My List of the Top 10 Fiction Books of the Year
I’m clearly having a lot of fun doing these top 10 lists. But it seems my readers love this even more. No wonder then that my earlier 2 posts, The Top 10 Books of the Year and The Top 10 Books of All Time are some of the most popular posts on this site.
A majority of us read mainly fiction and in fact I started off my love for books by reading only fiction. It’s only in the past 3-4 years that I’ve moved on to other genres but the fact remains that there is no better alternative to spending a boring plane or a train journey than reading a good fiction novel. Nothing even comes close. Period!
So I thought why not present you guys with my list of the Top 10 Fiction Books of the Year. Not only will this list tell you as to the books I enjoy reading but I’m sure we can have a nice discussion as to what other personal favourites of yours can make it to the list. So without further ado, in no particular order, here’s my list of the Top 10 Fiction Books of the Year.
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1. Only Time Will Tell by Jeffery Archer
With every passing year, the master storyteller that is Jeffery Archer continues to surprise the world with his explosive style of storytelling. He’s always been one of my favourite authors to date and with his latest release, Only Time Will Tell; Archer proves that he’s going to be in my list of the Top 10 Fiction Books of the Year for a very long time. The style of his writing is still as refreshing as it was in Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less and with Only Time Will Tell; Archer gives us yet another masterpiece.
In Jeffrey Archer’s masterful hands, the reader is taken on a journey that they won’t want to end at any cost. This one is available at a discounted price of Rs 211.
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2. Inheritance: Eragon Book 4 by Christopher Paolini
One of the most explosive books of the year in my opinion, the final saga of the epic cycle of 4 books written by the very young Christopher Paolini definitely makes it to my list of the top 10 fiction books of the year. Not only is it one of my personal favourites, it’s a crackling good read with suspense, drama and heartbreaks galore! And yes, this book also makes it to my list of the Top 10 Fiction Books of the Year (Read That List Here)
I had been waiting for this final book in The Inheritance Cycle since a long time and having read it finally, I can say safely say that the wait was worth every bit of it.
This is currently going for a discounted price of Rs. 489 over at Flipkart but before you head over there, why not read this tantalizing little preview
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3. River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh
When I first read Amitav Ghosh’s earlier book, The Calcutta Chromosome, I was frankly not too impressed and found it a little too hyped. However, with River of Smoke, Amitav gives us a winner that scores on all fronts.
This novel was long-listed for Man Asian Literary Prize 2011 for Fiction and that’s when I first noticed it and ordered this one as well as its prequel, Sea of Poppies. Very, very impressive in my opinion and a must read for all you intellects out there. A worthy candidate for the Top 10 Fiction Books of the Year.
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4. The Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson
Written by the late Stieg Larsson, The Millennium Trilogy is a series of bestselling novels that have taken the literary world by storm. With a brilliant storyline and an amazing protagonist in the form of Lisbeth Salander, this series consists of 3 novels namely, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Read my Review Here), The Girl who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest.
In fact this series has become so popular that next year will witness the release of major movies based on the 3 books and it’s no wonder then that the Millennium Trilogy makes it to this list of the Top 10 Fiction Books of the Year!
Available at Flipkart for a 35% discount at Rs 1130 for all 3 Books!
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5. The Secret of the Nagas by Amish Tripathi
The 1st book of the Shiva Trilogy, The Immortals of Meluha, was one of the biggest success stories of 2010 and Amish made sure that his 2nd book in the series, The Secret of the Nagas, made it to my list of the top 10 fiction books of the year. With its amazing plot and storyline, the wait for the 3rd book, The Oath of the Vayuputras, just got bigger! I don’t want to say anything more about this book so why not find out all about The Secret of the Nagas by reading this review.
Oh and yes, the good folks at Flipkart are offering this at a 30% Discount!
Note: If you haven’t read the above two books, then buy this double combo pack and save yourself some more money by Clicking Here. And yes, you can thank me after reading both of them.
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6. The House of Silk: The New Sherlock Holmes Novel
For all Sherlock Holmes fans, this one is a god-send. I had literally given up all hope for reading a new Sherlock Holmes novel because the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had refused to sanction any new novels. But this is the 1st time that it’s happened and boy am I glad to have read this one.
Written by Anthony Horowitz, this one definitely makes it onto my list of the top 10 fiction books of the year. Although not vintage Sir Arthur like, this one is bound to have to fall off the edge of your seat on that plane journey.
Click Here to buy it from Flipkart at a 30% Discount!
