So, I’m aware I’m a bit late to the Mid Year Freak Out party, as it’s almost September, but today I’m doing the Mid Year Book Freak Out tag. I was tagged for this one by the lovely Amanda at Cover 2 Cover Mom and the lovely Codie at Readers Anonymous. Make sure you check out both of their fantastic blogs, and follow these wonderful people!
Without further ado, here are the books I’ve been freaking out over this year…
Best Book You’ve Read Yet in 2016
This is a really tough question, because I’ve read so many fantastic books this year, but the one that stands out for me so far is More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera. This was a beautifully written, heartbreaking story, which explored so many different issues without becoming an ‘issue book’. It was achingly honest, had me in tears more than once, and made me fall completely in love with its characters. You can read my review here.
Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far in 2016
I am IN LOVE with A Court of Mist and Fury and already want to re-read it. This may or may not have something to do with my Rhysand obsession. I enjoyed A Court of Thorns and Roses, but this sequel outshone it by 1000%. I’ve never whizzed through a 600 page book so quickly. You can read my review here. Disclaimer: may contain fangirling.
New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To
So, I haven’t read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child yet, you guys. And, controversially, I’m not going to… I want to, believe me, but I have tickets to see the play in December, and I want to go to the show and be completely surprised. Avoiding spoilers, and trying not to let the ‘I was so disappointed with this book’ comments worry me too much, has been somewhat torturous. But I am SO excited to see this on the stage!
Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year
No surprises here; Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas! There has been some drama on Twitter over the past few days, as some spoilers were released, and some people were sending abuse to Sarah because they didn’t like what they read. Just want to throw this out there: authors can write their novels in whatever way they choose, and they don’t owe us anything. It’s their story. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but the nastiness I have seen is thoroughly uncalled for. Personally, I’m still very excited to read this book!
Biggest Disappointment
Sadly, that would be the The Dreamer by E.J. Mellow. I was really excited to read this book – the concept of another world, only accessible by dreaming, was an awesome one – but the romance and ‘chosen one’ clichés killed this one for me. You can read my review here.
Biggest Surprise
I don’t know why, but I really wasn’t expecting to enjoy A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin so much. I tried starting it a couple of years ago, and got confused by the numerous characters, put off by the beheading in the first chapter (because overly-violent stuff freaks me out), and then of course there was the incest… But… I gave this another go recently, and I was completely gripped by it. The story was genius-ly constructed, and all of the characters memorable; I either fiercely loved them, or completely detested them. And I can tell you right now I have never hated a character as much as I hate Prince Joffrey. That kid is the ULTIMATE douchecanoe, and the epitome of evil. Can’t wait to read A Clash of Kings.
Favourite New Author
Definitely Patrick Ness! I read The Rest of Us Just Live Here last year, and enjoyed it, but wasn’t overly impressed. This year I read his Chaos Walking Trilogy and fell head over heels in love with it. I adore Todd so much, his voice is so distinctive, and this book has so much action, so much tension, and left me with SO MANY FEELINGS. I rated every book five stars, and bumped Ness up into the favourite author category!
Newest Fictional Crush
I’ve mentioned him already, but that would have to be Rhysand (SWOON). I wasn’t sure what to make of him in the first book, however he completely won me over in the second. He’s a complex character who has sacrificed and suffered so much to protect the people he cares about. He’s also charming, funny, flirtatious, and (I imagine) somewhat stunningly gorgeous.
Newest Favourite Character
Tyrion Lannister from A Game of Thrones. I looked forward to all of his chapters the most, because his wit never failed to make me laugh. He also seems to be the only character with a shred of morality in his (to put it lightly) completely evil family.
Book That Made You Cry
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. Oh dear God, I cried a river during a certain scene in this book. I still get a bit teary eyed just thinking about it. If you’ve read it, I’m sure you understand what I mean.
Book That Made You Happy
Smut by Karina Halle. This book is about two creative writing students who hate each other (and by hate I mean they are obv. secretly attracted to one another), and end up getting paired up together for a project. To their surprise, they want to continue writing together (and maybe more… ;)), so they decide to write a collaborative erotic novel and self publish it to make some moneyz. This book cheered me up on a crappy day – it was steamy, funny, romantic, and just so much fun. One of my favourite New Adult reads, ever!
