Last week I listed my Top Ten Adult Books of 2014, and this week it’s time to celebrate my favorite Young Adult Books of the year! For some reason, I didn’t read as many YA books in 2014, so this list was easier to narrow down to ten favorites. However, each book on this list satisfied my need for well-crafted plots, interesting characters, and emotionally complex stories. Without further ado, I give you my Top Ten Young Adult Books of 2014:
1. The Falconer by Elizabeth May. This book surprised the pants off me! In my review, I called it “Jane Austen Meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which is exactly what it was. This book had something for everyone: romance, action, and terrific characters, all set in an irresistible world of Scottish faery lore. I can’t wait for the sequel! Read my review here.
2. Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen. This amazingly creative story, originally published by the now-defunct Strange Chemistry, is being given new life, as small publisher Angry Robot resumes their publication schedule next March. I was worried about ever getting to read the rest of this series, but luckily AR will be publishing the sequel, Hidden Huntress, next summer! Read my review here.
3. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge. This odd but gorgeously told story blew many other fairy tale re-tellings out of the water. It was simply one of the most unique stories I’ve ever read. I’m so excited to dive into Hodge’s next book, Crimson Bound. Read my review here.
4. The Merciless by Danielle Vega. Vega is one twisted woman! And I mean that in a good way. I wasn’t expecting the graphic violence and frightening psychological terror in this story, but I loved every word. And yes, there is a fantastic twist at the end! Read my review here.
5. 100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith. I finally read my first Andrew Smith book this year, and believe me, it won’t be my last. Quirky, unusual and unexpectedly emotional, this story captured my heart and made me a Smith fan for life. Read my review here.
6. Blightborn by Chuck Wendig. Book Two in Wendig’s YA series didn’t disappoint. The action was the crazy good, never-ending sort that makes you flip pages as fast as you can. Wendig’s writing is immaculate, as always. Read my review here.
7. Shadowplay by Laura Lam. Here’s another casualty of the Strange Chemistry closing. I haven’t heard whether or not Lam has sold her series to another publisher or not, but I sure hope she does. Her wonderfully diverse transgender character Micah Grey is a breath of fresh air in a sea of YA pedestrian characters. Read my review here.
8. Unhinged by A.G. Howard. Book two in Howard’s Alice in Wonderland-themed story was magical, odd and full of ooey-gooey romance goodness. I’ll be sorry to see this series end with the publication of Ensnared next month. Read my review here.
9. High & Dry by Sarah Skilton. I don’t usually read non-genre YA fiction, but I will always pick up a Sarah Skilton book! This scary tale of misbehaving high school students was a real page-turner. Read my review here.
10. The Savages by Matt Whyman. This unexpectedly hilarious and well-written story was such a surprise. I still need to catch up on the second book in this series about a family of cannibals (yes, I said cannibals!), which I intend to do this next year. Read my review here.
Have you read any of these? I’d love to read your top ten list of YA titles, let me know what you loved!
I so agree with The Stolen Songbird. The world building is so amazing! ♥
Yay! I’m so excited to read the next book!
I’ve only read two on your list: Cruel Beauty and Unhinged. I have to say I loved them both. Especially Unhinged. Howard does a fantastic job with her retelling! Great list!
Brooke recently posted…Release Launch: Until Midnight by Melissa Landers @Melissa_Landers
I agree, Howard’s retelling of Alice in Wonderland is amazing, and so different from other retellings:-)
I know what you mean about The Merciless! I definitely wasn’t expecting all the graphic violence, and that twist at the end!!! Cruel Beauty was a very beautifully written books, I’m excited for Crimson Bound 🙂
Christy @ Novel Ink recently posted…Trivia Tuesday (4)
I’m so glad to find someone else who has read The Merciless!
I don’t read much YA, but The Falconer is on my list to try. And Wendig, because his other books are awesome!
Lisa @TenaciousReader recently posted…Tenaciously Stacking the Shelves
Wendig’s YA is pretty darn good:-D
Just the cover of The Savages makes me want to read it! Great post. 🙂
Lauren recently posted…Top Ten Books I Wouldn’t Mind Santa Bringing This Year
Oh yes, please read The Savages! It’s awesome:-)
I have read all of one of those (Lam). I swear I read more YA this year but looking back on it; not really as much as I remember. I read more books, but only from a few authors.
I also read a lot less YA this year, for some reason. Maybe I’m getting too old?? Oh no!!
Jane Austen Meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer —
You just combined two of my favorite things. Off to get The Falconer. 🙂
And Stolen Songbird is my next book to read, I just can’t wait to start.
Anne @ Lovely Literature recently posted…TTT: Books we wouldn’t mind Santa bringing
Yes yes read those two for sure!!
Oh wow, I haven’t read any of these! The Falconer and Cruel Beauty are definitely on my TBR but it looks like I have a few more to add. 🙂 Great post!
Ah, looking back it hasn’t been such a great year for me in YA, but I guess I’ve been reading all the wrong books 😛 Cruel Beauty is definitely on my list now, I’ve been seeing it around on so many best of lists, I can’t ignore it any longer.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum recently posted…Graphic Novel Review: Injustice: Gods Among Us, Vol. 1 by Tom Taylor
This list reminded me of a few books that I wanted to read this year but never got to. Not enough time to read!! I think I just have too many entertainment hobbies. Reading, TV, movies, video games, and they all take up so much time!!! Happy Holidays
Again love your categories! I keep thinking about making a best of list but I’m so lazy!
You aren’t lazy, you’re just busy:-D