Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag '18 - Guest Post By Alexx-Marie

Okay, so this is a tad late with it now being the beginning of July, but that’s only just over half way through the year - I'm going to count that. I have been watching a lot of Booktube versions of this tag, and it just looks like a lot of fun for reflecting back on the last six months of reading. Well to be fair, I haven't had the most successful six months of reading, but I have picked up some really great books. So let's get into it..

1. Best book you've read this year?

For me this has to be The Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson. To be fair, any of the three books in this series could answer this question as I read them all back to back; but I feel like the first one was the most memorable. I honestly can not wait for her next book in this world, Dance with Thieves.

2. Best sequel you've read this year?

Again I could use the remnant chronicles for this, but to mix it up I'm going to say Only Human by Sylvain Neuvel, you can see my review for it here.  I have been following this series since the very first book, and it has never once disappointed. This was the final book in the series and I am honestly very sad to see it end, I will stay hopeful for more books in this series.

3. New release you haven't read yet but want to?

Easily Furyborn by Claire Legrand. I saw the fiction faction book club talking about this one a lot a couple of months ago, and bought it almost straight away, just sadly I haven't managed to get round to picking it up. Probably shortly after moving I will be jumping into this one and indulging myself by reading it in one sitting. I honestly cant wait!

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?

Okay, this is very much split between two books, and very different books they are. Firstly there is Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, a fairy tale retelling. Well we all know that I love a good fairy tale retelling and this one just looks like its going to be fabulous. Secondly, is Shiang by Conn Iggulden. Darien, the first book in the series was my favourite book of 2017, and I have very high hopes for this sequel.

5. Biggest disappointment?

I've not really had any disappointments yet, nearly every book I have picked up has been exactly how I expected it. The only one I would of liked to of been better would be Order of Darkness by Philippa Gregory. As one of my favourite authors most of her books are easily five star reads, but this one I did struggle with a touch. It wasn't too bad though, and was quick and easy.

6. Biggest surprise?

Normally I cant stand world war fiction, but The Tattooist of Auzchwitz was amazing! I got it as a random birthday gift, and picked it up as it was rather short. It was definitely a surprise, a very happy surprise. This book feels like one of those that everyone needs to read to get an insight into what so many people went through.

7. Favourite new to you or debut author?

Again I have two to answer this, and both were just new to me. The first being Mary E Pearson, with the Remnant Chronicles; I honestly cant wait for the next book, although it's not the same series, it is at least a bit more of the same world. Secondly is Morgan Rhodes, the author of the Falling Kingdoms series. I have read the first two, and have brought all the rest of the books, hoping at some point in the summer to just marathon through all the rest of them.

I have decided to skip the next few questions and just jump to the last two; I'm not really one for fictional crushes or the like. Plus the fact that nearly all books will have me crying over something.

8. Most beautiful book you've bought this year?

There can only be the one answer for this and it has to be Circe by Madeline Miller. Under the dust jacket there is so much foil, its beautiful! Can't wait to actually pick it up and read this beautiful book and show it off.

9. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

There are so many; I'll just list a few...

• Rest Falling Kingdoms series
• Kings Obsession and Haunted Queen by Alison Weir
• Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
• and many more...

How has your reading been for the first half of the year? 

Author Biography

Alexx-marie is a lifestyle and book blogger who writes over at angelwingsandpetticoats.com. While battling chronic illness, and mental health difficulties, Alexx also rescues various pets who feature on her blog. If you love a good book review then you'll love 'Angel Wings And Petticoats!' You can also follow Alexx on Twitter.

*All images by Alexx except for header and images for 4, 5 and 9  which have been sourced via Pexels.

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