So many good Young Adult reads for 2014. Choosing my favorites is like choosing my favorite flavor of coffee. I whittled my list, checked it twice and below are my top reads in this genre for 2014. You will notice I favor fantasy, dystopian and mystery in this particular genre. You can click on any title to read my full review. Grab a cup of peppermint coffee or tea and check out my favorites.
Caffeinated’s Top Ten 2014 Young Adult Reads
Red Rising
by Pierce Brown
Series: Red Rising Trilogy #1
Publisher: Random House
on January 28, 2014
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction
Purchase: Amazon
The Earth is dying. Darrow is a Red, a miner in the interior of Mars. His mission is to extract enough precious elements to one day tame the surface of the planet and allow humans to live on it. The Reds are humanity’s last hope.Or so it appears, until the day Darrow discovers it’s all a lie. That Mars has been habitable – and inhabited – for generations, by a class of people calling themselves the Golds. A class of people who look down on Darrow and his fellows as slave labour, to be exploited and worked to death without a second thought. Until the day that Darrow, with the help of a mysterious group of rebels, disguises himself as a Gold and infiltrates their command school, intent on taking down his oppressors from the inside. But the command school is a battlefield – and Darrow isn’t the only student with an agenda.
Absolutely brilliant with fantastic world-building and characters..I could not put this down! A must read for fantasy, dystopian and science fiction lovers! If I could only make you read one book in my top ten list for YA it would be this!!
Queen of Someday
by Sherry D. Ficklin
Series: Stolen Empire #1
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing
on October 7, 2014
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Purchase: Amazon
ONE GIRL WILL BRING AN EMPIRE TO ITS KNEES…Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost. Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans. Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be. In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?
I love this author, and this was a refreshing tale that held me spellbound.
The Forever Song
by Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden #3
Also in this series: Immortal Rules, The Eternity Cure
Publisher: Harlequin
on April 15, 2014
Genres: Dystopian, Paranormal
Purchase: Amazon
VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS -Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer. MONSTER -Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie. In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.
Kick-ass heroine, hilarious side-kicks and all the feels..a real page turner conclusion.
Cress
by Marissa Meyer
Series: Lunar Chronicles #3
Also in this series: Cinder
Publisher: macmillian
on February 4, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Purchase: Amazon
Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard. In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not
I adore this series. I am a fangirl and need more!!
Ignite Me
by Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me #3
Also in this series: Shatter Me, Destroy Me, UnRavel Me, Fracture Me
Publisher: HarperCollins
on February 4, 2014
Genres: Dystopian
Purchase: Amazon
The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series. Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she’ll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong. In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was “dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.
I loved this trilogy from the beginning and adore the author’s writing style. Folks are still divided regarding the love triangle. A must read.
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls
by Katie Cross
Series: Network Series, #1
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal
Purchase: Amazon
Never underestimate the power of a determined witch. Letum Wood is a forest of fog and deadfall, home to the quietly famous Miss Mabel’s School for Girls, a place where young witches learn the art of magic. Sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: Miss Mabel. Bianca finds herself faced with dark magic she didn’t expect, with lessons more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Will Bianca have the courage to save herself from the curse, or will Miss Mabel’s sinister plan be too powerful? Miss Mabel’s School for Girls is the first novel in The Network Series, an exciting new fantasy collection. A gripping tale about the struggle to survive, it will take you to a new place and time, one you’ll never want to leave.
A witchy tale with depth, twists and a Gothic feel.
Snow Like Ashes
by Sara Raasch
Series: Snow Like Ashes, #1
Publisher: HarperCollins
on October 14, 2014
Genres: Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon
A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making. Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since. Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again. So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.
I loved the world, the conflict and the characters in this tale..can not wait for the next book!
Losing Logan
by Sherry D. Ficklin
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing
on May 2, 2014
Genres: Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Suspense
Purchase: Amazon
What if the one thing you never meant to hold on to, is the one thing you can’t let go of? Normally finding a hot guy in her bedroom wouldn’t irritate Zoe so badly, but finding her childhood friend Logan there is a big problem. Mostly because he’s dead. As the only person he can make contact with, he talks Zoe into helping him put together the pieces surrounding his mysterious death so he can move on. Thrust into his world of ultra popular rich kids, Zoe is out of her element and caught in the cross-hairs of Logan’s suspicious ex-girlfriend and the friends he left behind, each of whom had a reason to want him dead. The deeper they dig to find the truth, the closer Zoe gets to a killer who would do anything to protect his secrets. And that’s just the start of her problems because Zoe is falling for a dead guy.
This one grabbed me and did not let go..a little suspense, a little romance, and a clever plot.
