ktbxter's reviews
125 reviews

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

fast-paced

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

5.0

Really enjoyed listening to this whilst at work and driving. A nice story that was gripping and makes you care about the characters

Fangirl, Vol. 3: The Manga by Rainbow Rowell

5.0

After re-reading the novel at the end of December 2023 and finding out that the third volume of the Manga adaptation was out, it felt fitting to continue the Fangirl trend and re-read Volumes 1 and 2 and read Volume 3 for the first time. 

As usual, I loved it. The story feels like home and it very comforting to me. 
Volume 3 begins to explore Levi and Caths relationship. Seeing their relationship visually, after reading it for so long, was lovely!

Looking forward to Volume 4 coming out in 2025!

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

adventurous

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Enjoyed it, but did struggle a bit. This type of fantasy is out of my comfort zone, admittedly! 

Some of the stories really gripped me and I wanted to know more instantly, but others dragged a little. 

I likes the continuation of The Voice of Reason throughout. It grounded it and kept some sort of timeline.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

My ultimate comfort book. Always great to read when I'm stuck in a slump - finishing it in 5 days in December 2023 is a great example of that!

The characters feel like real people to me. And the story feels like a real story. The Book feels like home. 

I relate to Cath in a multitude of ways, some changing since I first read this book when I was a teenager, but some still the same. Cath not only feels 3D to me, she feels like a friend I love and know very well.

I love watching the characters grow closer and watching Cqth and Levi fall in love. My expectations have been set very high because of this book. 

I'm sure I'll read it again when I need a pick-me-up and I'm sure I'll still love it.

Hopefully next time I'll tab it so I can find my favourite moments quickly when I need them. 

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Took a long while to get into it., but once it picked up I couldn't put it down!

Alex and Henry are so cute and I was rooting for them throughout! Plus the gang was such a good group of friends!

One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Honestly, it really dragged for the first 300 odd pages. I didn't really enjoy it. 

It felt like I was waiting for the murder to happen throughout the entire thing

The ending was good, I just wish something had happened sooner in the story.

One of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Enjoyed the story. Kept on edge the entire time. Very cleverly written. I couldn't figure out who was dead or who did it until I was told at the end!

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I knew this book would hurt me.

I loved it. Completely demolished 2 days after a big slump. Flies miles ahead of the series - which I also loved!

Kate and Tully are such relatable characters and you really grow to care for them as soon as you start reading.

Kate's cancer diagnosis and ultimate passing was utterly heartbreaking and tore me apart.

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Enjoyed it, but story was a little basic. Got me out of a reading slump.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A good book, and interesting listen whilst at work. 

Genuinely, strongly dislike the main character. She just didn't think she'd done anything wrong!

Very cleverly written, will definitely check out more from this author.