Mid-Year Freakout Book Tag (2025)

It's that time of year again–the time where we freak out about how we're already halfway through the year, and haven't read nearly as many books as we wanted to by this point. 

I believe that this tag originated with Alexandra Roselyn on YouTube. I left out a couple questions, so be sure to check out the original tag! All covers are linked to Goodreads in case you'd like to learn more about a particular book.

BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ SO FAR IN 2025

Here One Moment was a wonderfully engaging story and also very thought-provoking. I definitely want to read more books by Liane Moriarty in the future!

BEST SEQUEL YOU’VE READ SO FAR IN 2025

This is not the last time you'll see The Winners on this post. Let's just leave it at that for now.

NEW RELEASE YOU HAVEN’T READ YET, BUT WANT TO

(Release date: May 6, 2025) I've heard it's so good and I want to read it so badly, I just haven't gotten around to it yet because of various challenges and goals I need to get to first.

MOST ANTICIPATED RELEASE FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2025

I'm going to cheat a little bit with this one and go with three:

The Last Tiger, by Julia Riew (July 29, 2025)

A Stage Set for Villains, by Shannon J. Spann (September 2, 2025)

Boleyn Traitor, by Philippa Gregory (October 14, 2025)

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF 2025 SO FAR

This could have been such a good book, and I've found myself thinking about it and applying it to my life since reading it, but the author's supercilious tone spoiled the enjoyment of reading it for me.

BIGGEST SURPRISE OF 2025 SO FAR

See? Classics are worth reading! Who knew I would enjoy a story about rabbits so much?

NEWEST FICTIONAL CRUSH OF 2025

It's gotta be Daindreth from Elisabeth Wheatley's Daindreth's Assassin series. *SPOILER INCOMING* Despite having an actual literal demon living inside his head *END OF SPOILER*, he is one of the kindest, most honorable and considerate male fantasy leads I have been privileged to come across.

NEWEST FAVORITE CHARACTER OF 2025

Lore from The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten. She hates the power she possesses and cares about justice–but at the end of the day, she's on Team Lore. She will always prioritize her own survival. Which is such a refreshingly human trait!

BOOK THAT MADE YOU CRY IN 2025

This is the last time you'll see The Winners on this post. Enough said. (*Retreats into corner and sobs quietly*)

BOOK THAT MADE YOU HAPPY IN 2025

As You Wish was a reread for me and I loved every minute of it. I listened to the audiobook (highly recommended) and it helped me greatly through at least one very stressful car ride.

WHAT BOOKS DO YOU REALLY NEED TO READ BY THE END OF THIS YEAR?

I received Demon Copperhead for Christmas and still haven't read it! But I intend to this summer.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much are you freaking out that we're already halfway through 2025? What books do you really, really need to read SOON? If you're participating in the Mid-Year Freakout Tag this year, drop the link in the comments so I can check it out!