I’ve seen so many bloggers taking part in this and, although I wasn’t specifically tagged in it, I just had to take part! I’ve read over 60 books so far this year so I might struggle narrowing it down to just one book per category but I will definitely give it a go. This tag was originally created by chami.

Best book you’ve read so far in 2021?

I simply cannot pick just one! So I’m going to cheat and do 6, one for every month. Every one of these books blew me away & a few even introduced me to some new favourite authors.

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021?

I loved We Hunt the Flame so had ridiculously high expectations for We Free the Stars but, like I wrote in my review, this is how you write a sequel. Faizal dragged me back into her world effortlesly and I was swept away alongside Zafira and Nasir. Faizal’s writing style is lush and between the action and romance I seriously struggled to put this down.

New release you haven’t read yet, but want to?

I’m a little ashamed I haven’t read this yet and while I have managed to remain unspoiled I’m 99% sure someone big dies and I am just not emotionally prepared for that AT ALL. I’m aiming to read this in the next few months when my TBR is a little less crazy, but also want to give myself sometime to get emotionally prepared for a book I’m sure it going to break my heart.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?

There are too many to count. BUT I am seriously looking forward to this, I mean, just look at that cover. A girl indentured to a zoo filled wtih magical and dangerous creatures unleashes a power she never knew she had, and a boy whose one goal in life is upended when a magical creature attacks him have to work together to hunt said creature… sounds good right?

Biggest disappointment?

Oof this is a toughie, although there are a few books that I have DNF’d this year, I think my biggest disappointment would be Spells Trouble. I had such high expectations for this book but I just couldn’t get into the story and found myself unable to bond with the characters in any way.

Biggest surprise?

This one is easy! Not being the biggest fan of thrillers I figured I would enjoy Mirrorland, but I didn’t expect to love it. The authors writing style effortlessly drags you into her story and like Cat you’re never quite sure what is fact and what is fiction. Blended with horror and a little magical realism, Mirrorland took me on a magical and dark journey that certainly kept me up at night.

Favourite new author? (debut or new to you)

I haven’t read any of Laure Eve’s previous books, but after reading and loving Blackheart Knights I will certainly be searching them out now! Her writing style brings her version of London to life and I got way too invested in the outcomes of her main characters. She manages to give us all the history of her world without info dumping and there are some seriously epic fight scenes.

Newest favourite character?

Rocky! It has to be Rocky. I can’t actually talk about him without giving away major spoilers for the book but lets just say he’s hilarious and heartwarming and just an absolute joy to read!

Book that made you cry?

This won’t be hard! I am a huge wimp and cry at literally everything but this book had me blubbering both big happy and sad tears. I think the kids from Marsyas Island Orphanage now own a little piece of my heart and as much as this book made me wail, it’s also a comfort read I know I’ll find myself coming back to.

Book that made you happy?

Happy might not be the right word but something happens at the end of this book that had me whooping with joy and also cackling at the same time. I LOVE this series, Jack is so relatable as a character and she gets herself into the worst situations, but reading them never fails to cheer me up.

The most beautiful book you’ve bought so far?

I treated myself to a copy of this when I was away on holiday. A blogging friend that I trust said I would love it and how could I resist that gorgeous cover! It’s so beautiful and I’m really intrigued by the story.

What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

Hahahahahaha. You mean apart from the 23 ARC’s on my TBR. Well, if I get through those and manage to stop myself from requesting any more (I’m sure we all know how that will go.) Then I would like to get through some of the above. Some of these have been on my TBR for years, and others are more recent but I’m eager to pick them all up.