I honestly cannot believe that it’s already July. HOW?! The good thing about the midway point of the year is that it is like a mini New Years for me, a fresh slate to start anew. So checking in on progress is incredibly important.
I’ve been panicking about my ARC mountain for weeks now and am actually on an ARC Ban probably through November because I have enough on my plate as it is. Let’s make reading less anxious again!
Reading Statistics for January – June 2019
I am SO FREAKING EXCITED… my reading is split evenly between backlist and ARCs! Since this time last year, I’ve been making an effort and it is paying off. I’m also not remotely surprised at my genre distribution either being close to even between science fiction and fantasy! “Other” includes one poetry collection, one graphic novel, and one non-fiction title. My biggest goal for the rest of the year is to finish my ARC backlist and work on my owned TBR.
So far I have read 15,782 pages across 43 books in 2019!My reading overall is paced a bit slower than the first half of 2018. But considering my health issues and horrible reading slump, I am really excited to be 9 books shy of completing my Goodreads goal for the year!
Mid-Year Freakout Tag
The original tag was created by ReadLikeWildfire and Earl Grey Books.
You can see my 2018 Mid-Year Freakout post here!
1. The best book you’ve read so far this year?
I’ve read some fantastic standouts so far this year, and I don’t think that I can pick just one. For new releases, The Fever King, Descendant of the Crane, and Keep This To Yourself are tied for the top spot in my heart.
2. The best sequel you’ve read this year?
Storm of Locusts by Rebecca Roanhorse, hands down! This book was incredible, improved upon the first book, and really elevated the series in interesting ways.
Additionally, Kingsbane by Claire Legrand deserves a shoutout because I can’t stop thinking about the damn book.
3. New releases you haven’t read yet but want to.
HAHAHAHA, we don’t talk about all the new releases I own but haven’t read. It’s embarrassing and makes me sad. (Update: I just looked at my purchases tab on my spreadsheet and cried a little. I need to murder this slump!)
4. Most anticipated releases for the second half of the year.
The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh, Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon, Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor, and Fireborne by Rosaria Munda. Honestly probably a lot more, but we’ll stop there.
5. Biggest disappointment.
As evidenced by my average rating this year (4.3 on 43 books), I have been pretty good about picking up books that I am more likely to enjoy. And I usually DNF books that aren’t for me. But I personally was disappointed by Wilder Girls by Rory Power: it just wasn’t the book that I wanted.
6. Biggest Surprise.
the mermaid’s voice returns in this one by amanda lovelace came to me when I really needed it, and I am forever thankful.
7. Favorite new to you, or debut, author.
I’ve read and loved so many debuts this year but if I have to choose a favorite: Victoria Lee.
8. Newest fictional crush.
Locke from Roar by Cora Carmack has made me feel things.
9. Newest favorite character.
Haben from Liz Kerin’s The Phantom Forest. Honestly, he is the main character of this book and I don’t care what anyone else says. #ProtectHaben
10. Book that made you cry?
11. Book that made you happy?
I really should start reading books that aren’t soul-ripping.
12. Favorite book to film adaption?
I haven’t watched any so far, but I am excited about Good Omens!
13. Favorite post you have done this year?
14. Most beautiful book you have bought this year?
I love all of my pretties.
15. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
There’s way too many to list here, sadly. I have a total of 32 ARCs to read by the end of the year, which includes the past-due ones. Better get started!
✨ Well, that’s it for my 2019 mid-year freakout tag! Have you read any of the books that I highlighted? What are some of your favorites? Do you have happy book recommendations for me?
Let’s go on another adventure together!
Ooh yes the fever king was so good! I almost forgot that one 😱
Loved reading your answers!
(www.evelynreads.com)
I think about The Fever King and Dara quite often, that book was incredible. I am going to start the webtoon this weekend, I think! Have you checked it out yet?
Webtoon?
It’s been adapted into a comic on webtoon!
Ooh I will check it out!
I haven’t seen ANYONE talking about Storm of Locusts. I’m glad to hear it was so amazing! That makes me want to pick it up, but the last one was a bit blood-and-gutsy for my taste…
I know, which is a DAMN SHAME! The sequel was actually better than the first book, and I loved it so much. I don’t remember there being a lot of blood and guts in SoL, but then again it has been a couple of months so I might be wrong…
Maybe I’ll give it a go then. I really liked Trail of Lightning aside from the horribly bloody opening sequence.
There is a battle scene at the beginning but it isn’t as bad as the opening of ToL. I would definitely give it a try, the character development is honestly amazing.
