YA Books: Best January 2014 New Releases

January is crazy for books. Sequels, debut releases, anticipated beauties -- we have everything to look forward to this month. My bookish heart has been palpitating since the first of the year, and I am in super grabby-hand mode. I want them all! And since there are so many books releasing this month, I've added an honorable mentions list. Choosing the top six was just too hard.

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 January 2014 Release Date. Hooray for 2014! Now here are some deliciously awesome books for you to go devour.

Fantasy

"Unhinged" by A.G.Howard (Series: Splintered #2)
The sequel to "Splintered" -- a vivid retelling of "Alice in Wonderland" where Alyssa Gardner hears "whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before." Continue the journey with Alyssa, Morpheus and Jeb in "Unhinged." Releases January 7th, 2014 by Amulet.

My Take: Howard has a knack for world building, and as Alyssa is lost down the rabbit hole, physically and mentally, you'll slowly lose your mind with her. "Splintered" was a terrific debut, and "Unhinged" is sure to keep the pace.

"The Unbound" by Victoria Schwab (Series: The Archived #2)
Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive. Releases January 28th, 2014 by Hyperion.

My Take: Besides the gorgeous covers, The Archived series is one of the most original in YA fiction. Add in a set of equally compelling characters and the series stands out among many, many new releases.

"Cruel Beauty" by Rosamund Hodge (Series: Cruel Beauty #1)
"Graceling" meets "Beauty and the Beast" in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart. Releases January 28th, 2014 by Balzer & Bray.

My Take: Take a moment to reread that comparison. Did you do it? "Graceling" meets "Beauty and the Beast" -- sign me up, pronto. Not only is the cover jaw-dropping, but the premise is pretty original in an ever-growing pile of Disney story retellings. Reviews have been good so far, and I've already had a tug-of-war over this book with my sister.

Science Fiction

"Timestorm" by Julie Cross (Series: Tempest #3)
The conclusion to the internationally bestselling Tempest trilogy where time-travel, love, and Jackson Meyer all collide for one last time. Releases January 28th, 2014 by St. Martin's Griffin.

My Take: "Tempest" could possibly one of the books that kick-started the time-travel, parallel-world craze. My sister -- a trusted bookish confidant -- said that anyone who loves "The Tomorrow People" here at The CW may enjoy Cross' time-travel series. And if you haven't started "Tempest" yet, she also noted that it's the perfect series to binge-read. The last book -- "Timestorm" -- literally had her in tears. So have a pack of tissues on hand, readers.

"Avalon" by Mindee Arnett (Series: Avalon #1)
A ragtag group of teenage mercenaries who crew the spaceship Avalon stumble upon a conspiracy that could threaten the entire galaxy in this fascinating and fast-paced sci-fi adventure from author Mindee Arnett. Releases January 21st, 2014 by Balzer & Bray.

My Take: This may be one of the most striking sci-fi covers I've seen in a while. Reviews are still coming in, but so far, there's been praise for the plot twists and heart-pumping action. I am easily swayed by hype, and this certainly has been hyped up since the cover was revealed. Will you be biting?

"Into the Still Blue" by Veronica Rossi (Series: Under the Never Sky #3)
The conclusion to Veronica Rossi's New York Times bestselling dystopian/sci-fi trilogy, featuring an epic love story between Aria and Perry. Releases January 28th, 2014 by HarperCollins.

My Take: This series is the bomb. With so many dystopian books to choose from after "Divergent" and "The Hunger Games" became phenomenons, there were a lot of duds and even fewer standouts, but Rossi's series is one not to be missed. And I'm not the only fan out there. For the dynamic characters (and equally compelling side characters), you'll want to finish up with "Into the Still Blue."

More YA Titles

"Uninvited" by Sophie Jordan
YA Science Fiction: Releases January 28th, 2014 by HarperTeen.

"The Impossible Knife of Memory" by Laurie Halse Anderson  
YA Contemporary: Releases January 7th, 2014 by Viking Juvenile.

"Hollow City" by Random Riggs (Miss Peregrine #2)
YA Fantasy: Releases January 14th 2014 by Quirk Books.

"Vitro" by Jessica Khoury
YA Science Fiction: Releases January 14th, 2014 by Razorbill.

"Being Sloane Jacobs" by Lauren Morrill
YA Contemporary: Releases January 7th, 2014 by Delacorte.

"Infinite" by Jodi Meadows (Newsoul #3)
YA Fantasy: Releases  January 28th, 2014 by Katherine Tegen Books.

"Her Dark Curiosity" by Megan Shepherd (The Madman's Daughter #2)
YA Historical: Releases January 28th, 2014 by Balzer+Bray.

"Evertrue" by Brodi Ashton (Everneath #3)
YA Paranormal: Releases January 21st, 2014 by Balzer + Bray.

"Erased" by Jennifer Rush (Altered #2)
YA Science Fiction: Releases January 7th, 2014 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Have you read any of these yet? Which January releases are you looking forward to? Weigh in with the poll below!

-- Becca Ritchie