Hello!

I’m going to share with you some of my thoughts on the books I’ve read so far this year because it’s already the end of June which makes it half way through the year — which honestly is freaking me out a little.

This tag was originally created back in 2016 by booktubers Chami of IsThatChami and Ely of Earl Grey Books.

I’ve read a total of 31 books so far this year so lets see which ones make it on the list!

 

Best book you’ve read so far in 2018?

 

Oh my god this is a such a hard question! I have read a total of 10 five star reads this year. I loved each book and they are so different from each other but if I have to pick one I’d say …

…

..

.

Everless by Sara Holland and Circe by Madeline Miller. Okay so I cheated but really I could’ve listed all 10!

 

 

 

 

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2018?

 

 

There is only one sequel that I have given 5 stars which is A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas. I adore the world of Prythian and it was so good to see what the Night Court has been up to since the events in A Court of Wings and Ruins. I’m excited to see where the next books go.

 

 

 

 

 

New release you haven’t read yet but want to?

I’ve been so far behind in my reading this year that I am just going to insert pictures of all the new releases I need to read!

 

 

 

 

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

2018 has been a pretty fantastic when is comes to new releases. My most anticipated releases for the second half of the year are Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend, Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker and Escaping Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco.

 

 

 

 

Biggest disappointment?

 

I don’t think I’ve had a disappointing read this year. I haven’t given lower than a 3 star rating. I will say that my extended reading slump has been the biggest disappointment of the year. There are so many books I want to get to but I’m just not reading *sad face*. I hope the slump leaves me sometime soon.

 

 

 

Biggest surprise?

 

I would say An Uncertain Grace by Krissy Keen surpised me the most. I read it as part of my attempt to read The Stella Prize shortlist. On goodreads the genres are listed as literary, science fiction and erotic, which sounds like the strange mix. I was not sure if that was going to work. However, Keen’s writing style absolutely took my breath away. The themes are thought provoking, at times playful, at times moving but always quite provocative.

 

 

 

 

Favourite new author (either debut or new to you)?

So far, I have read quite a few new to me authors. I would say 85% of the authors I’ve read are one’s I’ve never read anything from.

 

But the author I’ve read this year and have since brought most of they books is Kate Forsyth. Forsyth is an Australia writer who’s novels explore a wonderful blend of history and fairy tales. Also she’s completed her PHD in fairy tales which is pretty amazing! I think I will pick up either The Wild Girl—tells the story of Dortchen Wild, wife of Wilhelm Grimm— or The Beast’s Garden—a Beauty and the Beast retelling set in Nazi Germany.

 

 

 

 

Newest fictional crush?

 

 

I haven’t really crushed on a male lead this year like I have in the past. But one character who most definitely made me swoon was Henry John Edgar Thomas Pembrook, Prince of Wessco.

I’m not a fan of shows like The Bachelor or Love Island but apparently I adore it in book form because I flew through this one.

 

 

 

 

Newest favourite character?

 

Some of my new favourite characters I’ve met this year are as follows:

• Alma Mitchell from Between Earth and Sky
• Bowen Knight from Ocean Light 
• Cameron from The Gilded King
• Dyann Brooks-Morriss from The Red Word
• Prince Henry from Royally Matched

 

At this stage I feel like I will be repeating myself when in comes to books buuut *shrugs* I’m nothing if not predictable

 

 

 

Book that made you cry?

 

 

Oh my god! This book made my bawl like a baby.  I bow down to the Amanda Skenandore’s writing because all these characters felt vivid and full of life—flaws and all. The narrative was brimming with tension. The closer I got to the end the more I felt in my gut this wasn’t going to end well. And I discovered I was right when I was left crying my eyes out at 2 am.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC and do have a full review if you want to know more

 

 

 

Book that made you happy?

 

 

I love this world so much. It’s like putting of a cosy jumper or your favourite pair of slippers. Unfortunately, this does mean I’m up to date which the series. I might need to schedule some re-reads because these books are the perfect antidote to help wind down after a stressful work day.

 

 

 

Favourite book to film adaptation you saw this year?

 

 

Umm not sure if I’ve seen any book to film adaptation this year. However, I am currently addicted to the BBC adaptation of The Musketeers. All for one! And one for all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Favourite review you’ve written this year?

Okay so I’m cheating there are two reviews that I’m really proud of, Mostly because I adored both of these books and also I believe I got the best response from them.

 

First up is myth retelling, Circe by Madeline Miller. This was my most anticipated read of the year. Miller brings to life the mysterious witch who is one of the obstacles Odysseus had to overcome on his long way home.  I didn’t know much about Circe before going into this book. Now I want to rake through the Greek myths are see where she appears.

Full review

 

 

 

Second is campus novel, The Red Word by Sarah Henstra. This book completely sucked me in. It explores rape culture of frat house. Set in the 1990s as our main character, Karen Huls, is in her sophomore year. Karen tries her hardest to balance her life as frat brother girlfriend and women’s study student.  I could go on and on about the themes of this book. Seriously if you haven’t picked it up, please do!

Full review

 

 

 

 

Most beautiful book you’ve brought so far?

Ask me this question a few weeks ago, hands down I would’ve said the UK hardcover edition of Circe by Madeline Miller because have you seen that book? It’s stunning.

Buuuut,

Then I became the proud owner of a Folio Society edition of Robert Graves The Greek Myths. I have been lusting after folio society books for years but the price tag and shipping have always stopped me. I was lucky enough find these in the massive book section of the Tyabb Packing House (seriously it’s like book heaven and if you live in Victoria it is most definitely worth the trip).

 

 

 

 

What book do you need to read by the end of the year?

There are so many books I need to get to that it’s becoming overwhelming 😂 😂😂 so here are the ones that spring to mind.

 

 

 

 

That’s all for me today. Comment down below to let me know if you’ve read any of these books or what your favourite read of 2018 is so far.

Until next time, happy reading,

Dearna