Best Book You’ve Read So Far in 2018:
Normally super hyped books and me don't really get along. So going into this one, I wasn't really expecting to like it. Turns out, I FRIGGIN' LOVED IT!
Not only was this the best book I've read so far this year, I think this may be one of the very best YA Fantasy books I've ever had the pleasure to read.
I am anxiously anticipating book 2 next year.
Honorable Mention: The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
Best Sequel You’ve Read
So Far in 2018:
Off the top of my head, this book stands out as an incredible sequel. The ending was phenomenal and it's got me so hyped up for book 3, it's not even funny.
All I've got to say is that there should totally be more sharks in books.
Honorable Mention: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
New Release You Haven’t Read Yet but Want To:
I've been intrigued with this one since around January of this year and the hype that this book has gotten has done two things for me. First, it's got me even more curious about the book. And second, it's got me afraid that I won't like it as much as everyone else. Either way, this is a book that I hope I get a chance to read eventually.
Honorable Mention: Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch
Most Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of the Year:
I feel like the book gods are trying to kill me with all of the books I want that come out in October 2018. Couldn't they have at least spaced them out a little to give my poor wallet some time to recover?!
Not Pictured: The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman
(Forever dying waiting on that cover real and release date)
Biggest Disappointment:
I'm looking at you, book. I was fully expecting this book to be a 5/5 favorite for me. I was actually so disappointed in this book, I returned it to Target and got my money back. That's the first time I've ever done that with a book.
Honorable Mention: Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
Biggest Surprise:
Was not expecting to like little Anne as much as I did. This book mended itself to my heart while I was reading it and it has earned itself a permanent place there now.
Honorable Mention: Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
Favorite New Author:
I read all four of her books this year and LOVED 3 of them. I love her writing style and I know she will be an author I continue to follow for her future releases.
Honorable Mention: Julie Buxbaum
Favorite New Crush:
Last year I fell for the ever-serious Chaol Westfall, Captain of the Guard in Throne of Glass. This year it's all HELLOOOOO Nikolai. I'm beyond thrilled that he gets his own series next year. He's so funny and I love him and he's mine. Mine, I say!
Honorable Mention: Freddie from Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy
Favorite New Characters:
I'm still crying over Travis. Monty is hilariously perfect. All of the characters from The Raven Cycle now live inside of my soul, especially Gansey and Ronan.
Books That Made You Cry:
Those are the three that had my eyes spring a leak so far this year.
A Book That Made You Happy:
I started out the year in a big book funk. I felt I wasn't really enjoying anything that I read to the extent that I usually do. However, when I finished this book, I had a huge grin plastered across my face. My zest for reading returned. Woohoo!
Honorable Mention: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Most Beautiful Books You’ve Bought So Far This Year:
I think these covers speak for themselves. Luckily, each of these books were just as beautiful on the inside as well. It doesn't always turn out that way as I've learned the hard way. These three cover buys were all justified and backed up by their content. These books are all my aesthetic.
What Books Do You Need to Read Before the End of the Year?
I feel like every time I tell myself I HAVE to read a book, I doom myself into never, ever reading it. Something I definitely want to REREAD this year, though, is Lord of the Rings. I plan on rereading it in September, close to Bilbo and Frodo's birthday. Other than that, I definitely need to read the last Throne of Glass book because I want to finish that series this year and finally get some closure. haha Lastly, the book I've been telling myself I need to read the longest is the Drizzt trilogy that I've had a bind up of for years now.