Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2018!

Well, June is almost over (wasn’t it just January?). What better way to celebrate than to take a look back at all the books I’ve read so far this year? I’ve been a bit disappointed in the quantity of books I’ve read, but the content has been pretty decent. Mostly, this just gives me a chance to yell about some books I liked and plan the rest of my reading year. It also allows me to compare my current reading taste to last year’s. So anyway, let’s get answering:

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2018:

Easily, If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio. I read this book back in April and I’m still not over it. The characters are great, the plot intriguing, and the setting fun. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare and/or close-knit friend groups, then this is the book for you. I already anticipate putting this book on my year-end best list.

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2018:

Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray. I waited about a year or so in between reading The Diviners and this one, so I was a little lost. But overall, this book was even better than the first one. I really liked getting to know Henry better. I’m sure I’m going to read the third one before the year is out.

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

The Heart Forger by Rin Chupeco. I really liked The Bone Witch (and don’t understand the hate at all), so I’m eager to pick this one up. I’m game for any book about a girl with death magic.

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

Vengeful by V.E. Schwab. As you know, Victoria is my favorite writer. And, even though Shades of Magic will always be my number one, The Villains is a close second. Vicious is so twisted and good and I’m sure Vengeful will only get better.

5. Biggest disappointment:

Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge by Paul Krueger. I really wanted to like this book because, not only is it diverse, but it’s basically the adult version of Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles. I mean, they get their demon-fighting powers from mixing alcohol! That sounded just silly enough to work. And it would’ve… had the story been better paced. Everything felt so rushed, from the character development to the plot to the on-the-nose dialogue. I really wanted so much more from this book, but it just doesn’t have much to offer.

6. Biggest surprise:

Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer. I thought this book would be fun, but I was blown away by how creepy and psychologically thrilling it was! I can’t wait to continue the trilogy.

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

S.A. Chakraborty. The City of Brass was my first five-star read of the year. The characters and the world are so well-developed. I’m so glad the sequel is only a few months away!

8. Newest fictional crush:

I don’t really get fictional crushes anymore, but the closest I’ve come is Doctor Aphra from the Star Wars comics (various authors). Talk about a bad bitch! She’s an archaeologist out to make herself some bank. She’s self-serving and morally fucked. Also, she’s canonically a lesbian. How cool is that?!

9. Newest favorite character:

Matthew Fairchild from Cast Long Shadows (and eventually The Last Hours) by Cassandra Clare (and Sarah Rees Brennan). I wasn’t expecting to love him as much as I now do. He’s so charming and dapper, but in a soft way. But I’m not buying Cassie trying to tell us he’s straight. That boy is as gay as the day is long.

10. Book that made you cry:

The Tiger’s Daughter by K. Arsenault Rivera. Whatever you feel about the appropriation, this was a good book. I mean, it’s a high fantasy story about two warrior women in love. Anyway, the ending made me cry. I’m excited for the sequel.

11. Book that made you happy:

Simon vs. the Homosapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. This book is so cute and fluffy. I love a good gay coming-of-age story.

12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought or received so far this year:

Furyborn by Claire Legrand. I love the dark vibe this cover gives off. The dual crowns are such powerful symbols. Seriously, this is such a stunning cover.

13. Favorite review you’ve written so far this year:

The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty. I felt like I really did a good job of discussing the nitty gritty without giving spoilers. (It’s also the only book I’ve broken my rule of only reviewing current-year releases.)

14. Books you need to read by the end of the year:

The Heart Forger by Rin Chupeco, Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyami, Authority and Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer, Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray, The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao, Bruja Born by Zoraida Cordova, The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin, and A Destiny of Dragons by T.J. Klune.

15. Favorite book community member:

Commandaddy and my followers! Thank you for being my friends and supporting my blog!

What books or characters have stuck out to you so far this year? Tell me about them in the comments!