Apparently it’s already halfway through the year (what?!) and it’s time for the Mid Year Freak Out Tag. I honestly can’t believe it’s almost the end of June.
Best book(s) you read so far in 2020?
Hands down, Lovely War by Julie Berry and Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk are my favorite reads so far. I’ve read many other wonderful titles, but these two gripped my heart and refused to let go. The more books I read, the more historical fiction becomes my favorite genre.
Best sequel of 2020 so far?
Between Burning Worlds by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell and Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff were mind-blowingly phenomenal. I also find it interesting that both titles involve burning and are written by two authors. Weird.
New releases you haven’t read yet but want to
The Blossom and the Firefly by Sherri L. Smith. I barely heard anything about this title, but I love historical fiction and I’m always looking for a new angle to historical events. I recently purchased a copy of this for the #blackpublishingpower campaign so I hope to read it soon!
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
There are so many awesome books coming out later this year, but I cannot wait for A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir. I need that book three years ago. Also, Bookish and the Beast by Ashely Poston is another priority book for me. I’ve actually pre-ordered both of them already.
Biggest disappointment
The Circus Rose by Betsy Cornwell had such a great idea (Circus setting + fairy tale retelling), but it was a huge letdown. I still cannot believe this book has been published.
Biggest surprise
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu. I was a bit disappointed in the Warcross duology so I almost didn’t read The Kingdom of Back. I’m glad I did though because it’s my favorite of her books. It’s way different than her other novels, though.
Favorite new author (debut or new author to you)
Akemi Dawn Bowman. I’ve wanted to read several of her books for a while now but didn’t get around to. Harley in the Sky surprised me, and I’m making it a bigger priority to read her other novels.
Newest fictional crush
This is hard because I don’t always cling to fictional crushes, but Vas from Harley in the Sky and Killian from Dark Skies were both the right balance of broody and cinnamon roll for my tastes.
Newest favorite character
This may be cheating since I read the first book years ago and promptly forgot about it, but I love Gen from The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner. I’m finally read the rest of the series, and he’s easily one of the best characters ever.
Book that made you cry
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk. There’s just something about Lauren Wolk’s stories that make me sob uncontrollably. I love it.
Book that made you happy
Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom by Louis Sachar. This was so fun to read! It’s been ages since I read a Wayside School book, so rereading them and then reading the new one felt like traveling back to my childhood. I am so thrilled that Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom was just as great as the rest of the series. It fits right in with all the weird shenanigans and happenstances.
Most beautiful book you bought so far this year (or received)
I was able to find the Thomas Nelson editions of Little Women and Pride and Prejudice and I just cannot get over how freaking gorgeous they are. I probably paid way too much for a book I already own but they are lovely.
What book(s) do you need to read by the end of the year
The only books I “need” to read by the end of the year are the ARCs I’ve been approved via NetGalley, but I want to get through a large chunk of my physical TBR books. I’m hoping to read through half of them, and I’ve been doing good so far. The problem comes when I buy more books and it grows… Oops?
Favorite book community member
I don’t really know specific names from the bookish community, so I can’t really pick a favorite. Does Nadine Brandes count? She’s an author but she also posts such great and fun bookish pictures on Instagram.
Keeper of the Wood Between Worlds 
Pingback: 2020 Mid Year Freak Out Tag – Yellow Mockingjay
This is such a cool tag! A lot of these books are on my tbr and might have been moved closer to the top lol! I just did a blogpost with this tag too, it was a lot of fun ☺️
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Thank you!
I’m glad I helped you find good books. 🙂
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OMG, those covers are AMAZING! I can totally see why you got them.
Also, I loved Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom too! But I still haven’t made the time to re-read the other Wayside School books yet this year, and I really want to do that.
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They are cool and they’re doing more this summer for several classic titles. Must resist buying them all!
I hope you have time to reread them. They were so fun!
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Oh very cool. I must resist buying them, also. *sits on hands*
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