Mid-Year Book Freak Out 2025

Happy Sunday and welcome to the Mid-Year Book Freak Out of 2024 everyone!  I've been taking part in this since 2015 - if you like you can check out my previous posts from 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.  It's always good to see what everyone else has been reading via this tag and I know I'll be adding a more and more books to my already overflowing TBR.  By the way, this tag was originally created by ReadLikeWildFire and Earl Grey Books (way back when, that is). Without further ado, let's get to it:

1. Best book you've read so far in 2025.

James by Percival Everett - This was amazing and I 100% see why it's won and/ or been nominated for all the awards it has.  If you're looking for a retelling of a work of classic literature, I can't recommend this enough.

2. Best sequel you've read so far in 2025.

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear (Wayward Children #10) by Seanan McGuire - Honestly, I love the whole series and for me this installment has become one of the best.  It was good to see Nadya again.  I can't wait for book eleven's release next year.

3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to.

Hollow Terrors (Little Terrors #3) by Margaret Owen - I loved the first two books in this series, but I haven't gotten to it yet.  I'm on hold for the audiobook via Libby.  I hope it won't be too much longer!

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

Brigands & Breadknives (Legends & Lattes #2) by Travis Baldree - Release date: November 11th, 2025 - I don't know if I can express how excited I am to return to this world!

5. Biggest disappointment.

Bodies by Si Spencer - I absolutely loved the Netflix limited series Bodies (2023), so I was hoping against hope after seeing the ratings and reviews of the graphic novel that inspired it.  Turns out it was pretty bad.  

6. Biggest surprise.

The September House by Carissa Orlando - I picked this up on a whim from my library because it quickly became a new favorite horror story.  If you're a fan of Grady Hendrix, T. Kingfisher, Darcy Coates, and Simone St. James, you'll need to try this it.  

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you).

Wataru Nadatani - I had no expectations for the Cat + Gamer manga series, but I'm hooked and I've already read all seven volumes that have currently been released.  Volume eight which will be the finale is to be released in August.  I almost don't know what I'll do when it's all over.

8. Newest favorite character.

Jeeves and Wooster from My Man Jeeves (Jeeves #1) by P.G. Wodehouse - I loved the tv adaptation with Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, but this year I tried the story that started it all.  I love their dynamic.  I feel like I should rewatch the tv series!

9. Book that made you happy.

 

Ghosts: The Button House Archives by Matthew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, and Ben Willbond - I love this tv series (and its American remake) so much and this was just a delight.  Maybe they'll do one of these for the American series in the future.

10. Book that made you cry.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White - I was choked up several times throughout this YA history fantasy horror novel.  It was tough, but it was more than well worth reading - the narrator was especially good/

11. Best book to film adaptation?

Film: The Count of Monte Cristo (2024) - I'm a big fan of the original classic story from Alexandre Dumas as well as several adaptations.  As it turns out, I'd say this new French adaptation is my favorite of the group and also a favorite movie watched this year as well.  Pierre Niney's performance as Edmond really makes it.   I wish I could have seen this on the big screen, but it was still fantastic no matter what.

Film: Runner Up: Mickey 17 (2025) - It's a bit different from the book, Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, that it's based on, but I loved how this was adapted for the screen.  It's easily my favorite Robert Pattinson performance(s).

12. Favorite post you have done this year?

2024 End of Year Movie Survey - I have a few that are favorites of my own this year, but I just love putting these posts together when they feature movies or something a bit different.  It was originally posted on January 8th, 2025.

13. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received).

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (Moribito #1) by Nahoko Uehashi - This fantasy adventure was a series opener I didn't know how much I needed in my life.  Plus, just look at that amazing cover!

14. What books do you need to read by the end of this year?

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab - Please, I need it!

15. Best hidden gem.

Les Normaux by Janine Janssen with S. Al Sabado - I went into this blind after having it recommended to me for my 12 Challenge 2025.  It was so refreshing and I had no idea how much I needed it.  I need the upcoming volume two asap, please and thank you.

Have you read any of these books?  What are some of your favorite reads of 2025 so far?  As always, thanks for visiting my blog and perhaps even commenting down below!