Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag

Hey there! As I’m writing this post, it’s officially the middle of the year, so what better time to look back on the 6 months that have pass and freak out about all of the books? This is my favorite tag ever, so I’ve done it a few times already, but it’s always so much fun! It’s been around for so long that I no longer know who came up with it, but if you do please let me know so I can give them the proper credit. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2020

I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in January and it still blows my mind how well crafted that book was. The characters and the story felt so real that I was half-convinced that it all had actually happened. For such a short book, I was invested in the story so much and so quickly that I simultaneously couldn’t stop reading but didn’t want it to end. A marvelous read and a great way to quick of my reading year. 

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2020

I’ve been hearing about the folk of air trilogy for years, but when I read The Wicked King I finally understood what all the fuss was about. This book had such an intricate plot, with so many twists & turns. The ending had me shocked and so grateful that I already had the final book and didn’t need to wait for it.

3. New release you haven’t read yet but want to

I actually pre-ordered House of Earth and Blood, but because my country went into lockdown at the beginning of March it never arrived at my place and now, months later, I’m still waiting for it. I’m so excited to be able to read it! Everyone seems to have nothing but good things to say about it. 

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

I feel like I’ve talked about The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue so much that you’re probably tired of it by now, but honestly, I cannot wait to read this! Not only is V.E. Schwab one of my favorite authors ever, but the synopsis of this book also sounds amazing.  I recently read the synopsis of Loveless and now I’m incredibly hyped for it as well. I’ve never read Alice Oseman before (shocking, I know), but I’m here for ace protagonists.

5. Biggest disappointment

I’m not the biggest romance fan, but I’ve enjoyed some Christina Lauren before. However, The Honey-Don’t List wasn’t really for me. I have a review for it if you want to read more about my thoughts, but I was mostly underwhelmed about it. 

6. Biggest surprise

Middle grade is nowhere close to my favorite genre, but The Girl Who Drank the Moon just blew me away. Such beautiful writing, compelling characters and a fantastic plot. I read it in 2 days and by the end of it, I was nearly in tears. I loved how atmospheric it was and how the relationship dynamics worked. Also, it had a tiny dragon. What else could you ask for?

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

For context, I only considered authors who I’d read more than 1 book written by them. With that, Margaret Rogerson was a clear choice. Both books I read by her were great and I enjoyed her writing a lot. She has such atmospherical writing, it’s beautiful and it makes me think of autumn. An Enchantment of Ravens was fun and entertaining, but my favorite is definitely Sorcery of Thorns. Such a cool concept and great characters. Also, she has the prettiest covers. 

8. Newest fictional crush

I don’t actually have a fictional crush, and I don’t think I’ve had one for a very long time. I don’t crush easily, and most of the time with fictional characters I just want to wrap them in a blanket and tell them that everything is going to be ok. 

9. Newest favorite character

This was a hard choice, but Declan Lynch stole the show. Going into Call Down the Hawk I didn’t know much bout him, but now I just want him to be happy. I love his relationship with his brothers (even when it’s not dealt with in the best way), I adored his relationship with Jordan and overall, I just really enjoyed reading about him. My hopes are that by next book he can finally be happy with his family. 

10. Book that made you cry

I think that everyone who reads The Song of Achilles ends up shedding a few tears at the end, right? Which is insane, because this is a very well-know story and we all know how it’s going to end. And yet. It’s so beautiful and emotional, and definitely one of the best greek-myths retelling I’ve ever read. Madeline Miller is a fantastic writer and I cannot wait to read more of her books. 

11. Book that made you happy

Red, White & Royal Blue had me giddy and smiling non-stop. This was such a feel-good book. It still deals with a lot of deeper topics, but the humor is fantastic and the banter had me laughing multiple times. The relationships were so well done, and the romance was so fluffy and cute. It also felt like a very hopeful book, which I think we all need right now. 

12. Favorite book to film adaptation you saw this year

I watched the tv adaptation of Good Omens earlier this year and it was fantastic! It was a very faithful adaptation actually, which I assume has to do with the fact that Neil Gaiman himself was involved in the project. The acting was spectacular, it looked very good (even if some cgi was a bit wonky) and it felt so much like the book that I just fell in love with it immediately. 

13. Favorite post you’ve written this year

• Introducing my first reading journal
• Discussion: on changing how I rate books

14. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year

Chain of Gold is gorgeous and just looking at it makes me so happy. The Shadowhunters book covers have been getting better and better with time, and recently the sequel’s cover was revealed and it’s also stunning. I do love some fierce women holding deadly weapons in pretty dresses, especially when there’s gold foil around them. 

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

A lot, because I wanted to reduce my physical TBR pile but I still have a long way to go. But for the purpose of this tag and because I really want to read them as soon as possible: Circe, Illuminae and The Starless Sea. 

                                                                 

As expected, this turned out to be a very long post but I had such a great time writing it. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well. I know most people have already done this, but if you haven’t please consider yourself tagged. 

What’s your favorite read of the year so far? Any books you’re looking forward to reading before the end of the year?

Until next time,