Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

[Book Tag] End of the Year Book Survey (2018)

     Erica Robyn      22 Comments

End of the Year Book Survey (2018)

I have to admit that I totally surprised myself with the number of books I was able to read this year!

And of course I am thrilled to be participating in the End Of The Year Book Survey again this year. If you’d like to check out my previous posts, feel free- 2016, 2017.

Let’s dive in to my 2018 survey!

End Of The Year Book Survey- 2018 

Number Of Books You Read: 115
Number Of Re-Reads: 4
Genre You Read Most From: Horror and Fantasy

Additional stats I wanted to share:
My rating breakdown for the year:

  • 5 stars- 57
  • 4 stars- 34
  • 3 stars- 14
  • 2 stars- 7
  • 1 star- 3
  • DNF- 9

Honest reviews accepted in 2018: 46

Part 1: Best in Books

Best Book You Read in 2018?
Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear

This was SO HARD to pick but this is definitely the book that really stands out from my reading list from this year. I thought that this book was totally captivating crime novel! Many times, I thought I had the plot all figured out, but I had no idea how deep the darkness of this one went! 

Books You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

I was so pumped to read this when my work book club picked it. I ran out immediately and snagged a copy from Bookery. When I started reading, I just could not get into it. I had to DNF.

Most Surprising (In A Good Or Bad Way) Book You Read?
Good Way- Mask Beneath Her Face by Rafael Chandler
I was not expecting the level of gore in this one! I loved it.

Bad Way- The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar
I had heard such good things about this one, but my goodness was it a miss for me.

Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?
Soul Render by T.L. Branson

I definitely talked the most about this book out of my entire reading list for 2018. I certainly hope a few people picked this up because of my ravings! It’s such a good fantasy read!

Best Series You Started In 2018?
Liminal Sky Series by J. Scott Coatsworth

I loved the first book of this series (The Stark Divide) and I cannot wait to dive into book two! Book three comes out this year!

Best Sequel of 2018?
Force of Nature (Aaron Falk #2) by Jane Harper

I was a bit hesitant to read this one because I thought The Dry was so good as a standalone, but I was thrilled with how much I enjoyed this one! Now I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Best Series Ender of 2018?
I didn’t read any series enders this year.

Favorite New Author You Discovered In 2018?
Joanna Schaffhausen 

This year I picked up The Vanishing Season and I fell in love with this authors style. I cannot wait to read more of her work! 

Best Book From A Genre You Don’t Typically Read/Was Out Of Your Comfort Zone?
Kublai Khan: Khan of Mongol, Emperor of China from in60Learning

I don’t read history books very frequently simply because I usually find them to be very dry. When I received an email from someone at in60learning, I was a bit hesitant. However, I am very happy that I gave this one a chance because this book did a wonderful job keeping me engaged in the history. 

Most Action-Packed/Thrilling/Unputdownable Book Of The Year?
Weight of Ashes by Rook Winters

This book was an awesome read set in a dystopian aftermath that was filled with action, devastation, and a whole lot of heart! This was such an enthralling read! Right from the start, I was drawn right into the action and it never let up! I was constantly on edge; just waiting to see what would happen next. So needless to say, I thought that the plot was incredible and the writing style was fantastic! It was so easy to get totally immersed in the tale and everything from the dialogue to the action sequences, it all flowed so well.

Book You Read In 2018 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?
The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy #1)

I loved this book so much. When I finished it, I immediately ordered the second book and preordered the third. The third book comes out in January 2019, so I will definitely be rereading this one so I can jump into the next books!

Favorite Cover Of A Book You Read In 2018?
Elevation by Stephen King

This book cover was so lovely! 

Most Memorable Character Of 2018?
Hug Chickenpenny

I read Hug Chickenpenny: The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child by S. Craig Zahler for my work book club. The book itself was a wonderfully bizarre but heartbreaking tale filled to the brim with symbolism. Hug was such an amazing character! He was so unique and otherworldly. Right from the synopsis you can tell that he doesn’t have an easy life. But no matter what was thrown his way, he remained hopeful and positive. Needless to say, he was a character that I really rooted for! And I just loved that he went around saying, “Don’t be mean.”

Most Beautifully Written Book Read In 2018?
A Little Tea Book: All the Essentials from Leaf to Cup Sebastian Beckwith, Caroline Paul, Wendy MacNaughton (Illustrations)
I just loved how this book was put together! I highly recommend this one to any tea lover!