Heir of Fire
by Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Also in this series: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight
Publisher: Bloomsbury
on September 2, 2014
Genres: Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon
Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.
While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?
High Fantasy meets young adult! I loved the depth and world. There were new characters, beasts and the tension is building!
Rites of Passage
by Joy N. Hensley
Publisher: HarperCollins
on September 9, 2014
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
Sam McKenna’s never turned down a dare. And she’s not going to start with the last one her brother gave her before he died. So Sam joins the first-ever class of girls at the prestigious Denmark Military Academy. She’s expecting push-ups and long runs, rope climbing, and mud-crawling. As a military brat, she can handle an obstacle course just as well as the boys. She’s even expecting the hostility she gets from some of the cadets who don’t think girls belong there. What she’s not expecting is her fiery attraction to her drill sergeant. But dating is strictly forbidden and Sam won’t risk her future, or the dare, on something so petty…no matter how much she wants him. As Sam struggles to prove herself, she discovers that some of the boys don’t just want her gone—they will stop at nothing to drive her out. When their petty threats turn to brutal hazing, bleeding into every corner of her life, she realizes they are not acting alone. A decades-old secret society is alive and active… and determined to force her out. At any cost. Now time’s running short. Sam must decide who she can trust…and choosing the wrong person could have deadly consequences
Unique, brilliant and a delightful surprise…I want all of my peeps to read it!
What young adult novels stood out to you? Did any of my picks make your list?
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Jennifer Bielman
So happy someone liked Ignite Me as much as I did. 🙂
Olivia
Yes, it does seem like there were a lot of good reads out there this year! For Christmas I got the Lunar Chronicles series, so I am looking forward to starting those! Red Rising and Queen of Someday are also some books I really need to read at some point, they look so good!
Cyn
I’ve only read Cress and Heir of Fire (both which I loved loved) on this list, but I’ve heard so many great things about Rites of Passage so I’m thinking I need to check that out! Thanks for sharing (:
Jan
You’ve got some great books on your list. I totally agree about Red Rising though I didn’t even think of it as young adult…lol. Others on your list I still need to read!
Grace Fonseca
You picked some great choices. A Few of these are new to me. I haven’t read Red Rising and a lot of people enjoyed it. Snow Like Ashes was so good. I do like fantasy books. Great list.
Lexxie
So many beautiful books! I have read several of them, and other are on my TBR. I am hoping to write my Mater’s thesis on the Shatter Me series 🙂
Happy reading.
Brandi Breathes Books
We share quite a few that I really enjoyed as well, and Rites of Passage made it onto my list
Candace
This list is excellent! If I haven’t already read them, I have them on my pile and can’t wait to read them!
Christy
Loved Ignite Me and Rites of Passage! I have Queen of Someday and Snow Like Ashes on my Kindle, just haven’t gotten around to them yet. I’m glad to see they made your list though, it makes me more excited for them 🙂
ShootingStarsMag
I still need to read “Miss Mabel’s…” I’m glad it made your top ten; makes me want to grab a copy ASAP. I just now started reading Cinder, and I’m loving it, so I’m sure I’ll like Scarlet and Cress too.
Terri M.
I just finished writing my review for Cress tonight! Thorne and Wolf really grew on me and the ending…WHOA!
Terri M., the Director
Second Run Reviews
Lisa
So many awesome picks!! Cress, Rights of Passage and Ignite Me I’ve read, and I agree they were all fantastic! 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
Rites of Passage is one book I so regret skipping/missing 🙁
Angela Adams
Thanks for the list!
Sophia
I’ve honestly only read one of the books you listed. *hides*
Adriana
IGNITE ME! I got the series this Christmas – the physical copy of them. I love them so much! You’ve got some beautiful books and covers on here. I started reading the Throne of Glass series and I’m happy that you enjoyed Heir of Fire.
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls looks super interesting! Must check it out.
I love viewing all the books that people loved throughout the year (:
Christy
Great picks! Of course I’m totally with you on Red Rising.
blodeuedd
I have only read one of those 😉
Sophia Rose
I enjoy some YA books and still need to explore so many authors, series and genres to have a better picture. I’m intrigued by several on your list particularly the first book. I totally agree about Marissa Meyer series. I lean toward YA Dystopian, but I do want to explore more historicals and fantasies too with just a trickle of Contemporary. My favorites this year include: Juliana Stone’s Boys Like You, Elizabeth Langston’s Whisper Falls, Michael Barakiva’s One Man Guy, Tessa Marie’s Home Is Where You Are, Ashley C Harris’ Sparks, and Shawntelle Madison’s Under My Skin.
