Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2022
We’re at the mid-point in the year already. I feel like I’ve fallen in love with reading again this year by both making the habit to read almost everyday, having days I just binge-read and embracing my mood-reader personality. I have read 13 books so far this year (plus 2 rereads) which puts me 2 books ahead in my yearly goal of 25 books. I have read from quite a few new authors (even one classic) and have many books still that I am excited to get to.
(For mini reviews on all of them, check out my StoryGraph )
1. Best Book You’ve Read So Far in 2022:
Definitely Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell. I have reread it twice since finishing it and will most certainly be doing so again regularly. It was just so beautifully written that most satisfied and left me wanting more. Great news is the author is writing a collection of short stories and I am getting to be a beta reader! They certainly don’t disappoint. If you read no other books on this list, pick up OKHK, now!
2. Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far in 2022:
I haven’t read many sequels (despite wanting to catchup on series this year), but it would probably be Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Like the first one, the writing flowed so you finished 50 pages before you knew it. It was lovely to see the story and characters grow and bloom.
3. New Release You Haven’t Read Yet, But Want to:
None that I can think of. I haven’t been keeping up with new releases and most aren’t until later in the year.
4. Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year:
Probably King of Immortal Tithe by Ben Alderson. I’ve been meaning to pick up his other works and who can say no to a gay Hades and Persephone retelling. Also Lord of Silver Ashes by Kellen Graves because I need to know what happens!
5. Biggest Disappointment: Unlock Your Storybook Heart by Amanda Lovelace. I have read and loved poetry from this author before, but I really didn’t connect to this collection.
6. Biggest Surprise:
Dark Rise by CS Pacat. I don’t know why given I am obsessed with CS Pacat’s Captive Prince series, but it’s probably because I didn’t really know what this book was about or what to expect. It blew my mind and I needed the sequel yesterday.
7. Favorite New Author (Debut or New to You):
Sebastian Nothwell. After Oak King Holly King, I binged Mr. Warren’s Profession and Hold Fast, both were amazing and the latter close to almost edging out OKHK for my favorite of his works. I still have Throw His Heart Over to read, but I need more. His writing is so rich, his characters so real and heartbreaking and the spice is top tier.
8. Newest Fictional Crush
Shrike from Oak King Holly King though honestly, I just want him and Wren to be my dads.
9. Newest Favorite Character
I can’t explain anything cause it would be a spoiler, but Will from Dark Rise.
10. Book That Made You Cry
Not actually, but Prince of Sorrows by Kellen Graves. I was not expecting so much heartbreak from the first book.
11. Book That Made You Happy
The Wisdom of the Shire by Noble Smith. Looking at becoming a happier person through the eyes of a hobbit (my life goals honestly) was just so wholesome and reading it made me feel at peace. Here is one of my favorite hobbit wisdom: Your voice wants to sing the story of your life. Let it be.
12. Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought (or Received) So Far This Year:
None really standout, but I’ll put Oak King Holly King because it is my lock screen.
13. What Books Do You Need to Read Before the End of the Year:
As said, I want to catchup on a lot of series this year as I have three or four with just the last book to read, but here are a few: King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab
Comment some of your favorite books you’ve read so far and happy reading!