The name of a tag has never felt more appropriate before, because it is the middle of the year and I’m freaking out. Where has the first half of 2018 gone? Does anyone know because I feel like not long ago I was writing my post wrapping up 2017. Before I know it I’ll be preparing my post to wrap up 2018. I was tagged by The Orangutan Librarian. Thanks for the tag, I had a lot of fun answering the questions for this one so I hope you enjoy reading my answers just as much.
Best book you’ve read yet in 2018
Circe by Madeline Miller
I knew this book was going to be good, after all The Song of Achilles was an incredible read, but it exceeded all of my expectations. Circe is a beautifully written story, and the character development as we watch Circe grow over the thousands of generations she’s exiled on Aiaia is incredible.
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2018
Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | Bright Ruin by Vic James
Both of these books are the final instalments to two of my favourite series and I can’t choose just one, please don’t make me.
Obsidio was even more intense than I thought it would be, with so much at stake. I loved seeing the conclusion to Kady’s, Ezra’s, Hanna’s, Nik’s and Ella’s stories as they take the fight back to Kerenza. Bright Ruin was one of my highly anticipated releases and I was lucky enough to get my hands on an eARC. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down; it was dark, intense and fast-paced.
New release you haven’t read yet but want to
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
Last year Caraval was one of my favourite reads of 2017 and so far I’ve heard brilliant things about Legendary as well. The reason I haven’t started it? It’s one of the books I’m saving for when I’m on holiday, I’m not sure why but this strikes me as the perfect beach read for when I’m in Dubai.
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor | The Ladies Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
Again I can’t choose just one.
I loved Strange the Dreamer but after the way it ended I need to know where things go for Lazlo and Sarai. One thing is for sure given who the author is, it’s going to be a beautifully written book. I wasn’t swept away by the hype for The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue until it was released and I saw the amazing reviews, but I’m beyond excited for The Ladies Guide to Petticoats and Piracy.
Biggest Disappointment
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
The more I think about this book the more I realise it just wasn’t that good. I enjoyed reading it at the time, but I feel like we’ve come to the end of Feyre’s and Rhys’s story. I was much more interested in the secondary characters, but there wasn’t enough of them in this book to suit me.
Biggest surprise
Sea Witch by Sarah Henning
A lot of people are really excited for the release of Sea Witch, and while I was thrilled to receive an ARC I didn’t really have any expectations for before I started reading. I quickly fell in love though; with the story, the characters, and the friendship which seemed to be the backbone of the story.
Favourite new author
I’ve heard brilliant things about Neal Shusterman’s writing and brilliant things about his Arc of a Scythe series, which I finally decided to pick up. Scythe and Thunderhead were incredible reads, not heavy on the action but there was always something to keep me firmly hooked on the story.
Newest fictional crush
Abel, Defy the Worlds by Claudia Gray
Can this be called my ‘newest’ fictional crush when I read the first book in this series last year?
I love Abel; his character arc so far has been fascinating to read, and based on the way Defy the Worlds ended I can only imagine how far he still has to go. The Constellation series is an all-time favourite of mine, and Abel an all-time favourite character.
Newest favourite character
Eelyn, Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
Sky in the Deep is another book, like Circe, with incredible character development. At the beginning Eelyn is firm in the beliefs she has been raised with, but the more time she spends among the Riki clan the more she realises there’s more to their people than what she sees on the battlefield.
Book that made you cry
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
Again The Amber Spyglass is a book I re-read this year, but the ending never fails to have me welling up. After everything they went through together, and after only just discovering their feelings for one another, for it to end like that for Lyra and Will was so bittersweet and I’ll never be over it.
Book that made you happy
Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
YA contemporaries never fail to make me happy and Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is one of the best. The relationship between Simon and Blue is so sweet, I loved reading their emails as Jacques and Blue, but there’s a lot of emotion and important representation in this book too.
Favourite book to film adaptation
Is this a surprise considering my answer to the previous question?
There was so much hype surrounding the release of this film. When it came out in the US people went insane over it, and I understood why when I saw it myself a few weeks later. Love, Simon was everything I wanted the film to be and more, and I can’t wait for my DVD pre-order to arrive so I can watch it all over again.
Favourite post you have done this year
There’s not really one that’s stood out as my favourite; I always like publishing my Reading Around the World posts because it gives me an excuse to talk about travelling which, after reading, is a major love of mine.
