Mid-year? I’d love the ability to time travel right about now or possibly even freeze time. Anything so that I can read all the books & I know y’all can relate *SOBS* I am however very thankful for having a really good quality reading year so far & hope it continues ๐ค๐ผย I’m thinking it will since many of my MOST highly anticipated releases of 2018 will be out later this year.
Original tag was created by ReadLikeWildfire and Earl Grey Books
Best book youโve read so far in 2018
Children Of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
It’s been months since I read COBAB and yet I can still recall specific details. I have terrible short term memory tbh but the world Tomi has created is so rich and the characters have so much depth that they’re pretty hard to forget. Also, COBAB had one of the best endings I’ve read this year cause what I wanted to happen actually happened ๐ย and I reallllllly need the sequel Children of Virtue and Vengeance in my little hands ๐คย lastly, Jimmy Fallon has started a Summer Reads Book Club and COBAB is on his list. Head on over to cast your voteย if you loved it as much as I did!ย ๐
Best sequel youโve read so far in 2018
Bruja Born (Brooklyn Brujas #2) by Zoraida Cรณrdova
Best in so many ways but mainly because it superceded the first book Labyrinth Lost which I also enjoyed. I really felt like Cรณrdova went into her writing room and gave it her all in this book. Not only was the supernatural world expanded in this sequel but the character growth & development was A++!!!
New release you havenโt read yet, but want to
A Thousand Beginnings and Endings by:
Ellen Oh, Elsie Chapman, Melissa De La Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Renee Ahdieh, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette De Bodard, Cindy Pon, Alyssa Wong, Sona Charaipotra, Aisha Saeed, Lori M. Lee, Shveta Thakrar, Preeti Chhibber, E.C. Myers, and Rahul Kanakia
“Fifteen bestselling and acclaimed authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate.”
This first bit of the Goodreads blurb was honestly all I needed to read to know this was one I MUST read this year. I am picking up my copy on Saturday & yes It’s all I can think about. Check out my amazing friend Melanie’s review hereย ๐ค
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
Ok, there are way too many titles that fit this prompt if I’m being honest. I decided to go with Archenemies (Renegades #2) by Marissa Meyer. Recently it was announced that it was being extended to be a trilogy which made me so happy. After THAT ending in Renegades!!! how could I NOT?!?๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ฑย haha! ย high hopes, I have high hopes ๐ค
Biggest disappointment
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
No one is sadder than me with this one cause I really did think I was going to fall head over high tops in love with this one. Ultimately, there was some that I really enjoyed but MUCH that I did not. The positive is that the sequel or companion book being written will focus on the noir fairy tales written about in the Hazel Wood & that is what I loved most.
Biggest surprise
The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
Never did I ever think this tiny beautiful book would be so haunting! sucked me in and kept me entranced in this little town by the water. Still think about TWD & will MOST definitely re-read come this October. Also, Netflix will be adapting the book into a series & this just means more from this story which makes my ๐คย so happy!
Favorite new author (debut or new to you)
Mirage by Somaiya DaudThis Morrocan Inspired debut YA Sci-Fi book seriously took me by surprise! I tried not to include an arc in this tag but as I scrolled through my “Read” shelf I quickly realized this has been my year of reading sequels so nothing really fit the bill for “new fave author” & I’m also not trying to repeat my answers. Mirage honeslty wasn’t what I expected in the best way possible, spoiler free review linked above ๐ค
Newest fictional crushย
Kalen from The Heart Forger (The Bone Witch #2) by Rin Chupeco
The feeeeeels over this hate-to-love/slow burn Bookworms!!! ๐ย caught myself having to fan myself a FEWWW times smhย ๐ณ๐ย Would like some more Kalen in my life if the Book Gods allow ๐ค๐ผ๐ค๐ผ๐ค๐ผ
Newest favorite character
Lemon Fresh from LIFEL1k3 by Jay Kristoff
Lemon Fresh has to be the MOST fun, loyal, roll with the punches character I’ve come across this year. Hyped to hear she’ll be getting her POV in the sequel ๐ค
Book that made you cry
The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angleo Surmelis
This book hit close to home, it wasn’t pretty…it was brutal! which I fully expected going in with the knowledge the this was based on the authors own childhood experience broke my heart. My review contains Content Warnings.
Book that made you happy
My Plain Jane (The Lady Janies #2)
I was lucky enough to read this earlier this year thanks to an amazing friend! ๐คย I have a review going up on July 6th as I am participating in the #MyPlainJane Blog Tour ๐ย and gahhhh! is all that comes out when I try to put words into sentences! I LOVE the lady Janies, they are an amazing trio of authors who deliver humor and paranormal twists to the beloved Janes of well known classics.
