rorycoleman44's reviews
368 reviews

The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehlman

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring sad 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

4.75

Absolutely excellent book. Vast emotional depth. The relationships between the siblings were so well done, and the relationships between other characters were similarly fabulous. I especially enjoyed the platonic bond between Innocenta and Galva, beautifully done and combatting the idea that romantic relationships are always superior to others. The battle scenes were intense and others (no spoilers) were deeply moving. Would definitely recommend.

Play of Shadows by Sebastien de Castell

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

An absolute fabulous new book from De Castell. His fabulous humour is present as always, along with fabulous characters and a plot full of twists and turns. Slow to start but once it gets going the intrigues will shock you and you won’t be able to put it down. Highly recommended.

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad 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

4.5

A celebration of love, in the most gloriously strange way you can imagine. When I say monster-romance, most would probably assume kind of smutty book. But not Wiswell's novel. It is wonderfully wholesome and cosy, but with a bit of gore thrown in. The characters are wonderful and flawed and the dialogue is witty, A Legends and Lattes-eqsue masterpiece. Couldn't recommend it enough. 

Queen B: The Story of Anne Boleyn, Witch Queen by Juno Dawson

emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense 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

An excellent novella in the world of one of my favourite series. As emotional and nail biting as her full length books! Juno is truly a master of characterisation; despite our short time with them they all have such depth and subtlety. Condensing an incredible plot in both the present and past into around 150 pages is an incredible achievement. True genius and I can't wait for HMRC 3!

Song of the Huntress by Lucy Holland

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious sad 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? Yes

4.25

An excellent novel, even better than Sistersong. The villains were mysterious and intriguing, and the female protagonists were nuanced and incredible. I particularly enjoyed the relationships, especially the depiction of asexuality. The only criticism I have is the slightly slow pace, and that in some places the dialogue feels slightly repetitive between the main couple. 
Overall really enjoyed and would definitely read Holland's next work. 

Wool by Hugh Howey

5.0

The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft

4.5

Thirteen Ways to Kill Lulabelle Rock by Maud Woolf

3.5

Really enjoyable book! Could’ve been longer so we could’ve had more exploration of the world and the different versions of Lulabelle Rock. There were some fabulous twists and turns and the characters were interesting. Just needed a little more fleshing out to get the last 1.5⭐️

Medea by Rosie Hewlett

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

I’ve read many retellings this year, many of which I have given 5⭐️. But Medea absolutely blew them out of the park. The main character, Medea, was perhaps the most real I have experienced since Misaki in The Sword of Kaigen. Absolutely spellbinding. The plot was thrilling and fast paced.

Watching as the character’s mind was slowly warped by manipulation and mistreatment was heartbreaking.

Absolutely mesmerising. Would recommend to anyone.

Queen of Gods by Katharine Corr, Elizabeth Corr

4.5

Queen of Gods is a fabulous sequel to Daughter of Darkness. The transformation which occurred in one of the main characters was fascinating to watch and there were some truly heart breaking moments, and unexpected twists. Tyche was also an amazing new character. The story explored many interesting topics such as grief and the corrupting influence of power on a person. All in all a great series, even the love triangle didn't put me off despite me usually disliking them in fantasy novels. Excellent!!