Most beautiful book you’ve brought this year
Circe by Madeline Miller
I spent extra money on the hardcover edition of Circe simply because of how gorgeous it was. The cover on its own is pretty spectacular, but the design under the dust jacket and the artwork of the Aiaia map published inside just added to this incredibly beautiful book.
What books do you need to read by the end of the year
Can I say all of them?
There are so many books on my TBR list; series I was to start and series I was to finish, books I need to re-read and books I can’t wait to pick up when they’re finally released.
My tags:
- Ashley at The Infinite Library
- May at Forever and Everly
- Shai at Cade Under Books
- Tiana at The Book Raven
What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year, and what new release do you still need to get to? What’s your favourite book to film adaptation, is it Love, Simon like mine is? What’s been your favourite post of 2018 so far? Let me know, and if there’s anyone out there who wants to take part consider yourself tagged.
I had to write down some of these! You have great taste in literature love! ✨
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Thanks so much, and I hope you enjoy whichever of these you decide to pick up. 🙂
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Great Post, Beth ❤️
Circe has been everywhere and although it’s not a book I’m that interested in, I must admit that it has a beautiful cover 😍 I’m also excited to read Legendary, Caraval wasn’t my favourite but I’m planning on rereading it before I get started on Legendary. I read Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda recently and I loved it – now I just have to go see the movie 🙂
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Thanks so much Michelle. 🙂 ❤️
Yeah as much as I loved it I get that Circe isn’t a story everyone’s going to fall in love with as much as I did, but at least we can all agree on how gorgeous the cover is! 😀
I’ve heard Legendary is better than Caraval, I just started it today and haven’t got too far into it yet so I can’t say whether that’s true or not but I hope you enjoy it more either way, and oh the Love, Simon move is a brilliant adaptation. If you loved the book you’ll love the film too. 🙂
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Oooh! That’s exciting, I can’t wait to read your thoughts on Legendary 😬🙂 I really am intrigued to see where Garber is going to take Scarlett and Tella’s story.
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Same here. 🙂 Caraval ended in a way it would have made a decent standalone, but I’m glad we’re getting another story (and a third after that!)
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Love your answers, Beth, and thanks for the tag 😀 Love, Simon is so freaking good!! As is the book, ugh my heart!
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Thanks, and that’s all right. I’ll be looking forwards to seeing your answers for this tag in that case. 🙂
It just one of those stories that is brilliant both in the film version and the book version. 😀
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Thanks for the tag Beth! I’d actually been looking at doing this particular tag so I appreciate the nudge in the right direction, haha.
Full agreement about Simon as a movie and book, it just leaves the biggest grin on your face. I haven’t pre-ordered the DVD but I’ll be picking it up as soon as I can once it comes out, that’s for sure. Looking forward to a re-watch.
Circe is so gorgeous! I was really tempted to do what you did and get the hardback but I got lured in by the shiny paperback cover, a promo, and a free Circe tote bag. Next thing I knew, I was at the counter handing over my money.
I’m so excited for Muse of Nightmares, I have no idea where the story is going to go after the end of Strange the Dreamer but bring on the heart break, I say.
Also, Scythe, SO GOOD. I need book three, stat.
Fabulous answers, Beth!
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That’s all right, and yeah this is a fun one to look at the year so far. 🙂
It really does, and oh I can’t wait for the DVD to be released. I plan to just re-watch it over and over again (and maybe re-read the book as well because you’re right it does put a smile on your face!)
It really is, and oh a free tote bag would have swayed me as well. I just saw the gorgeous hardcover and was hooked. I don’t think the paperback has been released where I am at the moment. 🙂
Counting down the days until Muse of Nightmares is released. Yeah it’s gonna be heartbreaking I can tell.
Same here, I need to know what happens now especially after that ending in Thunderhead.
Thanks Ashley. 🙂 ❤
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Hello Beth!
Wow I am kind of freaking out that people are starting to do the Mid Year Freak Out Tag already. What happened to the first half of 2018?! Time really flies!
Anyway I loved reading your answers! I’ll have to agree that Obsidio was one of my favourite sequels this year. I am glad that you enjoyed Simon Vs which was such a fun and sweet novel. I loved reading about Simon and Blue who are so, so cute together. I’m excited about Muse of Nightmares as well since I enjoyed Strange the Dreamer.
Looking forward to your next Reading Around the World post!! (Maybe about Dubai and Mauritius? Or whichever place you are planning to feature 🙂 )
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Yeah I was pretty freaked out when I was tagged because even though I knew we were in June it’s one thing to know it but another to realise we’re halfway through the year already!
