Book Tag | The Mid-Year Book Freakout

Hello!
Lauren, here (cause who else would it be, let's be honest) and we are finally into the second half of the year-that-crawled-out-of-Hell.
In summary, I am way ahead of my Goodreads goal, already hitting 57 out of 100 (thank you lockdown); my blog went silent for longer than I had intended; and I am back to square one of finding a job. So, swings and roundabouts, as they say.
The Mid-Year Book Freakout tag was created by ReadLikeWildfire and Earl Grey Books.

1. What is the best book you've read so far in 2020?

The Migration

Helen Marshall

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I really tried avoiding books that deal with apocalypses, pandemics, and grief quite early on during the lockdown. It had been a while since I had read the synopsis, so I didn't know that it featured a virus pandemic and the death of a loved one.
Marshall, just had this way of writing that even after finishing the book, it stuck with me and kept making me think. It was exactly the kind of speculative fiction that I wish I had the guts to pick up more often. A tender exploration of hope and human morality. If you can handle reading about this subject, it is one that I completely recommend you check out.

2. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2020?

Bloodwitch (The Witchlands #3)

Susan Dennard

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I still can't believe that I put off reading this for the best part of a year. I ended up taking part in Rachael Marie's weekend readathon (before I knew all the terrible things she has said and done) and picked up Truthwitch for a reread. And the rest is history.
This is, by far, my favourite book in the series. So many revelations. So much character growth. BAEDUAN.



3. What new release haven't you read yet, but want to?

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

Roseanne A. Brown

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I don't think this is actually out in the UK until July 9th, but I know in the states it's been out since the start of June.
This just sounds exactly like the kind of YA fantasy I tend to reach for. Inspired by West African folklore, this is a duel perspective fantasy with slow-burn enemies to lovers (WITH PINING). AND THE COVER?! Wow. If anyone knows who the cover artist is, please let me know!



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

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

V.E. Schwab

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*pretends to be shocked*
I feel like I have been waiting an age to read this; maybe since it was mentioned during V's This Savage Song UK Tour?
I've seen the pieces that have been posted of V's socials and have teared up many times at just the brief encounter I have been allowed to see. I know Titan Books have created a sample of the first 100 pages, but I am so terrified to read it. Just, please, be Vicious-level phenomenal.

5. What is your biggest disappointment read so far in 2020?

Wonderland: An Anthology

Edited by Marie O'Regan and Paul Kane

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This is the second of Marie O'Regan and Paul Kane's anthologies that I have read this year. I really loved Cursed, and the stories that had been curated for that collection, so I had high hopes for Wonderland.
Then it crashed.
I only really like L.L. Mckinney's, which acted as an extension for her A Blade so Black trilogy (I really must get to that), and the rest was either not my cuppa or eeeehhhhh.

6. What has been the biggest surprise?

Skein Island

Aliya Whiteley

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This is one that I have just finished. I was initially intrigued by the blurb when it landed in my inbox, and then got worried when I saw quite mixed reviews. It is certainly not a book for everyone and comes across as a bizarre mix of mythology, horror, and literary fiction.






7. Have you discovered a favourite new author (debut or new-to-you)?

Get a Life, Chloe Brown

Talia Hibbert

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Looking through the books I've read this year, I've come to realize that there aren't that many contenders, except possibly Helen Marshall and Aliya Whiteley. So, I'm cheating with this one because I haven't even finished this book. Let that be an indicator of how talented Talia Hibbert's is as an adult-romance author.





8. Newest fictional crush?

A Throne of Swans

Katherine & Elizabeth Corr

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I struggled with answering this question last year, for the exact same reason - I just don't get book crushes anymore?
That being said, I really loved Lucien Rookwood from A Throne of Swans and the developing relationship with Aderyn.
It wasn't perfect, and perhaps moved a bit too quickly for my liking, but it was still top tier swoon.




9. Newest favourite character?

Strangeworld's Travel Agency

L.D. Lapinski

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Feel like I'm cheating again for this question, because I'm not just talking about one favourite character, but two.
Flick and Jonathan, from L.D. Lapinski's The Strangeworld's Travel Agency.
Their dynamic reminded me so much of the relationship between the Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler that it just made my little heart happy. I can't wait to see where Lapinski takes her series, with the multitude of worlds we can visit and the chaos that Flick could wreak.