I need to read Trail of Lighting soon! I also have to finish all the arcs I have like you and I am almost there :), Great answers!
You do, Trail of Lightning was such a fun book and the sequel is even better! Ugh the arc mountain is huge, but I have made good progress this past week.
That’s good to hear 🙂
Sorry to hear you were disappointed by Wilder Girls! I am super hyped for Gravemaidens as well!!
I have been reading more ARCs than backlist titles, but it’s really split from the beginning of the year, where I was reading all backlist and now, when I’m reading all ARCs. I want to read my books more evenly– both ARCs and backlist– every month! I just have so many ARCs that I haven’t had an opportunity to read many back list books lately– besides the first 2 books in the Mistborn series. I basically buried my summer with Fall ARCs tho… and I’m not even mad because all the books I’m excited about seem to come out this fall…
I am sad about Wilder Girls too, but I know so many people do and will love it! Gravemaidens looks so good and I can’t wait to read my copy!!!
GIRL I FEEL YOU! I was in that same boat last year, and wound up limiting my arc releases per month which helped until my slump the first few months of the year. I’ve gotten a bit behind. But I have decided I won’t request any more 2019 arcs, which should help! I hope you can find some reading balance, Amanda!
I feel like this summer there are very few titles that I’m excited about, but I definitely am overloaded on Fall ARCs because there are just so many that I can’t wait for. I should probably stop requesting them now though. At least through October.
As for Gravemaidens, I’m so excited that I hope it lives up to my expectations. I was so excited for Serpent and Dove and I was really disappointed, but The Grace Year lived up to my expectations. The Merciful Crow is one that I had zero expectations for and it totally surprised me by being amazing. But I’m always a little nervous with books that I’m really anticipating that it might not live up to my expectations.
THERE ARE SO MANY GOOD FALL ARCS!!! Like September 3rd is going to kill me, I have 5 arcs releasing on that day lmao
I know what you mean, my expectations tend to ruin me most of the time. I love it when I go in with none, because I usually am blown away. Sorry Serpent and Dove disappointed you!
I have a bunch for September 3rd too! I feel like my Fall ARCs will have me reading all summer. I’m reading early to try and make sure I have them all read on time. I am holding some of the reviews til later though.
I try to go in with none! That’s why I love to go in blind. But it’s hard to not have expectations once you become a part of the blogging community. Serpent and Dove might be a great read for other people, but it just wasn’t what I wanted it to be.
Yea I am going to read ahead on my fall arcs this summer too and just hold my reviews, I don’t need an anxiety attack come September LOL. I also like going in blind, and try to as much as possible – I avoid reviews for books I am already planning on reading. But it’s hard when certain books just are constantly screamed about like Eveleyn Hugo.
Did you read my “Different Ways to Start a Book post?” I talked about all the different ways I start a book, and I have really enjoyed going in as blind as absolutely possible, but it’s hard to avoid some of the hype. I do try to avoid reviews until AFTER I’ve read the book and after I wrote mine, because otherwise my opinions might be influenced. But once you’re in the book blogging community then it’s hard to avoid hype.
Good Omens is so good! I hope you love it when you start it. I haven’t read the book, to be fair, but I’m halfway through the show and it’s just so precious and I would protect Aziraphale and Crowley at all costs.
I’ve heard INCREDIBLE THINGS About Good Omens, and with Neil’s involvement (and it being Terry’s wish), I know it will be a faithful adaptation. I kind of want to re-read the book first though, and with my TBR that might take awhile…
I’m super excited for The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh as well! Also, Sadie made me weep like a baby.
I read the first 50 pages of The Beautiful on Bookish First and am ADDICTED. I think I would sell my soul for an arc, literally. Sadie also made me cry so hard, beautiful and sad and heartbreaking.
Have you tried checking the book trades?
I haven’t, I have some complicated feelings about trading arcs and don’t really have anything to trade for it since I tend to pass my ARCs on to other readers. I’ll just have to wait until it comes out.
I barely do it. Sometimes people really want too much.
Yea, it always makes me so sad when I see post on my timeline trading desireable arcs for bigger unicorns. I will never understand why people go bananas over unfinished copies of books
Same here! The finished copy is honestly better and will last longer.
An average rating of 4.3 is so good! I’ve read some amazing books this year but also a lot of not so great ones. I definitely plan on picking my next books to read a little more carefully and focus on reading books I really want to read.
I am really surprised and excited about my average rating!!! I hope your next reads are AMAZING ones, Darina!
I love The Fever King so much, and I’m so happy you did too!! And aah I’m so sad to hear you didn’t like Wilder Girls as much as you expected too, it’s always disappointing when your anticipated books don’t live up to expectations.
