Hello! A little late, but here we go! The delightful Morgan has tagged me to do the Mid-Year Freakout. I really enjoyed this tag last year – it helps me remember what I’ve read haha 😄 If you’d like to do this tag yourself, consider yourself tagged by me.
I’ve also decided to film this one – you can watch it here if you’d like!
For this tag, we will answer a series of questions about the books we’ve read and received so far this year (I will just look up to the end of June for this), and what we have to look forward too as well! I’ve read a total of 44 books up to this point (and still struggled to choose on some questions, haha)
Best book you read in 2022
So I keep a spreadsheet where I use book roasts CAWPILE review system, and apparently this is a tie so far this year. And they’re all so different so I’m just going to include them all.
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree. This was just what I wanted, so cosy feeling and just generally feel-good. I wish I could visit coffee the shop.
The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes. I binged this in an evening, totally loved it – and I swear middle grade is creepier than most adult horror.
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne. I am a mood reader. And despite not being in the mood I still totally fell in with love with this book – and was completely absorbed.
Best sequel you’ve read so far this year
I’ve only read three sequels this year… Out of those l think Bridge of Ash is the best one. It’s the third in the Charismatics series by Jacquelyn Benson. I have loved the previous books, and was worried going in – as l really wasn’t sure where it was going to go after the dramatic events of book two. But I really needn’t have worried.
A new release you haven’t read yet, but you want to
I think I’ve done the best I ever have for reading some books published this year (a grand total of four I’ll have you know! I really am terrible at this ahaha), but there are so so many sitting, just waiting for me.
I think I’m going to pick The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne – a Norse inspired fantasy, and book two in the Bloodsworn Saga.
I was so so excited for it, I’d just finished the first book the day before release and was totally in love – then my copy took over a month after release to arrive, and by then I was reading other things… and my reading has been super sporadic too since. So I’ll have to make sure I get to it in the second half of the year – I’ve even put it on my Beyond the Sea TBR to help spur me on. Let’s see.
What is your most anticipated release in the second half of 2022
I still haven’t really kept an eye on releases – I have next to no idea what’s coming… *checks Goodreads*
So after perusing the upcoming releases by authors I’ve previously read of added to my TBR on Goodreads are news to me, and don’t make me pick one haha!
Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston. I read the first of this middle grade series earlier this year, and really enjoyed the ride. I cannot wait to dive into Amari’s story again.
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. I read my fist book by Haynes this year (more below) and loved it. I need more!
Arkana by RuNyx. I read Gothikana, I think, last year and totally loved it. I wish I could attend or visit Verenmore, and I adored the whole vibe. So excited to delve back in.
The Vanishing of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes. As above, I totally loved reading the first this year. I still need to read the second – but I am so excited that there is more!
Bloodmarked by Tracey Deonn. Legendbom was one of my top books I read in 2021. I have been eagerly waiting for more.
Your biggest disappointment
The Maid by Nita Prose. There were just things that didn’t sit right with me – and I’m not sure the rep was very good, even if the character isn’t explicitly neurodivergent / autistic (which is part of problem).
Your biggest suprise
I think All Systems Red by Martha Wells was my biggest surprise. I don’t vibe with sci-fi as much – so although popular and it gets really good ratings, l still wasn’t sure if it was for me. I really did love it though and cannot wait to continue. If you haven’t read yet it, you’re sleeping on a really fantastic series / book.
Your favourite new author
This is hard to choose – I’ve mostly read new to me authors this year, and they’ve all been so so good! I think I’ll pick Natalie Haynes – The Thousand Ships (although I haven’t mentioned it yet) was incredible. I enjoyed it so freaking much – and I cannot wait to read some more by Haynes – I have a Pandora’s Jar ready to go.
Your newest fictional crush
I’ll always struggle with this one. Closest character, although wouldn’t say they were a fictional crush, is probably Saint Sebastian from the Thornchapel series by Sierra Simone.
Your newest favourite fictional character
OK, actually struggling with this one too this year apparently… hmm… it’s probably got to be one of the characters from The Shadow of the Gods – maybe a toss up between Orka and Varg. I can’t wait to go delving back into this story.
A book that made you cry
Like last year, I’m sure I have but I cannot recall any. I am a blubbery mess a lot at books nowadays though haha.
A book that made you happy
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. I expected nothing, just was drawn in by dnd inspired and the name. This book was so wholesome and heartwarming though!! I adored it, and it was exactly what I needed.
The most beautiful book you’ve bought or received
I feel like all I buy are beautiful books – this is tough.
I’ve decided to go with one that I was so drawn to in a Waterstones earlier this year and couldn’t resist, and that is The Leviathan by Rosie Andrews. The cover is all my favourite colours, and I just love the patterning.
What books do you need to read by the end of the year
So firstly, I wondered if I got to what I answered for this last year – I did not… The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab is still sitting unread… so I guess on top of that one, I’d pick The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne based on how many times I’ve mentioned it haha. I’d also love to have picked up one of the Lord of the Rings books at least by the end of August, ready for MiddleEarth-a-thon.
The Bookworm's Feast 
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