10. Have there been any books that have made you cry?

Geekerella

Ashley Poston

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I did not expect to cry reading Geekerella. At all. I was hoping for cute, fluffy romance that would have my heart soaring for the afternoon. However, you know the scene in Disney's Cinderella, where the sisters are ripping apart her mother's dress? When we came to the equivalent in Poston's writing, I just couldn't push through that without unleashing the tears. My mum is no way like Catherine, however there was something about the unwillingness to accept Elle and Elle's father's love of a Sci-fi show and how that has shaped her into the person she is. As well as how a SFF can act as a lense to learn about the world, doesn't mean that we can't be grounded in "reality" really got to me.
11. Have there been any books that have made you happy?

The Stone Rose

Jacqueline Raynor

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I got sad. Bought the audiobook. Its narrated by David Tennant. Best money I've ever spent. Do I need to say more?








12.  What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year (or received)?

The Queen of Innis Lear

Tessa Gratton

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The Queens of Innis Lear made its rounds in the book community quite a while ago. The UK cover is just stunning.
I was initally interested because of the cover and ended up finally buying a copy after reading the opening chapters whilst browsing Waterstones (remember when that was still a thing *sobs*)





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

The House of Shattered Wings

Aliette de Bodard

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I have every book in the series, and yet, I am so intimidated to start the series. I mean the UK type font is tiny and I've heard this can be quite confusing. I still remain determined though.

Descendant of the Crane

Joan He

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I know this has been out, technically, since 2019, however Descendant of the Crane has only just recently been released by Titan Books over here in the UK. Again, this sounds like the kind of fantasy that I will really enjoy... fingers crossed.

BOOK TAG| Game of Thrones Tag

I don't really get tagged, nor do I tend to tag people. I just find these really fun to do. If you fancy doing it, I tag you! Just leave a comment with your link and I'll take a look.

I can't guarantee that this is spoiler free. This post is dark and full of spoilers. Sorry, not sorry. 

Let's get going. 

1) How did you discover the series/books?

I've always seen the books around, going into Waterstones and other book chains and seeing the covers, and freaking out at the sheer size of them. And then the TV show happened, I saw a few episode when season 2 (?) was airing. It wasn't until Christmas 2014 that I really became obsessed. I recorded and binged series 1-4 in less than two days, and then begun  reading the first book in the series. Now, I'm all caught up, on both sides.

2) Who is your all-time favorite character?

JAIME FOOKIN' LANNISTER!

No matter my mood, it always comes back to Jaime. I just find him so fascinating to read, watch and discuss. I feel like I should give Sansa some more love, but Jaime still wins out. 

3) Who is your favorite side character?

Ooosh.. this one is trickier. Is Bronn a side character? I'm one for comic relief when needed, and Bronn brings that and doesn't pull it to ridiculous extremes. 

4) If you could magically resurrect a character by sacrificing another character, who would you sacrifice and who would you bring back?

I wouldn't so much resurrect another character by sacrificing another character, but if I COULD bring one character back to life it would be Catelyn Stark. For the role she goes on to play in the books. 

5) You're a person of the Night's Watch, who would you break your oath of chastity for? 

Oof? Tempted to be cheeky and say Podrick Payne- I want to know what he did to those whores. 

6) Dragon or Direwolf? Which would you rather have by your side?

Dragon. I have a collection of statue dragons that go on my bookshelf, because I love that much. Dragons.

7) Which character would you most like to portray on television?

Brienne of Tarth is my go to answer. 

8) What is your favorite moment of the books/series?

Oh shit, there are so many! 
TV show wise? Maybe when Nikolaj Coster-Waldau delivered Jaime's speech in baths during series 3. Stole the whole series for me. That's when I knew Jaime Lannister was my favourite character. Now I think about it same book wise too.

9) Who do you think deserves to sit on the Iron Throne by the end of the series?

I don't think there will be an Iron Throne at the end of this. 

10) What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming book/season?

In the books, I am looking forward to seeing how the Lady Stoneheart storyline progresses with Jaime and Brienne. Also, the "Targaryen" that Tyrion encounters at the end of AFoC/beginning of ADWD.  How GRRM handles the white walker threat in comparison to the TV show.
Tv show, Jaime finally away from that poison of his life, Cersei Lannister.

If you watch the show and/or read the books and haven't yet done this tag- I tag you!

BOOK TAG| Mid-Year Freak Out Tag

It's the eight month of 2017, and so that automatically means we are halfway through.

This book tag is making it's rounds on Booktube, no one had tagged me, but I thought it would be a great way to work out how my year is going.

1. What is the best book you have read so far in 2017?

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1)
Laini Taylor

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This book. Was. Everything.
Everything I wanted it to be and more.
I don't think another book will top this. And I might already have plans to reread it over Christmas, already.
Please read it.
Give it a chance.
At least 80 pages of chance.
Love it.
Like it.
Read it.