Favourite Book to Film Adaptation
I haven’t actually seen any! I’m pretty excited for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them though.
Favourite Post You Have Done This Year
I really enjoyed writing my first ever discussion post on Why Adults Need YA. I was also so happy and overwhelmed that people took the time to write such thoughtful and engaging responses to the post. I want to write more discussion posts in future, so watch this space.
Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year
This glorious edition of Lady Midnight. I still take this out of my bookcase and stare at it with googly eyes from time to time.
What Books Do You Need to Read by the End of the Year
I bought some really beautiful editions of some classics earlier this year, and I definitely want to get stuck into those before the end of the year. I’ve just finished Frankenstein (which was a FANTASTIC book), and I can’t wait to pick up Jane Eyre and Dracula soon.
As we’re basically ¾ through the year, I imagine most people will have done this tag by now. However, if you haven’t, and would like to, be my guest, be my guest, be my guest… 🙂 xxx
The Mud and Stars Book Blog 
Great answers! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about the new Harry Potter. I was scared to be disappointed, but I’m glad I wasn’t, hope you’ll feel the same way 🙂 And I really, really need to get to More Happy Than Not soon 🙂
Thanks Marie! 🙂 Yes, More Happy Than Not is a fantastic book – please read it! Although you will need tissues 😦 I’m so glad you enjoyed the new Harry Potter – I keep seeing negative reviews and it’s making me worry, so it’s good to know some people loved it! I’m sure I will too 🙂
Hey better late than never!
1) “There has been some drama on Twitter over the past few days, as some spoilers were released, and some people were sending abuse to Sarah because they didn’t like what they read. Just want to throw this out there: authors can write their novels in whatever way they choose, and they don’t owe us anything. It’s their story. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but the nastiness I have seen is thoroughly uncalled for.”
Ok so I knew there was drama all over Twitter but I didn’t know what it was about! I have not read this series, but it breaks my heart that people would harass an author like this…
2) I have been wanting to try GOT since FOREVER but the series intimidates me…
3) I think you are the second person I’ve seen lately raving about the Chaos Walking Trilogy… I’ve never read a Patrick Ness book…YET
4) I am super excited for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them too!
5) OMG those editions of the classics are GORGEOUS!! You HAVE to read Jane Eyre!! It’s one of my favorites!
I think it’s a case of better late than never with my replying to comments too haha
Yes it breaks my heart that people would harass an author like that too – some of it was really vile. People are entitled to their opinions, but there is no need to tag the author and send them direct abuse 😦 But oooh please read the series, it’s so good! The first book is a little bit cliched, but the rest of the series is FANTASTIC. And you should definitely give GOT a try too – it intimidated me massively too; gigantic books scare me, and the first book is the shortest one!! But once you start reading it, you get really sucked in. I’m really excited to see what you think if you decide to read it 🙂 And Chaos Walking was AMAZING – I experienced so many emotions. I can’t recommend it enough! I will be picking up Jane Eyre very soon – I’m waiting for a time when I have a free weekend, as it’s a bit heavy to carry on the bus haha! But I’m really excited to finally read it.
Ahhhhh too many books to read!!! ((Runs around like a chicken with its head cut off)).
Enjoy Jane Eyre!
Hahaha yes this is basically me all the time!!
Wasn’t expecting to enjoy A Game of Thrones. Tut! 😀 I’m glad you ended up liking it anyways. Even though everything GoT is so incredibly hyped, the books remain absolutely fantastic!
Those classics….*heart-shaped eyes*. Where did you find these?!
