Mid Year Book Freak Out TAG

1. Best book you've read so far this year.

That would have to be Made You Up by Francesa Zappia. The funny thing is that I actually never planned on reading it but then, one night at the very end of January, I couldn't fall asleep decided to listen to the audiobook. The next night I finished the whole book and was completely mesmerized by the story. To me it was a perfect combination of everything I need in a good book. It was written in a very endearing and touching way. The characters were unforgettable, and I rooted for them from the very fisrt chapter. It was just incredibly good and I loved everything about it.

2. Best sequel you've read so far this year.

I've started this year with The Great Library series by Rachel Caine which was an amazing choice, for that series is extremely readable. It's thrilling and fascinating. The second book Paper and Fire was definitely my favourite one in the series. I think that it's a very underrated series, for I don't find it talked about enough, which is a pity, for it's a really unique and interesting story. Very well written, action packed and amazingly thought through. Would highly recommend!

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

There's actually so many new books I'm interested in. I usually don't follow new releases very much because there's a lot of older books I'd like to read first, but this year, there are some amazing books coming out that I would love to read as soon as possible. Some of them being The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen, Hope and Other Punchlines by Julie Buxbaum and Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith. I love all of these authors very much so I have high hopes for their newest books.

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

I can't wait for the next installment in The Great Library series, Sword and Pen by Rachel Caine. Of course, I am highly anticipating Now Entering Addamsville by Francesca Zappia, for she's become auto buy author for me. And I am really excited for the newest book by Kasie West, called Maybe This Time, which is coming out in just a few days, actually. Ah, so many great books to look forward to.

5. Biggest disappointment.

Sadly, I really wasn't impressed by Estelle Maskame's first book in her DIMILY series - Did I Mention I Love You? I've heard so many good things going into it, but it didn't live up to my expectations in the least. I don't even know whether I'll continue on with the series.

6. Biggest surprise.

Unlike the previously mentioned book, Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts is one that's never talked about and has terrible reviews on GoodReads, but I was a huge fan of it. The story takes place in an apocalyptic world and centers around three main characters dealing with various personal issues whilst a mile-wide asteroid is only a week away from striking the Earth and possibly ending everything.

7. New favourite author.

Francesca Zappia, for sure. I am so glad I gave her book a chance. Her stories definitely enriched my life and I can't wait for more from her in the future.

8. Newest fictional crush.

I've just finished the Tiger's Curse series by Colleen Houck and I fell in love with Ren all over again. True, he's not my newest crush, since I have fallen for him hard six years ago when I first read the book, but he's still one of my very favourite love interests in literature. I love everything about him, really. His humor and wit, his gentle and loving nature, the fact that he can communicate in the relationship, and of course, his sexy looks don't hurt either.

9. Newest favourite character.

Jess brightwell from The Great Library series by Rachel Caine. He's such an interesting character. I love that he's not black or white. He's really comlicated and I still haven't been successful in figuring him out, which makes him so much more real and unique. I really love reading about him and am very intrigued to learn more about him in the future.

10. Book that made you cry.

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon. I've read this book during the Contemporary-a-Thon in februray and I fell in love with the story, much like everybody else who's read it. It was incredibly beautiful and it literally made me cry. But also laugh. This book just makes you feel all the right things.

11. Book that made you happy.

The Swap by Megan Shull. I listened to the audiobook and it was absolutely fantastic. First of all, the narrators just nailed it. They made such an excellent job of making the story to come alive, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The story itsellf was amazing and so fun. It made me laugh out loud so hard, but it was also very tender and touching at times. It really made me incredibly happy and I would highly recommend you to read it. It was one of the best books I've read this year.

12. Favourite book to movie adaptation you watched this year.

I've watched only one book to movie adaptation so far this year. Five Feet Apart based on a book by Rachael Lippincott, Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Laconis. I haven't read it, but I really enjoyed the movie and might consider reading the book one day in the future.

13. Favourite review you've written so far this year.

I really did a poor job writing reviews this year. But if you're interested, you can read a double review for two books by Kasie west on my blog here.

14. The most beautiful book you bought this year.

The Barnes and Noble leatherbound edition of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. I've always wanted this particular edition of the classic, but it was sold out everywhere. This past month, I managed to find it, and seeing it on my bookshelf makes me happy every day.

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

I would like to read The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, The Dark Artifices series by Cassandra Clare, the Reawakened series by Colleen Houck, as well as the Caraval series by Stephanie Garber. Here's to hoping, then...