The 2025 Mid-Year Freakout Book Tag is a great way to look at what you’ve read during the first six months of the year. I first participated in this tag in 2024. It was a lot of fun, so I’m back for the 2025 Mid-Year Freakout Book Tag. Feel free to join in! The questions are at the end of this post for easy participation. Just copy and paste them into your own blog.

Best Book You’ve Read So Far in 2025

This comes as a surprise to me, but it’s a middle grade book. I rarely read middle grade, but when I saw Kate McKinnon’s name attached to THE MILLICENT QUIBB SCHOOL OF ETIQUETTE FOR YOUNG LADIES OF MAD SCIENCE, I just had to read it. I opted for the audiobook version, which was an excellent choice. McKinnon is a phenomenal narrator and her humor comes through in abundance. It’s the first of a series, the second of which comes out in the U.S. on September 30.

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far In 2025

I’ve read four sequels this year. Of the two I gave a higher rating to EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD EXCEPT ME by Django Wexler.* I was slightly unsure about the series when I read (and reviewed) the first book. But the duology finale has some growth and reflection, which allowed me to connect more with the story. I also thought the ending rather exciting. This is a fun, raunchy, queer fantasy duology that definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously. Check it out if you’re looking for something different.

*Wait, that’s a small lie. I also read CROWN OF MIDNIGHT by SJM, but let’s give another author some air time. 🙂

New Releases You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

Oh, my list for this is long, as always. These are some recent releases that I want to read but haven’t yet done so. I’m sticking to 2025 releases for this question.

ROSE IN CHAINS is out July 8 in the U.S., but I already have my Fairyloot Romantasy subscription copy, so I included it. I have an ARC of SIX WILD CROWNS, but still need to get to it. And, oh, how I would’ve loved to read ROLL FOR LOVE, a queer D&D romance; but I found out about it relatively late and the publisher never responded to my NetGalley request, so I pulled it. (Obviously, I’ll get it from the library or something at some point.) And THE PALACE OF ILLUSIONS is a Nutcracker-inspired fantasy, so another obvious read for me.

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

This is a tough question for two reasons: 1) so many books and 2) I haven’t really looked past September. The one that immediately pops into my mind is THE FAERIE MORGANA by Louisa Morgan. As the title alludes to, it’s an Arthurian fantasy that reimagines the story of Morgan Le Fay. Am I super behind on all the other Arthurian books I have? Yes. Do I need another one? Also, yes. Apparently Louisa Morgan is not a debut author, but this is the first time I’ve heard of her. If I like this one, then I just may have to peruse her backlog.

Biggest Disappointment

Considering how much I see Adrienne Young’s name around bookish social media, I expected SKY IN THE DEEP to be a slam dunk. Unfortunately, I thought it was very mid and I don’t plan to continue the series. Of course, perhaps I just didn’t get the full on experience since I read it as an audiobook. (I usually can’t retain or engage as much via audio, which is why I never formally review audiobooks.) But regardless, I was bored. And the plot was too simple for me. I hope my opinion about this author is a one off since I have one more book on my shelf from her–a special edition, no less, one of my first from either Fairyloot or Illumicrate.

Biggest Surprise

I picked up THE HATE YOU GIVE via audiobook because I’d heard it was on some banned books lists. I didn’t have many expectations going in because it’s a Young Adult book. Generally, YA books are usually just ok for me (I mean, I’m not a YA, so that’s to be expected). Sometimes I’ll find one I really like, and this is one of them. I really loved the narration of the audiobook. The plot is heavy, but also important to read about and sit with. There’s also commentary on different aspects of Black culture and the racism/microaggression the main character even encounters with one of her so-called best friends.

Favorite New Author (Debut or New to You)

Amanda Elliot is not a debut author but she’s new to me. I found out about her when I saw her LOVE YOU A LATKE romance circulating on social media last winter. I read it back in February to stay in season with the cold weather and a cozy read. While I don’t read a ton of contemporary romance, I really enjoyed this one. It’s a “she’s grumpy” and “he’s sunshine” situation. It also has Jewish main characters, which is lovely if you want to diversify your reading. There’s not really any overt miscommunication, which I really appreciate. So check this out for a seasonal romance!

Newest Fictional Crush

Hm, like last year, I don’t think I’ve yet read anything with a male main character who could substitute for Rhysand. The closest character that comes to mind is Rodrick from THE KNIGHT AND THE MOTH by Rachel Gillig. He initially comes off as hard and uncaring, but he’s more or less a cinnamon role on the inside. I thought this was a solid first installment of a new series. There’s lots of room for growth and plot development, so I look forward to continuing on with Sybil and Rodrick.

Newest Favorite Character

I mean, I hate to repeat an answer, but the Gargoyle in THE KNIGHT AND THE MOTH is a fantastic character. I shall say no more. Read it for yourself!

A Book That Made You Cry

Even though I liked the first two books better, the ending of THE NIGHTSHADE GOD still made me cry. I just felt so much for Lore’s particular situation. To have to watch that happen just made me sad for her.

A Book That Made You Happy

I have to repeat another answer here because I really did love the MILLICENT QUIBB book. I definitely laughed throughout parts of it. It was so much fun.

The Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought So Far This Year

I really loved my Fairyloot special edition of THE TELLER OF SMALL FORTUNES by Julie Leong. There was a cat on the front and gorgeous plant details on the edge. But I’ve told myself that no matter how beautiful a book is, that if I doubt I’ll reread it again, then off it goes. So I sold it and I hope that new owner loves it. Of the books I received and kept so far this year, then probably A MONSOON RISING or BURY OUR BONES IN THE MIDNIGHT SOIL.

Books You Need to Read By the End of the Year

There are a few I want to read because I want to know whether to order the sequels from Fairyloot. SERVANT OF EARTH is not a Fairyloot book, but its sequel comes out in just a few months, surprisingly. I already have the B&N edition of A CURSE CARVED IN BONE. So, I’m leaning toward not ordering the Fairyloot version; but I’d still like to know for sure before the sale. I have an ARC of ASCENSION and plan to read it very soon.

Favorite Book to Movie Adaptation

I haven’t watched any adaptations of books I’ve read this year. I read ANNIHILATION by Jeff Vandermeer and only found out about the movie afterward. I’d rather finish the main series first before I watch the movie.

2025 Mid-Year Freakout Book Tag Questions

Best Book You’ve Read So Far in 2025
Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far In 2025
New Releases You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To
Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year
Biggest Disappointment
Biggest Surprise
Favorite New Author (Debut or New to You)
Newest Fictional Crush
Newest Favorite Character
A Book That Made You Cry
A Book That Made You Happy
The Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought So Far This Year
Books You Need to Read By the End of the Year
Favorite Book to Movie Adaptation

And that’s it for the 2025 Mid-Year Freakout Book Tag! Feel free to join in the fun.