The Midyear Book Freakout Tag was created by Chami and Ely Jayne. Tags are fun. So here we are doing the tag to christen the new launch of novelfables.com.
Fashionably late, of course, but we’re doing this!
Let’s get into the questions.
1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2021?
Eek, I’m so bad at choosing just one favorite or best book. It’s a toss-up between 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami and Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke.
Both of these are quite peculiar and a little weird at times, which is most certainly why I love them so much.
I can’t stop talking about either and rave about how amazing they were. Just read them both now!
2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021.
I’ve not read any sequels this year. I’ve started a few new trilogies and series but haven’t go around to any sequels yet. Oops 😆
I’ve started the Foundation trilogy by Isaac Asimov, which I didn’t love, but I will finish because it’s a classic, and there were parts that had me hooked.
I finally read The Way of Kings and Skyward by Brandon Sanderson; both were excellent.
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett had the most complex magic system, which reminded me of metametamathematics, and I loved every second of it!
3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to.
Honestly, I haven’t read much for most of my adult life, so now that I’ve found some stability in my career, I’m focused on mainly reading backlisted sci-fi and fantasy. There are not many new releases on my radar since I’m not actively looking. Plus, the latest releases I see trending on Bookstagram are mostly romance which isn’t my jam. All that to say, I don’t have any answers to this question.
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.
I’m looking forward to Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson!
Cytonic is the third in the Skyward trilogy. Even though I still haven’t read Starsight, I pre-ordered the third…but I know I’m going to love it. Sanderson has not let me down!
I’m hoping to read Starsight closer to the release date of Cytonic on November 23, 2021, and I cannot wait!
5. Biggest disappointment.
Foundation trilogy by Isaac Asimov mostly because I was so excited to read this highly rated and raved about classic sci-fi. My expectations were likely why I was disappointed.
The first chapter felt like a bait and switch; we go from following around an MC exploring space to sitting around a political table talking about the Galatic Empire’s fate, which got pretty boring and difficult to follow since the characters were not unique.
This book taught me that I need great characters to enjoy a story to its fullest. That’s not to say this one was horrible; I actually enjoyed most of it and was getting Star Wars vibes, it’s just not the most entertaining sci-fi, and that’s okay.
6. Biggest surprise.
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson was my biggest surprise.
Earlier this year, I was having a love-hate relationship with young adult fantasy–mostly hate. I was getting so annoyed that every fracking story turned into a romance that derailed the entire plot. Not to mention the young hot female protagonist with her hot boyfriend. Oh, and she’s destined to save the world. Just. Stop. I’m so over it.
Skyward changed my mind about young adult fantasy, and I loved every second of it!
I highly recommend this one as it’s a fun, easy, quick read.
7. Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)
Can someone remind me why I chose to do this tag? Because choosing favorites is so darn tricky.
I suppose since I’ve read three of Sanderson’s books this year and loved every single story he told, it’s only fair to choose him as a favorite.
I highly recommend The Way of Kings, Skyward, and Warbreaker. Just read them all, okay? I’d start with Warbreaker. 🙂
8. Newest fictional crush.
I don’t really get crushes on characters. Well, okay, if you asked Daniel, he would tell you I’m lying since I had a huge crush on a character named Kael from The Iron Butterfly trilogy by Chanda Hahn. I was in my early 20s when I formed that crush, and maybe with my age, I’ve matured to want something more than a bad boy ninja? Haha!
Let me stop beating around the bush.
If I had to choose one fictional crush, I’d say Jasnah Kholin from The Way of Kings. In my mind, she’s beautiful, and to top it all off, she’s a strong, independent, and intelligent woman. So yes, she’s my newest fictional crush.
9. Newest favourite character.
Hands down, Murderbot.
I’ve read four of the books in the Murderbot Series by Martha Wells this year, and I’ve loved every second I’ve spent with Murderbot!
He is the most relatable protagonist I’ve encountered.
These stories are hilariously entertaining and mostly novellas, so short, fun, easy reads. They keep me laughing the whole way through, and we all need a little laughter in life; it’s the best medicine! All five stars books, in my opinion.
10. Book that made you cry.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue had me in tears towards the end.
I loved this one mainly for the prose; it reads like literary fiction.
The love interest of the protagonist got me good and struck me in my tear ducts.
Addie Larue is one of the books that I found was worth all the Bookstagram hype. While it wasn’t my favorite, I did give it four stars in my official review of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue! Totally recommend this one if you haven’t read it yet!
11. Book that made you happy.
Another book that Bookstagarm made me buy. Well, technically not. I got this one from the library because it’s so popular on Instagram, I ended up loving it and buying my own copy.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig was a challenging read in the beginning since it deals with suicide and depression, but it was almost like reading a fictional self-help book and lifted me out of a funk.
I laughed and I cried, but most of all, I smiled and left this one feeling like a ton of bricks were lifted off my shoulders.
12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
Starsight by Brandon Sanderson is a book that I bought specifically for the cover.
I had owned the US edition that I picked up from Bookoutlet.com for like $5, but I fell in love with the story so much after reading Skyward that I had to get this beautiful UK cover of Starsight from bookdepository.com to match.
Let’s be honest; It’s beautiful and there’s no way I couldn’t pick it up!
13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
Three hopefuls high up on my list for the year are The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan, The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin, and Exhalation by Ted Chiang.
I’ve heard such great things about the first two, The Eye of the World and The Fifth Season, and I personally love that Exhalation is a sci-fi said to be similar to Black Mirror.
I cannot wait to get into these!
14. Favourite Book Community Member
I’d probably say Literature Science Alliance since she always shares the best recommendations, and I could listen to her talk about books all day. If you check out her content, tell her novelfabels sent you. 🙂
Whoa, this is the end! It was a long time coming, but I finally got this tag done!
2 thoughts on “Midyear Book Freakout Tag: 2021”
Loved Addie larue- the prose is gorgeous!! Really excited for cytonic as well! And I definitely want to read all systems red- I’ve heard good things about murderbot!
You’re so right about the V.E. Schwab’s prose; it’s the one thing that kept me picking it back up!
Ah, Murderbot is great when you need a quick pick-me-up. The first few books are short novellas and easy to read in a sitting! I hope you love All Systems Red when you get to it! I can’t recommend them enough!