bbyghoulreads's reviews
485 reviews

Crown of Stars and Fate by Alexis Calder

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

This series has a great premise, and I’m definitely enjoying it - however I don’t feel the same love for the characters as I do with other romantasy books, and the writing style leaves a little to be desired.

Will definitely continue the series, but not a favourite.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

Read and annotated this as part of our round robin - I enjoyed it just as much on this re-read, I think it’s a beautiful story and the stream of consciousness style of writing really illustrates how exhausting it can be to be neurodivergent.

Literally every adult sucks tho xo 

White Sand, Volume 1 by Brandon Sanderson, Rik Hoskin

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Still in my Sanderson era, but didn’t want to fork out £5.99 for Warbreaker just yet so I thought I’d give this a go on KU. It was really enjoyable! As expected, Brando Sando creates entire worlds masterfully and I’m intrigued to see how this one develops. 

It’ll be a good series to dip in and out of between physical reads to keep my kindle streak going, or when I inevitably hit a reading slump at some point. I haven’t read many graphic novels, so I’m also looking forward to more of the format.

Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

Your fantasy fix in a standalone novel! Loved the concept of this one, I wish I’d read it before Mistborn as I think people are right in saying that Sanderson’s writing improves greatly between the two. 

Another action-packed book full of characters I adored, including a badass FMC (tall girlies represented). Such an interesting character arc for our antagonist, it was so fun being inside his head, that’s not something I’ve experienced often.

Definitely recommend this one, although I undoubtedly prefer the Mistborn series. 

The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

I absolutely adored this series, I'm so glad my friends recommended it to me and so sad that I hadn't given it a go before. 

This final instalment was slightly slower in pace than the previous ones, but I think it built the story beautifully, as well as broadening our knowledge of and stoking our curiosity about the wider cosmere. I can't wait to see where this universe goes from here and can't wait to continue reading more Brandon Sanderson. 

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

funny informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.5

She’s finally read an audiobook! I really struggle with audio, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved hearing about Stanley Tucci’s life and the way that food ties into it, and hearing it read by him is so immersive. Laugh out loud funny at times and peppered with recipes to try, a great book for a lighthearted listen! 

The Bands of Mourning: A Mistborn Novel by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

OMG - So many revelations in one book! Loved the plot and character development in this one, Steris might be my new favourite (you can’t tell me the woman’s not autistic), and the twists and turns kept me hooked all the way through!

Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

The continuous expansion of this world is incredible, I feel like I learn something life altering every few pages, and I love learning alongside the characters as they make their discoveries. This second era feels like it has much lower stakes, with more humorous elements and more varied plot lines.

Can’t wait to get to know these characters better over the next few instalments!

The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.

disappointed to hear about his video on Israel/Palestine - I'm not here for cancel culture, but I can't in good conscience continue to read something about someone's life when they seemingly don't value that of others.

The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I really loved this - I was a little concerned about going straight into the second era of the Mistborn series, having loved the characters of the first era so deeply. I shouldn't have worried. This story is separate enough that I didn't feel like I was betraying the original characters by falling for these ones so fast, yet it still holds so many elements I loved about the original trilogy (including some wonderful easter eggs). 

Character-wise, Marasi is iconic and I love her, Wax and Wayne have such a hilarious dynamic, and even the side characters are interesting - I can't wait to delve deeper into this continuation of the Mistborn story.