Most Thought-Provoking/Life-Changing Book Of 2018?
New Hampshire Book of the Dead:: Graveyard Legends and Lore by Roxie J. Zwicker

This was such a thought-provoking read! I found myself sitting there staring off into space while reading this just because of how interesting various tales were. And of course, because it was local, it was even more interesting to me. 

Book You Can’t Believe You Waited UNTIL 2018 To Finally Read?
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman 

This one sat unread on my shelf for far too long. 

Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2018?
The eye, the memory – they’re the trickiest liars. Only the camera lenses captures the truth, and just for a moment. –Under My Skin by Lisa Unger 

Shortest & Longest Books You Read In 2016?
Shortest– 10 pages- That’s Not My Bear by Fiona Watt
Longest– 692 pages- NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

Book That Shocked You The Most?
The Murders of Molly Southbourne by Tade Thompson

This was such an original horror story filled with life, death, and lots of blood. While reading, I felt very unsettled and anxious throughout; I loved it!

Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year?
All Relationships in Ethan and the Key by Dennis Canfield

I adored each of the relationships between various others and the main character of this book. Whether it was his family or his close friends, each relationship was so realistic and wonderful. 

Favorite Book You Read In 2018 From An Author You’ve Read Previously? 
War of the Damned by Martin Ferguson

This was the third book in the Relic Hunters series and I absolutely loved it! The action is so fast-paced and it’s very easy to get totally immersed in the story, letting the hours just fly by!

Best Book You Read In 2018 That You Read Solely On A Recommendation From Somebody Else?
Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

I had been wanting to give this one a read, but something kept holding me back. One day I read a review from my blogging friend Deanna of Deanna Reads Books, and I purchased the book using her Amazon affiliate link immediately. As soon as the book came in, I dove in. I LOVED this book! 

Newest Fictional Crush From A Book You Read In 2018?
Nothing comes to mind here… I don’t normally crush on book characters.

Best 2018 Debut You Read?
The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor

This book was such a wonderfully written mystery/thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat! I started reading and couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to see what she does next! 

Best World Building/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost

Jacqueline is so talented when it comes to making the reader feel like they are inside the books setting. Just reading the title of this one weeks later makes me immediately picture the farm setting of this book! 

Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most Fun To Read?
Flying Broomsticks and Buns (The Crooked Halos Series #.05) by L.M. Schukraft 

This book had me cracking up; I had so much fun reading it!

Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry In 2018?
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

This was another book club pick and it nearly made me cry. It was such a powerful tale of loss, love, heartbreak, and hope. The story hit me really hard, especially where I was currently in life at the time that I read this book.

Hidden Gem Of the Year? 
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

I was a bit shocked that this book didn’t get more hype. Perhaps I just missed it?

Book That Crushed Your Soul?
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer Michelle McNamara

I am still horribly sad that Michelle never got to see this monster be caught, but I am so happy that her obsession was able to help this case along. This is such a disturbing and powerful read.

Most Unique Book You Read In 2018?
100 Word Horrors: An Anthology of Horror Drabbles by Kevin J. Kennedy

I had never heard of a drabble before this book was sent my way. I had so much fun reading this collection! 

Book That Made You The Most Mad?
Vengeful by V.E. Schwab

I still really enjoyed this read, don’t get me wrong there! I was just really hoping that this second book was going to be more like the first in the series, but this one took a bit of a turn. I ended up feeling a bit bitter about it after I completed the read.

Part 2: Your Blogging/Bookish Life

New Favorite Book Blog You Discovered in 2018?
Ugh! Every year I say I’m going to write down a list of new blogs I discover… but I always forget! So again this year, I’ll say- Check out the “My Favorite Bookish Accounts” section in my blog’s sidebar to see some of my favorites! 🙂

Favorite Review That You Wrote In 2018?
New Hampshire Book of the Dead: Graveyard Legends and Lore by Roxie J. Zwicker

I chose this one for a few reasons. First, because it has sentimental value; I just love that I picked up a book on my bachelorette day celebration. Second, the message Roxie wrote for me was so lovely. Third, that it was a book from a local author. And lastly, because I had so much fun both reading this blog and putting my post together! 

Best Discussion/Non-Review Post You Had On Your Blog?
Honest Review Requests Gone Wrong

This was such a fun post to put together! And I just loved all the comments and messages that I received after it went up. And of course, there have been a few follow ups to this first post.

