robyncoleman's reviews
117 reviews

Weasels in the Attic by Hiroko Oyamada

emotional reflective fast-paced

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

3.5

Beautifully written, with delicate themes of family, friendship and parenthood. A very reflective and emotional read. 3.5 stars

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Had its ups and downs. Parts of this book felt very long and drawn out, but the action scenes and chapters where things ACTUALLY HAPPEN were very enjoyable. Love love LOVED the character Sturmhomd. He was like the Grishaverse version of captain jack sparrow. I need to stop googling phrases from this book and then coming across spoilers. 3.5 stars. Eager to read the last book in the trilogy!

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Brilliant page turner with loveable characters! A fast paced fantasy with a thrilling plot, sprinkled with romance. 4 stars 

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

Some wise words and teachings. Really enjoyed this book, and believe I will reread it in the future.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

adventurous challenging dark inspiring reflective fast-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

5.0

Perfect rainy day book. The harsh and coarse descriptions of the sea contrasts nicely when tucked up under a warm blanket with a cup of tea. I loved this book! 5 stars 

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• 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

I was always curious about this novel because I’ve been aware of the concept of Dorian Gray since I was a child. But I always thought the book would be really old and stuffy (definitely a preconceived idea I had about classics). I’ve never read any literature by Oscar Wilde either, so I decided this was the right time.

The language used in this book is so eloquent, but it’s not just the phrasing - it’s the intricate weaving of concepts and themes that enchanted me throughout the whole book. There’s an exploration of temptation, sin, superficiality, youth, beauty, what it means to be good, what it means to be evil (I could go on forever!). I really enjoyed the dark atmosphere, the drama and the mystery behind everything.

For me it was a 3.5 stars. Very enjoyable! And I highlighted a lot of paragraphs which I found interesting.

My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The perfect Halloween spooky read. Bloody hell, this book made me laugh, shiver, feel chills and unexpectedly warmed my heart. I loved it so much! Set in the late 80’s, we follow two best friends go through the trials and tribulations of teenage life, with some demon activity slapped on top. It felt like a wonderful snapshot of a film, edged with a vintage vignette. Vibes were on point for autumn also! LOVED IT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

2.5

Fun little spooky read. Nothing breathtaking but very cute!

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

3.5

The funny thing is I finished this book jet lagged.
Read this on the plane to and from LA. I enjoyed it and the language used for descriptions. Overall the story was a little pretentious for my liking, but I understand why it’s so highly regarded. I think a 3.5 stars out of 5 for my reading experience is a fair score.

Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura

adventurous emotional mysterious tense 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

5.0

THIS BOOK 🤌🏼 was so beautifully told. It was definitely a slow burner for the first two thirds of the plot, but that last third *chefs kiss*.

It had a wonderful juxtaposition of fantastical escapism over very real, uncomfortable emotions (sorrow, anxiety, camaraderie and belonging). It had such a delicate tone, and that ending… 🥺