Mid-Year Freak Out Tag 2026

It is crazy how much having a Kindle Unlimited subscription has aided my reading. As a chronic mood reader, it’s nice to be able to read what I want in the moment without spending twenty bucks per book. While I still want to cut down on my physical TBR, it is nice to make progress on my overall one and keeping up (and finishing) series I start. Still trying to read at least two chapters a day, but I do also binge read more often than not.

Here are my thoughts on what I have read so far and if you want more, follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/sierrajwrites

Best Book You’ve Read So Far in 2026

The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch

I am obsessed with Sara Raasch’s work! The characters and their relationships feel so raw and real and her worlds and magic systems are unique and full of such depth. This book and its sequel are probably my favorite, I can’t get enough of this modern-magic world and this little found family.

Best Sequel You’ve Read so Far in 2026 

The Paladin’s Shadow by Tavia Lark (Radiance series book 2)

Another author with incredibly deep, detailed worlds and magic systems. I read this whole trilogy in four days. Book 2 really grows the world established in book 1 and gives us a good heist plot.

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet, But Want to

Den of Paradise by Eryn Hawke

I don’t know why I haven’t read it yet, I need more omegaverse in my life.

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

10 Things I want to do Before I Turn 40 vol.2 by Mamita

Waiting for English translations is a struggle. I didn’t know this was getting a sequel and apparently we’re getting a third as well!

Biggest Disappointment

Bruised by Ally Avery

I knew what this book was going to be when I started it and honestly am surprised I actually finished it. It was fun, I guess, but I wish I had spent the time reading something else.

Biggest Surprise

North Shore Titans Hockey series by E.V. Olsen

Another series I binged and enjoyed every second. I love found family built and expanded over a series. I am excited to continue in her next hockey series.

Favorite New Author (Debut or New to You) 

Yama Wayama (Let’s Go Karaoke & Let’s Go to the Family Restaurant)

I watched the anime last year, but my friend, Phoenix, got into it this year and informed me there was a sequel manga. Wayama’s art style and way of storytelling is very captivating.

Newest Fictional Crush

Thio from The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch

Who wouldn’t want a tattooed half-elf to argue about magic with?

Newest Favorite Character

Viktor from North Shore Titans Hockey series by E.V. Olsen

I love my chaos gremlin.

Book That Made You Cry

How to Deal When Your Intimidating Neighbor is Actually an Omega vol.2 by Nikuya Inui

Not actually, but I am not okay and needed volume 3 yesterday!

Book That Made You Happy

Wind Breaker vol.21 by Satoru Nii

After so many action-packed volumes, it’s nice to see our boys get some down time. Also beach episode!

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought (or Received) So Far This Year

Deku Trinity Artbook Collection

My husband found this (and the Shouto) one in a thrift store and among the incredible art, it has some from my favorite fanfiction of all time! (Fire Lily by EtherealBeing on Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23178124/chapters/55479481 ) I really want to find the Bakugo one to complete the set.

Currently reading:

The Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida (48%)

Sent to a Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me: Volume 1 by Jaclyn Osborn (51%)

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales by Theresa Breslin (76%)

What Books Do You Need to Read Before the End of the Year 

Perilous Courts series 2-6 by Tavia Lark

I read Book 1 early last year and am ready to binge the rest!

List of Complete Reads so far in 2026: 

The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch

Wind Breaker vol.18-21 by Satoru Nii

Low Tide in Twilight vol.1-2 by euja

The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter vol. 6 by Yatsuki Wakatsu & Kazuki Irodori

Let's Go Karaoke! by Yama Wayama

Let’s Go to the Family Restaurant by Yama Wayama

How to Deal When Your Intimidating Neighbor is Actually an Omega vol.2 by Nikuya Inui

Roses and Champagne vol.1-3 by Zig

The Feisty Omega and His Twin Mates vol.3 by Ryo Ayamine

Go Luck Yourself by Sara Raasch

Armor of Dusk by Jess Galaxie

North Shore Titans Hockey series by E.V. Olsen

Love in the Palm of His Hand vol.3 by Rinteku

Everything for Demon King Evelogia vol.1 by KAJIWARA IO

Radiance series by Tavia Lark

Hirano and Kagiura vol.5 by Shou Harusono

Natsume Wants to Blossom by Mamita

Och, Ness! by Eryn Hawk

The Fake Divination Offense by Sara Raasch

Bruised by Ally Avery

Violent Devotion by L. Norell

Happy Reading!

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