YA Books: Best February 2014 New Releases

February has arrived! What better way to celebrate the month of love and chocolate and generally all things warm than a perfect young adult book? You'll have all of those right inside the pages! Although, the dystopians may leave you feeling a little bittersweet. New releases keep piling high, so I've picked out some of the most sought-after sequels and hyped standalones and debuts.

I hit the pre-order button months ago for two of these books, so I'm jumping for joy that they'll finally be waiting for me in my mailbox. Keep reading to see which two I'm coveting.

As always, Goodreads ratings, blogger reviews, hype and high anticipation have all been considered in the choosing of the Best 6 YA Novels with a February 2014 Release Date. Take a look at all of these book beauties. 

Fantasy

"Cress" by Marissa Meyer (Series: Lunar Chronicles #3)
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. (Full Summary) Releases February 4th by Feiwel & Friends.

My Take: A truly beloved series, the Lunar Chronicles begins with "Cinder" -- a Cinderella science-fiction/fantasy retelling. Early praise from bloggers was a good sign, but it wasn't until the raving, salivating, grabby hands came for the sequel "Scarlet" that the series was solidified as a real favorite among young adult readers. From reviews, it looks like "Cress" isn't going to disappoint rabid fans one bit.

"Lady Thief" by A.C. Gaughen (Series: Scarlet #2)
(Spoilers for anyone who has not read "Scarlet" -- the first installment.) Scarlet's true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet's love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. (Full Summary) Releases February 11th by Walker Childrens.

My Take: Gaugen's "Scarlet" imagined Will Scarlet -- one of Robin Hood's Merry Men -- as a woman. The breathtaking story takes you on a twisty plot and a girl's self-discovery. It's simply beautiful. The dialect evokes such a Robin Hood vibe that you'll want another one. And thankfully Gaughen has written a sequel! This is one of my early pre-orders.

Science Fiction

"Alienated" by Melissa Landers (Series: Alienated #1)
Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. Cara isn't sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L'eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn't seem more alien. (Full Summary) Releases February 4th by Disney Hyperion.

My Take: The premise reminds me of "Roswell" and The CW's new show "Starcrossed" (premiering February as well!), and I am all for a human meets alien tale. What's more -- "Alienated" has been reviewed stupendously by fellow bloggers. If the summary sounds like your type of read, consider diving into Landers' science fiction world.

"Split Second" by Kasie West (Series: Pivot Point #2)
(Spoilers for anyone who has not read "Pivot Point" -- the first installment.) Addie's ability is acting up. She's always been able to Search the future when presented with a choice. Now she can manipulate and slow down time, too . . . but not without a price. (Full Summary) Releases February 11th by HarperTeen.

My Take: Out of every YA author I've ever talked about here at The CW Atlanta, I'm almost positive West is the one I've highlighted the most. Her books contain wit, humor, action and a great ensemble of characters. "Split Second" should live up to the awesomeness that is "Pivot Point" -- and I'll happily watch fans rave for weeks on end.

Paranormal

"White Hot Kiss" by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Series: The Dark Elements #1)
Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses. (Full Summary) Releases February 25th by Harlequin Teen.

My Take: JLA is a powerhouse author with the beloved Lux series and much more. She has -- what I like to call -- a cult fanbase. Case in point: you'll notice someone, somewhere gushing over Daemon Black (ahem, he is super hot) and they will make sure you hear their passion loud and clear. "White Hot Kiss" is the first in a new paranormal series, but since JLA is probably on so many readers' instant-buy list, I predict this'll be devoured quickly and a series to look out for.

"Burn Bright" by Bethany Frenette (Series: Dark Star #2)
After two peaceful months, there is a vicious new threat in Minneapolis. Her name is Susannah, and she's a Harrower, a demon hell-bent on destroying people like Morning Star, Leon, and Audrey—the Kin. Like others before her, she seeks the Remnant, a Kin girl who has the power to unleash the inhabitants of the Beneath. But to what end? (Full Summary) Releases February 25th by Disney-Hyperion.

My Take: Oh my. Is there a book that has stayed with me as long as "Dark Star" ladies and gents? I think not. I am obsessed with "Dark Star" so much that I will shove it on anyone who will listen. Frenette ingeniously created her own kind of superheroes, developing their origin story and giving us a twisty plot that you won't guess. It's brilliant, and yes, I pre-ordered "Burn Bright" and yes, I am breaking out in a sweat waiting for this book to arrive. The series is under-the-radar, but the ratings are there. It deserves a bat signal and a giant, blinding spotlight. Oh yeah, it's that good.

Have you read any of these yet? Which February releases are you looking forward to? Weigh in by voting below!

-- Becca Ritchie