I've seen a lot of people doing this tag, on blogs and booktube, for a couple of years now so I thought it was about time I tried it for myself. It's a nice way of looking back on all the books I've read so far and then panic about all the books that still need to be read!
Best book you’ve read so far in 2021
I've actually only given out four five star ratings so far this year, clearly I'm picky as hell but I think Threadneedle by Cari Thomas just pips it. This was a stunning fantasy debut perfect for my witchy loving self with gorgeous writing and major The Craft vibes going on. I read an ARC of this and immediately after finishing ordered myself a physical copy! I'm now impatiently waiting for the sequel to arrive!
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021
Well this question has made me realise that I read a surprising lack of sequels. I'm much more of a standalone gal but I did read the Six of Crows duology a couple of months ago and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo was a great end to that bunch of characters. I really fell in love with Kaz, Nina and crew and I'm hopeful we may get another book featuring them at some point in the future.
New release you haven’t read yet but want to
I just bought True Crime Story by Joseph Knox a couple of days ago as I was so intrigued by this mystery novel that reads like a documentary. I love true crime therefore I think this could be a new favourite if other people's reviews are anything to go by.
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
Biggest disappointment
The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater as a whole was fine but Sinner, the sequel/spin-off book about Cole and Isabelle was so incredibly boring. The characters annoyed the fuck out of me and the writing style was terrible too. It was just completely unnecessary to the series in the end.
Biggest surprise
Junk by Melvin Burgess is being re-released for it's 25th anniversary and I snagged a Netgalley ARC just on a whim. This was such a well written book though that examines two teenagers experiencing homelessness and heroine addiction in the 90's. It felt very relevant to today and was just so heartbreaking and harrowing, a book that will stay with me.
Favorite new author (debut or new to you)
I now own a few Matt Haig books but The Midnight Library was my introduction to his writing and it was such a beautiful and poignant book about regrets and about learning to live in the moments happening right now. I'm excited to dive into more by this author, both in his fiction and non-fiction.
Newest fictional crush
I didn't fall in love with The Darkling in the books but Ben Barnes in the Netflix show was a moment! You know you shouldn't like him but that face and intense stare was doing things for me 😂
Newest favourite character
I really liked Angrboda from The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec, her character was so resilient and fierce. A force to be reckoned with when it came to protecting her children and the sacrifices she ultimately makes broke my heart. The author did a brilliant job of taking a lesser known figure in Norse mythology and fleshing her out.
A book that made you cry
Even though I read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab at the beginning of the year I still think about it regularly for the emotions it brought out of me. I didn't cry but I was definitely close! This book packs an emotional punch and these characters are so well developed that the ending practically destroyed me. It's still on par for favourite book of the year!
A book that made you happy
If you love cozy mysteries packed with excellent British humour then look no further then The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. I adored this smart, witty book that takes place in a retirement village as four senior citizens investigate a series of murders that have occured in their community. It's a lot of fun and the characters are just brilliant. Can't wait for the next book.
The most beautiful book you’ve bought (or received) this year
The original cover of The Ones We're Meant to Find by Joan He is beautiful but the Owlcrate edition I got last month is completely stunning and I love the purple and pink tones they've used. It's a gorgeous cover and definitely one of my favourite of the year so far.
What books do you need to read by the end of the year
Too many to list but I'm doing well regarding my Goodreads challenge: 41/60 books already meaning I'm 12 books ahead of schedule! I don't have any specific books in mind yet but it would be nice to make a dent in my Netgalley ARC's as well as some of the books I've owned the longest!
Have you done the Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag? What were your answers? Leave a link to your post/video in the comments for me to check out! Happy Reading!
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