Most beautiful book youโve bought so far this year (or received)
Circe by Madeline MillerI caved & purchased the U.K. edition Of Circe & I have ZERO regrets! This book is STUNNING both with & without the dust jacket ๐ย I mean the FOIL bookworms! THE FOIL! #WEAK ๐ย I do have a Book Of The Month edition I purchased before finding out about the U.K edition. I’m running a GIVEAWAY for CIRCE that ends on 6/29 over on my Instagramย for the BOTM edition ๐ค
What books do you need to read by the end of the year
Strange the Dreamer by MY QUEEN LAINI TAYLOR
I thought about listing all of the books I consider a MUST READ IN 2018! but there’s really only 1 book sitting at the very top of my TBR & that’s Strange The Dreamer. I am a lover of all things Laini writes & I have this weird thing with my favorites that I do…I don’t read their books when I know their sequel is light years away. Ok just 1 year but it sure does feel like an eternity when nothing compares in writing style to your fave author. Whelp the time has come! I’ve already pre-ordered my shmancy U.K. exclusive edition with the shmancy red sprayed edges ๐
Favorite book community member
This is such a tough question to ask because I honestly have so many bloggers I truly enjoy visiting & who I’ve developed genuine friendships with. That being said, the idea has been running around in my mind for quite some time now to compile a list and share the love. I also have come across many new bloggers with AMAZING content that I’d love to share with you all. Stay tuned for this bookworms! ๐ค
FOLLOW LAIR OF BOOKS ONโฆ
Instagram:ย @LairOfBooks
Twitter:ย @LairOfBooks
Goodreads:ย LairOfBook
LairOfBooks 
You need to read STD because it’s awesome. And my fav book so far is CoBB too it’s truly a masterpiece. Mirage is one of my most anticipated book, I can’t wait to get my hand on that book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yea itโs like I know my heartโs going to implode with love for Strange & it took all this time to prepare for it ๐คฆ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ COBAB I canโt stop thinking about & the thought of seeing it on the big screen makes my life all the better ๐๐ผ Mirage is such a treasure! I wish I still had my copy, I wouldโve sent it your way ๐ thank you for reading ๐๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh you’ll love Lazlo Strange, he’s so cute! I KNOW, I can’t wait to see COBAB movie, and I really hope it’s not suck! Aaaw you’re sweet, I hope I could get my hands on Mirage soon. No problem, I love reading your post!! ๐
LikeLike
I’m with you. I really need to read Strange, the Dreamer as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh good! Iโm not the last person on earth who hasnโt read it yet ๐ฉ๐ weโll get there, I have faith ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah I think I want to do this tag! I really enjoy it. I admit some of your amswers do not surprise me ๐๐ Lemon Fresh is the absolute best and would be my answer also. I will be looking forward to your book community post! Let’s catch up soon! Hope life is taking it easy on you xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! I canโt wait to read your answers and who doesnโt love Lemon Fresh?!?! Sheโs the best thing to come out Of LIFEL1K3 ๐๐ผ๐๐๐ผ ๐
LikeLike
She really is! Love her ๐๐๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
๐๐๐
LikeLike
I LOVED Strange the Dreamer! I’m so excited for the sequel๐ I hope you get the chance to read it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely will, Iโve had my copy since release day but have been saving it ๐ thank you Tammy ๐
LikeLike
I need to read COBAB, AThousand Beginnings and Endings and My Plain Jane ASAP!! I’ve been looking forward to these books since ages. It’s a pity that The Hazel Wood missed it’s mark – I feel like a lot of people have been disappointed by the book. Also, Strange the Dreamer is amazing!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Iโm really looking forward to reading A Thousand Beginnings, it comes heavily recommended by some of my closest bookworm buddies ๐ I hope you enjoy all the reads! The Hazel Wood was a bit of a let down but I havenโt given up on the author just yet and will give the companion book a chance ๐ค๐ผ๐ค๐ผ๐ค๐ผ canโt wait for STRANGE ๐๐ผ๐๐๐ผ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have Labyrinth Lost waiting for me on my kindle and I NEED to get my hand on Children of Blood and Bone soon! I hope I like them as much as you did
LikeLiked by 1 person
Both wonderful reads! Youโre in for a special treat with COBAB though ๐ as for Labyrinth, it was a 3.75/4 star read that I really enjoyed & then the sequel came along and blew it out of the water ๐ So many of my bookworm buddies that have read both, gave the sequel umpteenth stars! Definitely a series I highly recommend, the author just keeps getting better and better at her craft ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, now I’m excited to read it haha, hopefully I’ll get to it this month! As for COBAB, I keep hearing it’s similar to ATLA and that’s one my favourite shows, so if that’s true, I’m sure I’ll absolutely adore it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm Iโm not sure what show ATLA is ๐ but Iโm curious lol ๐ญ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Avatar: The Last Airbender, you’ve probably heard of it! It’s an animated show about people who control the elements, basically lol. It’s so good, I strongly recommend it if you like fantasy stories!
