By: Cait Marie
Hello! As is it is now July, we have about 6 months left of reading. I have already set a personal record for most books read in a year, but there are still so many I want to read! This is the mid-year book freak out tag, which I originally saw on YouTube via jessethereader. I decided to adapt it into writing to share here, so let’s jump right in!
1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2018?
This is super difficult because I’ve read some really great ones. I think, ultimately, I’m going to go with Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas. This will be hilarious to those who know me because I have said more than once that this book destroyed me. It really, really did. However, it was also a crazy good book that blew my mind and had a significant impact on my obsession.
2. What’s the best sequel you’ve read so far this year?
Technically, Empire of Storms is a sequel, but I am going to try doing a different book for each. Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi is the best sequel I’ve read this year. It is the fourth book in the Shatter Me series and it is the best in the series in my opinion. It took the series to a whole new level! Read the review here.
3. What’s a new release that you haven’t read yet but want to read?
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. I’ve had this book on my shelf for a few months now and I still haven’t even opened it. With my new love of fantasy and books about fae, this book sounds fantastic. I’ll get around to it one of these days!
4. Most anticipated release for the rest of the year?
This is another difficult one. There are at least four or five that I can think of off the top of my head. Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas and Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare are my top two, though. Kingdom of Ash is the final book in the Throne of Glass series. It is going to be a very intense finale and I am so anxious to find out how everything wraps up. Queen of Air and Darkness is the third book in The Dark Artifices trilogy. I technically haven’t finished Lord of Shadows, but I know when I do, I will be needing that last book.
5. What has been the most disappointing book you have read so far this year?
I’m going to go with a DNF here because I’ve loved all of the other books I’ve read. I was supposed to read The Road by Cormac McCarthy for class, but couldn’t finish it. This is the second time I have tried reading it and I just can’t get past the dreariness of it all.
6. What’s a book you read this year that completely surprised you?
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera. First of all, I loved this book more than I expected to. However, it was the end that really got me. It’s hard to explain without giving too much away, but given the title I was determined not to get attached to the characters. That obviously didn’t happen and the end was not what I expected.
7. An author that’s become a new favorite of yours?
So many! Both Tahereh Mafi and Adam Silvera are new to me this year. Lela Grayce is also becoming a quick favorite. I was able to read ARCs of both the first book and novella in her new fantasy series this year and I loved both! Read the review of Areion here and Child of Water here.
8. What’s one of your new favorite characters?
Kenji Kishimoto! I love him. He is the best friend in the Shatter Me series, and I want him to be my best friend. He is funny and sarcastic and overall just makes the story more enjoyable. Read the review here.
9. What’s your favorite book to film adaptation that you’ve watched this year?
Love, Simon obviously. Does this surprise anyone? It shouldn’t, I’m obsessed. The movie definitely had its differences, but it had the same overall feeling to it, which is very important. The cast was great, the changes were fine, and the whole thing is just adorable. Read the movie review here.
10. What’s a favorite video (post) you’ve done so far this year?
Writing my review of War Storm by Victoria Aveyard was fun. I was able to go to the book tour and meet her, so I included that experience as well. The book was great and the tour was amazing! Read the whole thing here.
11. What’s the most beautiful book you’ve bought this year?
I’m going to have to go with The Traitor Prince by C.J. Redwine. Have you seen the map inside? It is gorgeous!! It’s purple and it is the prettiest map I think I’ve ever seen. You can see the different kingdoms, but you can also see little symbols of the different fairy tales around the edge. The outside cover is beautiful too, but it’s the map that made me pick it. Read the review here.
12. What books do you need to read by the end of this year?
All of them. I have so many I need to finish! I need to finish Lord of Shadows, Children of Blood and Bone, and A Reaper at the Gate. I need to read in its entirety The Cruel Prince, My Plain Jane, The Queen’s Rising, Furyborn, and Ash Princess just to name a few!
Functionally Fictional 