This original tag is from Words About Words and is inspired by one of college basketball's most nail-biting and competitive events. The funny thing is, I'm not really into basketball, although my Dad was. He tried to instill in us an interest in it...I remember in Flushing him teaching us Around the World and Horse. I was never very good but I have very positive memories of this time. So...I'm doing a basketball-themed reading tag. Huzzah!
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Selection Sunday: an upcoming release that you are looking forward to
This novel comes out July 15, 2025 and is all about witches, old manuscripts, and academia. I like Moreno-Garcia's writing style after reading Mexican Gothic and she's been on my radar since.
Sweet 16: a teen protagonist that you love
I have a soft spot for Julian Diaz. He's really funny, goofy, and romantic, and completely accepts Yadriel as a brujo and a man. While I liked pretty much every character in the book, Julian has stayed in my memory....especially with the car scene with Yadriel!
Final 4: any top four books you think of. Top four you have read recently? Top four you have bought and are eager to get to? Top four books on your TBR? Top four books on your shelf? Be creative!
These are the last four hardcovers I most recently purchased. Of course, I haven't read them yet because my Kindle is stealing all of my attention away, but based on the descriptions and reviews, these all seemed like keepers to me. Plus, most of them are special editions with extra art and sprayed edges, which works for someone who likes to collect nice books.
Championship Game: a book that has a competition or duel
Here's the thing: The Hunger Games was so groundbreaking in terms of deadly competitions that almost every book that contains one is compared to Suzanne Collins's work, whether it's justified or not. It is a trope-maker of a book and almost every YA fantasy tries to live up to the expectations The Hunger Games has set. That's why this is the only example I could have come up with. It's so famous!
16 Seed: an underrated book/series that deserves love
There's an older group of romance books that my mom had by Pamela Belle called the Heron Quartet. The series starts with The Moon in the Water, a historical romance set in the 1600s that I absolutely loved. It's since been revamped with new covers for Kindle, so maybe more people have discovered it, but because it was published in 1983 I'm sure it doesn't quite have the audience it used to.
The top #1 Seed: a good (but over-hyped) book
I really enjoy Holly Black's Folk of the Air series that starts with The Cruel Prince, but the hype for this book was huge and it still continues to this day--lots of fanfiction, fan art, merchandise, the publication of related books, special editions, etc. This is a major series in the lauded halls of YA.
Buzzer Beater: a book that surprised you (in a good or bad way)
I knew this was vaguely an adaptation of Sleeping Beauty, but I had no idea I would have so much fun with this book. This cemented Alix E. Harrow as someone to watch, and I've read more of her books because of this one.
Favorite Team: your favorite squad in a book
I really enjoyed the friends group in Anna Dressed in Blood. It's been a while since I've read this book so I can't remember who all was a part of it, but it was nice that the lead didn't have to go on his adventures alone. The sequel, Girl of Nightmares has the squad doing more daring and frightful things together.
Mascot: favorite animal sidekick
Silas from Sorcery of Thorns. He's a servant to Nathaniel Thorn, a contracted demon, but he also appears as a fluffy white cat.
Bracket Buster: a book that hurt you
I've referred to this book several times over the course of this blog. I haven't read anything as spooky, infuriating, devastating, and tragic since. It hurt me in that it made me cry.
Sports Bar: a book with a great setting
Narnia has stayed in my mind since I was a little kid. Full of fabulous creatures and a multitude of magic, it's a place I always wanted to visit, even though it's a little dangerous, too.
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