Follow Molly's Book Nook on WordPress.com

Mid-Year Book Freak Out (Book Tag)

Mid-Year Book Freak Out (1)

I wasn’t tagged for this one either, but I ain’t gonna let that hold me down because I’m really lovin’ my book tags lately. I also thought I might as well do this one since it has me taking a look back at the books I have read so far this year. Which, guys, I don’t feel like I’ve done a lot of reading this year?! I need to remedy that in the second half.

So, without further ado, the best and worst books I read this year:

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2016.

wolfbywolf Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin was such a wonderful book. I hadn’t read many historical reimaginings when I read this, and it just blew me away. I loved the “what ifs” this story was based around, on top of just how awesome the main character is. If you’re looking for a badass chick, this is the book to read. I also thought that Graudin did a fantastic job at blending together the magical with the reality. Seriously. Just flawless.

Here is my full review for Wolf by Wolf 🙂 

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2016.

So…I haven’t read ANY sequels this year ?! Seriously. I just went through my Goodreads books and I haven’t read a sequel. My entire year has been filled with either first of a series or debut novels xD

3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to.

a court of mist and furyA Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas is still on my TBR. While I want to read it, I’m hesitant because — don’t hate me — I wasn’t a huge fan of ACOTAR. Don’t get me wrong, I did like it, it was still a 3-4 star rating for me, but I just wasn’t madly in love with it.

So, I’m hesitant to commit so much time to a 500-page book that everyone loves. Does that even make sense? Basically, I’m scared of being let down.

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

crookedkingdomCrooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo because DUHHHHHH. Seriously, if you don’t know how much I love Bardugo yet, where have you been? Come, let’s chat about her amazing books! 

Six of Crows is one of my favorite books (definitely top 10). To be honest, though, I would probably buy it just because of that cover. Whoever designs Bardugo’s covers is a freaking genius.

5. Biggest disappointment.

theravenboysSorry, friends, but I was so disappointed by this book. I expected it to be amazing, one of the best books I ever read, but I really struggled getting through this one. 

Blue was the main reason. I just didn’t like her character and felt it actually could have been better without her — especially since the only thing I did like was the friendships between the guys. I also thought the story was weird, like an attempt at a teenage Tomb Raider. 

Here is my review for this.

6. Biggest surprise.

scarlettepsteinCall me a Negative Nancy, but this isn’t my biggest surprise because I loved it, it was because I hated it. I thought I was going to love this book because it was about a girl who is super into her fandom and writes fan fiction, she also has a group of online friends. I mean, I don’t write fan fiction, but we can all relate to Scarlett on some level.

I did not relate with Scarlett. I don’t want to go into the rant now because, oh man, I could rant. So, here is my review if you’re interested.

7. Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)

girlagainsttheuniversePaula Stokes. Granted, I’ve only read one book by her, but she blew me away with that one book and I am totally going to read all of her other books and any that come out in the future. 

My review of this wonderfully awesome book. 

My other choices would be Ryan Graudin, Margaret Weis, and Tracy Hickman.

8. Newest fictional crush.

None. I don’t do the book boyfriend thing. I never have. Sure, I love the romance in books and the swoony scenes, but I’ve never been connected enough to care that much about a fictional male character. But, more power to you if you do! No judgements 😀

9. Newest favourite character.

dragonsofautumntwilightTasslehoff and Fizban from Dragons of Autumn Twilight, hands down. 

I don’t want to go into too much detail since I’ll be reviewing this book this week — but these two characters are the best ones in the book. They bring the humor, but they also serve a purpose. I think they serve a very important purpose in the series, but we’ll chat about that later. (I also have not read the other two books in this series yet)

10. Book that made you cry.

liars and losersI don’t really know if this book was supposed to make me cry, but it just snuck up on me and tore me apart. Even to the very last page (literally, the author’s note even made me cry).

Guys, I highly recommend this book. It’s the first book that has made me cry in a long time, if ever, if I’m being honest.

Here is my review for this tear-jerker.

11. Book that made you happy.

atotallyawkwardlovestoryA Totally Awkward Love Story was written by two real high school sweethearts — which was a sell by itself for me. This book is filled with all sorts of uncomfortable moments, you know, those awkward times in high school, but it was just so darn cute. I couldn’t help but be happy, in an embarrassed way, when reading this. Just, all. the. feels.

Here is my review for this cute thang.

12. Favourite book to film adaptation you saw this year.

13hours the fundamentals of caring

Ok, I’m cheating here. I actually have not read any books that were then adapted into movies. Instead, here are two movies that were adapted from books (that I haven’t read) that I thought were great. Basically, I hope to someday read these books.

Goodreads links to the books: 13 Hours by Mitchell Zuckoff and The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by Jonathon Evison.

13. Favourite review you’ve written this year.

scarlettepsteinYep. I’m a Negative Nancy. I’m picking a review that was actually a negative one AND a rant as my favorite review. What is wrong with me? 

But, really, I chose this because it just kind of felt good to not try to structure that review constructively. I just ranted. It was a review I wrote that wasn’t really meant to be a review shared on bookseller sites xD

Here’s a link for that one again. 

14. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)

rebelofthesandsAssuming this means appearance and not “most beautifully written”, I’m going to choose Rebel of the Sands. That cover is just absolutely gorgeous. In person, it’s even better, because that gold shimmers in the light. I just love it.

Here is my review.

*Disclaimer: I realize that made it sound like I’m saying this book wasn’t written well. Totally not what I meant. 

