Top 2014 RELEASES

We saw some very impressive debuts this year and some new releases from some old favorites. 2014 was a great year for literature and an even better time to be a reader. I’m excited to post my top five books of 2014 as we eagerly await the arrival of many anticipated 2015 releases!

There are a LOT of books that I would have loved to throw on this list, but I only wanted to include books that I actually read. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get as many books read as I would have liked, but overall I am very pleased with the books I did pick up.

5. DOROTHY MUST DIE by Danielle Paige

Dorothy Must Die was a really fun read for me. It takes us back to the Land of Oz that we all grew up with, but with a frightening twist; Dorothy’s not so sweet anymore and Oz has lost its magic. It’s up to spunky heroine Amy Gumm to save Oz, defeat Dorothy’s classic-turned-scary friends, and then…”Dorothy Must Die”. My review of this debut novel can be found in a previous post. Goodreads here.

4. THE MERCILESS by Danielle Vega

The Merciless is Danielle Vega’s debut novel and it sure makes an impression. The book is devilishly stunning with a bright pink cover, but the novel itself is nothing short of intense. This book is a fun, fast-paced, and sometimes unnerving tale that will leave you wanting more from this author. My review for this book can be found below.  Goodreads here.

3. THE ONE by Kiera Cass

Kiera Cass is one of the best new writers in the YA world and she proved it yet again with her new addition to the Selection series. This series is all around great. It’s the right amount of girly and catty and the love plots aren’t completely nauseating! I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment for this series!  Goodreads here.

2. MY LAST KISS by Bethany Neal

My Last Kiss is probably one of my favorite debut novels (and the cover is pretty amazing). I had the pleasure of meeting Bethany Neal at a local book fair where I bought her book. My Last Kiss follows a dead girl who, as a ghost, attempts to solve the mystery surrounding her supposed suicide. This book is written beautifully and I absolutely cannot wait to read more of Bethany’s work. Goodreads here.

1. AFTERWORLDS by Scott Westerfeld

 Afterworlds was by far my favorite book of 2014. I had really high expectations going into this book and am thrilled to say that I was not disappointed. This book is told in alternating chapters between a debut teenage author and her novel. It’s set up brilliantly. Both stories within this book are exciting and finishing this book was extremely sad. You never want it to end! Goodreads here.