The (very late) Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

It’s not already August is it? I guess it is, but I missed this tag back in June and I thought it sounded really fun so I’m tagging myself! I first heard about this tag on the booktube channel paperbackdreams.

Without further ado, let’s get started before I miss the rest of the year altogether!

1.What is the best book that you’ve read so far in 2018?

I have so many top picks already! My 3 honorable mentions include Circe by Madeline Miller, Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake and The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. The book that has impacted me the most and that I think about constantly is Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

2. Best sequel you’ve read in 2018:

For this I’m going to go with The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman. I was certain that nothing would be able to top The Golden Compass for me so I was pleasantly surprised to find that the sequel was as good if not even a little bit better than the first book.

3. A new release you haven’t read yet but want to:

I just got my hands on Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. I’ve been dying to read this for months and I can’t wait to dive into its world! I’m a huge fan of books that feature mythology from various cultures so I’m extra excited for that aspect in particular.

4. The most anticipated release you have for the second half of the year:

That’s easily Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake. This series has just blown me away. I’m so invested in most of the characters and I’m anxious to see how their arcs end. September 4 can’t get here fast enough!

I’m also really looking forward to reading Muse of Nightmares, the follow up to Strange the Dreamer.

5. Biggest disappointment:

I try my hardest to not let hype go to my head. Everyone raves about the Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo and I, myself, loved the first two books but Ruin and Rising was…not good. I’m especially disappointed that this was the big finale we were all waiting for. It was incredibly underwhelming in my opinion.

6. Biggest surprise:

On the opposite end, I really thought I was going to hate The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. I don’t think I’ve seen a book with more hype around it. I loved it though! The main character is a delicious flavor of morally grey and I’m very excited for the sequel coming out next January!

(This photo belongs to me and can be found on my Instagram page)

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you):

This has to be Shae Ernshaw. I fell in love with The Wicked Deep from page one. I stormed through the whole thing in one day and immediately wanted to go back and read it again. I already have my eyes on the author’s next work: Winterwood. She also has a banging instagram account so I’d follow her for that alone anyway.

(This photo belongs to me and can be found on my Instagram page)

8. Newest fictional crush:

I don’t really get “crushes” on fictional characters like I used to but I definitely have a huge fondness for my faves. Like I wouldn’t want most of them romantically but I would absolutely die for them, you know? Katharine (Three Dark Crowns), Akiva (and Karou honestly, from DOSAB), and Lucien (ACOTAR series) are probably the closest things I have to fictional crushes currently.

9. New favorite character:

Lyra from His Dark Materials is such a fun character. I want to be friends with her so bad. I would also do literally anything for Karou from DOSAB.

10. A book that made you cry:

Um all of the books in the DOSAB series? Are you getting tired of me bringing it up?? Sorry it’s my favorite thing ever. Chi’s Sweet Home by Kanata Konami also made me a little weepy because it’s all about a kitten that loses her mom and I’m just too weak to handle baby animal stories.

11. A book that made you happy:

I’ve read a lot of dark, depressing fantasies this year. The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Niell practically cured my mental illnesses, made me tea and tucked me into bed. Like please read that book if you need a pick-me-up. It’s so wholesome.

12. Favorite book to film adaptation you’ve seen this year:

I haven’t seen any new ones this year. I didn’t enjoy Ready Player One enough to see the movie and I haven’t gotten around to seeing the movie adaptation of Blood and Chocolate. I’ll have to get back to you on that one.

13. Favorite review you’ve written this year:

Probably Daughter of Smoke and Bone because I was the most passionate about it in the moment.

14. The most beautiful book you’ve bought or received:

The Cruel Prince and Children of Blood and Bone have GORGEOUS covers inside and outside the dust jacket. I can’t get over how beautiful they are.

15. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

All of them.

In all seriousness here are a few that I’m determined to finish before 2019:

• The Amber Spyglass
• Children of Blood and Bone
• Gemina
• The Titan’s Curse

I don’t have anyone in particular to tag, but if you read this and want to do it, consider yourself tagged!

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