As we move forward into 2014, many debut authors are making their mark in the literary world. With so many exciting new books hitting the shelves, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to read first. From science fiction to romance to thrillers, these authors have captured readers’ attention and are sure to make a splash in the publishing world this year.
Here are the top ten 2014 debuts that I am personally excited to read:
1. “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard – This young adult fantasy novel has been highly anticipated, with its unique blend of political intrigue and magical abilities.
2. “An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir – This gripping debut novel is set in a brutal world inspired by ancient Rome, and follows the story of a slave girl and a soldier fighting for freedom.
3. “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins – A psychological thriller that has been compared to “Gone Girl,” this novel follows a woman who becomes entangled in a missing persons case.
4. “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng – This literary debut explores the dynamics of a Chinese American family in the 1970s and the secrets that tear them apart.
5. “The Miniaturist” by Jessie Burton – This historical novel set in 17th century Amsterdam follows the story of a young bride who receives a mysterious miniature dollhouse.
6. “The Truth About Alice” by Jennifer Mathieu – A contemporary young adult novel that deconstructs the rumors and gossip surrounding a teenage girl’s reputation.
7. “The Bone Clocks” by David Mitchell – This epic novel spans decades and explores the interconnected lives of its characters in a beautifully intricate narrative.
8. “The Queen of the Tearling” by Erika Johansen – This fantasy novel follows a young queen who must reclaim her kingdom from a tyrannical ruler.
9. “The Martian” by Andy Weir – A science fiction thriller about an astronaut stranded on Mars, this novel has garnered rave reviews for its realistic portrayal of space travel.
10. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel – This post-apocalyptic novel follows a group of actors traveling through a world ravaged by a deadly flu pandemic.
These ten debuts represent a diverse range of genres and storytelling styles, but they all share one thing in common: they have captured readers’ imaginations and created buzz in the literary world. Whether you’re a fan of young adult fiction, historical novels, or science fiction thrillers, there is sure to be a debut novel on this list that will capture your interest and keep you turning the pages. With so many exciting new authors making their mark in 2014, the future looks bright for the world of literature.