The Mid-Year Freak-Out Tag 2021

It’s halfway through the year, and it’s time to freak out a liiiiittle bit! Not gonna lie, after the decade that was last year, I think we’re all kind of professionals at this by now, to be honest.

… of course, now that I think about it, have we stopped freaking out at any point since last year? How is anyone going to know that this is the mid-year freak-out versus the one we’ve been having the rest of the year? Hm. I feel like COVID is going to force the bookish world to rebrand. Look at it stealing our mojo. Sheesh.

In case you haven’t noticed, 2021 is halfway over already! I’m not sure how I feel about that yet, because in some ways it feels like it’s just begun and in others it feels like it’ll never end. The first half of this year has had some pretty big ups and downs for me personally. I started grad school, which is a plus (set to graduate in May 2022). My grandfather passed, which has been not as great and I haven’t yet been able to bounce back from. Oh, and I was promoted to assistant director of my library, which is . . . more than great, honestly. Fantastic? A dream come true? A convenient excuse to make my life officially 92.459% books?

When it comes to books, my 2021 has been going so much better than expected. I’m not really sure why. Or even how. *cough*bloodsacrifices*cough* But you know what? I’m going to take the win and not ask too many questions, darn it. Also, because I have never once in my life answered a bookish question with only one answer, you probably shouldn’t expect me to do so here, either. I’m not saying it would be a sign of the end times if ever I did, buuuut . . . why risk it? So let the freak-out begin!

# of Books Read So Far:

I actually hit my initial Goodreads goal of 100 books in 2021 already. Since I’ll be attending grad school this year, I wanted to undershoot it and leave myself some wiggle room. Well, I’ve been reading like a beast anyway, so I’ve upped it to my actual goal of 150 already. If I hit that before the year ends, I’ll increase it again to my stretch goal of 200!

Edit: I’ve actually read 134 books this year now … but I’m too lazy to update the graphic. So there you have it.

Best Books I’ve Read So Far This Year:

       

Since Fredrik Backman has a new book out this year, of course you’d have to know it would make this list. Anxious People has a bit of a slow start that made me go, oh no! Is this book not for me?! Which was heartbreaking. Rest assured, that was not the case. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a superb job. It took a bit of time for the story to build steam, but it was well worth the wait. I laughed until I cried, so then you wouldn’t even know when I was just plain crying because my feels were shattered into a million pieces. Seems like it’s almost more economical to do it that way, I suppose.

While it’s technically book two of a duology, Blood Sworn is also on this list because phew, what a roller coaster of a book. There were ups and downs and roundabouts. I didn’t know who I was rooting for or against or what was going to happen next. I loved the characters and the world and all the delicious tension. Plus, the ending? *chef’s kiss* What a way to wrap a duology.

I couldn’t help but round off the list with The Accidental Apprentice, which is a bit like Digimon meets Nevermoor, which should tell you everything right there. It’s a whimsical, dark world filled with creatures with different powers that partner with humans that sometimes gain the beasts power and sometimes lose their minds. What’s not to love?!

Best Sequels I’ve Read So Far This Year:

       

Obviously Flash Fire was always going to be on this list. The feel of this one is different than the first, where Nick is questioning everything he thought he knew in life. It’s still the same old Nick, though, even if he’s growing up. Plus his squad, which is amazing. Plus superheroes. It felt like there were more serious scenes in this and bigger stakes, but still with that underpinning of humor and banter that seems so effortless that I absolutely love about T.J. Klune’s writing.

Another series that I love, Eye of the Sh*t Storm is book three in the Frost Files, which also has superheroes . . . sort of. I’m sure that’s just a coincidence. I was delighted when I realized this series isn’t a trilogy, which means MOAR TEAGAN. This book was so freaking dark and full of feels, but also sarcasm and PK and kickass powers and unexpected plot twists out the wazoo. I’m very much in love with Teagan, though, and looking forward to spending more time with her.

To round off this list, of course I was going to have The House of Always here, because A Chorus of Dragons has become like crack to me and I must know what will happen next! These books are so chonky, but I’m always excited to dive into the next one. I didn’t remember the ending of book three as well as I thought, so the beginning of this was a little rocky, but man did it pull me in. This was done in a sort of movie style of present action taking place in one room and flashbacks between characters telling the story, which is a really bold way to write a book and it was executed wonderfully. I absolutely loved it!

New Releases I Haven’t Read But Want To:

       

I feel like these should be kind of obvious. Everyone’s been telling me I absolutely need to read Darcy Coates, so a new release seemed like a pretty good place to start.

I actually read P. Djèlí Clark for the first time this year and absolutely fell in love with their writing style, so win! Definitely need more of their work. And after reading David Mogo Godhunter last year, I knew I was going to want to read Suyi Davies Okungbowa’s new work!

Most Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of 2021:

       

T. J. Klune. Duh. I’ve been waiting for Under the Whispering Door since I finished The House in the Cerulean Sea. I’m giddy with anticipation for this one, because I’m sure I’m going to love it so much. I have an eARC that I’ll read first and then probably listen to the audiobook when it releases, like I did with The House in the Cerulean Sea. It seemed to work well.

I also loved Currie’s Scritch Scratch last year, so I was excited to find out she’s releasing a new horror middle grade during fall! What Lives in the Woods gives me the same sort of creepy vibes as her other middle grade horror, so I’m sure I’m going to love it! It’s the perfect time of year for spooky reading, too.

I also knew immediately that I was going to need to read Pahua and the Soul Stealer because, one, I read all of the Rick Riordan Presents books and, two, Lori M. Lee. Also, Southeast Asian mythology is something I’ve been eager to see get picked up from RRP, so I’m really eager to see where Lee takes it!

