robyncoleman's reviews
117 reviews

My Evil Mother by Margaret Atwood

3.0

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

3.0

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman

5.0

A beautiful story, described with such rich words and deep meanings. This book was so decadent and delicious. I shed a tear reading it. I found myself rereading paragraphs just because the visual descriptions and metaphors were so pleasing. Nice, 5/5, I liked a lot.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

4.5

4.5 ⭐️ Went into this with zero idea what to expect plot wise. Everyone and their mother on booktube/booktok was going crazy for this, so I knew it had to possess some merit. I had high hopes, but that also meant it could have failed spectacularly. Fortunately, like a good majority of reviews on here I was very pleasantly surprised. From the blurb and general “vibe” the book gives off, it was NOT what I was expecting at all.

We get to explore intricate themes of relationships with several unexpected twists. Really interesting characters, intense emotions and difficult decisions - all backdropped by the beautiful atmosphere of vintage Hollywood glamour. Amazing read! Highly would recommend.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

3.5

This book was good! I found the style of writing more difficult to read (but it’s a classic so duh). Characters were charming, and I loved that it was all about the gals. 3.5/5 ⭐️ I’d say

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

This book was so emo and I wanted to love it so much, but oh my god the characters are so irritating. Beautifully written, and not lacking substance… just ANNOYING. There’s a great sense of intimacy which I enjoyed. 3.75/5 ⭐️ couldn’t give it the four… I think I just disliked that it was told through Frances’ POV. The story itself was interesting. Just couldn’t deal with the inner dialogue

Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson

4.0

Witches, lgbtqia+, magic, elements, adepts, war for power - what more is needed!? This book was so FUN. I really enjoyed it! Perfect for Autumn also. Bonus points that two of the main characters are Irish. I’ll definitely read the next book in the series when it’s released.

The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

4.0

A strong contrast between vivid beautiful images of nature and harsh graphic scenes of wartime and fleeing one’s own country. The experience told in this book is important, and I should definitely be more informed about it. The structure of the narrative was very engaging, and gave clarity to everything.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

4.0

Initial review, post-read: 4/5 stars. This book had its merits and it’s low points. The first three-quarters of the book were extremely suspenseful, charming and had me hooked. The last quarter was a bit of a bore, until the very end itself. (A lot of waiting around in my opinion).

I am biased because I do love Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation of Dracula. So the themes and atmosphere were easily visualised in my mind. I kind of wished for an alternative ending where Lucy and Mina could run around as sexy vampire temptresses but God prevails and all that.

Also the lads did a good job at slaying the vamps but not as good as Buffy. So that’s why it gets minus 1 star. A good autumnal read anyways.

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

5.0

5 stars ⭐️ this book is like homemade chicken noodle soup (made from scratch) on a chilly, rainy day after you’ve been on public transport for hours.

I’ve read this book two times now, and will continue to reread it far into the future. It’s different from the animated film, but no less enchanting and charming. I actually think the book has a more intimate and mature feel. Howl is definitely much more attractive in the book, in my opinion.

There is a great fusion of magic and fairy tail vibes, that are also super grounded in the book ( I don’t experience the “grounding” with the film personally). So in ways I enjoy the book more. 5/5 stars. I LOVE THIS!