The Smashing & Dashing 2018 Character Awards #Book Tag

I’m stealing this tag from my dear friend and fellow blogger, Katie, who stole it from Cait.  Now, it’s my turn to swipe it!

Ze Rules.  (even pirates follow a code, dudes)

1. nominate characters to fill each category from books read in 2018  (does not have to be published in 2018, just read in 2018)

2. link back to Cait’s original post

Annnnd that’s enough rules.  🙂

Technically, I’m ridiculously and embarrassingly late for a post about books read in 2018, but let’s not quibble about details!

And now, without delay, my nominations!

1. Most Relatable Character

I think I’m going to go with Huxley from The Electrical Menagerie.  He’s a smooth-talking, fast-thinking and highly practical salesman.  A definite extrovert who likes to charm people but  also introspective and a very loyal friend.  I relate quite a bit to that.

2. Most Pure Animal Companion

????????????

Um . . . I think I follow you.  So, I didn’t read a ton of books with animal side kicks, other than Ozma of Oz, and I’m not sure Billina the chicken would count as pure.  I’m weird, but not weird enough to give a chicken as my answer.

Ah!  I’ve got it!  Fledge the winged horse from The Magician’s Nephew.  Surely only a horse with a pure heart would be given wings.

3. Fiercest Fighter

Nikterra the centaur from Escape to Vindor.  I thought the authoress did a pretty good job of writing a fierce and no-nonsense female character that wasn’t an annoying blight to mankind.  WHAT A NOVEL CONCEPT!!!

4. Am Surprised That I Loved You??

Harry from Redcoat in Boston.  I knew going into the book that his character was supposed to be sympathetic, but I was a little surprised how much I loved him and how much I sympathized with him by the end of the book.  Poor, naive, sweet, hardworking Harry!  It was a treat to watch his gradual awakening to the injustices going on around and his attempt to embrace a new way of living.

5. Best Sassmaster

Oh well, I guess I’m going to cheat and go with my very own Burndee from The Tales of Ambia.  That fellow was born sassy.  He should be, anyway, since I’m his mama.

6. Best Antihero

Peak Marcello from Peak.  *holds heart*  Poor Peak had a lot against him, but he still overcame and was the “better man” and chose to move on and not be defined by his family’s mistakes – even though he sometimes went about it in unconventional and occasionally rebellious ways.  He has a good heart, and his decision to not be victimized by his disadvantages make him heroic.

7. The Best Friends Of All

Justin and Flavius from The Silver Branch!!!  *BEAMS*  My precious baby boys also happen to be one of my favorite fictional friendships of all time.  I could scream endlessly about how much I adore these two bros, but I’ll spare you.

8. Best Villain To HATE

I’m going to go with Allectus from The Silver Branch.  This treacherous low dog is fascinatingly crafted and makes for a very intriguing villain, but there was never a shadow of a doubt that we hate him.

9. Award For Best vs Worst YA Parents

Best parents would be Cedar and Crispin from The Mistmantle Chronicles – pure-hearted and kind parents to their free children and a consistent example.

The worst parents would be Peak Marcello’s mom and dad from Peak.  I wanted to tear that couple limb from limb with my bare hands by the end of that book.

10. Ship Of All Ships In 2018

Oh boy – um, I actually didn’t ship a lot of people in 2018 in books (ask me about movies, why don’t you?).  Yeah. it was pretty quiet in this harbor during 2018.

I guess I’ll go with Keeva and Idris from Fairest Son.  They were sweet!

11. Most Precious Must Be Protected

Morville from Dark House on the Moss by Constance Savery.   *high-pitched sentimental squawking*  What a beautiful, amazing mind he has – what incredible dreams of the future, what wise foresight – and yet, poor Morville – he is such a socially awkward darling! He is hurt by the way people misunderstand him, and his pride keeps him from explaining, but he still does his best to care for the people that hurt him. I loved his grim, awkward tenacity and his never-wavering sense of duty. Morville is proud, but he is also an incredibly merciful character – without being weak.  I also loved his unwavering kindness to his niece and nephew – though he’s sometimes dismayed and flummoxed by their childish pranks.   GAAAAAH – gimme some bubble wrap to protect this fellow!!!

12. Honestly Surprised You’re Still Alive

Arcady from Arcady’s Goal.  That poor boy survived so much hardship and deprivation, it’s amazing that he’s still alive.  But Arcady is the most tenacious survivor.

13. Award For Making The Worst Decisions

Johnny Tremain from Johnny Tremain.  Don’t get me wrong, I liked Johnny and thought he was a very human character, but nobody could accuse that boy of being wise and exercising good judgement – nossir.

14. Most In Need Of A Nap

Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit.  Somebody give this poor little hobbit a break.  Just dig him a nice dry hole, give him a blanket and an hour alone.  Or a day.  Or a month.  Well, let’s just say, I wouldn’t want to be the one to pull him out of his hole and disturb him again.  You’ll get one whopper of a Hobbit death-glare.

15. Want To Read More About You

Sylvester Carthage from The Electrical Menagerie – which is absolutely lovely, because there IS going to be a sequel, so this wish shall be satisfied!

I really loved this gentle, childlike showman and I can’t wait to see more of his adventures!

I now tag –

Have fun, gang.  😛

The Questions –

1. Most Relatable Character
2. Most Pure Animal Companion
3. Fiercest Fighter
4. Am Surprised That I Loved You??
5. Best Sassmaster
6. Best Antihero
7. The Best Friends Of All
8. Best Villain To HATE
9. Award For Best vs Worst YA Parents
10. Ship Of All Ships In 2018
11. Most Precious Must Be Protected
12. Honestly Surprised You’re Still Alive
13. Award For Making The Worst Decisions
14. Most In Need Of A Nap
15. Want To Read More About You

The Rules –

1.  Nominate characters to fill each category from books read in 2018  (does not have to be published in 2018, just read in 2018,

2.  Link back to Cait’s original post.

Let’s talk, chums!

Tell me about your 2018 reads!  Have you done this tag?  Who were some of your favorite fictional characters from 2018?