Book Tag: Mid Year Freakout!

Not only is it the end of the month again, it’s the end of June. I mean, hold up a sec… cliche sentence coming out but where has this year gone? My mind is still stuck in February, adamant that I’m just starting the year and got plenty of time to sort it out.

To be fair, I think the year is ultimately going well so far. I’ve read some great books and I’m finally learning a few lessons about taking care of my self. Who knows if they’ll stick, but at least I’m learning something!

So, onto the tag. I saw this over on Bookathon Blog and have pretty much had it bookmarked for an entire year, waiting for the right time to come around again. And yep, I nearly forgot about it and it was only looking for something else that meant I remembered it!

On with the tag!

Best book you’ve read so far

Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence. This book was everything that I wanted it to be and I couldn’t put it down. It had that gripping, intense feeling that just makes you forget about everything else. I adore that feeling in a book, and this one more than delivered it.

The best sequel you’ve read so far in 2019

I kind of want to repeat the above, but this time I’m going with Ravencry by Ed McDonald. It took me a while to get around to the sequel of Blackwing, but it was worth the wait: I loved it! The world, the magic, the characters – everything about it was perfect. So excited for the final book now!

New release you haven’t read yet but want to

Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto. I genuinely had good intentions of reading this in time for the release date and then time just got away from me and it didn’t make the schedule – and still hasn’t. I’ve heard some really good things about it though, so am really excited to read it.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

Can I pick two here? I’m so excited for The Burning White by Brent Weeks, having adored the rest of the series. Although that reminds me that if I want to re-read before the release, I need to get going.

I’m also seriously excited for Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell. Both Fangirl and Carry On are my go-to books when I need a pick-me-up and they just make me squeal. I really can’t wait for this book!

Biggest disappointment

This is a mean question, but somehow it’s worse because I’ve had a few disappointments this year, so actually have to chose one. I’d probably go with Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. I had heard so many great things about this book, but there characters just annoyed me.

Biggest surprise

The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh. Maybe because I had no expectations for this book and was reading purely for pleasure than reviewing. But it was a charming, heart-felt story that swept me up. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will definitely look for more from this author.

Favourite new author

David Eddings. Okay, technically, I started reading him last year, and he’s not a new author. But I fell in love with his books this year, to the point when I saw two complete series in a charity shop I bought them both there and then…and had to walk home with ten books. They’re charming and fun, I love them, and can’t wait to read more.

Newest fictional crush

Hmm. I’m not sure if I have a new one – like I mentioned, I’ve had a few books disappoint me this year. However, reading Red Scrolls of Magic meant that I’ve re-fallen for Alec, does that count?

Newest favourite character

Naia from Shadowblade by Anna Kashina. She’s a bad-ass fighter, not above being manipulated or falling in love. She was just an all-rounded solid character and I loved her. Nothing more to say really – would love to see where her journey goes next.

Book that made you cry

Eagles in the Storm by Ben Kane. There’s never any guarantee your favourites will make it through with his writing, but I was so not prepared for some of the twists that happened in this book. It hit me hard.

Book that made you happy

I’ve been trying really hard not to repeat answers here, but Red Scrolls of Magic is the only answer I can give here. I’ve had a few disappointments and read a lot of serious books that have been amazing, but wouldn’t say they made me happy. This one, however, had me grinning like a loon.

The most beautiful book you’ve bought this year

I’m not sure I’ve got an answer for this: I’ve bought second hand books a lot and their covers haven’t been the most spectacular. I did buy all of Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer series though, and seeing those four books side by side on my shelf is a very beautiful sight to my eyes.

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

Sarah J. Maas. I’m not even bothered which of her series I want to start with or what order I’ll read them in. But she’s been on my TBR list for ages, and I’m determined that this is the year I’ll finally start ticking them off.

There was a final question about favourite member of the bookish community, but that one is beyond me!

I tag anyone who wants to take part. Let me know if you do – I’d love to read your answers!

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