Thanks so much. Yeah it’s going to be hard to top Obsidio I think Simon Vs is always such a cute story, it’s one of my favourite YA contemporary books and this won’t be the last time I pick it up for sure. Oh I feel like I’m counting down the days until Muse of Nightmares right now.
Thanks, and ha yeah if I can find a book set in either Dubai or Mauritius maybe. I’ll have to do some series Google research because I’m sure there’s one out there! 😀
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Hmm I can’t think of a book that takes place in Dubai or Mauritius off the top of my head either, but there must be one out there right? Even if you don’t do a reading around the world feature I am sure we would love to hear about your trip 🙂 Happy packing and wishing you a wonderful vacay ❤
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I’m sure there is, but even if there isn’t I’ll still post about my trip don’t worry. I’ll let you know all about it.
Thanks Sophie. 🙂 ❤️
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Yay!! That’s awesome! Hope your enjoy your vacay which sounds like it will be amazing ❤ Looking forward to hearing about it when you are back!
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Thanks Sophie, so far they’re going good but I have got some pretty bad sunburn, which is never fun! 🙂
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Oh no! Sunburns are painful- be sure to use sunscreen! Glad to hear that your trip is going well so far 🙂
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It’s faded now, I burn and just never tan so all the pain none of the gain.
Thanks Sophie. 🙂 ❤️
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Glad to hear that the sunburn is better at least 🙂
I tend to tan really easily during the summer. After I go for a few jogs, people start to ask if I went on a vacation haha.. I guess I am lucky 🙂
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That is lucky. I got a little colour this holiday but it’ll be gone by the time I’m home again I’m sure. 🙂
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Lol 🙂 Even a little bit is good. Enjoy the rest of your vacay ❤
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I’m so glad you enjoyed Obsidio so much – I can’t believe I haven’t read it just yet, but I can’t wait. I’m happy you enjoyed it so much, makes me so impatient to get to it 😀
I haven’t read Legendary either, but heard that it was even better than the first book, so I’m really excited to read it. And yay for Sea Witch, I have that one on my TBR and it sounds fantastic.
The Amber Spyglass will always make me cry, I think. And I can’t WAIT to see Love, Simon. One week before it’s released here haha 🙂
Lovely answers, Beth! ❤ ❤
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I almost can’t believe it either. The second I had that book I’d started it I was so excited to see how it all ended. Trust me you’ll love it too Marie. 🙂
I’ve heard that too, I’m actually hoping to start Legendary soon and Sea Witch is amazing. I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it.
Ha, yeah there are some books that always make you well up. Ohh I bet you’re counting down the days, it’ll be well worth the wait I’m sure. 🙂
Thanks Marie! 😀 ❤
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I can’t bring myself to read the latest Court of Frost and Starlight book. I just kind of ended the series internally with the last book and now I don’t even want to get into several more. Also, I thought it would have been more about secondary characters anyway, so that is an odd choice as well.
And I really cannot wait to finally watch Love, Simon! It’s going to make me so happy to see the boys on screen. I will just flaunt my picture with Keiynan/Bram around in the movie theatre or something haha
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Yeah I can’t say I’d recommend it either. I mean there’s nothing wholly wrong with it, I just expected more and the more I think back on it the more disappointed I am with what we got.
Definitely not more about the secondary characters, kind of why I was disappointed because I wanted more from them.
Ohh, is it being released where you are soon then? I’m sure you’ll find it was worth the wait when you do get to see it though. 🙂 ❤
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It comes out in a little less than two weeks. The production company really bodged the international release for that one. I know that some people have already streamed it online. In the US the DVD is already out. If this bombs internationally, they are the ones to blame.
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Wow that’s a while to wait considering when it came out in the US and the UK (I can’t remember the exact date for the US but I think March maybe). Well here’s hoping it won’t bomb. I’m sure there are plenty of people internationally who still can’t wait for it. 😀
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Never underestimate the amount of people who are willing to scour the internet for a movie they are desperate to see hahaha
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Well, yeah there’s that too. I guess you just have to hope those people realise it’s important to see it in the cinema as well. So movie-makers know we want more films like Love, Simon.
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It’s just also a problem of money and privilege but I hear you.
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Yeah I definitely get that, cinema tickets can be so expensive now.
