The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag (2018)
Thursday, June 21, 2018I did this tag last year (The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2017) and had such fun talking about all the books I've read so far that I wanted to make sure to do it again. I saw this post most recently over at Paperfury but I'm not sure who the original creator of this tag is. So far, I've read 53 books which is a little less than last year but I'm still hoping to beat my total of 102 so we shall see. Let's chat about some of my favorites this year:
The best book you've read so far in 2018:
Reign the Earth by A.C. Gaughen: Why aren't more people talking about this one? It's an absolutely fantastic fantasy with an empowering female lead! Read my review where I gush about how amazing it is!
Your favorite sequel of the year:
Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs: I went to this thinking it was going to be the finale of the series. However, not long after I finished the book, the publisher announced the fourth book will be releasing soon. I couldn't have been more happier. The action was great in this one and I was so satisfied with the end. Still, I'm looking forward to seeing how Riggs follows up the original trilogy and what other adventures these characters can go on.
A new release that you haven't read but really want to:
Totally unintentional in that I chose all contemporaries for this. I suppose with summer just around the corner, I'm in need of some fluff in my life. I've been hearing amazing things about From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon and after the adorable When Dimple Met Rishi, I can't wait to read everything Menon writes! I haven't read many books by Morgan Matson but Save the Date sounds like the perfect summer read. Plus, that cover is so much fun! Ship It by Britta Lundin isn't a book I've heard much about but it sounds like something I would enjoy.
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year:
How could I pick just one? Mirage by Somaiya Daud (8/28/18) sounds like a crazy fantasy! A girl is kidnapped and taken to the palace because she looks exactly like the princess - and then she starts falling for the princess' fiance. Yes, please. Black Wings Beating by Alex London (9/25/18) sounds like a great read too! Twins journey to find the one thing they believe will stop the war. And last but not least, The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee (10/2/18) is coming out and I just can't! This is going to be so amazing!
Your biggest disappointment:
It's unfortunate that there is more than one for this section. I had the highest of expectations going into Heartless by Marissa Meyer and they just weren't met. I expected a different sort of retelling and didn't get it. Same with Brooding YA Hero by Carrie DiRisio. I love the Twitter account so I picked this up, not really knowing what to expect. Part story, part writing guide was what readers got and it just wasn't for me. Allegiant by Veronica Roth, ugh. I don't even think it needs an explanation.
Biggest surprise of the year:
Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine and Ann Aguirre: I don't like science fiction so I was pretty sure I wouldn't like this. Especially since from what I've read by Aguirre, I never could quite warm up to the writing. So it was such a lovely surprise when I truly loved this book!
Favorite new-to-you or debut author:
V.E. Schwab (author of A Darker Shade of Magic): So much love! The writing is absolutely phenomenal and I can't wait to read more from her.
Your fictional crush:
Rishi from When Dimple Met Rishi: Rishi, the romantic! He is such a sweetheart, so kind and amazing!
Kell and Rhy from A Darker Shade of Magic: I couldn't choose between the two! They are both amazing in their own ways. Kell is so reserved and cool. Whereas Rhy is always trying to get your attention.
Mati from The Impossibility of Us: These boys all have a special place in my heart, including Mati who is absolutely lovely. He's a gorgeous writer and such a kind person. Plus, he's undeniably handsome.
New favorite character:
Hence from Catherine: I wouldn't call him my favorite character. However, I am so intrigued by his character. I want to know more about him and his actions. Catherine is a retelling of Wuthering Heights and Hence is the Heathcliff character of the story. There are just so many questions to ask pertaining to him.
Branwen from Sweet Black Waves: From the inspiration of a tale of Tristan and Isolde comes Sweet Black Waves, a story that takes the original tale and turns it upside down. Instead of Isolde getting the man, it's Branwen, her lady in waiting. Branwen is strong but still trying to figure things out. Her unsure-ness is really what makes her stand out among other protagonists.
Mariko from Flame in the Mist: Mariko is the best - as much as Flame in the Mist is marketed as a retelling of Mulan, I really didn't see it. Despite Mariko not being a version of Mulan, she's still an awesome character who knows how to kick butt. She's incredibly intelligent and her witty and clever remarks are what make her a character I would love to be friends with.
A book that made you cry:
After You by Jojo Moyes: I never really made the decision to read the sequel to Me Before You. I thought it was fine as a standalone. It wasn't until someone gifted me the sequel that I finally gave in. After You was not what I was expecting. From the way Me Before You ended, I expected to see an epic Europe adventure. Instead, what we get is a rough journey leaving without him. It was hard and realistic and just getting over my expectations made me so sad.
A book that made you happy:
So many books have made me happy this year so far! Things We Know By Heart by Jessi Kirby not only reminded me of a kdrama I had once binge-watched but it also made my heart so full. It was so adorable and meaningful! A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas is a novella to A Court of the Thorns and Roses series. It was so great seeing all my favorite characters again. And Geekerella by Ashley Poston was an answer my little fandom heart didn't know I had asked for. It was cute and heartwarming!
Favorite book-to-movie adaptation:
So I can't really say much about the book vs. movie since I haven't read the book yet. However, Love, Simon was such an amazing movie!
The most beautiful book you bought/received this year:
The Book Jumper by Mechthild Glaser | Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs | All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill
What are some books you need to read by the end of the year?
I have so many books I NEED to read by the end of the year. And, if we are being realistic, I won't be able to get to half of them. However, these three are the books that are definitely on my radar to read soon. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan is becoming a movie, which releases in August. I've refrained from watching the trailer but a lot of people have said it looks super cute. Markus Zusak has finally graced us with a new book, Bridge of Clay, that you can bet I will be devouring when it releases in October. His last book was The Book Thief so my expectations are very high for this one. And I've been meaning to get to an Adam Silvera book (maybe this year, I'll read They Both Die at the End) for years now. By the end of the year, I am making it my goal that I finish at least one book by Silvera.
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