Hi there. We don't know about you but we're not quite sure where the first half of 2023 went. It's hard to believe we already have to start compiling lists and reflect on the first two quarters of the year.
Welp, denying reality isn't going to make 2023 any less half-over so..
Here we go!
What is the best book you've read so far in 2023?
M : er herm, clears throat and waits for Hollis' come back...Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.
H : E a s y. Because I've only had one five star read.. and that's The Six Deaths of the Saint by Alix E. Harrow.
What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2023?
M : I'm doing a wee cheat because it's a prequel but has been released after book one, Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini.
H : Painted Devils by Margaret Owen.
What's a new release you haven't read yet, but want to?
M : I'm looking forward to The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman.
H : Per tradition, I consulted our Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases of 2023 list and I have read all the thus-far released titles I had anticipated -- sadly, two of my picks have been pushed to 2024. So I guess I have to get creative and pick something new so we'll go with.. Magic Claims by Kate Daniels (which, as of the writing of this post, has not been released yet -- coming June thirteenth!).
What is your most anticipated release for the second half of the year?
M : A Study In Drowning by Ava Reid has caught my eye, which isn't surprising as I loved her last release and liked the one before it.
H : I'm torn between two very different vibes, the first being After That Night by Karin Slaughter (August twenty-second) and the other being Starling House by Alix E. Harrow (October third).
What has been your biggest disappointment?
M : It's by no means the worst book I've read but I had hyped myself up for this one so, Stolen Heir by Holly Black is my choice. It was kind of boring for me and not what I hoped.
H : Wildblood by Lauren Blackwood which was such a bummer as I really thought she could be a new favourite after how much I enjoyed her debut.
What has been your biggest surprise?
M : Weirdly, Gothikana by RyNyx. I'm not always drawn to schools/colleges for gifted magical people and I was wary of the hype, this was an indie to trad winner for me.
H : I'm torn between A Long Stretch of Bad Days by Mindy McGinnis and The World Gives Way by Marissa Levien. The former because anytime I enjoy a YA these days I'm surprised, but I did just really enjoy it so much, and the latter because I had no idea what to expect by it and it got me good.
Do you have a favorite new author (debut or new to you)?
M : I was impressed by Ann Claycomb's debut Silenced so I'll be keeping an eye out for more of her (hopefully) feminist offerings.
H : The easy answer is Alix E. Harrow as she's really been a highlight this year. Rebecca Ross is another I have my eye on who maaay make this list next year.
Who is your newest fictional crush?
M : Not new but revived are reread favourites Hades from Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe and Reiner Kulti of Kulti fame by Mariana Zapata which I read for the umpteeth time.
H : He isn't a new crush but my reread of Ninth House, and subsequent read of Hell Bent, had me re-crushing on him -- and that's Darlington from Leigh Bardugo's Alex Stern series.
Who is your newest favorite character?
M : Violet Sorrengail from Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. I'm particularly impressed by the way her health condition is woven in and I love how she adjusts around her abilities.
H : I may have used her as an answer a few years ago but it's totally Vanja from The Little Thieves trilogy. IYKYK.
What book has made you cry?
M : Where the Light Goes by Sara Barnard emitted snot and particularly heart broken tears from me; it's worth it.
H : Almost everything I read makes me cry. Better question would be which book didn't make me cry. But the first one that came to mind, ironically, was Happy Place by Emily Henry.
What book has made you happy?
M : All the Lore Olympus rereads and the latest volume, although it isn't always happy context, experience overall makes me happy.
H : Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews because hi hello news flash we got, and are getting!, more Kate Daniels and that makes me the happiest. But also Painted Devils gets a shoutout for the constant elle oh elles.
What's the most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)?
M : The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi was beautiful inside and all the way out to the edges.
H : I don't tend to buy a lot of books anymore so my options are limited and thus I have to say.. Fourth Wing.
What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
M : I really want to finish my Throne of Glass series read so I am Maased up to date!
H : Once again I have committed to Five Series to Finish in 2023 and I am really slacking on doing that. Not to mention all the various reading challenges (A-Z, 23 in 23, etc) I thought to do and.. yeah, just really behind. Insert vague "I have to real all the books" gesture here.
credit for the Mid-Year Book Freak Out tag goes to :
Chami → https://youtu.be/EB8OrYHBvM8
Ely → https://youtu.be/X_Wh0rPGfRg
We'd love to know how the half way point of the year has you feeling about books you've read and anticipated. Any highlights so far? Any big disappointments? Tell us your feels.
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