robyncoleman's reviews
117 reviews

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

dark emotional mysterious 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? Yes

3.25

This book was really well written! It had meaningful connections between character, beautiful descriptions of the island and of course a very good twist. I didn’t see it coming at all. I loved the fairytale chapters too.

The plot revolves around our main character Candence Sinclair, whose family (namely her Grandparents) are extremely wealthy and own an island, where the extended family vacation during the summer holidays. It’s a typical trust fund family situation, but something happens one summer and the mystery goes from there.

Really nice topics touched upon too - privilege, discrimination, racism, class bias and poverty, which was cool to see talked about in the book. 3.25/5 stars (or 6.5/10)

Lemon by Kwon Yeo-sun

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

1.5

A quick but boring read. Characters felt a bit flat, plot felt like it floated along. Some nice delicate themes but nothing astounding. Don’t think I’d recommend this to anyone but also glad I read it in a way. 1.5-2 stars

Succubishez by Michelle Lam

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

Wonderful anecdotal stories from an artist I highly regard and admire! These little comics are highly relatable, emotional and funny. If I ever feel down, this book is sure to pick me back up. I’m so lucky to have been able to get a signed copy of this at Lightbox 2022 last year. 5 stars of course

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

adventurous emotional reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

 Sometimes I start to read a book and I'm like... am I too stupid to understand this.

The beginning of this book was that experience. It really throws you straight into the deep end, with little to no explanation. The following few chapters really reveal how the worlds works, the time-travelling system, characters and the two sides of the war that is raging. But it also has a glossy, glowing mirage that doesn't reveal too much the closer the reader seems to get.

In short, this book is about two agents (Red and Blue) who are working on oppositional sides of a war that rages on through the span of time and across many potential multiverses. Their roles are to change the flow of time, through various events or acts, to favour the prosperity of their respective future civilisation. However, on a chance encounter - what begins as a gloating letter sent to spite the opponent, they strike up a string of communication through a series of letters back and forth to one another, which leads to an unexpected romance between them.

I ate this book up! I liked the letter writing format (it seemed really personal and gave good insight to the characters) and whilst the language was highly embellished (very flowery), it conveyed beauty, emotion and love. The concept of this was complex but told in simple terms - and I found it fascinating!

If you like time travel, sci-fi and romance I would hiiiighly recommend this. I think I'll think about this story for a long time. 

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

dark mysterious tense slow-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

5.0

Coffee. Cigarettes. No sleep. Drinking. Dark Academia. 

Okay I can see why this was so popular on tumblr a few years ago. This book blew me away. The  language, the classical referencing, the characters, the plot - everything was so on point, it deserves no less than a 5 star review from me.

It’s a slow burner but worth the read. Very mysterious, tense and dark. A wonderful thriller that explores the corrupt, intoxicating characters that seem to show you an exclusive insight into their lives.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

challenging reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

Very thought provoking. I thought the story was very original, with complex characters. The author did a wonderful job of flipping aspects of characters on their heads. I found the people in this book very nuanced and 3-dimensional. Definitely people easily placed in the real world. Not entirely sure I liked any of them that much except for Emira. I give the book a strong 3.5-4 stars.

Circe by Madeline Miller

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Such a stunning read! I would highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of mythology (duh). The characters felt very real, and Miller was able to capture that unashamed cheekiness, banter and pride that Greek Gods seem to carry among themselves. Really gorgeous ending too. It manages to entwine lore, adventure, romance and emotions in such a beautiful way. 4 stars!

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

A very enjoyable read for any book lovers out there! The story follows a number of characters brought together by a reading list, that becomes woven into their life in an unforgettable way. It’s a touching, emotional read with very lovable characters. The main plot revolves around Aleisha, a 17 year old working a part-time summer job in a local library - who forms an unlikely friendship with Mukesh, an elderly man who has recently lost his wife to cancer. With themes of grief, love, family, friendship and of course the importance and love of reading, this book deserves a 4 star rating for my reading experience! (Also I want to read the books on the reading list now)

Kamusari Tales Told at Night by Shion Miura

funny inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

A wonderful accompaniment to the first book in the Forest series. This book has such a simple and lighthearted slice of life narrative! I think it complimented the first book very well. It’s written in a much more “diary entry” and chatty informative way - which can be funny sometimes. Really enjoyed it. 4 stars!

The Easy Life in Kamusari by Shion Miura

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-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? It's complicated

3.5

This book is just wholesome. Like warm chicken soup! It follows the young adult Yuki Hirano, who is sent away to live in a remote village Kamusari which specialises in the forestry industry. He learns how to live a slow but fulfilling life with the locals. I would recommend this book as a great escape from day to day mundanity! It’s lighthearted and reflective. Really enjoyed. 3.5 stars