Best Books of 2014 Literary Fiction: A Comprehensive Guide

One of the best literary journals for fiction is 'ZYZZYVA'. It focuses on West Coast voices and has a great selection of short stories. 'AGNI' is another notable one. It is known for its high editorial standards when it comes to fiction. It publishes works that are both thought - provoking and beautifully written. 'Conjunctions' is also highly regarded. It often features complex and innovative fictional works that push the boundaries of the genre.

Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Never Let Me Go' is also a remarkable piece. It presents a dystopian world where clones are raised for organ donation. The novel is thought - provoking as it delves deep into what it means to be human, with Ishiguro's beautiful prose enhancing the overall experience.

One of the great science fiction books in 2018 was 'The Collapsing Empire' by John Scalzi. It has an engaging plot about an interstellar empire on the verge of falling apart. The world - building is top - notch, with different planets and cultures vividly depicted.

'The Measure' by Nikki Erlick also stands out. It presents a unique take on historical events by introducing a fantastical element. In the story, people receive a box that predicts the length of their lives. This premise leads to a deep exploration of how society and individuals respond in such a situation, all set against a backdrop of real - world history.

One great crime fiction book from 2018 could be 'The Woman in the Window' by A.J. Finn. It's a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its unreliable narrator and a mystery that unfolds within the confines of a house and the mind of the protagonist.

One of the best fantasy books in 2018 fiction was 'Spinning Silver' by Naomi Novik. It's a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with a strong female lead. The world - building is intricate and the characters are well - developed.

Some of the best new science fiction books in 2018 were 'The Collapsing Empire' by John Scalzi. It had an interesting take on a galactic empire on the verge of collapse, with complex political intrigue. Another great one was 'Record of a Spaceborn Few' by Becky Chambers, which focused on the daily lives of ordinary people in a space - faring civilization.

One great 21st - century fiction book is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It tells a powerful story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history. The characters are vividly drawn, and the themes are both universal and deeply rooted in the Afghan culture.

The 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle is a classic. Holmes' brilliant deductions and the Victorian - era settings create a great atmosphere. Each story presents a unique mystery, from stolen jewels to murders, and Holmes always manages to solve them in his own unique way.

One great stand - alone crime fiction book is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are well - developed, and the story keeps you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out what really happened to the missing woman. Another is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines elements of mystery, crime, and a bit of social commentary. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a very unique and interesting detective - like figure.