Mid year book tag

Hi everyone – a mid year book tag has been going around. I took this list from CraigBookwyrm on Twitter (who you should all follow if you like indie book reviews) and it shows the questions that have been doing the rounds.

Here are my answers!

Best book I’ve read in 2023 so far

Both amazing books – and also very different. A Sword of Bronze and Ashes is a Celtic folklore epic literary fantasy that is just absolutely breathtaking in scope. Ascension is a sci-fi thriller about a mountain that mysteriously appears in the Pacific Ocean.

Both books are highly recommended by myself, so if you are looking for something to read, check them out.

Best sequel I’ve read in 2023 so far

Both these books are better than their predecessors- which were both 5 star reads. Can you give books 6 stars out of 5? If you could, both these books would deserve them.

Demon In White is on my summer TBR list – and I’m very excited to see what happens to Hadrian after the events of Howling Dark.

New release you haven’t read but want to

And I really really want to read both of these 2023 releases. I just haven’t found the time yet. Both will be read this year for sure.

Most anticipated release for second half of the year

I’ve literally just started my E-arc for this book. Anthony Ryan is a master of building tension and at 11% in, I’m already anticipating some cataclysmic events. This is the book I’ve been most excited for in 2023 – as I’m intrigued to find out how this trilogy ends for Alwyn the scribe.

If you are looking for an epic low-fantasy, this is a must read series. The Pariah is just excellent as the first book in the series.

Best short story/novella

I can’t do question 5 – as I hate talking about books I didn’t enjoy. I’ve DNF’d a few books this year – not because they were bad, just because they weren’t for me.

Instead I decided to highlight a favourite short story or novella. I’ve chosen Overdue by Mark Lawrence. A great read – and can be read as a stand-alone – even if you haven’t read The Book That Wouldn’t Burn

Biggest surprise

I can only say biggest surprise because I’m not a huge urban fantasy reader. It’s not my usual genre. However, this book is really amazing with great world building – and it’s very pacy plot wise. If you enjoy urban fantasy with detective elements, this is for you.

Steve McHugh is a great author and wove a really complex backstory seamlessly into the plot. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2 of the series.

Favourite new author

Oh – Sons of Darkness was such a good read. It had me from the first page and didn’t let go. The array of characters, the Indian mythology, the betrayals and double crossing – just all played out so well. Gourav Mohanty is a talent. If you haven’t read this yet, you really need to.

Newest fictional crush

I find this quite hard to answer – as I don’t usually crush after fictional characters. I do have a little crush, however, on a character I have written! Hello, Murchad!

Newest favourite character

I also find this hard to answer. I’ve loved so many of the characters I’ve read this year. SO MANY. If you are making me pick, it must be Kanda.

Book that made you cry

There is grimdark and there is grim-of-the deepest-chasm-dark. Oh, I cried at least twice. a story of absolute brutality, but also hope.

Beware the trigger warnings, but if you like dark fantasy; this book is amazing, beautifully written and not like anything else I’ve ever read.

Book that made you happy

Romance makes me happy. And this is the most sweetest romance novel I’ve ever come across. The concept of the two main characters writing each other letters was heart meltingly adorable. If you are having a bad day, this book is guaranteed to cheer you up. Promise.

Most beautiful book you’ve bought/received this year

Easy – it’s The Judas Blossom. If there had been a question for the ‘most epic book’ this year, this novel would also have won! It’s so good! For fans of historical fantasy, it’s a must!

A full review is coming for this as soon as I get home from holidays. In short, it follows a variety of characters during the height of the Mongolian Empire and it’s expansion into Persia. It’s a time period I didn’t know much about and I found it so interesting.

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

This is my summer TBR – so I think I’ll start with this!