Fantasy readers know one thing for certain—this genre never stops evolving. Every year, we get new worlds to explore, new magic systems to obsess over, and new characters to either fall in love with or scream at in frustration. And 2014? That year brought us some truly legendary additions to our bookshelves.
One of the biggest hits of 2014 was Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson, the second book in The Stormlight Archive. It may not have snagged a Goodreads Choice Award, but with nearly half a million ratings (and counting), it’s clear that this doorstopper of a novel has carved out its own storm-blasted legacy. If you like your fantasy sprawling, character-driven, and full of dramatic reveals that hit like a Shardblade to the chest, this one is for you. Kaladin’s journey alone is enough to make readers both weep and cheer—sometimes on the same page.
But 2014 wasn’t just about Sanderson. The genre was alive with fresh perspectives and bold storytelling. Indie and small-press fantasy was making waves, with authors pushing the boundaries of what fantasy could be. This was the year that showed us the genre wasn’t just about chosen ones and grand destinies—it was about deeply personal stories wrapped in layers of worldbuilding so rich you could get lost for days.
Fast forward a decade, and the books of 2014 still hold up. The best fantasy stories don’t just entertain; they challenge, they inspire, and they remind us why we fell in love with the genre in the first place. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or diving in for the first time, 2014 was a year of unforgettable journeys—so grab your favorite reading snacks and get ready to adventure all over again.