Best book you've read so far: My first book of the year was a five star read - Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross. It is a beautifully written story that I really enjoyed. I also enjoyed the newest Nora Roberts' release, The Final Target. I heard some complaints that there was too much of what I'll call "domestic" plot - time spent talking about the renovation of her new home, wood working, etc, but I liked that part. I have come to the conclusion that I enjoy those "cozy" aspects of reading. That's one of the reasons, I really enjoyed my reread of the Lost Bride trilogy - lots of talk about cooking and the house in addition to the main plot.
Best sequel you've read so far: Surprisingly to me, I have really enjoyed reading the ACOTAR books by Sarah J. Maas. Specifically, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ones. I liked the first one, too, but it's not a sequel.
New release you haven't read yet, but want to: I really enjoyed The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty, so I'm anticipating the second one in the series, Tapestry of Fate. It's on my bookshelf, but I haven't gotten to it yet,
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year: I always enjoy the new releases by Nora Roberts and JD Robb, so I'm looking forward to those. Also on my New Release list are Daggerbound by T. Kingfisher, A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett, and the Magic and Mystery collection short stories by various authors.
Biggest disappointment: It has to be The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. I couldn't wait for that book to be over. There were a couple of rereads I did that were disappointing, only because when I read them the first time, I really enjoyed them, but now, a few decades later, the arrogance of the main male character was overwhelming. I also have to add Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey to this list. Ugh. I had hoped to like The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft more than I did; it wasn't terrible, but I'm not sure I'm motivated to continue the series.
Biggest surprise: I really loved The River has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar. Beautifully written; just loved reading it. And I've already mentioned how surprised I was to like the ACOTAR series.
Best audiobook: I very much enjoy audiobooks, and they enable me to read for two hours every work day (during my commute). I haven't listened to one this year that I didn't like. I especially appreciate the audiobooks for Hail Mary and The River has Roots. The River has Roots included original music that enhanced the story. While I did not like the book Greenlights, I did appreciate that Matthew McConaughey read it for the audiobook; having the author read his memoir made it more real to me.
Favorite new author (debut or new to you): Sarah J. Maas, Shannon Chakraborty, and Beth Brower
Newest fictional crush: It has to be Rhysand from ACOTAR, although it took me a little while to get there.
Newest favorite character: I'm enjoying Emma M. Lion and Temeraire from Naomi Novik's dragon books is great (he's the dragon)
Most beautiful book cover/design you've acquired: Steve bought me a lovely copy of Hail Mary by Andy Weir (another book I really enjoyed). I don't buy print copies of most of the books I read, but I have noticed that I pick up lovely books. So far, I purchased The Faraway Inn because of its cover. I've preordered Daggerbound by T Kingfisher and Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst. I like both of those authors, but I bought the print copies because of their book cover and design. I also picked up a copy of The Night we Met because of the cover.
What books do you need to read by the end of the year: I'll probably try to read A Court of Silver Flames before the new Sarah J. Maas book comes out in October. I'm dragging my feet a little bit because it's long (768 pages), and I haven't heard the best reviews of it. I'll work in Tapestry of Fate, Daggerbound, and Sea of Charms. I'm reading through the Emma M. Lions books, and I just started Bridgerton, so I may read more of those. I'm doing a reread of the Amelia Peabody books and the In Death books. I'm working my way through David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter books, so I expect some of all of those series will be on my TBR. I'm halfway through Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell books; I'll probably add one of those to my reading in the second half of the year. I'm certain to read Birth of a Witch by Nora Roberts when it comes out in November. I'm (sometimes) participating in the Goober Book Club, so there may be books from that group that I read (although I've skipped the last three choices).
So far this year, I've read 62 books (65 if we count the July books so far). I hope to at least reach 100.
Thanks to Jaredd Craig from Unsplash for the image. I don't have an original link for the list of questions - they are all over the internet.