2. What is the best sequel you have read in 2017?

Lord of Shadow (The Dark Artifices #2)
Cassandra Clare

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No year is complete without a Cassandra Clare book being released and this year it just so happened to be the sequel to Lady Midnight, her first book in her Dark Artifices trilogy.





3. What is a new release that has come out this year and that you really want to get to during the second half of the year?

Blackwing (Raven's Mark #1)
Ed McDonald

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I recently met Ed at YALC, lovely chap, even shook my hand?! I don't shake people's hands, but I did for Ed.

I've read a grand total of 50 pages before putting this one down. I got a feeling that I'm going ot love this one, I just need to set the time for it rather than speed through it for a read-a-thon.


4. What is your most anticipated release for the second half of 2017?

Godsgrave (The Nevernight Chronicle #2)
Jay Kristoff

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At the point of writing this, I have just recieved a e-galley of this. And I'm freaking the f**k out.

I'm not ready. Nope. REALLY NOT READY!

AHHHH.........


5. What has been your biggest disappointment so far, of 2017?

Torchwood: World Without End
John Barrowman; Carole Barrowman

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Just so bad!! Just- - - nope! Not getting into this. Just read my review.






6. What has been your biggest surprise of 2017?

Nobody Told Me: Poetry and Parenthood
Hollie McNish

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I loved this. I had to read it for a module on my University course..

A mismatch of poetry and diary entries on what it means to be a modern mum. And parenthood in general. Even I could enjoy the content as someone who has no interest in the screaming nuggets.

7. What has been your new favourite author of 2017?

Pantomime (Micah Gray #1)
Laura Lam

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Another author that I have very recently got the chance to meet. Her books are little gems and I wish more people picked up her book and read them.

I have a review coming up for this one very soon. Definitely on my Top 10 for this year!


8. Who is your new favourite fictional crush of the year, so far?

Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands #1)
Alwyn Hamilton

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... I mean I was going to use Strange the Dreamer again, but then thought that was cheating. Lazlo Strange was a definite new crush of mine.

Another? Jin, from Hamilton's RotS series.

AWWW... He's an absolute sweetie.

9. Who is your new favourite character of the year?

The Song Rising (The Bone Season #3)
Samantha Shannon

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Ognena Maria. 







10. Name a book that has made you cry in 2017.

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1)
Laini Taylor

Are you sick of this book yet? Cause I sure am not.

Here's a little story. I read this during a week where I had multiple deadlines for a few modules. I stayed up til 3am finishing this books, and stayed up a further two hours crying. 

It broke me, okay?

Actually broke me.

11. Name a book that has made you happy in this half of the year.

Unconventional 
Maggie Harcourt

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Basically, this was just sugar sweet. 

I want more books set in conventions. Convention romance- more please?

I need. Really need.


12. What is your favourite book to movie adaptation you've seen this year?

Jessica Jones

To be honest I haven't watched MANY book to movie adaptions this year. Mainly TV adaptations so I'm cheating a little bit on this one as this is a comic book to TV show adaptation. Also, a date of when the adaptation was made is specified.

Out of all the Netflix Marvel TV shows that have been made this one really did stand out. I binged the entire and not because I was on a David Tennant kick, but because I was hooked.

I will cast some biasm, the Tennant casting for Kilgrave was brilliant. I forgot how well he could play villainous characters.

13. What is your favourite written review you've done this year?

Uh.... no clue? Check through my reviews and let me know which one you think I should feature. Although not a book review, I am overly fond of my write up for Don Juan in Soho.

14. What is the prettiest book you've bought this year?

I have been really good on the book purchasing lately. Mainly because I am poor and have spent my money on many of other things, so I may include a select few I have received from publishers that I have been sent:

• Our Dark Duet by V.E.Schwab (I knew she's sneak her way on here.)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix by J.K. Rowling
• Blackwing by Ed McDonald
• Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (The final count is at 3.)

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

All of them?

To pick just a few:

• Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
• Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
• Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
• Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
• Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik

I'm not going to tag anyone, just cause this is like two months late. I'm pretty sure everyone who would have tagged, have already done this.

TAG| Festive Christmas Book Tag

Yes guys and gals- it's the Christmas season.

I have been off my blog for a long time and thought I would ease back into it this joyous season buy doing this tag that was making it's rounds again on BookTube. 

In my rush I have completely forgotten about who created this tag. And I am too eager to answer these questions to pause and make the quick research task. But, just know I am NOT the original creator. Nor, was I tagged.

Let's begin!

