Midyear Reading In Review | Favorites So Far

June, already? It's that time of year everyone. We're halfway through the year, which means I read (or should've read) a lot of great books by now. I should just make it easier and choose my favorites now so I don't have to make such hard decisions at the end of the year. 

Best Contemporary

It was either between this title or The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson and let me tell you, that wasn't an easy decision to make. Majority of the books I've read thus far have been contemporary so it was a hard choice to make. In the end, this book stuck with me the most. Its message really gets to its readers and as I stated in my review, it covers a whole spectrum of topics that are relevant in our society- confusion on sexual orientation, dangers of talking to online strangers, bullying and even sibling rivalry. The author was able to include all that and the game of hockey without it getting too crazy. That's impressive. You can find my review, here


Best OTP

#FEYRHYS/#FEYSAND. Were you surprised? I don't know if you follow me on my other social media platforms but I'm completely won over by Rhysand and Feyre. If you recall from my A Court of Thorns and Roses review, I said I was in love with Tamlin, but I guess we didn't get to see his true personality in ACOTAR. Something snapped in Tamlin when he was under the mountain. Sure I understand his love for Feyre but if he loves her so much, why won't he just freaking listen to her. Rhys, on the other hand, understands Feyre better than she understands herself. The trust they have for each other is just so adorable and when they flirt, I get goosebumps on my skin! They call each other names and make each other's skin crawl. I made a Tumblr account because of this OTP. I spent $54 on Society6 because of this OTP! I failed my Japanese final because of this OTP!!! I basically just died for this OTP. If you have yet to read this series, WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE??


Runner Up - Best OTP

It took a lot out of me just to choose between FeyreXRhysand and KestrelXArin. Although I chose Feyre and Rhysand as the best OTP, the couple in this book still deserves a huge pat on the back. In the beginning of the series, Arin has a strong hatred for Kestrel. I mean, she did buy him as a house slave. But when they slowly start to fall in love, you can see the tension, the angst and just the GODDAMN admiration they have for each other. They both put each other on a pedestal and look up to each other. The relationship development was spot on and you can't help but love the snark and the banter that these two characters constantly throw.  


Best Fantasy 

I read a good number of fantasy novels these past few months, but none compared to V.E. Schwab's exquisite masterpiece. Of all of Schwab's titles, I think the A Darker Shade of Magic books are the most well-known. The characters are so lovable and admirable. Specifically in this series Schwab creates parallel worlds that seem like they could be real. This book evokes incredible imagery and visualization. It makes you think, "Wow, how did the author come up with this concept?". Plus her books always leave off on cliffhangers, so you'll be yearning for more by the end! 



Best Book (Overall)

I can't give this book enough praise. I think it's extremely neglected and it wasn't given enough attention during publication. There are just so many great things to mention. First starting off with the feminist representation in this book! Like HOLY FOSHIZZLE this book follows a team called Defiance, and they are one of the top ranked teams in the RAGE tournaments. Out of the five teammates, three were girls. I mean, talk about female representation! We have a majority girl gaming team that is one of the top ranked in the tournaments! That just made me really happy. Some people might argue that the role of the females were undermined since they casually when to clubs and were the ones that 'seduced' the guys, but I didn't feel that at all. In fact, the main protag Kali Ling stole the show! The focus of the book was her debut as the first female captain of a championship team and her struggle with battling addiction. Addicted to the virtual world, that is. This book also had a NA romance! Oh goodness you don't know how long I've been wanting to step out of my comfort zone of cliche YA romances. It was refreshing, brilliant and hilarious!! Read my review, here!

Extra: Most Anticipated of Fall 2016

*grabby hands, needs now*
Heist. Romance. LGBT. Guy with gloves. Need I say more?

What have been your favorite so far?

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16 comments

  1. I love how you organized this post. Picking favorites is always so hard for me.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. I think it's hard for everyone, and that's why I decided to this now :D it's a great way to break up your thoughts and reflect at the end of the year.

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  2. I need to read ACOTAR soon, since everyone is crazy about ACOMAF!! And Crooked Kingdom is also my anticipated fall release. Can't wait to see what happens with Kaz and co!

    Tasya // The Literary Huntress

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    1. I highly highly suggest the ACOTAR series. Be prepared to be propelled into the craziest fandom out there :P Thanks for reading <3

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  3. Awesome post, Alexandria! I've heard only positive things about Jerk Bait and I'm very excited to read it. And Feysand completely killed me. My heart! <3 Adsom is in my tbr too :-)

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    1. It still gets to me. I see a lot of people in the comments haven't read ADSOM. We should have a readathon :D

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  4. I haven't read any of these but Jerk Bait sounds great! My favorites so far have been The Raven King, Every Exquisite Thing and Dear Fang, With Love! I hope the second half of the year is just as successful!!

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    1. I'm glad to hear Every Exquisite Thing didn't disappoint! My first Matthew Quick book was Forgive Me Leonard Peacock and that was enough to hook me in his writing! I can't wait to pick that up. DON'T KILL ME YET BUT I HAVEN'T GOTTEN MY COPY OF THE RAVEN KING YET *hides away*

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  5. I just finished ACOMAF last week and I am beyond shipping those two!!!!

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    1. Have you been able to sleeeppp? BECAUSE I HAVEN'T. Those two are killing me. Why can't all relationships be like #Feysand. A better question is, why can't my relationship be like #Feysand??

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  6. Just bought myself a copy if ADSOM so I'm quite excited to finally get to see why everyone loves the series so much! :D

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    1. Oh it really is something. I still can't believe this is the only series I've picked up by VE Schwab!

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  7. My copy of A Gathering of Shadows is waiting for me at home and I am beyond excited to start it!

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    1. It seems as if everyone in the comments hasn't read ADSOM. I should host a readathon. I kind of want to devour her books all over again *thinks hard*

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  8. After reading this, I had to go and add Arena on Goodreads. It sounds fantastic, I love that it's about female characters in gaming. From the other books, I can't wait to read ADSOM and I need to finish The Grisha trilogy because I'm dying to read Six of Crows, I have heard great things about it.

    Great job with this post!

    Sofia @ Bookish Wanderess

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    1. Actually I liked Six of Crows so much more than the Grisha trilogy. I just think overall the storyline was better and the characters were ... ahhhh gahhh omg they were so lovable. Arena is a book I'd recommend you pick up the most. I can see that book being in my top favorites of this year as well! Thanks for reading :D

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