My Favorite Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books of All Time

Thoughts: The Will of the Many immediately grabbed me within the first few chapters. I loved it so much that I’m too afraid of reading the second book!

What I loved most about this book were the clever strategies curated by Vis and the compelling plot. Everything built up to an ending that completely blew me away. I had such a great time reading it, and I’m holding out hope that the rest of the series will make it onto this list eventually.

Thoughts: Legendborn has quickly become one of my favorite fantasy series so far. I’m all caught up in the series, and what a ride it’s been! 

What stood out most to me in this series wasn’t the magic, the secret societies, or even the romance—it was Bree’s journey of discovering who she is and making her own path in a world that’s very much against her.

Thoughts: A Monster Calls  is one I really need to reread. It’s been a decade since I first read it, but it has stayed with me all these years. 

When I first read this book, it helped me navigate my own complicated emotions around grief, especially as I watched my dad struggle with terminal illness. The way it handles loss is both heartbreaking and comforting. It’s a story that truly stays with you because of its emotional depth, and I can’t wait to revisit it.

Thoughts: Catching Fire will always hold a special place in my heart. My dad gave me my first copy of this series about 15 years ago, and I’ve loved the trilogy ever since.

What made this book so good was the behind-the-scenes look at the rebellion brewing among the districts. It also introduces new characters who quickly became some of my favorites in the entire franchise.

Thoughts: Ah yes… another hunger games book. Three years ago, I decided it was time to get back into reading after a five-year reading slump. I started by rereading the Hunger Games trilogy, and then picked up The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Let me just say—I couldn’t put it down. It may not be the most popular choice, but for me, it holds a special place.

While Snow is not exactly a character you’re rooting for, watching his rise and understanding the choices and circumstances that shaped him was absolutely fascinating. It was thrilling to explore the origins of the Capitol and the Games through his perspective. I also really loved Lucy Gray Baird!

Thoughts: Red Rising was absolutely phenomenal. The story drew me in from the start, with so many memorable characters and twists that kept me turning the pages. This was the series I realized I need to read more sci-fi books! 

I just started the second series of the Red Rising Saga and honestly I’ve been loving it so far, and I think it’s going to show up on this list once I finish. I’m both excited and bracing myself for all the heartbreak I know is coming, but I can’t wait to finally finish this series.

Thoughts: Six of Crows is a series I’m about to reread because I miss it so much. I would recommend this duology to anyone who loved Ocean’s Eleven. 

The vibes are incredibly similar, full of clever twists, high stakes, and a group of unforgettable misfits working together against impossible odds. You also get a little sliver of romance in the book without it overpowering the plot, which I love. 

Thoughts: Six Crimson Cranes was an unexpected 5-star read for me. I fell in love with its fairytale vibes. It features curses, an evil stepmother, and magical creatures that bring the world to life. 

The romance was sweet and understated, never overpowering the story, and the plot struck a perfect balance between adventure, family dynamics, and magic. It’s the kind of book that left me smiling and completely satisfied by the ending.

Thoughts: My favorite movies of all time are Interstellar and The Martian, so this book came highly recommended to me. It was one of my most anticipated 5-star reads, and thankfully, it delivered exactly that.

This was such a fun and exciting read. The science-heavy concepts were explained in a way that was easy to follow, but the real standout was Rocky!