances and romantic tension with Sean Evans, an alpha werewolf neighbor, and Arland, a disciplined vampire warrior bound by interstellar politics. Blending urban fantasy, science fiction elements, and action-oriented romance, the novel centers on a capable female protagonist balancing duty to her inn with the escalating dangers outside its wards.

Book 1 of Innkeeper Chronicles series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Action Romance Science Fiction Urban Fantasy Vampires Paranormal Aliens Werewolves Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead

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96

Street Cultivation

By Sarah Lin

Rated 4.15 out of 5 stars, based on 3,089 reviews. 4.15 · 3,089 reviews

Street Cultivation (Street Cultivation, #1) by Sarah Lin is set in a contemporary urban environment where qi functions as a form of currency. Traditional martial arts have been absorbed into corporate and governmental structures, leaving ordinary fig…

Street Cultivation (Street Cultivation, #1) by Sarah Lin is set in a contemporary urban environment where qi functions as a form of currency. Traditional martial arts have been absorbed into corporate and governmental structures, leaving ordinary fighters marginalized. The story follows Rick, a young martial artist focused on improving his and his sister’s lives amid societal inequality and her spiritual illness. The novel blends elements of fantasy and science fiction within a modern cityscape, exploring themes of power, survival, and family responsibility.

Book 1 of Street Cultivation series

Science Fiction Dystopia Martial Arts Classics Survival Contemporary Cultivation Progression Fantasy Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Male Protagonist

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