I read this post over at We Heart YA and thought that it would be fun to talk about what books I’m looking forward to this year, as well as other reading related thoughts that I have about 2014. Once the year is over I can come back and look to see which books listed here I actually read–if any.
I’d like to try to plan out what I’ll read a little bit more in 2014. I’ve never been able to plan ahead with reading in the past, so even though I have an idea of what I’d like to read at the start of the year I usually don’t read many of them.
These aren’t books that I absolutely have to read in 2014, but they’re ones that I’ve had my eye on and would like to try to make a point to read throughout the year. Along with the books listed below there are two ways that I’d like to challenge myself: 1) I would like to read 12 books by debut authors, and 2) I’d like to read all of Anita Shreve’s books. I think I read 6 debut novels last year, so all I need to do is double that. And we’ll see how reading through all of Anita Shreve’s books goes. She’s one of my favorite authors and it’s something that I have always wanted to do, so I thought I’d make a point of trying to do that this year.
Below I have a list of sequels, debuts and other releases that I am looking forward to this year. These are all YA novels because that’s the genre that I look ahead at the most.
Sequels
1. The Retribution of Mara Dyer, by Michelle Hodkin. This is one author that knows how to end a book in a way that leaves the reader wanting more. She did that with The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and even more with The Evolution of Mara Dyer. I am so excited to see how the trilogy ends!
2. Her Dark Curiosity, by Megan Shepherd. This book has been on my mind ever since I finished The Madman’s Daughter. I’m curious to see where Shepherd takes the series next.
3. Paranoia, by J.R. Johansson. I loved Insomnia and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. And that cover! I love it!
Debuts
1. Alienated, by Melissa Landers. A high school student’s family is hand-picked to host the first alien exchange student. I first heard about this book a few years ago after reading the query letter. It sounds like it will be hilarious and I’m looking forward to this finally being released!
2. Cruel Beauty, by Rosamund Hodge. I love fairy tale retellings and they had me at the description of his castle, described as “a shifting maze of magical rooms.”
3. Hexed, by Michelle Krys. I love the descriptions of the different characters in the novels and I’m intrigued to find out exactly how all of the different elements work together.
4. Nearly Gone, by Elle Cosimano. Bones meets Fringe? I have to check this out!
5. Sekret, by Lindsay Smith. I love everything listed in the summary and am excited to see how it all fits together.
Other YA Releases
1. The Bridge From Me to You, by Lisa Schroeder. I love Lisa Schroeder’s novels and always look forward to a new release from her. She’s known for writing verse novels, although last year she switched it up a bit. It sounds like this one isn’t entirely in verse either.
2. Isla and the Happily Ever After, by Stephanie Perkins. I didn’t realize this one had a release date yet, but I’m so excited that it’ll be coming out in 2014! I read Anna and the French Kiss about a year ago and haven’t read Lola and the Boy Next Door yet. I’ll need to read that before May.
3. Blindsided, by Natalie Whipple. I enjoyed Transparent and I’m looking forward to reading more of Fiona’s story. This one is already on its way to me.
4. House of Ivy and Sorrow, by Natalie Whipple. This books sounds really good and I absolutely love the cover.
5. Relax, I’m a Ninja, by Natalie Whipple. I have wanted to read this book ever since I first read about it on her blog so I’m thrilled that it’s coming out this year. She’s going to have a busy year!
Are there any books being released in 2014 that you have your eye on?