Biggest Disappointments:

       

My biggest disappointment every year, in general, is that I can’t love all the books. I wish I could, but not all the books are written for me. I suppose one or two must be written for people with other tastes. So maybe this is always inevitable.

There were parts of Bacchanal that I enjoyed, but overall, it didn’t feel as pulled together as I’d hoped and I hated the romance/love triangle with a passion. That being said, I did enjoy Henry’s writing style and look forward to reading more books by her!

I had a similar problem with The Library of the Dead, which was considerably less about a library than I anticipated. The book felt like it was trying to do too much, which meant it ended up failing on all points. It felt a little all over the place to me.

Biggest Surprises:

       

There are two romance books here, so that alone is surprising! So many people recommended Dial A For Aunties that I literally could not avoid reading it … and I binged it in one day. I just couldn’t put it down. It’s such a lovely testament to family (and funny to boot) that I’m so glad I decided to pick it up!

Then there’s Shards of Earth, which is sci-fi with aliens and yet I still loved it. It’s a giant space opera where so much is going on, but I loved seeing all the different species and the intricate ways they interact. Plus, war is always fun, even if it’s in space.

Underrated Gems:

       

My library actually ran its very first StoryWalk this year, and I chose Fitz and Cleo for it, because I loved it so much. It was a big hit with parents and kids alike! One little boy even asked if there was going to be another book in the series. (The answer is, delightfully, yes, and I can’t wait, either.)

In middle grade, I was absolutely taken with Karma Moon: Ghost Hunter, even though I didn’t see a lot of buzz around it. First, I love that the protagonist is biracial and has anxiety and still does the ghostie thing. As someone with anxiety, I could so relate to Karma’s “what ifs” and all the ways her anxiety roared its ugly head. I cracked up so many times at it, because I had been there and could relate.

I stumbled across Death Warden by chance when the author reached out asking if I wanted a review copy. I ended up not accepting because I just didn’t have time, but I did put it on my Kindle Unlimited list. I finally had a chance to read it and oh my gosh it was dark and twisty and set in a fabulous world that I loved. I can’t wait to read more of this author’s work!

Favorite New Author:

       

I think these shouldn’t be too surprising, either. I’ve generally talked about books by these authors quite a bit this year.

I can’t believe it took me so long to read a T. Kingfisher book, yet here we are. Thanks to all the bloggers who pestered me into doing it (Nicole, looking at you, especially) until I finally did. I’m so glad I picked up her work! She is freaking amazing, and I’m enjoying reading her backlog of work.

I’ve read two series by Scott Reintgen so far. One is Ashlords, of course, and then the other is a middle grade series, Talespinners. Both are fantastic so far, though, and I love that I can enjoy his work across different age groups!

Jeff Wheeler is another one that I’ve heard other people love. I had just never picked up his work. So when an opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it, and loved it! Can’t wait to go back and read more of his work (as well as continuing this series, of course).

Newest Favorite Characters:

       

I’m definitely 1005 in love with Buttons from The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry. Hard not to love the creepy little guy. Buttons is technically dead . . . but not really? I mean, his body definitely is, as the hamster part of him slowly rots and eventually becomes a skeleton. Whatever is living in him, though, is very much alive . . . and creepy as hell. Which I adore.

When it comes to Project Hail Mary, I absolutely loved Rocky. I can’t say anything at all about him, lest I spoil anything, but needless to say, you need to read it. You absolutely should meet Rocky!

Not gonna lie, I love pretty much everyone in the squad of Aurora Rising. I knew I would going in, because this author duo always gets me with their characters. I will say that if I had to choose just one as my favorite, though, it would be Finian. He’s all flirty and sarcastic and a pro at the banter. Hard not to love. If you listen to the audiobook, though, Kal has a ridiculously sexy voice and absolutely made me melt.

Books That Made Me Cry:

       

Probably not a coincidence that these are all middle grade. I tend to avoid a lot of feely books in adult (dark fantasy does that sometimes). Middle grade always hits me really hard in the feels, though. Ugh. These are all super heartwarming and uplifting, but will absolutely destroy your feels.

Books That Made Me Happy:

       

Questland hit a chord with all sorts of geeky gamer goodness that I really needed. It was packed with action and set in a world that I would absolutely kill to be a part of, okay? It’s a gamer’s dream world, dangers aside. Actually, probably also a little because of them. It’s filled with all sorts of geeky references that’ll warm your heart.

Even though it technically deals with dead pets (so trigger warning there), The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter absolutely cracked me up and had me in stitches laughing so hard. I can’t wait to read the sequel! It’s so ridiculously absurd but yet I couldn’t tear myself away from it. It was just a really great humor book with some much-needed levity.

In Deeper Waters hit a really niche area for me that I didn’t realize I wanted. It’s a queer fairy tale filled with cinnamon rolls and loving, supportive siblings. Oh my gosh, it was just so freaking positive and affirming and such a break from the dark fantasy I normally read. I definitely need more books like this!

Favorite Post I’ve Done This Year:

What Books I Need to Read By the End of the Year:

       

Listen, I don’t even know what’s wrong with me that I haven’t read Harrow the Ninth yet. I started it, but it was during a time where I was so busy that I didn’t get a chance to finish before I needed to return it to the library. So it’s still on my list. I’ve been so eager to read it, because I loved Gideon the Ninth. It just seems like I keep putting it off, at the same time.

Same goes for Network Effect. I actually donated my copy to the library, as someone had requested the whole series and I figured why not. It’s just sitting on my shelf. Now I see it every day, front and center on display, and it’s just judging me.

I’ve seriously been meaning to read The Wolf in the Whale for two years now. It just seems like there’s always a book to be read, so it keeps getting pushed back further and further. I don’t want to put it off any more, though, so I’m really hoping to get to it by the end of the year!

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