Bookfessional: Mid-Year Roundup

Bookfessional: Mid-Year Roundup

We’re more than halfway through 2017, and once again I’m stuck scratching my head, wondering how in the world that happened . . . I mean, really? Where does the time go?

I have no idea.

BUT.

This is what my year-in-books looks like so far.

~ Best Reads ~

Given my inordinately long book funk, most of this year’s best reads have been recent . . . Most but not all.

1. A Darkness Absolute is the second installment of Kelley Armstrong’s CASEY DUNCAN mystery/thriller series, and it’s at least as excellent as the first installment, which almost never happens. I don’t normally go for thrillers (b/c chicken), but these books are the exception.

2. Saga Vol. 7

SAGA is the best graphic novel series in the history of ever. If you haven’t already, read it, read it NOW. If you’re an adult. B/c this series redefines “graphic.” In a good way.

3. Strange the Dreamer is the first book in Laini Taylor’s new duology, and it is pure YA fantasy bliss. Even if you don’t usually read YA, Taylor is a safe bet, b/c free of the angsty drama that typically causes adult readers to avoid YA.

4. Song of the Current is my biggest surprise of the year.

I requested it b/c I request too many things, but I gave it a shot anyway (b/c Bloomsbury), and it ended up being the best YA fantasy debut I’ve read in years—river pirates and ancient gods that directly interact with their followers . . . What’s not to like?

5. Midnight Jewel is another second installment that I felt was better than the original, and THE GLITTERING COURT made last year’s Best Books list.

Richelle Mead’s adult series are autobuy for me, so I almost always try her YA series, and this one is well on its way to being my favorite.

~ Worst Reads ~

DNFs, one and all. *flares nostrils*

1. Breath of Fire

A PROMISE OF FIRE was mediocre at best, but the author showed promise so I gave #2 a shot anyway . . . I didn’t make it past the first few chapters b/c drama llama.

2. The Waking Land

I might still go back and finish this one for the pure pleasure of eviscerating it in review. THE WAKING LAND is the worst book I’ve (started) read(ing) since Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard.

3. Indigo is my biggest disappointment of the year.

The idea was fantastic: a collaborative novel by a set of fantastic authors—Charlaine Harris, Kelley Armstrong, and Seanan McGuire to name a few—but it practice it was . . . MEH.

~ Most Anticipated ~

Regardless of what the year has already wrought, there is still much to look forward to.

1. The Brightest Fell is the eleventh installment of Seanan McGuire’s OCTOBER DAYE series, which is one of my current Top 5 Urban Fantasy Series. These books are fae-based, and that we’re on book 11 speaks for itself.

2. Godsgrave

NEVERNIGHT was my first book by Jay Kristoff, and I am now fanatically devoted to the man. A death goddess and a school for assassins where your death could be incidental to your training . . . Yes, please.

3. An Unkindness of Magicians

Kat Howard was my favorite debut author from 2016, so (of course) I’m dying to get her new book. I’m hoping that this tale of fading magic in a modern New York setting is as dark and lovely as the first.

4. Into the Drowning Deep

First of all, Mira Grant is Seanan McGuire. FYI. And I love Seanan McGuire. I haven’t read as much by her alter ego, b/c she gravitates more toward horror than I traditionally like, but this one I won’t be able to pass up.

Why?

B/c there are two things I have always been endlessly fascinated by: what’s hiding in outer space and what’s hiding at the bottom of the ocean.

And guess which one Into the Drowning Deep is about:

Seven years ago, the Atargatis set off on a voyage to the Mariana Trench to film a “mockumentary” bringing to life ancient sea creatures of legend. It was lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a maritime tragedy.

Now, a new crew has been assembled. But this time they’re not out to entertain. Some seek to validate their life’s work. Some seek the greatest hunt of all. Some seek the truth. But for the ambitious young scientist Victoria Stewart this is a voyage to uncover the fate of the sister she lost.

Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the waves.

But the secrets of the deep come with a price.

Yessssssssss.

5. Oathbringer

B/c Sanderson. #cantstopwontstop

What about you? What are the best and worst books you’ve read this year? What books are you still dying to get your hands on?

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