The Fever King was INCREDIBLE, I honestly can’t stop thinking about it. I am glad you loved it too!!!
I hope the reading slump ends soon for you. I noticed you had a cool graphic for how many pages and books you’ve read, shortest, longest and average length of the books you read and your most and least favourite. Where’d you get that?
Also congrats on the even spread between Arcs and your TBR!
The charts are from my Book blogger spreadsheet template, and you can actually get it for yourself for your own auto updating charts!
I looks like you’re doing great overall. I also have no idea how we’re at the halfway point through the year–time has just flown right by!
Yea I don’t really know how the year is flying by, it is a little disturbing haha
I am beyond excited for Gravemaidens! It sounds so creepy and yet so wonderful, doesn’t it? So many bloggers have been recommending Victoria Lee that I’m quite tempted right now to give her book a try!
You really should try The Fever King, it is SUCH a fantastic story with really amazing characters!
“I really should start reading books that aren’t soul-ripping.”
BUT WHAT’S THE FUN IN THAT, KAL?!
YOU’RE RIGHT! I shall continue ripping out my soul then!
Love your answers. I need to read more happy books, too. I try to find them once in awhile and read them after something especially heavy. And I’m with you on the arcs. I think I have around the same number to finish.
Petition for some happy fantasy! And may we both get through our ARCs!
Happy fantasy would be awesome!
Book recommendations that aren’t soul destroying… hmmmm… I’m not sure what you mean!! 😂
HAHAAHA, we don’t know her!
Ahhh yes, I loved The Fever King so much, such a great read 🙂 and I’m very curious about Gravemaidens as well, it sounds so good! 🙂
The Fever King was so beautiful and it has stuck with me for months, I definitely think it will be one of top reads of the year.
Oh my gosh, 32 ARC’s?!?! Wow. But seriously though. I have been working on this tag for several days though and its intense! I don’t have the cool pie charts like you do! Looks like you’re doing great overall. =]
YEA I KNOW, I MADE A MISTAKE! I am determined to get caught up and finish my backlog before the end of the year though. And the charts are from my book blogger spreadsheet template, which is FREE and has all the auto-updating charts for you if you want.
YES To Victoria Lee and Descendant of the Crane and The Fever King have been brilliant for new novels this year, but theres so many good books coming out this year and I have so many good books from before this year that need to be read. Bah! Also, I know you can knock out those 32 ARCs, I shall get my pom-poms ready to cheer you on!
TOO MANY AMAZING BOOKS, NOT ENOUGH TIME! The biggest problem for any bookdragon. Thank you, I have already knocked out 4 of those arcs and I am so proud of myself! (Let’s not talk about how I added a couple more, oops)
The Fever King <3
I know, that book is incredible! I can’t WAIT for The Electric Heir!
i haven’t read most of the books you have mentioned, but oh sadie was so hearthbreaking! i didn’tquite cry but i was just sad rest of the day when i finished it
Sadie was heartbreakingly beautiful and caused such a book hangover for me.
i definitely agree about amanda’s book, it was v moving.
i also wish you the best of luck with those 32 review copies you gotta read. my main focus now is to catch up with writing reviews i think
Amanda’s book really just came at the perfect moment in my life (kind of like how The Storm Crow has now). It will always hold such a special place in my heart. And thank youuuu… I got it down to 28 and then Macmillan auto approved me on Edelweiss and I downloaded 6 more. Oops.
Kingsbane… we will solve this mystery! So many ARCs too! I’m trying to get better about reading ARCs, but my backlist is a mess. Can’t wait for Gravemaidens!
My backlist for review copies haunts me in my dreams, truly. I hope to get them all read by the end of the year so I can start 2020 with clean slate! AND WE WILL UNCOVER THE MYSTERIES OF KINGSBANE
Love all your answers, Kal! <3 I seriously need to read my past-due ARC of Descendant of the Crane soon! I was so excited to read it, but just haven't gotten around to it yet?! My mood is such a strange thing at times. I can't wait to read The Beautiful soon either, since Ahdieh is one of my favorite authors! I have such high expectations for it! And congrats on reading so many backlist and ARCs! You, my friend, are incredible!
I feel you SO MUCH on the mood reading curse, I have so many past-due arcs at this point and my mood is either “I want to play Breath of the Wild” or “watch Veronica Mars on repeat.” I haven’t read anything by Ahdieh before, but I read an excerpt and !!! I need it now! Do you have any recommendations by her that I should try to pick up before The Beautiful?