Mid Year Freak Out Tag 2025
While I am on track with my reading goal of 50 books, I have not been reading consistently. I have been reading more manga this year which is why I felt confident placing a higher reading goal for the year, but my consumption of other books has slowed down (also the fact I have renewed my interest in reading fanfiction). I am still attempting to read through my physical TBR, only buying new releases from my favorite authors and ebooks that go on sale. I have also started my Celtic mythology study which includes more books I own.
I’m still trying to find my daily reading habit because I know I am a happier person when I am reading, filling that creative well that I pull from to write my own books. My goal is two chapters a day and we’ll see if it is sustainable for me. I have also have cleared out my TBR (both physically and on StoryGraph) of books I know I won’t get around to reading.
As always, you can check out my reviews and other stats on StoryGraph: https:// app.thestorygraph.com/profile/sierrajwrites
Best Book You’ve Read So Far in 2025
The Golden Raven by Nora Sakavic
These books will hold my favorite spot for the foreseeable future. I still can’t believe we are getting TWO more books after The Broken Cage. This series and its characters hold a deep place in my heart, shaped me into who I am today. If I haven’t convinced you to read the All for the Game series by now, consider this another reminder.
Best Sequel You’ve Read so Far in 2025
How to Sell Your Blood and Fall in Love by D.N. Bryn
While I enjoyed the first book, the second one blew me away. I connected to Clem so much as a demisexual autistic person myself and this was the best writing of both I have read so far. The love story was also just very sweet.
New Release You Haven’t Read Yet, But Want to
Luca by Eryn Hawk
This is the third book in their Veiled City series. I am apprehensive for this story, but Eryn’s banter and spice always slaps so hard.
Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year
The Court of the Dead by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro
I did not know we were getting another Nico di Angelo book and I am so excited!
Biggest Disappointment
The Titan’s Bride by ITKZ
It wasn’t bad, but I have felt no drive to pick up the next three volumes. I will finish the series eventually, but I might read it online.
Biggest Surprise
The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella
I don’t know what it was—the magic system, the characters, the storyline—but this book was nothing like what I expected. It was so good and really kickstarted my reads for the year.
Favorite New Author (Debut or New to You)
Tavia Lark
I picked up the Prince and Assassin ebook on sale because one of my readers (@readingwithsof on ig) really likes the series. I was hooked from page one and have asked for the whole series for my birthday so I can just binge all of them.
Newest Fictional Crush
Alex— Cloudy with a Chance of Bad Decisions by Fae Quin
Who doesn’t want a baby Dom who just wants to spoil you? (And punches your abusive ex in the face.)
Newest Favorite Character
Tsugumi from Megumi & Tsugumi by Mitsuru Si
The peak persona of ‘looks like they could kill you, is actually a cinnamon roll’. This baby has no idea what is going on 99% of the time, not even his own feelings, but he tries so hard at everything.
Book That Made You Cry
The Golden Raven by Nora Sakavic
Not quite, but I consider the emotional abuse it put me through to be close enough.
Book That Made You Happy
Cloudy with a Chance of Bad Decisions by Fae Quin
Fae’s writing is like a warm hug, it is the most comforting thing, but this was the hardest I have laughed at one of her books. The banter was insane and the supporting cast of characters were hilarious.
Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought (or Received) So Far This Year
The Golden Raven by Nora Sakavic
I am still waiting for @||starcaster|| to post their cover sleeve design which will be coming out in their summer shop update, but I know it will be amazing!
What Books Do You Need to Read Before the End of the Year
A few series to catch up on and a few I just really want to read.
Armor of the Dusk by Jess Galaxie—How To Bare Your Neck & Save a Wreck by D.N. Bryn—A Treasury of Irish Fairy and Folk Tales by Various Authors—Fence by C.S. Pacat (comics)—10 Things I Want To Do Before I Turn 40 by Mamita
List of Complete Reads so far in 2025:
The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella
Prince and Assassin by Tavia Lark
Secrets & Sake by C.J. Ravenna
That Time I Got Stuck to the Guy I Hate by Tarona
The Titan’s Bride vol.1-3 by ITKZ—How My Daddies Became Mates vol.1-2 by Mikkamita
Megumi & Tsugumi vol.1-5 by Mitsuru Si
The Golden Raven by Nora Sakavic
Wind Breaker vol. 9-11 by Satoru Nii
How to Sell Your Blood and Fall in Love by D.N. Bryn
The Metalhead Next Door by Mamita
The Dangerous Convenience Store vol.5 by 945
My Heart by Sierra J. Meril (short story available on my Patreon)
Cloudy with a Chance of Bad Decisions by Fae Quin
Currently reading:
Lord of Silver Ashes by Kellen Graves (49%)
Feathers of the Dawn by Jess Galaxie (71%) (waiting to buy the sequel…)
The Elements Encyclopedia of the Celts by Rodney Castleden (2%)
A Bone in His Teeth by Kellen Graves (4%)
After finishing my current read, my plan is to pick up the next two books in the Dreamer trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater as I miss these characters and it feels like a very summer-y read.