Best Event That You Participated In?
#BookBlogExpo!
When Donna of Girl Who Reads offered to organize an event when we learned that the ArmchairBEA wouldn’t be happening, I was thrilled! I loved taking part in this event that ran May 30th- June 2nd.

Best Moment of Bookish/Blogging Life In 2018?
Bookish Life–
This is a bit of a cheesy one, but in July 2018, Alex gifted me six months of Book Of The Month. This was a perfect gift for me, and I have really enjoyed taking part! It’s so fun to wait to see what the monthly options are and then to anxiously wait for the box to arrive. I love it so much! Feel free to check out My First Book Of The Month Box.

Blogging Life-
Hosting an interview with Martin Ferguson! If you haven’t checked out The Relic Series yet, I highly recommend doing so! They are wonderful adventure stories packed with action!


Most Challenging Thing About Blogging Or Your Reading Life This Year?
Just trying to keep up with taking the time for reading and posting on a relatively consistent basis while working three jobs, doing photoshoots here and there, planning a wedding, and your everyday life craziness. This sure was an intense year for me! In 2019 I hope to make more time for myself and my hobbies and work a bit less.

Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog?
Most popular by comments– [Top 10 Tuesday] A List Of Books To Read By The Pool
(39 Original Comments)

Most popular by views– [Blogging Discussion] 7 Reasons Why I Won’t Follow Your Blog
(1138 views)

Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

Interview with Rook Winters

Best Bookish Discovery? 
Bookstore– The Bookery in Manchester, NH
Meme– Book Photo Sundays hosted by hosted by Ronyell of Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Bookish Item– Book sleeves by ShopSewChic
Bookish Shop– Literary Book Gifts

Did You Complete Any Reading Challenges Or Goals That You Had Set For Yourself At The Beginning Of This Year? 

  • Complete all honest review requests on time– Semi-success. I had to bump a few back when things with the wedding got really stressful. But I was on time for the majority of them! 
  • Read all of the books on my shelves that I own but haven’t read– HA! Super failed with this one. If anything, my TBR stacks are way worse this year than they were last year!
  • Re-read the books I have been meaning to re-read– Semi-success here as well. I did a decent amount of re-reading, but not as much as I had hoped I would.

Part 3: Looking Ahead

One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2018 But Will Be Your Number One Priority in 2019?
The Outsider by Stephen King

Book You Are Most Anticipating for 2019 (Non-Debut)?
The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor

2019 Debut You Are Most Anticipating? 
The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling
The cover of this one drew me in immediately, and that tagline… “The Cave Will Swallow Them Whole,” SO creepy!

Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating In 2019?
The Winter of the Witch: A Novel (Winternight Trilogy) by Katherine Arden

One Thing You Hope To Accomplish or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life in 2019?
My book blogging goals: 

  • Of course I would love to continue growing my blogging community base. It’s been absolutely incredible making new friends throughout 2018! I’m really looking forward to meeting new people in 2019 and learning more about my current community as well!
  • I’d like to take part in at least one blogging event and one in-person bookish event.
  • Continue adding to my testimonial page.

My reading goals:

  • My main goal is simply to work through my TBR stacks! My TBR stacks are seriously out of control… I’m hoping to really focus in on the stacks on my desk first. After that, I’m hoping to get to the stack of books that are on the floor underneath my desk. We’ll see how far I get after that…
  • I also need to make it through my list of honest reviews that I have agreed to read, but didn’t set dates for as my form had been closed. Most of these books are follow ups to books from authors that I have worked with previously, so I’m really excited to dive in to many of them!
  • And lastly, I would like to re-read the books I have been meaning to re-read.

A 2019 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommended To Everyone? 
Unfortunately, none.


Thanks for reading!

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you completed the End of the Year Book Tag, I would love to read it! Just throw the link down in the comments and I will check it out.

If you haven’t yet been tagged, but would like to do this one; consider yourself tagged! 

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. Paige says

    Great wrap-up! I loved all the women in Vengeful and was a little sad about the one we lost (sorry for being cryptic…trying to avoid spoilers, lol). I wanted more from her. But it's alright – still couldn't put it down!

    Reply

  11. Gabriella Morales says

    New Hampshire Book of the Dead seems cool! Also, I'll definitely need to check out Twelve Slays of Christmas! I have never read a Christmas mystery and that needs to change. I'll probably wait until Christmas time though. Need to be in the right atmosphere and all that. It's so awesome that you were able to read so many books and we had the same number of rereads. Haha. Here's to another year of books, blogging, and friendship.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *