Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag 2018

The original tag was created by ReadLikeWildfire and Earl Grey Books.
Many thanks to Mel @ meltotheany and Manon @ Cafe Manon for tagging me, I love the opportunity to reflect on my reading over the last six months!

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By far my reading has been dominated by ARCs so far in 2018! Beat the Backlist challenge has helped to knock out some of the books on my TBR (yay!), but I definitely need to make an effort to actually read the books I am hauling every month as well. My biggest goal for the rest of the year is to balance ARC reading with new releases that I personally buy!

So far I have read 22,656 pages across 76 books in 2018!

1. The best book you’ve read so far this year?

How in the world am I supposed to choose just one?! I have read a few 5-star reads this year so far, but there are two that stand out in my mind. This is a tie between Children of Blood and Bone and Ace of Shades.

2. The best sequel you’ve read this year?

This year hasn’t been too heavy on series reads so far, I have mostly read newly released first-in-series, but I have re-read a couple of series that I enjoy so far but none published in 2018.

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

I have a literal stack of them *points to the Tower* Legendary is probably top of the list, but I will need to read Caraval first. (yes, I have a problem.)

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

Grim Lovelies, The Light Between Worlds, and A Spark of White Fire

5. Biggest disappointment.

I feel like 2018 is kind of the year of disappointments for me.  I am generally pretty good about selecting books that are up my alley, but lately they haven’t been lining up to my expectations. Grace and Fury and Suicide Club both kind of are top-of-mind because they are fresh reads.

6. Biggest Surprise.

Ace of Shades, hands down. I wasn’t sure to expect with this one, especially because I had seen mixed reviews from bloggers whose opinions I trust, but I was absolutely blown away.

7. Favorite new to you, or debut, author.

Amanda Foody has earned a spot in my heart, but in an effort to not have this be an Ace of Shades lovefest, I also want to give a shout-out to L. Penelope because Song of Blood & Stone!

8. Newest fictional crush.

I don’t typically crush on fictional characters that much, but my GOD do I adore the hell out of Levi in Ace of Shades.

9. Newest favorite character.

Zélie from Children of Blood and Bone still holds a very special place in my heart!

10. Book that made you cry?

Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro. Read this, it is incredible and powerful and so, so important.

11. Book that made you happy?

I can’t think of anything… I don’t really read happy books. Maybe I should now and again LOL

12. Favorite book to film adaption?

The only one I have paid attention to is The Handmaid’s Tale.

13. Favorite post you have done this year?

I think it would have to be 11 books to read about activism that will inspire you.

14. Most beautiful book you have bought this year?

My special UK cover of Legendary!

Goodness I love this special version so much. Did you get the UK cover? If so, which one did you get?!? pic.twitter.com/wZUv7XgZyC

— Kaleena 📚 Reader Voracious (@kalventure) June 11, 2018

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

All of them?

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✨ Well that’s it for my mid-2018 freakout tag! Have you read any of the books that I highlighted? What are some of your favorites? Do you have happy book recommendations for me?

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