LikeLike
Oh man, so many amazing books you listed! I agree with so many. And what?! Lemon Fresh is getting her own POV? Best news Iโve heard all day. I am deceased. Looks like youโve had an amazing Bookish year so far, Lilly! Also Iโm so grateful for our friendship and for all the buddy reads! ๐๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Amy! ๐ yes! Lemon Fresh is def getting her POV story and I am HERE FOR IT!! Haha! Iโm also very grateful for our friendship ๐buddy reads have been very fun this year ๐๐ผ
LikeLike
The Hazel Wood seems to have disappointed many people, but I still can’t bring myself to take it off my TBR. ๐ And I also picked Circe for my Book of the Month (April? May?) and wish I had waited to see the UK edition! It’s gorgeous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely think you should give it a go! There were some parts that left me hella intrigued and curious about the companion novel ๐ I did the same with Circe ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely answers for this tag! Children of Blood and Bone was such a fantastic book, I loved it so much more than I thought I would. I’m so happy it’s in your favorites ๐ AND THE WICKED DEEP AHHH I NEED TO READ THIS BOOK SOON?! I really hope I can get it soon, it sounds so, so incredible โค
Happy reading, Lily! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Marie! ๐It’s hard to beat COBAB & yes! you definitely should read The Wicked Deep, its such a quick read too ๐ Happy reading! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yaaaaay so glad to see that you completed this tag too! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Flavia! I’ll have to check yours out ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe yaaaay! โค
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m over here just shaking my head yes at all these answers! Like… HOW DID I FORGET SOME OF THESE? But yes to ALL of this! From The Hazel Wood to COBAB! Yes, love! Honest to God, perfect answers! And I hope the last half of 2018 is filled with nothing but amazing books for you, Lilly! โค xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It happens to the best of us Mel! but you had amazing answers seriously! I have to read The Astonishing Color of After ASAP! ๐ Thank you ๐! I wish for you a FAB second half of the year filled with all your new found favorites ๐ค XoXO
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay!!! Even more excited to read My Plain Jane after you mentioned it ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m excited to start reading all the reviews from those reading it this week & on, I LOVE this trio of authors so much. Seriously Collab perfection! ๐๐ผ Happy Reading! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed!! Hopefully my copy will be here the beginning of next week so I can spend part of my day reading ๐
LikeLike
Love this!! I enjoyed Circe and I think the cover was brilliant. I was not disappointed by Hazel wood but I was not fully satisfied either. I need to read the Brooklyn Buruja series and just like you I need to get to Strange the Dreamer (and ACOL) before the end of the year, x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Resh! โค I'm really looking forward to Circe, have a feeling i will love it to pieces *fingers crossed* & Brooklyn Brujas (specifically the 2nd book) is SOOOO good! haha no other way to describe it lol. I feel like I already know the characters from Strange so well w/out having read it, signs of a good book waiting to be read ๐
Happy reading! โค โค โค
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely answers! I canโt wait for Archenemies either, and I ADORE Lemon Fresh! โค๏ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m both excited & nervous for Archenemies lol. The book is slightly bigger than Renegades so I’m hoping it doesn’t come off as too long or off paced. Such high hopes cause I LOVED Renegades so much! I have faith in Marissa Meyer though haha! โค Lemon Fresh deserves her own book! โค
Happy reading Kelly! โค โค โค
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy to hear you loved Bruja Born even more than Labyrinth Lost, now I’m even more excited to read it! I was pretty disappointed by The Hazel Wood too. I had no idea the companion book would be the actual fairytales though. That’s so cool! I literally thought “I would’ve rather read the fairytales”. I also had no idea The Wicked Deep was being adapted, so this post is just full of good news for me! Never mind that I haven’t actually read The Wicked Deep yet, it has witches – so I know I’ll love it. Lovely post ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
This comment made me happy! I always love it when I learn some bookish news while blog hopping ๐ & yea I could’ve totally gone for just the grimm tales in The Hazel Wood, it really read like a contemporary to me for the first 60% of the book though. I’m super excited to see The Wicked Deep on Netflix and who they’ll cast, I hope you do get a chance to read it before it airs ๐
LikeLike
Love your answers! I totally agree with you on Circe! I haven’t read it yet but its cover really looks gorgeous. I haven’t read A Thousand Beginnings either but I’m hoping to read it soon. I can’t wait to read Arch-Nemesis and I love that cover.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Raven! โค Circe the U.K edition is one that you have to see up close & personal lol, seriously breath taking *heart eyes* haha! I need to stop giving it the eyes and just read it already smh lol. Hope we end up loving Archnemesis when it does make its way out into the world ๐
LikeLike
All the books on the list have such stunning covers! I’m so glad the year is going great for you so far reading wise, I hope it continues to!