Haha, I think it’s just that I was so intimidated by the books, and I wasn’t sure it was going to be my kinda thing because I can’t handle too much violence. But I kinda got desensitized to it after a while haha! But yes I really enjoyed it, and I’m definitely going to carry on with the series. Do you watch the TV show? Aaaand I am in love with the classics too – I got them from Waterstones, and I think they are published by Penguin 🙂
Isn’t that a horrible thought, though? That we’re all desensitizing to violence? Next thing you know, someone’s being decapitated on the streets and we’re like *shrugs* XD. I only watched the first 1.5 season of it and then decided to save it all up until it’s been a bit longer ago since I read the books :). Do you watch it? Awesome, thanks! ❤
Yes, it is pretty worrying haha! Ahh that’s a good idea, have you read the entire series then? I’ve watched about 3 episodes of the first season of the TV show, but I think I want to read the books first before watching the rest. I’m better with reading about violence than actually watching it, and I’m a bit nervous I won’t be able to handle it!
I indeed have! And still waiting for book #6 for 6 years or so now, just like SO many others :). You probably should! There’s a lot of chopping and stabbing in there which, for a sensitive soul as yourself, should probably be read about instead of watched indeed ;). :-*
Wow, that’s a long wait! Is there and speculation as to when it might be published? Hahaha yes chopping and stabbing is a lot easier to read about than to watch!
I know! The end of 2017 is what I heard of last. If he’s still alive by then ^^.
Don’t listen to all the Cursed Child haters! I won’t spoil anything, but I really liked it! If you’re expecting a story with the depth and breadth of a 700 page novel, of course you’ll be disappointed. But if you just want to dip your toes back into the world of Harry Potter, it’s delightful! I cannot WAIT to hear your thoughts after you see it. What a cool opportunity!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! I’m sure I will too 🙂 I’m trying my best to stay away from the negative reviews. I think you’re absolutely right – a lot of people seemed to be expecting it to be like the previous books, but a play is a completely different medium, so you can’t really compare them in that way. And YES I am so so excited about seeing it – I’ll definitely post some kind of review when I do 🙂
Love how ACOMAF was mentioned more than once (mostly because I’d have the same response with that book :D). I really liked Jane Eyre! Hopefully you enjoy it as well! It’s definitely one of my (if not the most) favorite of the classics.
Ahh I’m glad you loved ACOMAF as much as I did! I’m tempted to re-read the series before the end of the year because I just loved that book so much. It might even be my favourite book of the year. I’m glad to hear you love Jane Eyre too – I can’t wait to read it, I’ve been in a real classic mood recently, and this is one I’ve always wanted to read but never got round to.
I’m into classics now too! I just started Gone with the Wind and I really want to check out Rebecca from the library!
Ooh, I’ve never read Gone with the Wind – are you enjoying it? Please do read Rebecca – it’s one of my favourite books, the writing is beautiful! ❤
Gone with the Wind is great! (Though the lengthy descriptions sometimes go over my head.) It’s almost like reading a satire because of how much the times have changed!
Ooh that sounds interesting! I’ll have to add it to my wishlist 🙂
Hi Jess! How are you? I haven’t talked to you in such a long time!
You have so many good answers but FIRST, YAS. CHAOS WALKING. That’s one of my favourite trilogies of all time. Did you hear that they are going to make a movie out of it, and they’ve already cast Viola? 😀
I really enjoyed ACOMAF too! I really didn’t like ACOTAR, but I thought ACOMAF was SUCH a big improvement, especially with the expansion of the world and the development of the characters. Some parts were still problematic to me, but I felt like they were, at least, addressed.
I hope the latter part of your year will be good – if not better. ❤
Hi CW! Lovely to hear from you 🙂 I’m okay thanks – I have had a difficult few months with my anxiety and depression, but I’m doing quite well at the moment and having more good days than bad days 🙂 How are you doing?
I’m so glad to hear you love Chaos Walking as much as I do – I had no idea they were making a movie but that’s amazing. Really hope they do it justice!
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed ACOMAF too – I did enjoy ACOTAR, but on reflection, I don’t think it’s as good as I initially thought it was. The pacing was too slow, and Tamlin’s and Rhys’s behaviour was pretty unacceptable. As you said, I was glad that these things were at least addressed in ACOTAR.
