Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag 2021

We’re already halfway through the year and I’m surprisingly ahead on my reading challenge, but my TBR pile has also doubled in size. I’ve discovered the joy of my local library re-opening after our third lockdown, and some incredible Kindle books for under £1. I’ve also still been borrowing eBooks from my library until it’s safe for me to visit in person more regularly. Until then, my TBR will continue to grow and grow and grow.

Today, I’m doing the Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag, which is great because I’m currently looking at my reading challenge to remind myself what I’ve read, and I have no memory of reading any of them.

Let’s begin!

Best book you’ve read so far in 2021

I have a Goodreads shelf dedicated to the best books I’ve read each year which I update throughout the year and narrow down again at the end, so I can actually answer this question, even if I haven’t got round to reviewing everything and can’t remember why I liked it. I currently have six books on that list, but here are the two that are currently battling for the top spot:

• Lore by Alexandra Bracken – I got this in an OwlCrate box and fell in love from the first page. Review here.
• House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland – I fell in love with the cover before anything else. I’ve only read one of her books before and had an average experience so I wasn’t expecting to become obsessed with this one. Review here.

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021

I’ve read very few exciting sequels this year – and sequels in general – but the one that stands out is the only book that matters to me right now: Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World. Review here. A sequel has no right being this beautiful.

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

I’m not too up to date on new releases (as usual), but last week I got the most beautiful copy of Raybearer from Waterstones. It’s not really a new release anymore (it’s almost a year old), but I’ve been hearing good things since the release date and have just been waiting to have a way to read it.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

I genuinely have no idea what’s coming out at any point t I know I have a preorder for the new Rick Riordan book Daughter of the Deep. I don’t think it’s actually released for another few months, but I’m excited by anything Riordan.

Biggest disappointment

I’m still learning to accept that I can DNF books instead of suffering through ones that I dislike, but there are some I stuck through because, although they were bad, they were still entertaining. The book(s) that stand out the most is The Selection and the other two books in the original trilogy. For a week or two, The One was the only book I’d ever given a one-star rating to.

Biggest surprise

Some Kind of Happiness. It was recommended to me by a friend who has a pretty solid idea of what books I like, but I wasn’t expecting this sad middle grade book to become a quiet favourite and own my entire heart.

Favorite new author (debut or new to you)

Hannah Moskowitz is someone who I’ve had on my radar for a year or two now purely because I’ve seen Paper Fury review her books. I’ve read two of her books this year and fell completely in love with her words and her imagination, and I’m so excited to see what she does next.

Newest favorite character

Teeth, one of the main characters of Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz. He’s half-human half-fish and I am fully in love with the idea of him. Full review of the book here if you want more reasons of why I love him.

Book that made you cry

The Aristotle and Dante sequel. I picked it up to read thinking it would be a pretty light hearted sequel based off the cover and description and the first book and oh, I was wrong. I started reading and knew roughly how it was going to end but it still destroyed me emotionally.

Book that made you happy

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones. It isn’t a particularly happy book, but it’s filled with warmth and light moments and family and an undead goat. It’s also rooted in Welsh mythology which has a space very close to my heart, and the comfort and familiarity of it brings me joy. Full review here.

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

I think the copy of Raybearer that I bought recently is one of the prettiest books I own. I’ve only ever seen one version of the cover and had to do a double take when I saw this one. It’s black with a shiny gold flowery(?) design that makes a subtle face.

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

I’m in the constant struggle of trying to read books I already own but haven’t read, finally read ‘classics’ that people make me feel guilty for not reading, and just continuing to read and reread whatever I feel like.

What is the best book you’ve read so far this year? Which was the biggest surprise? Have there been any disappointments?

Full list of questions:

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2021
   2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021
   3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
   4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
   5. Biggest disappointment
   6. Biggest surprise
   7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)
   8. Newest fictional crush
   9. Newest favorite character
   10. Book that made you cry
   11. Book that made you happy
   12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
   13.What books do you need to read by the end of the year?