LikeLike
I’m going to do this tag for the first time ever LOL…(: I need to read strange the dreamer since Melanie already have the Muse of Night as a 2018 favorite (: I need to see why
LikeLike
I am so glad to finally see someone else who was disappointed in The Hazel Wood!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wasnโt what I expected ๐ but hopefully the companion novel delivers on the dark fairy tale aspects of the book which I did enjoy ๐ค๐ผ
LikeLike
Agreed. It read like a YA contemporary for the first two thirds or so. By the time Alice actually got to the Hazel Wood, I did not care anymore. The fairy tales were definitely the best part of the book to me.
LikeLike
Great picks for this tag Lilly. ๐ A Thousand Beginning and Endings is high on my to-read list as well. The second I saw the blurb I was hooked, it completely sounds like my kind of book and I know I’m going to love it. Also I can’t wait for Archenemies to be released either, after the way Renegades ended you know book two is going to be epic.
You definitely need to pick up Strange the Dreamer ASAP (or maybe it would be a good idea to wait until Muse of Nightmares is released, then you can jump from one book straight into the other without having to live with the cliffhanger ending) and I can’t wait to get started on My Plain Jane now my copy has arrived.
Great post, and I hope you have a great second half to 2018 as well. ๐ โค
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Beth! โค patiently waiting on Archenemies, I have a feeling it's going to be EPIC you know?!? haha! I may be reading Strange this month since I might have a copy of Muse making its way to me ๐ I can't wait to hear your thought on My Plain Jane, it was such a fun read! Happy reading <3! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t believe all the mid-year book freak out tags I’ve been reading. How is it already over half way through the year?!?
I definitely agree with you on Children of Blood and Bone. AND hold the phone! Jimmy Fallon is starting a book club?!?!
Despite the fact that I didn’t LOVE The Bone Witch (well I loved aspects about it) I will still give The Heart Forger a go this year. I have a feeling it is more action packed?
That edition of Circe is stunning! Actually Madeline Miller was in Cincinnati this week on tour for it, but I wasn’t able to go because I was hosting a surprise baby shower that night. Not going to lie, I contemplated canceling the shower so I could go… BUT I did the right thing lol I read Song of Achilles last month and LOVED it. I hope to read Circe soon too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Amanda! I’ve been spotty with my blog hopping lately but I’m getting back in the swing of things ๐ & yea I cannot wait for the Children Of Blood and Bone movie! it was a fab pick for the Fallon book club to start off with. The Heart Forger is insanely quicker paced with tons of action, if you’re interested I have an extra hardcover copy I can send your way if you twitter DM me your address. Barnes & Noble sent me two copies and I’ve been trying to get someone to read it and believe me when I say It’s SOOOOOO good!!! haha
You seem to still get some good authors around your way, I haven’t read Song of Achilles yet but I’m glad that it’s not a tie in with Circe cause I have every intention of reading it Asap lol. Going to the baby shower, definitely the right thing LMAO! Happy reading Amanda! nice to see you back ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you sure you don’t want to host a giveaway from The Heart Forget?! I mean, if you are offering, I am not going to turn down a free book….
I am very fortunate that Joseph-Beth Booksellers brings in a ton of awesome authors! They are an hour away from me, but the drive is so worth it!
LikeLike
I have mixed feelings about Children of Blood and Bone. I enjoyed part of it but hated the romance.
I agree with the Wicked Deep what an atmospheric fun book. It was one of my favorites for the Spring.
I just go My Plain Jane which I am planning to read next month. I really loved My Lady Jane a few years ago. This one was in my most anticipated new releases.
LikeLike