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7. Scarecrow and The Army of Thieves by Matthew Reilly
I don’t know how many of you’ve actually read a Matthew Reilly novel but in mu humble opinion, he is one of the most under-rated and amazing adventure novelists of this decade. It’s a classic fiction novel that features a high-adrenaline chase for some lost artifact, an amazing plot and some superb characters to match that intensity.
I’d always include a Matt Reilly novel in my list of the top 10 fiction books of the year simply because once the book kicks off, there’s no stopping it. An amazing read, this one’s going for a discounted price of Rs 446
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8. Chanakya’s Chant by Ashwin Sanghi
Although released in 2010, this novel by Ashwin Sanghi makes it to my list of the top 10 fiction books of the year because of 2 main reasons. One is that I read it only this year (hey, it’s my list after all) and secondly because this one combines fiction and history and cooks out a splendid dish that is an awesome read!
I somehow drew a lot of parallels between the novels of Amish Tripathi and Ashwin, because both of them have served out national bestsellers based on their blending of mythology, fiction and history. All in all, this one’s a fabulous read and you sure won’t forget the teachings and wit of Chanakya for a long long time.
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9. A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R. R. Martin
If you haven’t read this fabulous series that is now also a major HBO production, then you’ve simply missed something awesome my friend. If I were giving a ranking to my list of the top 10 fiction books of the year, then this would have been a strong contender for the number 1 spot. Written by the American novelist, George Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire is a series of epic fantasy novels that has sold well over 10 million copies worldwide.
I love the way the three major storylines are interspersed within each other but in order to understand more about the phenomenon that this series is, you’ll have to experience it yourself. Currently Flipkart is offering this set at a discounted price of Rs 837
In all 5 novels of this series have been published and another 2 are planned. Watch out for this one!
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10. The Yellow Emperor’s Cure by Kunal Basu
One of the surprise packages on this list, Kunal Basu’s, The Yellow Emperor’s Cure, completes my list of the Top 10 Fiction Books of the Year. His earlier books were all literary bestsellers and his most recent novel, The Japanese Wife, was one of the biggest success stories of 2008. That was the 1st Kunal Basu book I’d ever read and I loved that collection of 12 stories about the unexpected events of life.
And when I found out that Kunal Basu is coming out with a new novel titled The Yellow Emperor’s Cure, my interest and curiosity was definitely piqued! Click Here to read a more detailed review of this brilliant fictional novel.
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So What’s Your Take on The Top 10 Fiction Books of the Year?
I’m sure each one of you has some favourite fiction book or the other that didn’t make it to this list. If that’s the case, why don’t you mention it below in the comment form and we’ll have a nice little discussion on whether it should be included in the Top 10 Fiction Books of the Year or not!
C’mon don’t be shy! Comment below and in case you liked my list of the top 10 fiction books of the year, then do show some love by sharing it on Facebook and Twitter!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Why revolution 2020 is not their.I loved it:)
My favorite book of this year is revolution 2020.This fiction takes through corruption.Most host topic at present.
This is indeed a definitive list. out of it i have read only river of smoke which was brilliant!
Have you read all the above books?
Hi Aakanksha,
Yes, I’ve read all the books mentioned in the list! Out of them, I must agree with you that River of Smoke was one of my favorites…I loved his earlier work, The Sea of Poppies as well
Chetan Bhagat is getting a tough competition from Amish… really I love reading both of their books…. But Amish has gone a bit ahead….The books he has written ” Immortals of Meluha” and ” Secrets of Nagas” are the best till now for me…
Hi Vidyasagar,
Very correctly said…both of these authors write in a language that appeals to the masses and is easily understood!
Hey thanks for sharing about the new Matthew Railey book. Just ordered it. Been Waiting for his new release eagerly. Just love his books….. And of the books that you have shared have not read only River of smoke.. looking forward to reading it now as you say its amazing..
Hi Arundathi,
really nice to know that you too are a Matt Railey fan and I absolutely love his books. The thrill and suspense he creates makes for a wonderful read.
You should try out River of Smoke as well. Amitav is a wonderful writer and am sure you’ll love his books
Hey Thanks for the List..Yet to try George martin’s series and The new sherlock holmes.
U said very well about Mathhew Reilly..Thanks..His name is rarely seen mentioned by reviewers and critics.I too believe he’s one of the most under-rated fiction writers presently.His books takes you in a roller coaster ride. I happened to read his “six sacred stones” and after reading, I was in a hurry to collect all his writings.I have read all his work till date.
Well.Thanks again for the List
Hi Pratap,
Absolutely right buddy! Matthew Reilly is surely one of the most under-rated fiction writers of this generation!
Glad you liked this list of the best fiction books
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