Mid Year Freak Out Tag

Hi guys, I hope you are all well. Since we’re halfway through the year, I figured it was time for my annual mid year freak out tag. I’ve done this tag every year since I started this blog since it’s quite a nice way to look back at the last six month. As always I’ve tried not to repeat myself with the answers but sometimes I can’t help it. Anyway let’s get started.

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Best book you’ve read so far this year.

This has to be Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang, which is a self published Japanese inspired fantasy standalone. I read this earlier this year and it was fantastic. I cannot say enough good things about this book. Check out my full review here.

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 Best sequel you’ve read so far this year.

A Time of Blood by John Gwynne, which is the second book in the Of Blood and Bone trilogy. This was a fantastic instalment and I cannot wait to see how things conclude in the next book. If you haven’t started this trilogy yet, I highly recommend.

 

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

The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons, Cage of Souls by Adrian Tchaikovsky, The Fork, the Witch and the Worm by Christopher Paolini and A Brightness Long Ago by Guy Gavriel Kay.

 

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Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

• Beneath the Twisted Tree / Bradley Beaulieu / 4th July

• The Wolf’s Call / Anthony Ryan / 25th July

• The Secret Commonwealth / Philip Pullman / 3rd October

• Angel Mage / Garth Nix / 17th October

• Blood of the Empire / Brian McClellan / 5th December

• The Light of All That Falls / James Islington / 12th December

 

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Biggest disappointment.

I haven’t really had any disappointing reads so far this year. I’ve had a few books that weren’t for me in the end but I wouldn’t necessarily say they were disappointing.

 

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 Biggest surprise.

I know I said that I would try not to use the same book twice but this one has to go to The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang. I didn’t know a whole lot about it when I picked it up and I ended up loving it.

 

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Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)

M. L. Wang and Alicia Wanstall-Burke. I loved both of their books and will definitely be keeping an eye out for any future releases from both authors. I definitely hope to find more new authors by the end of the year.

 

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Newest favourite character.

Misaki from The Sword of Kaigen, Lidan from Blood of Heirs and Li Jing from The Crystal Ribbon. I am also currently reading A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos and I really like the main character, Ophelia.

 

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Book that made you cry.

Sorry to repeat myself again but The Sword of Kaigen. I don’t tend to cry when reading but I came pretty close a few times while reading this book. It’s quite the emotional rollercoaster.

 

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Book that made you happy.

Pretty much all the books I’ve read so far this year.

 

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Favourite book to film adaptation you saw this year.

I don’t think I’ve seen one so far this year, but I am really excited for the TV adaptation of His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. I love the books and the trailers look so good.

 

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Favourite review you’ve written this year.

I don’t really know, to be honest… maybe my review of The Sword of Kaigen or A Time of Blood.

 

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Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)

I would probably go with Cage of Souls by Adrian Tchaikovsky or A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos.

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

All of the books on my bookshelf, hopefully. The books I definitely want to read by the end of the year include Iron Gold by Pierce Brown, Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay, The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver and Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence.

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That’s it for today. I’ve had a pretty good reading year so far, although I would have liked to have read more books. Hopefully I’ll read a load more great books in the next six months. How has your reading year been so far? I hope you are all having a wonderful day and I will see you next time.

 

 

Pippa