Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2021

Someone tell me how it is already June?

I’ve had a great reading year so far, and have read about 70 books this year.

This tag was created by chami, although I am getting my questions from alexaabee over at Writing the Universe. Be sure to check out her post here, because she has some super great answers!

Anyways, on to the tag!

Best book you’ve read so far in 2021

Wow, this is such a loaded question. While I have read SO MANY great books this year, I think my favorite so far has been Legendborn by Tracy Deonn. I just loved everything about this book, from the world, to the characters, to the magic system. It actually made me cry, which does not happen very often!

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021

This question really made me realize how few sequels I’ve read in 2021 so far. I struggle to pick up sequels, because I find I never really gravitate towards them. But one sequel (or book in a series) that I loved was Winter by Marissa Meyer. It took me over a year to read this whole series, but I’m so happy I finished it because the characters just have my heart.

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

Nicola Yoon is one of my favorite authors, so obviously I am dying to get to her newest novel, Instructions for Dancing. I honestly have no idea what it is about, but if it is like her other books, I know that I will devour it.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

This was the first book that popped into my head! Tiffany D. Jackson is another one of my favorite authors. She writes such great thrillers that will keep you on your toes. Grown was my favorite book of last year, so I wouldn’t be surprised if her newest book, White Smoke, becomes my favorite for this year.

Biggest disappointment

This is painful, but I was so disappointed by We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal. The idea of an ancient Arabian inspired fantasy just sounded like everything I could have ever wanted, but the pacing was just too slow for my taste. I felt like nothing was ever happening. In fact, I don’t even know if I could give an accurate plot summary because it all just seemed a little senseless. Even so, the writing was beautiful. I wish I would have liked it more.

Biggest surprise

I was so surprised by Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophia Jouhanneau! I wasn’t planning on reading it because it didn’t sound like it was up my alley, but after getting approved for an ARC I felt like I had to. I ended up giving this 4.5 stars, because the setting and the ballet aspect was just so much fun!

Favorite new author (debut or new to you)

I just finished reading The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty, and I loved the writing style so much! Her descriptions are vivid but don’t overpower the story, her banter is funny and clever, and the plot was the perfect pace! I think this is her debut novel, so I definitely plan on continuing with book 2.

Newest fictional crush

I was literally just telling my friend about my crush on Ethan from The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren.

Newest favorite character

Listen, Alizayd Al Qahtani has my heart! A few special mentions also go out to Nahri, and also Sel from Legendborn!

Book that made you cry

Like I said, I don’t really cry all that much while reading! I definitely get emotional, but it takes a lot to get tears out of me. However, Clockwork Angel definitely brought tears to my eyes. I’m not sure if this counts since it’s a re-read though. But the nostalgia factor definitely helped contribute to the tears!

Book that made you happy

While After I Do definitely broke my heart at times, it ultimately left me smiling so big by the end, and is one I definitely associate with happiness.

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

Did I impulse by House of Hollow souly based on the cover? I did. Do I regret it? No.

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

So many! But to name a few, I really need to get to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (I know, I’m so late), Daughter of the Siren Queen, The Poppy War, Caraval, The Fifth Season, and The Picture of Dorian Gray.

I won’t tag anyone in particular, but feel free to let me know your answers in the comments below! Happy reading!