Mid-Year Book Tag: The Good, The Bad, and The Unread
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Welcome to my Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag! As we hit the halfway mark of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the incredible reads, unexpected surprises, and the new releases I’m still looking forward to diving into. This year has been filled with books I’ve absolutely loved, from thrilling series to unforgettable characters that have left a lasting impression. In this post, I’ll review my favorites and share my thoughts on the ones that really stood out. I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below, so join me in this bookish journey!
Let’s Dive into the Mid Year Book Tag
1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2024?
2024 have been one of the best reading years I’ve had thus far. It has been filled with books that I couldn’t imagine not reading this year, and honestly it is hard to limit myself to be able to create the answer to this question. I am already more than half way to my goal of 120 books (69/120). If I had to pick a top three they would be:
- The Ritual by Shantel Tessier
- Castle of Nevers and Nightmares by Lana Pecherczyk
- God of Malice by Rina Kent
With men like Ryat Archer, The Fae Devils (all 6 of them) and Killian Carson on the list of books I’ve read in the first half of my 2024 reading year, there’s no way I can limit myself to just one book (Could You?)
2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2024?
Okay are we talking book 2 in the series or are we talking any book after the first one? Either way this would have to go to EASTON BRADLEY SINNETT. I am DYING to be Sin’s little demon. This book took me by surprise I wasn’t expecting to love it as much I did. And, I for sure wasn’t expecting to ball my eyes out (at work nonetheless) the way that I did.
3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to?
For this book tag question it would have to be two-fold. God of War just released (I am still making my way through the Legacy of Gods series, I am on book 4) and I am not sure if House of Flame and Shadow counts as a new release still but I am also currently reading House of Sky and Breath so that I can FINALLY read House of Flame and Shadow. For some odd reason I have been putting off diving into Crescent City and now that I have started I am in LOVE with Bryce and Hunt!
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of 2024?
The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne. If you haven’t read my review on the Shadow of the Gods you should check out the guest post I did on Jackie’s page at After the Last Page. The Fury of the Gods is the final book in the Bloodsworn Trilogy and I can’t wait to complete that read.
5. Biggest disappointment of 2024?
There hadn’t been many books that have been a disappointment for me this year. Out of 69 books so far I’ve only had to DNF 3 and I think not many more were below 3 stars for me. What stands out as the biggest disappointments thus far in this reading year have been Fathomfolk and To Bleed a Crystal Bloom. In both nothing happens. Books that take 60% to even get going is a waste of my time as I currently have over 500 books on my physical TBR! Fathomfolk was SO BORING (Check out my review). To Bleed a Crystal Bloom was SO HYPED that I think going in I was expecting something amazing (I wasn’t asking for a masterpiece) and it just didn’t deliver. Oh well, moving on to other books!
6. Biggest surprise of 2024?
Ledge by Stacey McEwan. I often don’t go into book knowing much more than that the cover is pretty (Yes, I buy books solely based on the cover). So, I didn’t have much in mind when I read Ledge. I knew I would like it (you should check out my review). It had an interested premise that didn’t stray too far away from the typical fantasy genre. I just wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did (That reminds me I have been meaning to buy Chasm). Anywho, Ledge was an excellent read and you need to add it to your TBR. Especially with the final book Valley coming out soon.
7. Favorite new (to you) author discovered in 2024?
Are we also limiting this question to one? I think if I am picking one then Helen Scheuerer. I found Helen on Instagram (read the whole thing on my review of her book Blood and Steel). And, her books have been easily consumed over the span of three days. I just finished reading a copy of the final book in The Legends of Thezmarr series (Shadows and Storms) and it was easiest 5 stars I have even given a book. This entire series deserves a spot on your TBR this year.
8. Newest fictional crush of 2024?
I have always been a why choose type of girl. And, aside from the men that I have already mentioned throughout this post that I am simping for the answer to this question is the men from Twilight of Embers by Tessa Hale. Knox, Cáel, Easton, Maddox and Cillian *sigh* I want them (that is all).
9. Newest favorite character of 2024?
Because as I’ve mentioned I am lusting hard after these men, I will choose a female character. Bryce Quinlan. Bryce reminds me a lot of myself. Feisty, a smart ass and just all around cunning (yes I am tooting my own horn). I have thoroughly enjoyed her character in House of Earth and Blood and now House of Sky and Breath.
10. Book that made you cry in 2024?
Like I mentioned The Sinner had me shedding serious tears. There was a thunderstorm happening in my heart. I think what got me is that it was so unexpected. And with it being expected I cried even harder. Throughout The Sinner tears well in your eyes for Ellie but the ending takes the cake (and then some).
11. Book that made you happy in 2024?
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown (you already know I have a full review up). The Book of Doors was one of my most anticipated for the first half of 2024. It has all the makings of a wonderful story. It has a unique premise, magical realism, and a twist you wouldn’t see coming.
12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought (or received) in 2024?
My prized possessions are my Fairyloot editions of The Starless Sea and The Night Circus. They are gorgeous. Stenciled edges, foil on the naked hardcover, I even think it has a ribbon bookmark (I am a sucker for ribbon bookmarks).
13. What books do you really need to read by the end of this year?
There are so many. I want to read book 2 of the Fae Devils series Trials of Dusk and Dreams (releases in July). I want to read the final book in the Dragons of Ember Hollow trilogy. Dawn of Flames (which also releases in July). I need to do my yearly reread of The Starless Sea and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Wanting to read Dark Fae so I can decide whether or not I want to read Zodiac Academy. I want to read more thrillers like Rock, Paper, Scissors or Daisy Darker. There are just so many I want to dive into.
