I came across this tag at Moon Creations and thought it would be fun. I can’t believe it’s June already! It’s the perfect time to reflect on what I read and predict some of the books I’ll read by the end of 2020. Here we go!!
What is the best book that you’ve read so far in 2020?
Beneath Cruel Fathoms by Anela Deen
This won’t be a shock to many people. I LOVED Beneath Cruel Fathoms! It’s a swoon-worthy, epic romance between two broken people from different worlds. The story, the romance, the humor, and the fascinating world-building make this my favorite read of the year.
Check out my review for Beneath Cruel Fathoms or my interview with the author!
What has been your favorite sequel of the first half of the year?
The Jabberwocky Princess by Cece Louise
The Jabberwocky Princess is the second book in The Forest Tales series (the first book is Desperate Forest), and I absolutely loved it. Cece Louise quickly became one of my favorite new authors, and I even got to interview her. So cool!
If you like fantasy stories with a bit of romance and a HEA, then this is the series for you!
Check out my review for The Jabberwocky Princess or my interview with the author!
Is there a new release that you haven’t read yet but you’re really excited for?
House of Dragons by Jessica Cluess
I mean, you had me at dragons! This sounds like a fabulously immersive read, and I need to get to it soon!!
Synopsis: When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different. This year, these five outcasts will answer the call….
THE LIAR: Emilia must hide her dark magic or be put to death. THE SOLDIER: Lucian is a warrior who has sworn to never lift a sword again. THE SERVANT: Vespir is a dragon trainer whose skills alone will keep her in the game. THE THIEF: Ajax knows that nothing is free–he must take what he wants. THE MURDERER: Hyperia was born to rule and will stop at nothing to take her throne.
What is your most anticipated release for the second half of the year?
Between Savage Tides by Anela Deen
Between Savage Tides, the second book in The Bitter Sea Trilogy, comes out on August 31st, and I don’t know if I can wait! This is definitely the book I am most looking forward to.
Synopsis: Captured by sirens, Jurek struggles to save his fellow prisoners before they’re devoured. He has little time. His memory is vanishing from his mind, a poisonous effect of the magic that saved his life. With a past steeped in tragedy, it should feel like a blessing. Instead, it’s a curse unraveling everything he is. When he strikes a bargain with the sirens – three impossible tasks in exchange for everyone’s freedom – help comes from someone he least expects and whose motives he doesn’t dare trust.
Ava, youngest of the billow maidens, has become an unwitting traitor in a war between the gods. Her sisters want her to pledge fealty to the ruinous Eldingar. Her brother, the Guardian of the Fathoms, wants her to act as his spy. And then there’s Captain Jurek, a landweller whose fierce heart and haunted blue eyes mean more to her than they should. He doesn’t trust her, but without her help he won’t survive. As the old gods make their move against the world that betrayed them, Ava must determine whose side she’s on. But no matter what she chooses, it’ll mean death for someone she loves.
What is your biggest disappointment so far?
Damsel by Elana K. Arnold
I was so looking forward to reading this book but was greatly disappointed. I felt it was predictable, obvious, and glorified the maltreatment of women. I finished it feeling angry and like I wasted a few hours of my life.
What is your biggest surprise so far?
Ghondatha by Emery Ayres
I went into this story knowing next to nothing and was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was going to be the typical vampire romance, and it was so not!
A dystopian society with supernatural elements and an epic love story – what’s not to love? I’m a sucker for a good love story, and this one transcends time. 🙂 I actually picked Droknina, the second book in the series, right after I finished Ghondatha, and loved that one too!
Check out my review of Ghondatha or my review of Droknina!
Who is your favorite new to you, or debut, author?
I have a few. Here are my favorite new/new to me fantasy authors: Kalynn Bayron, Cece Louise, Janella Angeles, Anela Deen, and Kay L. Moody.
And here are a few of my favorite new/new to me sci-fi & paranormal romance authors: Victoria Aveline, Elizabeth Stephens, and Michelle Hercules.
Who is your favorite fictional crush from this year?
Definitely Leonel from Beneath Cruel Fathoms. He is so swoon-worthy! Check out one of my favorite Leonel moments:
He moved so fast she barely registered a single step before he hauled her into his arms. Her feet left the ground…his kiss was gentle. It was giving, not taking. It cherished her. Treasure, he called her in his language, and she sensed the true meaning in his tight embrace. He would never let her go. Neither would she. “I have missed you,” he said softly. “Everyday.”
What are 6 books that you want to read by the end of the year?
- House of Earth and Blood by Sara J. Maas
- Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
- Afterlife by Julia Alvarez
- Sea Witch by Sarah Henning
- A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
- Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
What a fun tag! I love looking back and reflecting on the books I’ve read, especially when I’ve read so many amazing ones!
Feel free to do this tag as well. I’d love to see your responses! 🙂
Ha ha ha! I was waiting for someone to post one of these! 😀 I haven’t read a single book on your list … but a lot of them look really interesting! Where would you recommend starting?
I would start with Beneath Cruel Fathoms if you like fantasy/romance. It’s fabulous!
The Elements of Kamdaria series is excellent if you like YA dystopian fantasy. The characters have cool abilities to manipulate the elements, and the stories are quick and exciting.
Y’know … I’ve literally never heard of Beneath Cruel Fathoms before … but since seeing your post, I’ve seen no less than three others absolutely raving about it. I think it’s a divine sign.
Elements of Kamdaria has also just been added to my TBR. Anything about manipulating elements tugs at my Avatar fangirl heart.
Yes, I see Beneath Cruel Fathoms in your future, and I predict that you will love it! And Elts. of Kamdaria is excellent. I hope you get to read them soon. I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🙂
🤣 Do you charge for psychic readings?
I think I’ll read it right after I finish Aurora Rising! (Which is right after the City of Brass trilogy!)
lol – I’m plan on reading Aurora Rising right after I finish my next book too. (My next read is Crave)
This looks like a fun one- great post 🙂
It was a lot of fun! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
This looks like so much fun! Plus it sums up really well how shocked I am that we’re in June already hahaha! I’ll definitely be giving this one a shot <3
Yay! I can’t wait to see your answers 🙂
First- house of dragons is phenomenal.
Two- I’m not doing this tag this year because last year I had to take a tranquilizer to get through it lol.
Standing ovation to you for getting through it.
You’re too funny! lol I have to read House of Dragons soon!!!
Loved reading your answers! WIll definitely do this one as well!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Thanks so much! I can’t wait to see yours! 🙂
Ugh, thanks A LOT, now I have tons more books to add to my “Must Read” list and I’m already in a big reading slump! 😉 lol. I love your blog, can’t wait to read more of your posts!
Lol – Sorry to add to your TBR pile (Should I admit I’m secretly happy that you like my choices?) Thanks so much for your kind words, and I hope you get out of your reading slump soon!
What a fun tag! I’ll have to do it soon
You should! It was a lot of fun. I’d love to see your answers 🙂
I really liked The Jabberwocky Princess too! I got it as an ARC, so I haven’t read the first one but I definitely want to. Have you read the first one?
I did! I really liked it. If you liked The Jabberwocky Princess, you’ll totally like Desperate Forest. I’m excited to read the third book in the series too. It’s called Blue Deep, and it’s about Prince Darius! 🙂