There are only about 2 1/2 months left in 2022 (what) so it’s time for another round of the End of the Year book tag, which was created by Ariel Bissett. I like this tag, but it also stresses me out a bit, because while it feels too early to think about the year ending, I always love thinking about my reading plans.

1) Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

My list of paused reads has unfortunately only grown in 2022, although I’m wondering if it’s because several on there are books I should probably officially DNF but haven’t yet. I do, however, want to finish this short story collection that I started a few months ago and then put down.

2) Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

Since it’s only halfway through October, I’m currently deep in fall reading mode. At this stage I’ve finished several fall reads from my list and have started a few more, but I really want to read two new releases from previously loved authors before the end of spooky season: Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir (SFF) and Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne (historical SF romance).

3) Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?

There are actually a ton of new releases still to come out in the next month or so, but these 4 from past 5-star authors are at the top of my list: Bloodmarked by Tracey Deonn (YA fantasy), Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse (fantasy), The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake (dark academia fantasy), and Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble by Alexis Hall (contemporary romance).

4) What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

I’m going to answer this question with three 2022 ARCs that I’d really like to finish before the end of the year: In the Shadow Garden by Liz Parker (fantasy), Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade (contemporary romance), and Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales (contemporary romance).

5) Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favorite book of the year?

I would love if a book shocked me and became my favorite of the year. I don’t have a clear #1 read at this point (more like a top 5 or so) and I’m very open to finding one. I think that a few new releases have favorite potential, but I’m also convinced that once I finally read We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry, I’m going to love it.

6) Have you already started making reading plans for next year?

Not necessarily reading plans, but I’ve definitely started compiling my anticipated releases of 2023. Four that I’m eagerly awaiting are A Sleight of Shadows by Kat Howard (fantasy); The Fiancee Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur (contemporary romance), One for My Enemy by Olivie Blake (fantasy romance), and Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo (dark academia fantasy).