The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2025
For years now, every July I’ve seen one BookTuber after another tackle the famous Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag, originally created by @EarlGreyBooks. It’s the perfect way to reflect on what you’ve read so far, what’s still on your TBR, and which books have stuck with you, whether in a good or… not-so-good way.
Recently, I also came across written versions of the tag on Liesbet’s blog Zwartraafje and on Annemieke’s blog A Dance With Books. That made me think: even though I usually focus on the numbers and reading stats, I wanted to try something more personal this year. So here it is, my take on the Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag!
Best book you’ve read so far in 2025
We’re kicking off with an impossible question. How on earth am I supposed to pick just one book from The Faithful and the Fallen series by John Gwynne? I read the first three – Malice, Valour, and Ruin – in the first half of this year, and each time I thought, “This one is the best!”
If I really had to choose… maybe Valour, purely for the emotions. Or no, Ruin too, for the twists and intensity. Ugh, you get the idea: this series is my favourite of the year so far.
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2025
Yes, here they are again: Valour and Ruin.
But to name something different:
Drop of Corruption, the sequel to The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett. This second instalment in the Shadow of the Leviathan series truly exceeded all my expectations. Fascinating worldbuilding, fantastic atmosphere, and characters that keep growing on me. Highly recommended.
New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
Top of the list: The Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz, book three in the Susan Ryeland series. It was released in May, but I wanted to reread the first two books first (even though the mysteries are mostly standalones).
Sadly, I haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Other titles high on my TBR include:
– The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
– The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
– Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
Since I’m focusing on books already on my shelf this year, I haven’t kept close tabs on upcoming releases. Still, one title keeps popping up: Katabasis by R.F. Kuang. I’m not quite sure what to expect, but I’m definitely intrigued.
Biggest disappointment
Unfortunately, there were a few letdowns this year.
First up: the Emily Wilde series.
Not bad books, but I expected more. More heart, more atmosphere, more coziness.
Encyclopaedia of Faeries didn’t fully win me over in 2024 either, but I had high hopes for the series. Sadly, it just didn’t stick. Pleasant, but forgettable.
The Last Hour Between Worlds was another disappointment. Great ideas, poor execution.
And then there’s Howling Dark, book two in the Sun Eater series. I really enjoyed the first book earlier this year, but this one dragged and didn’t hold my attention. Book three gets one more shot, but if that doesn’t work, I’m calling it quits.
Biggest surprise
A pleasant surprise? Definitely Fire with Fire.
It’s an older YA novel I didn’t expect much from, but it completely won me over with its fast pace, strong characters, and engaging plot. Totally didn’t see that coming.
Favourite new author
A few authors caught my attention this year, including:
– Saara El-Arifi, with Faebound
– Sophie Kim, with The God and the Gumiho
No new all-time faves yet, but definitely ones to watch.
Newest fictional crush
“Crush” might be too strong a word, but characters who charmed me? Absolutely:
– Maquin and Veradis from The Faithful and the Fallen
– Din from Drop of Corruption
– And maybe even Seokga from The God and the Gumiho
Newest favourite character
Time to spotlight the women. My favourites so far:
– Cywen, Brina, and Fidele from The Faithful and the Fallen
– Hester from A Sorceress Comes to Call
– Vera Wong from Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man
– Ana Dolabra from A Drop of Corruption
Book that made you cry
Easy. Malice, Valour, and Ruin.
All of them. No contest. I was a wreck.
Book that made you happy
I haven’t found the feel-good book of the year yet, but I did get a lot of joy out of A Sorceress Comes to Call and Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man. Plenty of chuckles and smiles with those.
Most beautiful book you’ve bought (or received) this year
You know I love special edition boxes, but let me highlight a separate set I picked up this year: the Saint of Steel series by T. Kingfisher. Beautifully designed, with that classic fantasy charm. A true gem on my shelf.
Books you need to read by the end of the year
“Need” might be a bit strong.
Let’s just say… I have plenty of books I want to read. So many I wouldn’t dare make a full list.
I just hope I keep surprising myself and continue enjoying the ride through my TBR.
And that’s it, my Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag.
It was fun to look back on the first half of the reading year, even if it did remind me just how overwhelming my TBR still is. But hey, there’s still plenty of year left and plenty of room for new surprises to sneak in. 😉
What about you? What was your favourite read of the year so far? Got any hidden gems you think I have to check out? Let me know. I’m always open to recommendations!
Cheers,
Charlotte