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

a court of mist and furythelaststarmyladyjaneFor the sake of this question, I’m going to name only books I own that were released this year

ACOMAF: For obvious reasons.
The Last Star: Because it’s the conclusion to one of my favorites.
My Lady Jane: Because I really want to read a historical retelling with comedy!

letsdiscuss

Phew! That seemed like a really long list, even though it was only 15 questions. What do you think of my picks? What would you choose for each prompt? 

Also, I tag anyone reading this that wants to do it 😀

19 Comments

  • Reply Cassidy @ Quartzfeather 07/12/2016 at 10:13 am

    I so need to read an Leigh Bardugo book. People are always talking about how wonderful she it, honestly I’m a little scared about the hype.

    • Reply Molly 07/12/2016 at 10:44 pm

      AH YOU DO. Personally, I actually like Six of Crows more and while they say you don’t need to read The Grisha Trilogy before reading that, some people said it was kind of confusing when reading Six of Crows first. BUT If you get to Six of Crows LET ME KNOW what you think about it. I love it!

  • Reply Carlisa 07/12/2016 at 10:46 am

    Oh, I really want to do this tag, it looks so fun! Wolf by Wolf is one of my favorites that I’ve read this year too! I’m so excited to read Blood for Blood

    • Reply Molly 07/12/2016 at 10:43 pm

      It was actually harder than I thought it was going to be xD But still fun! You should do it & share the link with me if you do! I’m very excited for Blood for Blood. These people with ARCs are making me jealous lol

  • Reply Zoe N. 07/12/2016 at 1:48 pm

    WOLF BY WOLF! So, so good, right? I am so glad you liked it as much as I did. 🙂 And I am so excited for Crooked Kingdom as well! If it’s even close to being as great as Six of Crows was, we’re obviously in for a huge treat. xD Thanks for sharing and, as always, great post! <3

    • Reply Molly 07/12/2016 at 10:42 pm

      YES. SO GOOD. I can’t WAIT for the sequel. I also cant wait for Crooked Kingdom. I NEED IT. Thanks for stopping by!

  • Reply Greg Hill 07/12/2016 at 10:13 pm

    Wolf by Wolf looks pretty good. And I’ve been thinking of reading Girl Against the Universe (and am definitely looking forward to her forthcoming Vicarious). Nice to see dragonlance on here- haven’t read in ages but would love to see a review (you don’t see too many). I probably hardly remember the story. 🙂

    • Reply Molly 07/12/2016 at 10:42 pm

      I obviously am going to highly recommend all the ones you mentioned. I’m also looking forward to Vicarious! And the Drangonlance review should be coming soon.

  • Reply Tasya @ The Literary Huntress 07/12/2016 at 11:42 pm

    Crooked Kingdom is also my most anticipated release for the second half of 2016! I was okay with Blue for the first 2 books, but now I just hate her xD And the friendship between the boys is definitely my favorite part of the series! Their bond is just so strong.

    • Reply Molly 07/14/2016 at 2:44 am

      I’m SO excited for Crooked Kingdom! & uh oh, you hate her now? I was considering continuing that series but Blue is my least favorite sooooooo now I don’t know hahah

      • Reply Tasya @ The Literary Huntress 07/14/2016 at 7:59 pm

        I hated her in 3rd book, but now after reading the 4th book I just disliked her. She just gets so rude during the last 2 books. I don’t know how to explain it, but she seems to feel better and righteous than other people…

        • Reply Molly 07/18/2016 at 7:00 am

          hahah, oh man. I might hold off for a little longer then xD

  • Reply Annika 07/13/2016 at 7:30 am

    Yeah, Wolf by Wolf! It was so good! I’ve started on Bardugo’s Grisha now so once I’m done with those, I’ll read Six of Crows! So I’m really looking forward to getting Crooked Kingdom too!
    Annnd Rebel is probably the prettiest book I’ve bought this year too.
    I just read the Raven Boys and I really liked it though! I’d just read a ‘meh’ review before I started it, so I think I went in hoping it’d be okay, and ended up liking it a lot 🙂

    • Reply Molly 07/14/2016 at 2:40 am

      Ah, how are you liking Grisha? I think I prefer Six of Crows over the Grisha trilogy to be honest. Let me know what you think 🙂

      Rebel is SO pretty! I wish I enjoyed the book more, but at least the cover is nice to look at lol

      Everyone is saying The Raven Cycle books get better, so I may continue. I just dislike Blue & kind of the whole premise? hahaha but I might try the next one anyways.

  • Reply Adventures with a Book Nerd 07/13/2016 at 8:46 pm

    I have heard only fabulous things about Wolf by Wolf, but I still need to read it. It sounds good, but I don’t have the best track record with historical fiction, so I’m kind of hesitant about it. I still need to read ACOTAR, but I love the Throne of Glass series, so I’m expecting good results with that one. This is a really good tag! I might just have to do this one. 🙂

    • Reply Molly 07/14/2016 at 2:31 am

      I haven’t read a lot of historical fiction, most of it I didn’t enjoy either, though. Wolf by Wolf is a little different compared to what I’ve read, though. It has some magical realism to it and the “what if” definitely improves the story. I recommend it 🙂 I haven’t finished the Throne of Glass series (only on book one) hah whoops. If you do the tag, let me know! 😀

  • Reply Leah Wong 07/14/2016 at 9:08 pm

    I need Six of Crows in my life right now; also Heartless and Strange the Dreamer! 🙂 And I have so many crushes on fictional male characters, I wouldn’t know where to start with my list–LOL!

    • Reply Molly 07/18/2016 at 7:02 am

      SO many good books coming out at the end of the year! My bookshelves don’t have enough room D: hahah

    Let's Chat! (Comments are manually approved)

    Follow Molly's Book Nook on WordPress.com Skip to content