I hope the latter part of the year will be good too 🙂 I have a lot of books on my shelf that I’m really excited about (and I’m attempting not to buy any more for the time being so I can read them!) What’s the best book you’ve read this year? x
Jess! Aw, I’m sorry to hear that. *hugs* I’m glad things are gradually getting better. I understand that feeling of good and bad days all too well – the past few weeks have been hard, very existential crises ridden, with some days where I feel like I’m at my lowest. But then I have good days like they weren’t there. It’s very confusing! But, all in all, I am okay. I am surviving. 🙂
I hope so too!! I wonder how they’ll convey Noise and the ‘silence’… I hope they go beyond auditory and maybe explore the psychological parts too!
Thank you! I’m relieved too. I’m interested to see how ACOTAR3 will go. I’m nooooooot ready!
Ooh, which are the books you are excited about reading? c: Oooh so many! I’ve found many favourites this year. I like Vicious, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, One True Loves, and Challenger Deep! ^_^
What other books did you like, aside from More Happy Than Not? 😀
Thanks CW 🙂 Aww I’m sorry to hear you’ve been feeling like that – I am constantly having existential crises, so I understand that feeling well! I honestly think I won’t need to have a mid life crisis, because I’ve had such a big quarter life one haha. I am really glad that you are surviving though 🙂 If you ever want to chat, just drop me a message on Twitter! I am always happy to listen.
I hope they convey the noise and silence well – it’s one of those things which will be amazing if they get it right, but really cheesy if they get it wrong!!
Welllll the books I am most excited to read are probably The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (I read some of his other books last year and was really addicted to them) and More Than This, because I really want to read some more Patrick Ness now! What about you?
And oooh that’s awesome – I’ve still never read Hitchhiker’s Guide but I have it on my bookshelf – maybe I should give it a go soon! 🙂 I really want to read Vicious (I met V.E. Schwab at a convention in July and she was awesome!) and Challenger Deep (have you read Neil Shusterman’s Unwind series? It’s so good!)
Other than More Happy Than Not, I think my favourite book this year has been ‘Because You’ll Never Meet Me’ by Leah Thomas! Really recommend it if you haven’t read it 🙂
You’re wonderful Jess, thank you so much. I might take that offer one day. Things are slowly getting better. Yesterday was probably the worst days for me, but, I got it out and am determined to move forward, even if its with baby steps.
Oooh! I haven’t heard of Dark Matter *will look it up on GR*! Ahh I still need to read More Than This! I got it out from my local library awhile ago, but never read it. Bleh. I’ll read it… some day. :’)
Hitchhiker’s Guide is amazing! It’s so funny, especially if you like dark/absurdist humour. It caught me off guard several times. It’s a short read too!
I haven’t read Shusterman’s Unwind series, but some people have recommended it to me. It’s in my radar, so if it pops up in my library, I shall read it!
I’ve never heard of Because You’ll Never Meet Me – but I’ll add it to my tbr!! Thank you for the rec, Jess! ❤
Aww, you are wonderful too, and that offer is there for whenever you need it 🙂 I’m sorry things have been so hard recently 😦 baby steps are the best thing, I’m trying to do the same thing right now. Every little step is a brilliant thing, and something to be proud of 🙂
Ahh you’ve made me really want to read Hitchiker’s now – I’ll have to make sure I pick it up before the end of this year! I love that kind of humour. And I really hope you’ll enjoy Because You’ll Never Meet Me if you decide to give it a go – it was a really heartwarming book 🙂
“biggest dissapointment” HAHAHAHA! Loved it, it was so true for The Dreamer! I wonder if we will rant about the same things in all our book club books ❤ Nice picks for the tag! Love you, Jess!
Hahah, we are twins, so probably! Which reminds me, I really need to start The Picture of Dorian Gray! And reply to your Frankenstein email! I am such a terrible book club member lol. Love you toooo
Omg dont worry about it, haha! I havent started TPODG neither, I was busy reading a gay romance yesterday 😂 But please do reply to Frankenstein, he will be sad with you and throw himself off a cliff thinking you hated him #truestory HAHAHAHA and dont worry, twins dont boot each other out of the book club 💙 You’re safe!! 😂😂
Yay for gay romance! Which one were you reading this time? Hahah that is so true, that is precisely the kind of melodramatic reaction Frankenstein would have!! And I’m glad I have retained my place in book club, despite my bad behaviour hahah 🙂
I was reading The Merchant and The Clergyman, the review you just liked #stalkeranne HAHAHA! IT WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED!!! Oh, don’t be silly, you’ll never be booted out booking club because I love you too much ❤ ❤ (also, I often am forgetful of book club as well, HAHAHHA! Can't have a say in the matter ;D)
Yesss it sounds so good!! Definitely adding to my wishlist for when I’m allowed to buy books again haha ❤
Good choice, hahaha! ❤ ❤
I actually read The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness after I did this tag and OMG I was crying for days. I’m so happy you were able to do the tag! Love it!
