Chat Between Chapters: Mid-Year Check-In: What books have you loved so far in 2026?

For this discussion post, we are joining the Tell Me Something Tuesday challenge run by Jen at That’s What I’m Talking About. Here’s the topic for this week.

Mid–Year Check-In: What books have you loved so far in 2026?

 

 Julie:

So far I have read just over 60 books in 2026. That’s a dang lot of books! But only a few have stood out in my mind as fabulously amazing that I loved or still think about sometimes. Here they are in order of reading:

1. The Ascended (Aesymarean Duet, #1)  This was an amazing book club read. Totally underrated! Read our full review: Book Review: The Ascended
2. Undead Gods (Undead Gods, #1) Excited to be on this author’s street team cause this and the next book are a fun dark fantasy
3. Undead Oaths (Undead Gods, #2) this one with the God of Death yearning and being super nerdy, ate that up! Read my review of both, Undead Gods and Undead Oaths Review
4. Scythe & Sparrow (The Ruinous Love Trilogy, #3) this whole series has been such a fun dark romp but the first book is still my favorite.
5. Blood Queen (The Trials of Death and Honor Book 2) this series has me grabbed so glad I am ARC reading them. I’m currently reading the third book. Read my review Blood Queen Review and of book 1 Vicious Princess (Netgalley) Review
6. This Story Might Save Your Life we both loved this one – read our review Book Review: This Story Might Save Your Life
7. Forged in Blood (Forged #1) I joined this author’s street team too and am about to read book 2. Book 1 has left me UNWELL!
8. Between Tides & Thunder So thankful to have been on the ARC team for this one. It rearranged my brain. And a standalone! I might just be ordering the special edition. Read my review: Between Tides and Thunder Review
9. Wrath & Desire (Realm of Zadrya #2) I really liked the first book, the second book was heavier but still really good and I’m on board for where we’re going next. The scene with the meddling gods in this book – phew! Read my review: Wrath & Desire Review
10. Tides of Gold and Oblivion (The Council of Cyllene, #2) Very much enjoying this series. Both books I read on the beach. Let’s see if that ever happens for the third. Read my review: Tides of Gold and Oblivion Review
11. Dire Bound (The Wolves of Ruin, #1) I don’t know why I waited so long to finally get into this series. I devoured this one!
12. A Game of Cat and Witch Delicious and fun and hilarious banter with a demon who shapeshifts into a little kitty! And the things he does with shadows! Read my A Game of Cat and Witch Review
13. Shield of Sparrows (Shield of Sparrows, #1) The worldbuilding in this is amazing and that ending! Can’t wait to finally read book 2 – we’re planning to read it together next month! Read our joint review: Book Review: Shield of Sparrows

Ok well 13 great books so far this year is pretty amazing if you ask me!

 

Lynn:

I have read 37 books so far this year. How has Julie found time to read 60?!? Clearly, I need to spend less time scrolling on my phone and more time reading!

In addition to This Story Might Save Your Life and Shield of Sparrows, here are some other books I’ve loved:

• We Are Legion (We Are Bob): I love the concept of clones, but all having their own personalities. Plus the nerdy details are hilarious!
• Love Haters: Everything about this just resonated with me. The characters. The dog. The setting. The romance. This is the rom-com you have been looking for.
• Dungeon Crawler Carl: It’s a cult. Just go ahead and join us. The audio is extraordinary.
• Go Luck Yourself: I love this series. It’s cute! And brings in the holidays in ways you would not expect. This one is a take on St. Patrick’s Day. I’m curious to see where this series goes next.

 

 

 

We are also linking up our discussion posts with the 2026 Book Blog Discussion Challenge hosted by Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight (and co-hosted by us)!

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