11 fantasy novels of the 21st century worth reading

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The World Science Fiction Society annually counts the votes of readers and, based on the results, names the best science fiction works of the year. The winners are awarded the Hugo Prize, one of the most prestigious in the genre. Lifehacker collected all the novels of the current century, which were awarded the prize and managed to be published in Russian.

1. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Released: 2001.

genre: fantasy.

What is this book about: A phlegmatic big man named Shadow is released from prison and immediately falls into the epicenter of supernatural events. Pagan gods from all over the world gather in the United States under the guise of ordinary people to decide their future fate. They are weakening, their age is coming to an end under the onslaught of new technologies. But the ancient deities do not want to give in at all. The storm is coming, and the Shadow has an important role to play.

In 2017, the long-awaited TV adaptation of "American Gods" will begin on the Starz channel.

It's time to read the book.

2. "Paladin of Souls" by Lois McMaster Bujold

Released: 2003.

genre: fantasy.

What is this book about: Soul Paladin continues the story of Queen Ista, a minor character in The Curse of Shalion. Therefore, it is advisable to read the sequel after reading the first book.

The action takes place in a fictional world, similar to ours in the Middle Ages, but with magic and fantastic creatures. Having experienced all the cruelty of the local people and gods, Ista goes on a pilgrimage to heal his emotional wounds. But this path will not be easy.

3. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Suzanne Clarke

Released: 2004.

genre: fantasy.

What is this book about: Alternative England, 19th century. For many years, magic is considered dried up, wizards have become parodies of their former selves. But the appearance of two practicing magicians changes everything.

Meanwhile, England is on the verge of war, and the return of magic to the country attracts dark forces. And instead of solving problems together, sorcerers have different attitudes towards magic and see each other as rivals.

In 2015, BBC One released a mini-series of the same name based on the plot of the novel.

4. "Spin" by Robert Charles Wilson

Released: 2005.

genre: science fiction.

What is this book about: A mysterious sphere appeared around the Earth, which separated the planet from space. Moreover, time under this shell, called the spin, began to run much slower than outside its borders.

The sun shines differently, the satellites fall, and the stars disappear somewhere from the night sky. This phenomenon completely changes people's lives, as the main character of the book, the doctor Tyler Dupre, tells in detail.

5. "Rainbows End" by Vernor Vinge

Released: 2006.

genre: science fiction.

What is this book about: In the near future, the line between reality and the virtual world becomes almost imperceptible. Information networks permeate all spheres of human life, which creates new opportunities and at the same time carries unprecedented risks. Thus, a serious vulnerability in technology jeopardizes the free will of all mankind. All hope is for the technophobic poet Robert Gu, who, after years in oblivion, was cured of Alzheimer's disease.

6. "Union of Jewish Policemen", Michael Chabon

Released: 2007.

genre: alternative history.

What is this book about: According to the plot, Israel was destroyed by war in the middle of the last century, and the Jews settled in temporary autonomy in the north of the United States. At the beginning of the novel, the lease on American lands expires, forcing the citizens of the settlement to look for new places.

Against the background of these events, a detective story is developing rapidly: the Jewish policeman Meir Landsman is investigating a mysterious murder. Over time, things take a very unexpected turn.

7. "The Cemetery Story" by Neil Gaiman

Released: 2008.

genre: fantasy.

What is this book about: Another fairy tale about the boy who survived. Only instead of Hogwarts, after the murder of the family, the young hero ends up in the cemetery. Here, among vampires, werewolves, ghosts and other otherworldly creatures, the guy finds guardians, friends and mentors. Only by knowing the kingdom of the dead, he will be able to return to the world of the living.

8. "City and Town", China Mieville

Released: 2009.

genre: science fiction.

What is this book about: A brutal murder takes place in the fictional Eastern European city of Beschel. The case is assigned to a local detective, Tiador Borl. It leads the inspector to Ul-Kom, a nearby progressive city that surrealistically merges in space with Beschel. The politics and culture of settlements have long contradicted each other, which is why a seemingly banal investigation threatens to turn into a nightmare.

9. "Clockwork", Paolo Bachigalupi

Released: 2009.

genre: science fiction.

What is this book about: A global catastrophe has changed the conditions of life on Earth: part of the land is flooded by the ocean, traditional energy resources are depleted, technology works on winding springs.

At the same time, biotechnology is developing rapidly. People genetically modify their bodies, and cynical bio-corporations fight for market share. The main events take place in futuristic Thailand, where the interests of several very different people intersect.

10. Men in Red by John Scalzi

Released: 2012.

genre: science fiction.

What is this book about: Young xenobiologist Andrew Dahl has always wanted to serve on the Intrepid, the elite ship of the Ecumenical Union. His dream has come true. But on board the honorary spacecraft, the guy realizes that something is wrong here. In each mission, minor crew members are killed, and the officers miraculously get out of the water. Having solved the mystery of the ship, Andrew and his colleagues decide to take a risk to get out alive.

11. "Servants of Justice" by Ann Leckie

Released: 2013.

genre: science fiction.

What is this book about: Once the body of the woman now called Brak, along with other bodies, was connected to a sentient spaceship of the Radch Empire. Together they formed a complex collective mind.

But due to betrayal, the ship was destroyed, and Brack became the only part of the system that managed to escape. Now she is looking for the guilty in order to take revenge.