Mid-Year Book Freak Out (Book Tag)

I wasn’t tagged for this one either, but I ain’t gonna let that hold me down because I’m really lovin’ my book tags lately. I also thought I might as well do this one since it has me taking a look back at the books I have read so far this year. Which, guys, I don’t feel like I’ve done a lot of reading this year?! I need to remedy that in the second half.

So, without further ado, the best and worst books I read this year:

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2016.

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin was such a wonderful book. I hadn’t read many historical reimaginings when I read this, and it just blew me away. I loved the “what ifs” this story was based around, on top of just how awesome the main character is. If you’re looking for a badass chick, this is the book to read. I also thought that Graudin did a fantastic job at blending together the magical with the reality. Seriously. Just flawless.

Here is my full review for Wolf by Wolf 🙂 

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2016.

So…I haven’t read ANY sequels this year ?! Seriously. I just went through my Goodreads books and I haven’t read a sequel. My entire year has been filled with either first of a series or debut novels xD

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

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas is still on my TBR. While I want to read it, I’m hesitant because — don’t hate me — I wasn’t a huge fan of ACOTAR. Don’t get me wrong, I did like it, it was still a 3-4 star rating for me, but I just wasn’t madly in love with it.

So, I’m hesitant to commit so much time to a 500-page book that everyone loves. Does that even make sense? Basically, I’m scared of being let down.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo because DUHHHHHH. Seriously, if you don’t know how much I love Bardugo yet, where have you been? Come, let’s chat about her amazing books! 

Six of Crows is one of my favorite books (definitely top 10). To be honest, though, I would probably buy it just because of that cover. Whoever designs Bardugo’s covers is a freaking genius.

5. Biggest disappointment.

Sorry, friends, but I was so disappointed by this book. I expected it to be amazing, one of the best books I ever read, but I really struggled getting through this one. 

Blue was the main reason. I just didn’t like her character and felt it actually could have been better without her — especially since the only thing I did like was the friendships between the guys. I also thought the story was weird, like an attempt at a teenage Tomb Raider. 

Here is my review for this.

6. Biggest surprise.

Call me a Negative Nancy, but this isn’t my biggest surprise because I loved it, it was because I hated it. I thought I was going to love this book because it was about a girl who is super into her fandom and writes fan fiction, she also has a group of online friends. I mean, I don’t write fan fiction, but we can all relate to Scarlett on some level.

I did not relate with Scarlett. I don’t want to go into the rant now because, oh man, I could rant. So, here is my review if you’re interested.

7. Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)

Paula Stokes. Granted, I’ve only read one book by her, but she blew me away with that one book and I am totally going to read all of her other books and any that come out in the future. 

My review of this wonderfully awesome book. 

My other choices would be Ryan Graudin, Margaret Weis, and Tracy Hickman.

8. Newest fictional crush.

None. I don’t do the book boyfriend thing. I never have. Sure, I love the romance in books and the swoony scenes, but I’ve never been connected enough to care that much about a fictional male character. But, more power to you if you do! No judgements 😀

9. Newest favourite character.

Tasslehoff and Fizban from Dragons of Autumn Twilight, hands down. 

I don’t want to go into too much detail since I’ll be reviewing this book this week — but these two characters are the best ones in the book. They bring the humor, but they also serve a purpose. I think they serve a very important purpose in the series, but we’ll chat about that later. (I also have not read the other two books in this series yet)

10. Book that made you cry.

I don’t really know if this book was supposed to make me cry, but it just snuck up on me and tore me apart. Even to the very last page (literally, the author’s note even made me cry).

Guys, I highly recommend this book. It’s the first book that has made me cry in a long time, if ever, if I’m being honest.

Here is my review for this tear-jerker.

11. Book that made you happy.

A Totally Awkward Love Story was written by two real high school sweethearts — which was a sell by itself for me. This book is filled with all sorts of uncomfortable moments, you know, those awkward times in high school, but it was just so darn cute. I couldn’t help but be happy, in an embarrassed way, when reading this. Just, all. the. feels.

Here is my review for this cute thang.

12. Favourite book to film adaptation you saw this year.

Ok, I’m cheating here. I actually have not read any books that were then adapted into movies. Instead, here are two movies that were adapted from books (that I haven’t read) that I thought were great. Basically, I hope to someday read these books.

Goodreads links to the books: 13 Hours by Mitchell Zuckoff and The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by Jonathon Evison.

13. Favourite review you’ve written this year.

Yep. I’m a Negative Nancy. I’m picking a review that was actually a negative one AND a rant as my favorite review. What is wrong with me? 

But, really, I chose this because it just kind of felt good to not try to structure that review constructively. I just ranted. It was a review I wrote that wasn’t really meant to be a review shared on bookseller sites xD

Here’s a link for that one again. 

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

Assuming this means appearance and not “most beautifully written”, I’m going to choose Rebel of the Sands. That cover is just absolutely gorgeous. In person, it’s even better, because that gold shimmers in the light. I just love it.

Here is my review.

*Disclaimer: I realize that made it sound like I’m saying this book wasn’t written well. Totally not what I meant. 

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

For the sake of this question, I’m going to name only books I own that were released this year

ACOMAF: For obvious reasons.
The Last Star: Because it’s the conclusion to one of my favorites.
My Lady Jane: Because I really want to read a historical retelling with comedy!

Phew! That seemed like a really long list, even though it was only 15 questions. What do you think of my picks? What would you choose for each prompt? 

Also, I tag anyone reading this that wants to do it 😀