Favorite YA Debut Novels of 2014

It's the end of the year, and we are excited to share some of our favorites from 2014. First up, one fun thing about being able to read a lot of review copies is that I get to read a lot of debut authors just as their books are coming out. Here are some of my (JoLee's) favorites from 2014.

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord
This impressively fabulous debut was probably my favorite debut of the year. I loved it so much, and I can't wait to read Emery Lord's next book. (featured here)

Stray by Elissa Sussman
This twisted fairy tale with a feminist flare gives us a new take on fairy godmothers. (featured here)

The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel
Becca Williamson has a secret job. As the Break-Up Artist she is hired by her classmates to end relationships.The rest of the book is just as great as the premise. (featured here)

Pandemic by Yvonne Ventresca
The all-too-real story of what happens to a New Jersey girl when a deadly flu pandemic strikes while she's home alone. (featured here)

Red Rising by Pierce Brown
This book seems to be making many of my end-of-the-year lists. It's the beginning of a series with great potential. (featured here)

The Jewel by Amy Ewing
A YA The Handmaid's Tale. This is a seriously twisted dystopia. (featured here)

Pills and Starships by Lydia Millet
Lydia Millet has written a dozen novels for adults but Pills and Starships is her debut YA novel, which is how she lands on this list. I was really blown away by this book. Quiet and very thought provoking. (featured here)  

Jackaby by William Ritter
Not just a pretty cover, Jackaby is an historical urban fantasy with a crime fighting duo and a lot of quirk. I want to read about more of their cases. (feature upcoming)