1. A fictional family you would like to spend Christmas dinner with?

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet (Wayfarer #1)
Becky Chambers

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If you haven't been following my recent progress on this book then you should probably know that this book is pretty high on my top 10 books read in 2016.

Although, they aren't quite family in the traditional sense- mum, dad, nan, uncle, brother etc etc... 

I still think they count, for the crew of the Wayfarer are nothing but a dysfunctional family!

Could you imagine spending Christmas with this lot? Think of all the crazy stories and cracker jokes Kizzy would come up with during the dinner?!

2. A bookish item you would like to receive as a gift?

I don't think I am that picky about the bookish presents I would like to receive as a gift. But, if I had to choose I have never owned one of them bookish candles that keep appearing on Twitter and Instagram. I'm not allowed candles in my housing accommodation so they would be there to just look pretty- I'm game!

3. A fictional character you think would make a perfect christmas elf?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1)
J.K.Rowling

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It wouldn't be a Christmas book tag without Harry Potter cropping up somewhere, now, would it?

I could just see Hermione Granger seeking undercover work as one of Santa's elves, then preceed a walk out because she see's working conditions unfit for elvish needs. And, so, they all revolt.

The question is would Hermione feel guilty because Christmas would be cancelled?

That's what your here for. Weird hypothetical questions.

4. Match a book to it's perfect Christmas song. 

This is where I suck and say I couldn't think of a single book and song combination in order to answer this question. Dang! I'm terrible at this sort of thing.

5. Bah Humbug. A book or fictional character you've been disappointed in and should be put on the naughty list?

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)
Sarah J. Maas

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TAMLIN! 

One of my greatest pleasures when reading A Court of Mist and Fury (book 2) was that I got to gloat about being correct in Tamlin's alibi. 

I re-read ACOTAR again this year before picking up ACOMAF and picked up again on the exact same signs I saw the first time round and then BOOOOOOM! 

Sarah knocked all our socks off and we are still in the aftermath nearly a year later. 
Damn. 

6. A book or a fictional character you think deserves more love and appreciation and deserve to be put on the nice list?

Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1)
Susan Dennard

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REVIEW

Aeduan.

I think he gets a pretty bad rep, considering what he spends most of Truthwitch doing.

But as my homeboy- Voidwitch- I think it's only fair I stick up for him.

7. Red, Gold and Green. A book cover that has a wonderfully Christmasy feel to it.

Northern Lights (His Dark Materials #1)
Philip Pullman

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This one isn't exactly following that colour scheme however,  it does have that icy blue chill that comes with the season.

Also, in it's physical form, it's a VERY shiny cover. 

I'm gonna let it count. 

8. A book or series you love so much, you want everyone to find under their Christmas tree this year so they can read it and love it too?

Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicle #1)

Jay Kristoff

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REVIEW

I could have picked any one of the books I mentioned above: The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, Harry Potter, ACOTAR etc etc...

Instead, I choose Nevernight.

I have some very fond memories of this book. For many reasons.

But, the most important one was the impact it had. The story has stuck with me throughout the rest of the year- I read this in May?

If you're are buying a gift a fantasy lover- stick this under their tree. 

Assassins. Action. And epic betrayal.

Waiting on Wednesday| Windwitch

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Windwitch (The Witchlands #2)
Susan Dennard

UK Tor (Pan Macmillan imprint)

January 12th, 2016

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Synopsis:

Sometimes our enemies become our only allies

The Windwitch Prince Merik is presumed dead, following a lethal explosion. He's left scarred but alive and determined to expose his sister's treachery. Yet on reaching the royal capital, he's shocked to find it crowded with refugees fleeing conflict. Merik haunts the streets, fighting for the weak. This leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.

Hunted by the Cleaved, Iseult is struggling to stay free while she searches for her friend Safi. When the Bloodwitch Aeduan corners Iseult first, she offers him a deal: she'll return what was stolen from him, if he locates the Truthwitch. Yet unknown to Iseult, there's a bounty on her head - and Aeduan intends to claim it.

After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. They find themselves amongst pirates, where a misstep could mean death. And the bandits' next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.

Thoughts:

If you didn't already know I was a part of the Truthwitch Street team last year in the lead up to the release. And have somehow said to yes to staying for Windwitch. 

WHY?

Well even though I'm busy with a lot of things, Truthwitch still remain up there with the best books I have read this year. (You'll have to wait to read the Top 10.) And so I WANTED to stay. It's the most fun I've ever had!

Saying that, I am just super pumped to jump straight into the next one! More so than I was with Truthwitch. 

Seriously, if you haven't checked Truthwitch out yet. Please do. 

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