What are the must-read fantasy and science fiction novels of the 21st century?

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Not necessarily your favorites, but the books that every fantasy and science fiction fan should read to be a well-read fan, the way that Dune, the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Stranger in a Strange Land and Lord of the Rings were among the books that "everyone" who liked fantasy and science fiction was expected to have read in the late 20th century.

 

[Richards]

I'd suggest the Gentleman Bastards series by Scott Lynch: The Lies of Locke Lamora, Red Seas Under Red Skies, and The Republic of Thieves thus far, with four more due to finish up the series. Great characters, fascinating world-building, and interesting plots.

Johnathan

 

[Levistus's_Leviathan]

The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir (the first book is Gideon the Ninth)

Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

 

[Tonguez]

Kingkiller Chronicle
Mistborn
Harry Potter

 

[trappedslider]

misunderstood

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Harry Potter

That's a late 1990s series that finished up in the 21st.

 

[Davies]

Not necessarily your favorites, but the books that every fantasy and science fiction fan should read to be a well-read fan, the way that Dune, the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Stranger in a Strange Land and Lord of the Rings were among the books that "everyone" who liked fantasy and science fiction was expected to have read in the late 20th century.

I think it is about twenty to thirty years too early to be making such evaluations. That notwithstanding, I would recommend the works of Nora K. Jemisin, particularly The Inheritance Trilogy.

 

[Zaukrie]

I'd suggest the Gentleman Bastards series by Scott Lynch: The Lies of Locke Lamora, Red Seas Under Red Skies, and The Republic of Thieves thus far, with four more due to finish up the series. Great characters, fascinating world-building, and interesting plots.

Johnathan

Perhaps my favorite book. The series will not be finished, but it doesn't matter for at least the first two...

 

[Zaukrie]

The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir (the first book is Gideon the Ninth)

Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

I'm nearly done with Gideon. I love it, but I do have issues keeping the characters straight sometimes.

 

[Zaukrie]

I think it is about twenty to thirty years too early to be making such evaluations. That notwithstanding, I would recommend the works of Nora K. Jemisin, particularly The Inheritance Trilogy.

First book is great.

So, not sure I can add to these as all three I've commented on will be on the list, but when was Leviathan Rising written?

Red Rising should be a tv show already....