Recommended Read: LANDRY PARK by Bethany Hagen

Okay, so one of my goals is to try to keep up a little bit better with the 2014 debuts. So I joined Kristi at The Story Siren and the 2014 Debut Author Challenge. There are a lot of great books coming out this year, and I've read a couple so far.

LANDY PARK was one of those. It's written by fellow League author Bethany Hagen, and it is a fabulous book.

About LANDRY PARK: Sixteen-year-old Madeline Landry is practically Gentry royalty. Her ancestor developed the nuclear energy that has replaced electricity, and her parents exemplify the glamour of the upper class. As for Madeline, she would much rather read a book than attend yet another debutante ball. But when she learns about the devastating impact the Gentry lifestyle—her lifestyle—is having on those less fortunate, her whole world is turned upside down. As Madeline begins to question everything she has been told, she finds herself increasingly drawn to handsome, beguiling David Dana, who seems to be hiding secrets of his own. Soon, rumors of war and rebellion start to spread, and Madeline finds herself at the center of it all. Ultimately, she must make a choice between duty—her family and the estate she loves dearly—and desire.

Fans of Ally Condie, Kiera Cass, Veronica Roth, and even Jane Austen will be enthralled by this breathtaking read.

I loved the mixing of the old-world idea of royals, the upper class that dresses in fancy gowns and throws elaborate parties, with a futuristic society that runs on nuclear energy. It felt seamless, yet also unique in a way I haven't read before, especially since I don't read a lot of regency-type items.

I really liked how the details of the plot unfolded. There was enough danger and intrigue interspersed with the parties and festivities to keep me turning the pages to find out how everything would resolve. I enjoyed the family tensions, and that the main character, Madeline, has a dream to go to the university before she has to get married.

There's a romance, of course, and I found myself frustrated with it at times -- in the best way possible! I wanted Madeline and David to just get over themselves and be together already! You know how impatient I am. Ha! But Bethany did a great job of pulling the reader along in that relationship, and the ending was satisfying, both in the romance and the plot.

So if you like gorgeous writing with some fascinating world-building, you'll like LANDRY PARK. I hope you'll pick it up!

What have you read lately that you've loved? Anything from a 2014 debut?