Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

By: Cait Marie

I’m a little late, but I thought it’d be fun to do this tag! I’m not sure where this tag originated; it’s been around for years. The categories tend to vary, and this particular list came from Amber over at The Literary Phoenix.

I’ve done a LOT of re-reading this year. Of the 44 books I’ve finished, 14 were re-reads and 7 were my own while editing/proofreading (yes, I count them too). That leaves me with… math… 23 books to choose from.

I’m going to try not to use the same ones for each category. Let’s jump right in!

What is the best book that you’ve read so far in 2021?

A Court of Silver Flames – Sarah J. Maas

Does this surprise anyone? Probably not. I was beyond excited for this Nessian book, and it did not disappoint.

Read my review here.

What has been your favorite sequel of the first half of the year?

Shadow of Thorns – Stacey Trombley

This is one I edited, but I’m low-key obsessed with this series!! It’s so good and deserves all the love.

Is there a new release that you haven’t read yet but you’re really excited for?

Promises and Pixie Dust – Elle Madison & Robin D. Mahle

Thumbelina retelling from two authors I already love? Sign me all the way up!

What is your most anticipated release for the second half of the year?

A Psalm of Storms and Silence – Roseanne A. Brown

I absolutely loved A Song of Wraiths and Ruin and cannot wait for this sequel. Especially after such a cliffhanger.

Read my ARC review of book one here.

What is your biggest disappointment so far?

Love, Jacaranda – Alex Flinn

Not really a disappointment per se, but it just wasn’t my favorite. The story was great, don’t get me wrong. It just kind of felt like the characters were written too young or too immature. They were supposed to be 16 (I think), but they sounded a lot younger at times. I also wasn’t fond of how it was written as emails sent. That’s just a personal preference though.

What is your biggest surprise so far?

One Last Stop – Casey McQuiston

This was not at all what I expected, and I loved it. I assumed it was contemporary romance like Red, White & Royal Blue, but it included some speculative fiction mixed in.

Read my ARC review here.

Who is your favorite new to you or debut author?

The Lost Prince – Michelle Bryan

This was one I proofread, and it’s the third in a series, but I hadn’t read the others… I definitely plan to now! Even without having read the others, this book was so easy to get into. It was fantastic!

What is your favorite love story from this year?

Wylder & Logan
(Reluctant Rockstars series – Michelle MacQueen & Ann Maree Craven)

This was a really tough one because there have been so many, but I absolutely adored this trilogy and these characters.

Read my ARC review for book one here.

Who is your favorite character?

Cassian
(A Court of Thorns and Roses series – Sarah J. Maas)

Okay, I know I said I was going to try to choose different books for each one, but I mean… it’s Cass. I’ve loved him since the first time I read A Court of Mist and Fury, and with this newest book, he became my absolute favorite.

What is a book that made you cry?

Sworn to Protect – Kimberly Readnour

Kimberly never fails to make me emotional, and this book was no exception. I cannot recommend her books enough.

Read my ARC review here.

What is a book that made you happy?

The Perfect Bachelor – Lynn Dare

This entire series makes me so happy, but this last one in particular was the funniest. It releases in August, and the first one, The Perfect Man, releases July 23.

What is your favorite book to movie/tv show that you’ve seen so far?

You know… I don’t think I’ve actually watched any. Not new ones at least. I haven’t watched much tv this year other than rewatching stuff while working, and it’s mostly been shows like Modern Family and iCarly. Things that don’t take a lot of concentration.

What is your favorite post that you’ve written so far this year?

I haven’t been great at posting this year, but I really enjoyed reviewing A Court of Silver Flames.

What is the most beautiful book that you have bought?