"2024 Mid-year Book Freak-Out Tag: What Are Your Top Reads So Far?"
- Mikayla Young
- Jun 14, 2024
- 5 min read
How much have been reading?
I've read 30 novels as of June 14, 2024. I am halfway through my goal of 60 novels by the end of the year. I've read 8,019 pages. I've read 15 e-books and 17 paperbacks/hardcovers this year.
What have you been reading?
I had three ARCs for June, and they were all amusing and interesting. I am now reading:
Bob Lepine's The Four Emotions of Christmas is a factual, adult holiday book.
Lewis Spence's A Brief Guide to Native American Myths and Legends, edited by Jon E. Lewis, covers fiction, mythology, folklore, and is suitable for adults.
I'm hoping to take up a few of my summer TBR novels soon.
Best book you’ve read so far?
I recommend Dragon's Blood by Jane Yolen, a young adult fantasy fiction novel and the first in the Pit Dragon Chronicles series. It was highly fascinating, capturing my attention right away and keeping it till the finish. Dragon's Blood, by Jane Yolen, is more than just another dragon fantasy story. It is an exciting fantasy narrative with elements of science fiction, mystery, suspense, romance, and dystopian themes, as well as lessons on perseverance, determination, life, growing up, friendship, trust, honesty, love, and believing in one's dreams.
My Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best sequel you’ve read so far?
I've only read two sequels this year, and one of them stands out to me. The Lost Heir by Tui T. Sutherland is a middle-grade fantasy fiction novel from the Wings of Fire series. I enjoyed the overall character development and world-building in this novel. It piqued my interest in continuing the series and seeing what happens next to our characters and plot.
My Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
New release you haven’t read yet but want to?
I bought A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel around April/May of this year.
I am very interested to read this book and immerse myself in a version of Medusa that incorporates Indian mythology. I enjoy reading mythology retellings, and I particularly enjoy seeing diverse interpretations of the Medusa myth in literature.
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?
My most anticipated release is Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan, the latest installment in the Percy Jackson series world. I have it pre-ordered already and am interested to see where the story is taken. I just need to read all the Percy Jackson series books to catch up before the release of this one on September 24, 2024.
A book that’s out of your comfort zone?
Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee was well outside of my comfort zone. I don't usually like historical fiction, but I'm realizing that I do enjoy some types of historical fiction. I bought it based on the plot premise, the lovely cover, and a suggestion from my father, who felt I'd like it. I enjoyed the book's premise, cover, and some of the lads' friendships, but the main character and plot fell short for me.
My Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Biggest disappointment?
Pure of Heart by Delilah S. Dawson is a fantasy science fiction middle-grade novel. The premise and cover piqued my interest in reading this book, so I bought it as a Christmas present last year. I loved the concept and premise, as well as the subtle comedy, but the ending and narrative surprise disappointed me.
My Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Biggest surprise?
“Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy by Allan Low was my most unexpected read of the year so far. It's a three-book middle school historical fiction/fiction novel. I don't usually read or appreciate historical fiction novels, but I devoured this book in two days. I wasn't sure if I'd like it because of the historical aspect, and I didn't know much about the story's topic, the Bundu Bunch. However, the book blew me away with its characters, writing, varied learning opportunities, and plot growth in each book.
My Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
New favorite author?
This is a tie between Jane Yolen and Jessie Janowitz.
Jane Yolen's writing, world-building, and narrative and character development in Dragon's Blood were all fantastic, and I was captivated from the start. I'm looking forward to finishing her Pit Dragon Chronicles series and reading more of her works.
My Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jessie Janowitz's writing, character, and plot development, as well as her descriptions and explanations of games like Go in All the Ways to Go, left me dumbfounded. I wasn't sure I'd like this book because I know very little about the games of chess and go, but I truly loved it. The book inspired me to play Chess and Go, as well as understand more about these games and why others play them. I highly suggest this book to youngsters aged 10 and up, as well as adults who enjoy stories about adventures in libraries, daycares, the peculiar customs of cats and humans, and games like chess and Go. I'm looking forward to reading her debut book series, The Doughnut Fix, and seeing what she comes out with next.
My Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Newest fictional crush?
In Slayer by Kiersten White, the characters Cillian and Rhys are endearing, hilarious, and endearing. I aspire to be best friends with them.
My Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
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Newest favorite character?
Role Playing by Cathy Yardley features Adien and Maggie on equal footing. I particularly liked their eccentricity, dependability, and sense of humor.
My Star Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Book that made you cry?
Popcorn by Rob Harrell is a children's/middle-grade fiction work. The main character, Andrew, has a dreadful picture day, but his character development and love for his mother and grandmother made me cry tears of appreciation and happiness.
My Star Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Book that made you happy?
All of the novels I've read this year have made me joyful in their own unique ways and for various reasons.
Favorite book to movie adaptation you’ve seen this year?
The film "The Idea of You," starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, was a heartwarming love story with realistic themes of parenthood, growing up, and love.
Favorite post you’ve written this year?
Most beautiful book you bought this year?
This Flame Tree Mythology Collector's Edition is gorgeous; I adore the color, pattern, and gold-sprayed edges.
Under rated gems you’ve read recently?
Infinity: Crown of Golden Leaves by Catalina DuBois, is a mythology fantasy romance adult fiction that retells the story of Perseus and Princess Andromeda. This novel was exciting, intriguing, mythological, and almost mystical at times, as well as a touching story about the enduring power of love, friendship, and charity. The narrative, plot, and character development, as well as the artwork throughout the book, were well-thought-out and gorgeous. I also liked how the author explained why Medusa is viewed as an evil villain figure based on her actions and decisions rather than her beauty.
My Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Books to read by the end of the year?
I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing a couple series and standalone books before the end of the year.
What are the best and worst novels you've read this year?
What books have you read that made you cry, joyful, or angry?
What is your favorite book-to-movie adaption from this year so far?
What are your most anticipated reads for the remainder of the year?
What are some underappreciated gems you've read this year that you believe deserve more love and attention in the book community?
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