Hello, reader!
We’re going into the second full week of July and the year is officially over halfway done. Which completely blows my mind! I can’t believe that we’re already steaming towards a new school year because I feel like that last one just ended, haha. But with the year being half over, it’s time for the Mid-Year Book Freakout book tag! I always enjoy doing this tag because I get so lost in the sauce during the year and it’s nice to look back at all the books I’ve read. Even if there are a lot of “Oh, I read that this year???” moments. Time has no meaning, y’all 😂
Now, sources seem to differ on who created this tag. I’m going to say it was originally created by ReadLikeWildfire and Earl Grey Books because that’s the version of the tag I’ll be completing today. Thank you to them and all the other credited creators with slightly different tags for such a fun idea.
Alright, now let’s get to it!
Best Book You’ve Read So Far In 2023
Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury
This was one of my first reads of the year and, oof, has it stuck with me. I find myself thinking about it randomly even in the heat of summer! It was wonderfully terrifying, with incredible atmosphere and compelling characters. It deals with some heavy topics, so, if you need them, please check trigger warnings. That being said, it’s a powerful book that had me devouring the pages. A perfect spooky read for the upcoming fall season!
Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far In 2023
Network Effect by Martha Wells
Honestly, I could put all of the books from the Murderbot Diaries into this category (beyond the first one, of course). The full length novel, however, stands out as my absolute favorite. Probably because we get so much more Murderbot! Who will, perhaps, make another appearance in this post 👀 Either way, this series is incredible and I cannot wait for the new book that is coming in November!
New Release You Haven’t Read Yet, But Want To
The Golden Frog Games by Claribel A. Ortega
There are so many I could name, but this is definitely at the top of the list. I loved the first book in this middle grade fantasy series, Witchlings, so I was excited to receive an ARC. Then life happened and I still haven’t gotten a chance to continue Seven, Valley, and Thorn’s story. If this story is anything like the first book, it’s going to magical with a lot of heart. I’m looking forward to finally giving it a read.
Kerri McBookNerd 