10 BEST SF/FANTASY NOVELS OF THE DECADE
There have been many excellent SF/Fantasy novels published since 2000. The list below is not an order of preference, since all can be considered outstanding examples of the genre.
1) Old Man’s War by John Scalzi
Some of the best science fiction writing since early Heinlein. Read them all.
2) The Traveler (The Fourth Realm Trilogy, Book 1) by John Twelve Hawks
This dystopian novel, beautifully written, will really creep you out. Just because you’re paranoid…
3) The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1) by Patrick Rothfuss
One of the best new fantasy series around.
4) The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
A fantasy thriller, winner of the Hugo award in 2010.
5) The Final Empire (Mistborn Series, Vol. 1) by Brandon Sanderson
The unusual premise of the series makes it well worth reading. His stand alone novel Elantris is also great.
6) The Blade Itself (The First Law, Book 1) by Joe Abercrombie
Violence, bloody battle scenes, and extremely compelling story. The whole series is great.
7) Faith of The Fallen (The Sword of Truth, Book 6) by Terry Goodkind.
Okay, I’m cheating. Start with the first one in the series Wizard’s First Rule (1996).
8) The Way of Shadows (Night Angel Trilogy, Book 1) by Brent Weeks
Another good fantasy trilogy.
9) Fool’s Errand (Tawny Man trilogy, book 1) by Robin Hobb
Continuation of the Farseer trilogy. Another cheat. Start with Assassin’s Apprentice (1995)
10) The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms(The Inheritance Trilogy, Book 1) by N.K. Jemisin. Author’s first novel, Hugo nominee 2011.
So sue me for leaving out Robert Jordan’s epic. I never read the second book. Same with George R.R. Martin’s series Game of Thrones. I may revisit them at a later date, but so many books, so little time…
Ann
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