Before I dive into the Freakout post, I made a few personal goals last year for 2026. I wanted to read 100 books–well, today I’m at 114, so I’ve blitzed through that goal, yay! I said I wanted to read more Black horror and fantasy–I’ve only read one so far, and started another but DNF’d it because I couldn’t concentrate; so, I’m doing really badly with this. I also said I wanted to read more Asian fantasy–I’ve only read one book so far. The thing is, I own tons of Black and Asian fantasies–I just let shiny new BL syndrome take over. So…in terms of quantity, I’m all set, but the kind of books I’ve been reading have nowhere near approached the goals I’ve set for myself. I need to work harder on this.

Now, let’s get on to the Freakout!

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Best Book You’ve Read So Far this Year

I’ve only read two books of fiction and two writing references books, so almost all of my choices for the mid-year Freakout will be comics, manga, or graphic novels.

The Reaper and the Waiting takes the cake as a beautiful story about a man reincarnated as a Reaper (like the Grim Reaper) and the spirit that follows him, who simply says, “I’m Waiting.” The trick is the two of them knew each other when they were alive, and The Waiting harbors love for the Reaper even after centuries have passed, when his memories were supposed to have been erased. A tale of reincarnation, tragedy, death, and love, I adored the chance to write an advanced review for NetGalley of this book, and I bought it as soon as it released to add to my permanent collection. The art is gorgeous, just as much as the story is.

Best sequel you’ve read so far this year

I haven’t read much in the way of sequels but this one took me by surprise. I absolutely loved Volume 1, about a hairdresser who adores an aging rock and roll star…and when this star goes in for a private haircut, sparks fly! It was such a sweet, romantic story that questioned whether or not the hairdresser, Harutaka, actually loves the rock star Himemiya, or is simply idolizing him as a fan. The push-and-pull of this continues into Volume 2, where we see more of the loving couple, but more tests on their relationship, too. Because of this being a romance, there’s an HEA, and I had so much fun with this sequel. I want these two to stay together forever. And even more, I want this released in paperback (it’s digital only right now).

A new release you haven’t read but want to

This just came out in May and I ordered a deluxe copy (artsy interiors, sprayed edges, etc.) that’s been added to my personal library along with other deluxe books. But I haven’t read this yet!! Here’s the description, and it sounds so interesting:

Orphaned as a baby, Shay has spent her life training as the midwife’s apprentice. Her role grants her stability, yet Shay has always yearned for more. Namely, motherly affection and answers regarding her mysterious birth—neither of which the midwife deems practical to provide.

After Shay discovers her birth mother, Hind, is still alive and addicted to a magical drug called Snow, she determines to get the woman clean. But when Hind betrays Shay to get her hands on more Snow, Shay’s abandoned within a deadly forest and forced to rely on band of monstrous ghouls for safety.

Shay’s realm has long stood on the brink of war between the men who control magic and the revolutionaries who want to eliminate it. But in the forest, Shay hears the pleading call of ancient spirits who claim that not only has magic been stolen, but Shay has the power to return it. With the help of a spitfire revolutionary and the boy who’s winning over her heart, Shay discovers the horrific truth of who produces Snow and will have to decide for herself whether to heed the spirits’ charge or fade into obscurity.

This emotionally raw and gorgeously rendered fairy tale combines the lush worldbuilding of This Woven Kingdom with the mother trauma of Snow White and a dash of Tim Burton. Steeped in mysticism and mythology, The Lustrous Dark confronts injustices against women with a righteous scream that’ll inspire readers to rally against the patriarchy and oppressive regimes worldwide.

Your Most Anticipated Book for the Rest of 2026

This comes out this month and is the final volume in this short series. I have to wait a bit to buy it because I have bills to pay. Anyway, I’ve given Volumes 1 & 2 five stars, and it’s a childhood friends-to-lovers story where one friend has been pining away silently (but dropping hints) while the other is oblivious. Both of them have been inseparable most of their lives, and now it’s time to take it to the next step.

In Volume 3, the two are established lovers, have come out to their mothers, and live together. It’s time for them to take on “real world” jobs, and the two have to deal with loneliness and an even harder to maintain work-life balance to ensure their love continues to grow. Real life always gets in the way, doesn’t it?

Biggest disappointment so far

I don’t have one! I’ve actually really enjoyed everything I’ve read so far this year, even my three-star reads. I haven’t considered anything this year to be a two-star or below.

Biggest surprise so far

I am surprised this comic hasn’t gotten more love. I gave it five stars and thought it was brilliant. It has a 3.88 on Goodreads right now, which isn’t terrible, but a good chunk of people found it confusing or too weird. Actually, I agree that this is a weird and confusing comic, but something about it felt so creative and deep to me, even though I didn’t 100% understand it.

New favorite author

I didn’t read a lot of new people this year yet. And I haven’t actually read Jenna Moreci’s fiction, but this particular book helped me out so much and was a lot of fun to read, that I have since gone back and added Moreci’s other nonfiction book, Shut Up and Write the Book to my wishlist.

New favorite character

Meka, the daughter of embalmers/undertakers/funeral home directors, is a great narrator in an intriguing story that is a nod to Frankenstein while being wholly unique. Filled with love, a bit of horror and mystery, I thought Meka had a great voice and personality, and I could follow here anywhere.

New favorite ship

Mayo and Mr. Ogino kind of have some dubious moments in this manga, but Ogino’s devotion to Mayo, and Mayo’s torrent of emotions and uncertainty make me want this couple to succeed.

A book that made you cry

Nothing’s made me tear up yet so far!

A book that made you happy

This is a really unique fantasy BL in terms of the world that’s been built. And the demon king in this story has saved and raised a baby griffin who would have died in his egg…and the griffin can also turn into a human. The griffin is pretty much raised as a human for most of his life, but transforms into his griffin form to fly over the kingdom and protect it.

The griffin, named Topaz, has grown up loving the Demon King (Kougyoku), but that love has turned from familial to romantic, and the Demon King plays oblivious…and dismisses Topaz’s intentions. Will these two find the love they feel for each other?

Usually I’m not a fan of children falling in love with their fatherly figures, but something about this book feels different, and I didn’t mind. That, along with the very creative world and storyline, made this book a winner for me, along with its HEA.

The most beautiful book you’ve bought this year

I briefly joined Fae Crate just to get this special edition. It’s beautiful.

Books you want to read by the end of this year

This is actually not the complete list. I have tons more BL to read, more Asian and Black fantasy/horror that I already own, and then the physical books I purchased and haven’t read yet. There’s too many of those, but I at least want to knock through the ones on my bedroom shelf.