Hello everyone,
I seem to be slightly late to publish this post every year, but it is time now for the Mid-Year Check-In. This is basically another opportunity to say how crazy it is that we are already in July, and to look back at what I have read so far in 2023.
What I love about this tag and its prompts is that it makes me look at my reading in different ways and also helps to reinforce some of the silent targets that I set myself, so let’s get straight to it!
How much have you read?
Not as much as I would have liked! I have read 26 books so far in 2023, which is several books less than normal at this time of year. The main reason is a lack of free time, but on the bright side most of those 26 have been very positive reads.
What have you been reading?
As always, a wide variety of books and genres. I have mixed up a lot again this year, but in fairness I have been through a higher than average number of young adult mysteries and thrillers. The main reason is that I had a lot of those towards the top of my unread pile!
Best Book You’ve Read So Far In 2023
Six books into this series and it continues to thrill. Cara Hunter’s latest instalment of the DI Adam Fawley series is as enthralling and innovative as ever, with a complex, edge-of-the-seat case and many instances where it keeps you guessing.
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2023
Other than Hope To Die, these are easily the best sequels I have read this year. While not quite as spectacular as Daughter Of The Moon Goddess, the second book of the duology was still outstandingly good. Meanwhile, The Vanishing Stair takes the Truly Devious series to the next level.
New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
I have loved Jennifer Saint’s previous two Greek myth retellings. Her writing style is impeccable and her storytelling so bewitching. I am expecting similar things from Atalanta. This might well be a present for my birthday…
Most anticipated release for the second part of the year
Two purple books, and two sequels! I simply love Chloe Gong’s books and she seems to be spoiling us with lots of new releases at the moment. Having really enjoyed Foul Lady Fortune, I am very much looking forward to the follow-up.
Elsewhere, the release of a new Thursday Murder Club book is always a big event, and I think it is an absolute guarantee that I will enjoy this next one too.
Biggest disappointment
I have really liked all of Clare Mackintosh’s previous books, but this one – the first in a series featuring DC Ffion Morgan – fell very flat for me. Too many of the characters were either unlikable or uninteresting, and the pace was too slow.
Biggest surprise
The synopsis of this book ticked many boxes, but I still did not expect to enjoy it so much. It was a gripping story, and very unique with a dual narrative structure that worked perfectly.
New favourite author (debut or new to you)
Along with Sonia Velton for Blackberry & Wild Rose, Rebecca Netley produced a fabulous debut novel with The Whistling. It had a great atmosphere and I very much liked her writing style, which was engaging while having that degree of menace that the story demanded.
Underrated gems you’ve discovered recently
This book has a relatively low average rating on Goodreads, but I really enjoyed it. I guess the common complaint is that it is a bit slow and supposedly, not much happens. While I can understand the former complaint to a certain extent, I found the story extremely compelling and was increasingly hooked by it, especially with the character dynamics.
Rereads this year
None! I hardly ever reread due to the amount of books still on my TBR.
Newest favourite character
This is a hard one for me. I struggled to think of anyone, but then I remembered Aisha from If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come – ironically not one of the characters shown on the cover. Aisha is asexual and it took me a while to understand her as a character, but so many of the things she said were very relatable.
Book that made you cry
I wrote all about books that made me cry in a recent blog post. This one was among them because I connected so much with the story and how intense it was, with some of Liwei’s words in particular making me somewhat teary.
Book that made you happy
This has to be one of the cutest books I have ever read. I loved the main character Nishat and her romance with Flavia, but arguably more so her relationship with her sister, Priti. There is some great moments to be found here as it mixes amusing moments with serious issues regarding race and sexuality.
Favourite book to film adaptation
I have only watched television adaptations so far this year. I really liked series two of Shadow And Bone, while I am currently watching Daisy Jones And The Six.
However, series four of You was the first one not to be based on a book, and it turned out – in my opinion – to be the best series of the show by far. It was truly pulsating to watch.
Most beautiful cover you’ve bought (or received) this year
There are arguably prettier copies of this book than this, but still, it is beautiful. I have been interested in reading this for some time – hopefully before the end of the year!
Favourite posts you have done this year?
Well, this year I have celebrated five years of book blogging with some special posts.
These include the Top 10 books I read in that time.
I also posted a Q&A where I answered questions from fellow book bloggers.
And finally, my favourite book review of 2023 so far is my review of The Bronzed Beasts by Roshani Chokshi.
Let’s Chat
What is your favourite book of the year so far? Have you discovered any great reads that exceeded your expectations? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading :)
Stephen Reads Books 