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My favorite book to film adaptation is Love, Simon as well! I watched it three times in theaters and absolutely loved it. ❤ And hmm, the best book I've read this year is probably a tie between Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda and The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue! I also really loved Scythe and Thunderhead! The premise of these books is so intriguing and the plot twists were amazing; I definitely didn't see them coming haha. I'm so excited for the third book. 🙂
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Oh I only saw it once at the cinema but I’ve pre-ordered it on DVD and when that arrives I will be watching it over and over again. Its a great adaptation right? Ha, yeah Simon Vs is a great book, and The Gentleman’s Guide was one of my favourites from last year actually.
Oh weren’t they just amazing?! I saw none of the twists coming either but I need the third book like I need air, after that ending where will it go? 😀
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Yes it definitely is a great adaptation! 🙂 I did enjoy the book more though. And oohh that’s cool! I actually read The Gentleman’s Guide this year, haha.
Ahhh ikr!! I honestly cannot wait for the third book; I really want to know what happens next!!
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Yeah, I feel like nine times out of ten I enjoy the book more, but the film stands on it’s own too.
So maybe it’ll end up being one of your favourite reads of this year? 🙂
That ending was insane right?! 😀
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Yes it definitely is!! ☺️ And omg it totally was; Neal Shusterman is honestly such an amazing writer. I know I’ve said this many times already, haha, but I’m sooo excited for the third book!! (And I’m glad that you are too, hehe. 💗)
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I’ll probably say he’s an amazing author as many times as you will because it’s true! 😀
Yeah, I just can’t get over that ending.
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This makes me want to read Circe even more!! Obsidio was such a good series ender. I’m dying for Muse of Nightmares and Ladies Guide!!! Also Simon is the cutest ever and I really need to reread the book and watch the movie which I still haven’t seen oops 🙈
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Yes, definitely definitely read it as soon as possible Lauren. Circe is such an incredible book, and yeah Obsidio was everything I wanted from the finale and more. Great way to end the series.
Oh when my DVD pre-order of Love, Simon arrives I will likely be re-watching it and re-reading the book, the film is great I’m sure you’ll love it too! 🙂 ❤
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I’m about to start Legendary! I wasnt the biggest fan of Carival but I’ll still read it. This time I borrowed the book from the library instead of buying it!
I also agree with you about a Court of Frost and Starlight, it wasn’t my favourite, but it wasn’t bad either!
Great post Beth! 🙂
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Well hopefully you’ll enjoy Legendary more than Caraval, and if you don’t at least you won’t have spent money on the book right?
Yeah I just hoped for a little more from ACOFAS, and the more I think about it the more I realise it just wasn’t that good.
Thanks so much Meghan. 🙂
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Yeah, I figured I’d borrow the book and if I liked it a lot, I’d possibly buy it, we’ll see. I’m all of 40ish pages in, so far I like Tella’s point of view.
Right!? There was basically no plot, it was just to get to know the characters more, my review should be going up next week!
You’re welcome! 😀
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I’ve heard a fair few people say they prefer Legendary to Caraval so you never know. It’s good you’re enjoying it so far. 🙂
I feel like after three full length novels we already know the characters pretty well right? 😀
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Yes, I’ve heard that too. Yeah I’m a little bit further and Tella seems more levelheaded then Scarlet.
Exactly!
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I had no idea Love, Simon was a book!
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Yeah, it’s based off Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. It’s a brilliant book and one I’d highly recommend. 😀
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I just got the Love, Simon DVD myself and I cannot wait to watch it! I was hoping to watch it over the weekend, but didn’t end up having the time. Maybe I’ll watch it tonight… After all the hype surrounding it, I know I need to watch it ASAP!
I’m also really glad to see that you enjoyed Sea Witch! I haven’t seen too much about it, but I’ve been looking forward to its release for awhile.
I seriously cannot believe how fast this year is flying by! Where has the time gone?!
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Ohh, I’m a little jealous. I still have a month and a half to wait until my copy of the DVD arrives. It’s one of those films you’ll want to watch over and over again. Trust me I’m sure you’ll love it.
Sea Witch was amazing. I’d seen a lot being said about it but was still kind of surprised how much I did enjoy it. It’s highly recommend it.
God knows, I feel like it’ll be winter again before we know it and we’ll be getting ready for 2019! 😀
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I still haven’t watched it which I really need to fix ASAP. Maybe this weekend I’ll do it…
Oh I’m sure you’re right! Time has been flying by recently.
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