Debbie Haupt
Great list Kim, I haven’t read any of the selections but some of the authors I’m familiar with. My tbr pile thanks you 😉
deb
Amber Elise
Ms. Mabel’s is new to me and I’d like to check it out!
Fabulous list Kim, I ADORED Cress! 🙂
Jessica
Cress is on my list, too! I can’t wait for the next book! I’ve been meaning to read the Shatter Me series for forever. Great list! 🙂
Stormi
I have not read any of those but I do have Snow Like Ashes so I need to read it. 🙂
Jennifer
I’m not a big YA reader but I enjoy one from time to time. I have Red Rising waiting for me on my Nook. Seem everyone is loving it. I know Jonetta reviewed it on the blog and loved it.
One YA series you NEED to check out is Kresley Cole’s series. It’s fantastic on audio! Book 3 comes out 1/6/15 and I have the audio pre-ordered.
lily
I love this list Kim! I’m so happy to see so many of my favourite 2014 reads on here!!
Sharlene Wegner
Boys Like You by Juliana Stone was a YA romance with some very heart-wrenching situations, but eventually 2 teens who are able to help each other heal. I am looking forward to the 2nd book in the series.
Rita
Okay, in this genre we have similar tastes. I only read YA if it is fantasy, dystopian or thriller, not teen romances. That’s just me.
I read Red Rising, the first in the Throne of Glass series, and the first in the Lunar Chronicles. I also have Snow like Ashes on my kindle, yet unread. I’m psyched that we actually have so many in common here. I respect your opinions on books, so I know I will enjoy the rest of your picks here.
Nick
Some of these are on my list too, Kim such as Cress! I still need to read a few on your list! Queen of Someday and Red Rising are at the top of the list. 😀
Thanks for sharing and I hope 2015 has more amazing books for you!
Kay
I loved Cress and Heir of Fire so so much! I also plan on reading Rites of Passage sometime soonish.
Rachael Turns Pages
Cress was so amazing. I want to read Snow Like Ashes.
Ann Noser
I gotta keep this list starred in my email for future reference. I have QUEEN OF SOMEDAY next in my pile (a Xmas present), and have heard of most of the others.
Tyler H Jolley
So awesome to see TWO of Sherry’s books on the list!
Katherine
Queen of Someday, Lunar Chronicles and the Katie Cross book are all high on my TBR for next year. Great list!
Valeria
I love lists! I have never heard of the Queen of Someday, but boy that cover is pretty! I actually got Miss Mabel’s based on your recommendation. It was on sale so I had to pick it up and its sequel. Haven’t read them yet, but I’m hoping to be able to in 2015. I still need to get into the Lunar Chronicles and the Shatter Me series.
Nirvana
Omg I’m so glad you loved Cress and Heir of FIre because I did too. One of my favourite reads this year 🙂
Ignite Me’s cover is breathtaking and just SO beautiful. I’ll have to look into this book!
~ Nirvana
Melliane
I’ve only tried the Kagawa but I loved it too! I haven’t read the others but I have read Cinder and I also have the Maas books but I still need to read them. Great list, thanks for sharing!
Melanie Simmons
I’m not a huge fan of YA, but some of this look good. I might have to try one or two. Carmel and Jennifer (TBN), convinced me to listen to Poison Princess by Kresley Cole this year. I will say that I was impressed. I’m going to listen to book two very soon.
Red Iza
I’ve got Red rising (haven’t read it yet) and book #1 of the Lunar Chronicles (to read too) and have to keep reading the Throne of glass ! Great choices 😉
Lupdilup
Yay! I have 6 of your books on my list! They were all awesome on audio. I have to check out the other 4, I’m sure I’ll love them too! I hope I’m lucky and find the audio. I think I’ve seen Losing Logan, but I’m not sure about Miss Mabel’s School for Girls and Queen of Someday. I’d have check the first book in the Blood of Eden series, I’m already a big fan of the author.
Thanks…You just added a few more to my TBL 🙂
Diamond
Great list Kim!! I haven’t read ANY of these! 😐 oops! I need to get to Cress asap and I’ve heard great things about a lot of these, especially Red Rising and Heir of Fire. 😀
Alreem
Ooooh I love this type of post ,, they serve as a recommendation list to me 🙂
Angie F.
IGNITE ME!!! Totally my favorite book of the entire year. 😀
Nicci
I love, love Red Rising. Jan 6, can’t come fast enough. I’m just that excited about reading Golden Son.
kindlemom1
I am ashamed to say some of these I haven’t read yet but do own and am very excited about reading! I couldn’t agree more with the ones I have read though, they were all fantastic!