We are half way through the year already, and there have been a slew of incredible young adult novels published, and even more to come. I’ve whittled them down to the ten young adult books published in 2014 that you should read.

Half Bad, by Sally Green

Why you should read it: A gripping tale of a male witch who must either find his murderer father, or a witch who literally eats boys, before his seventeenth birthday, Half Bad, by Sally Green will leave you feeling unsettled, breathless, and wanting more.

Fangirl, by Rainbow Rowell

Why you should read it: If you love books, and have ever thought about what happens to characters once you finish reading, then you will love Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl. It draws you into two worlds – the character’s and her fanfiction – with incredible ease.

Spark, by Rachael Craw

Why you should read it: Other than supporting a New Zealand author, if you like sci-fi set in a contemporary world, then you’ll enjoy Spark. It is a fun, fast-paced novel that takes a normal teenage girl, in a normal teenage world, and throws some tampered DNA into the mix.

City of Heavenly Fire, by Cassandra Clare

Why you should read it: It is the highly anticipated sixth and last installment of the Mortal Instruments series, so if you are a fan of the books, it is a must read. If you are not a fan yet, start with City of Bones, and make your way through the series first.

Crashing Down, by Kate McCaffrey

Why you should read it: By the author of Destroying Avalon, a highly awarded book on cyberbullying, Crashing Down is Kate McCaffrey’s fourth book and is eagerly anticipated by her legion of fans. The book follows Lucy who breaks up with Carl to keep her dreams on track. But good decisions can have bad consequences, and leaving Carl is a whole lot harder than she could ever have imagined.

Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek (A Memoir), by Maya van Wagenen

Why you should read it: An honest, touching, and hilarious memoir, Popular is a book that any tween or young teen should read, especially those about to embark on the adventure that is high school. It is smart, funny, and a guide book in itself. If you’ve ever struggled to fit in, or make new friends, then pick up this book now! You won’t regret it.

I Am Rebecca, by Fleur Beale

Why you should read it: This is award-winning New Zealand YA writer Fleur Beale’s gripping sequel to the bestselling classic I Am Not Esther. Chances are you’ve read I Am Not Esther (if you haven’t, get your hands on a copy now), so you won’t want to miss out on I Am Rebecca, a psychological thriller that reveals life inside a religious cult.

Panic, by Lauren Oliver

Why you should read it: Panic is a well-written, addictive, gritty account of that awkward teenage time between school and college. If you loved Oliver’s other books (Before I Fall and the Delirium series), then you’ll want to pick up Panic. There is no sci-fi or fantasy elements, but Oliver’s writing is just as unique and captivating.

Tape, by Steven Camden

Why you should read it: This might be Camden’s first novel, but there is an elegance to his writing, and twists are revealed slowly and delicately in this book which switches between 1993 and 2013, with an old tape to connect them. If you like John Green, you’ll probably love Tape, but unlike most of Green’s books, Camden’s Tape requires no tissues.

The Intern, by Gabrielle Tozer

Why you should read it: The Intern is a pacy, sassy, and at times laugh-out-loud tale about a teenage girl finding her way in the world via an internship at a top magazine. If you enjoyed The Devil Wears Prada, then you’ll love The Intern.

JJ McConnachie