Mid-Year Book Freak Out 2023

I don’t do many book tags, but I’ve really enjoyed reading or watching other people’s versions of this and thought I’d share my own!

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Best book you’ve read so far this year

The Will of the Many checks so many boxes – magic school, Roman inspired, great friendships – and it is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year. 

Best sequel you’ve read so far this year

It wasn’t terribly difficult to pick my favorite sequel of the year because The Tyranny of Faith is the only one that has gotten 5 stars from me thus far. The blend of investigative elements, action, horror, and politics keeps this entertaining from the very first page all the way until that absolute zinger of an ending!

A new release you haven’t read but want to

Godkiller by Hannah Kaner is sitting on my shelf, just waiting for me to pick it up. Unfortunately it has to wait until I catch a break in my reviewing schedule.

Your most anticipated book for the rest of 2023

How could I possibly pick just one book that I can’t wait to get my hands on? Light Bringer by Pierce Brown is coming out in a few short weeks on July 25, 2023. Traitor of Redwinter by Ed McDonald is due out October 24, 2023. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros is due out November 7, 2023.

Biggest disappointment so far

All three of these were DNFs, though Death and Croissants is the only one I actually reviewed because I read enough of it to have a thorough opinion on why I stopped reading. Engines of Chaos is one I’d like to return to once the series is complete and I can read the books consecutively. I had lost interest in the characters and decided to put it down. Witch King was just confusing as hell and I didn’t care about what was happening, so I moved on to a book that made me happier.

Biggest Suprise so far

I had an absolutely fabulous time reading this book and totally fell in love with the characters and world! The Warden takes necromancy and D&D and blends it up into an epic tale that I couldn’t put down.

New favorite author

I mean, it would be wrong of me to not give this to Anne Bishop because I listened to the entire five book The Others series in like two months. Were these works of literary art? No, but they were completely addictive and I am planning to read Bishop’s The World of the Others books too!

New favorite character

Amina al-Sirafi is a former swashbuckling rogue who retired when she became a mother. As I get a bit older, I more and more appreciate older characters in my books who’ve lived and seen more.

New Favorite Ship

The question for this is actually your new fictional crush, but I can’t say I have one of those. I do have two favorite new ships though! Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt from Divine Rivals have the most glorious pen pal romance going on and I am HUNGERING for the sequel in 2024! I think it’s safe to say that Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson from Fourth Wing will be many people’s favorite new bookish couple in 2023 and I fully support this.\

A book that made you cry

Ashes of Man was soul crushing and I loved it! Christopher Ruocchio knows how to write a proper tragedy, as he gives you just enough beautiful moments to keep you hopeful and then he reminds you that the story ends with Hadrian alone. I shed tears on at least two separate occasions during this book.

A book that made you happy

The House Witch was an utter delight that warmed my soul and made me hungry. If you want cozy fantasy, this is the series for you.

Most beautiful books you’ve bought this year

I get a ton of gorgeous books from the various subscriptions I purchase, but Sanderson’s Secret Project books are truly amazing. They have beautiful foiling on the covers and so many interior illustrations!

Books you want to read by the end of the year

I own the whole Winnowing Flame trilogy in TWO formats and still haven’t read it, but I really would love to by the end of 2023! I’ve heard it’s wonderfully weird and can’t wait to check it out for myself.