The 2026 End of the Year Book Tag

2026 is almost over. Holy cow that went by fast! Like most years, 2026 also involved a lot of working, sleeping, and reading. The only big things I did this year included attending ApollyCon and going to a Simple Plan concert. Otherwise, life was quiet. I think next year might be a bit busier, though. Or at least, I'd like to add a trip or two to it.

We only have a few weeks left, so I thought I’d do the End of the Year Book Tag. I don't remember who created this tag, but I found the questions on Green Tea & Paperbacks blog. So, let’s get this party started!

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

I started the Kings of Lockdown by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, which is book two in the Kings of Quarantine series. I'd like to complete the entire series by the end of the year, but I just don't think that's going to happen. The books are huge and contemporary bully romance is tough for me to get through when I'm not in the mood. I'm reading it on and off right now. I also need to finish The Drakon King by Terry J. Benton-Walker as it's a NetGalley ARC with a November release date. I'm about 70% through right now.

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

It's already autumn, so that's probably a no. However, I do think my reread and completion of Kresley Cole's Arcana Chronicles was a great way to get into the autumnal mood. Those books have a fall, moving into winter, vibe.

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

Yes, of course! Crowned by Roses by Elizabeth Helen releases October 20. It's the only reason I've kept my Kindle Unlimited subscription, as, once I've finished that, I need to cancel. (I collect the FairyLoot versions of this series, so that's the only reason I don't have a physical copy at release time.) Also, there's the new ACOTAR book that's coming out, but I've mellowed on those books over the past few years. It's just been too long and better things have come out since then. Maybe I'll get back into the mood for it once I've read the new book. I don't want to be spoiled, so I'm still planning to read it right away.

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

I'm going to say three different books than the ones I've mentioned in the previous two questions. 

Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance by Melissa K. Roehrich (I finally have my special edition in my hands, but I just haven't picked this thing up yet. Ugh!)
Three Shattered Souls by Mai Corland (It's been almost a full year since I finished book two, so I need to get to this before I forget everything.)
Speak of the Demon by Stacia Stark (I have a special edition and need to decide if I want books 4-6 from the same book box company, so I need to read the first book to decide.)

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

Oh, gosh. I haven't had major luck with favorite books this year. There are three that I've really, really enjoyed, but there still isn't something that's knocked my socks off. I'm not sure what could at this point. I've heard good things about The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson. If I get to that this year, that can be my guess.

Have you already started making reading plans for 2027?

Not really. I kind of go wherever the mood takes me at this point. I'm hoping to not request as many NetGalley ARCs. I'm behind on a couple of e-ARCs and I feel bad about it, but I just don't have the brainpower to force myself to read them right now. I'd like to get caught up on those before asking for too many others. I'd also like to skip more FairyLoot boxes so my TBR doesn't grow as much. I was doing really well with the skips in the first half of the year, but towards the end, I just decided to keep them all. So, I think my reading plans are going to revolve around reading what I own. I have special editions that have sat unread on my shelves for years. I don't like that. (I'm looking at you, The Atlas Six and Daughter of the Moon Goddess.) I need to get those read or off of my shelves.

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Alright, there you have it. My End of the Year Book Tag answers. What would your answers to these questions be? Let me know in the comments below!