Omg me too, I just keep welling up every time I thought about it! Have you read the sequels? I cried a lot over them too haha!
Just started book 2! I’ve heard it’s intense and I’m just nervous lol. Is the ending good?
It is pretty intense haha! I think the ending of the trilogy is an opinion divider – I thought it was fantastic, personally! It’s hard to say too much without spoiling it though. For me, every book was 5 stars.
Ahhh I’m so nervous haha! Okay I understand, but knowing each one got 5 stars is trippy haha. Can’t wait to read it.
Looking forward to your reviews! And make sure you let me know when you finish the final book – I’m desperate for someone to discuss all my emotions with haha!
Thanks! Did you write a review for them? I’ll do that, some books just need to be discussed haha.
I actually didn’t get time to write a full review, but I did a kind of mini-review here: https://mudandstars.wordpress.com/2016/04/30/april-haul-and-the-broken-book-buying-ban/ I might re-read them at some point and write a proper review though – I totally agree that these books need to be discussed! ❤
Ah, it’s a hard book to review ,in my opinion, because there’s so much going on, yet nothing…kinda like Lost so far (yup, I started it lol). I’m glad you did a mini-review though, I’m gonna check it out!
Oooh, how are you getting on with Lost?
I really like it! I think Hurley (I think that’s his name) is my favorite minor-ish character. I’m on the episode Charlie and the the prego girl gets kidnapped, so I’m super excited for the next episode.
Ahh I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!! I loved Hurley too. And I do have a soft spot for Sawyer. Ahh that episode was so exciting!! Hope you continue to enjoy it 🙂
I really am, thanks for the recommendation! Sawyer is kinda growing on me, but I’m thinking he’ll become a fav in future episodes. I hope so too, just one question, was the end good? I remembered loving Dexter (the tv show) but the ending being trash…
You’re welcome! Yeah I took a while to warm up to him too, but by the end, he was one of my favourite characters. Although I really love the complicated, morally ambiguous characters too. Not sure how many of them you’ll have met yet, depending on how far you are into the series. And about the ending… umm good question haha. A lot of people found it disappointing, I did in a way, but also I felt that most of my questions were answered and I was okay with it. I liked the last episode, but the last season itself dragged a little. I think the first three seasons are definitely the best. I’ve never watched Dexter – is it something I should check out? I’m a bit worried I might find it too gory, but if it’s good enough TV then I can probably cope haha. Although shame about it having a crappy ending.
I do enjoy morally ambiguous characters, so I’m thinking sawyer and I will get along well by the end lol. I’m only on the end of season 1, there’s so many episodes in the first season haha, it’s crazy. Ahh, that’s disappointing but maybe I’ll be one of those people that actually enjoy the ending since I’m not expecting too much now. Thanks for the information! Umm is Dexter a bloody show? Ummmmm it depends on who you ask. I think stuff like Ninja Assassin is bloody, but I didn’t think Dexter was. He is a blood spatter expert but I wouldn’t consider it severely bloody. I don’t know if I’d be a good person to ask though lol. But the show is good.
Hahha, hmm maybe I will give it a go then. I don’t really mind blood, I just can’t cope with excessive gore. Like I can’t watch things like Saw, but I don’t mind crime/thriller shows with a wee bit of murder. And yess I think if you go in with low expectations about the ending, you’ll probably appreciate it a lot more. I knew that a lot of people were disappointed with it, so it ended up being a lot better than I had expected 🙂 Look forward to seeing what you make of season 2 – there’s quite a few new characters introduced, and a couple of them are among my favourites.