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travelseatsreads's reviews
604 reviews
Alison by Lizzy Stewart
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Alison is an absolutely stunning graphic novel which follows Alison's journey as she struggles to find her way in the world. It starts as she muddles along living the mundane married life she feels she should live until she then decides to take the leap and braves a new life in London. While it isn't all plain sailing over the next 150 pages we see Alison flourish and develop into a strong independent woman and spectacular artist.
I feel this the perfect graphic novel for those who are a bit fearful to dip their toes into the world of graphic novels and comics. It is a perfect combination of striking art work mixed with some lengthier sections of beautiful writing. It also is very much a book that deals with 'adult' themes for those who imagine graphic novels to be 'childish'.
The artwork and writing compliment each other beautifully. The perfect mix of striking imagery and gorgeous lines which will linger long after they're read.
A must read for all graphic novel lovers and those yet to take the leap.
Favourite line
'They left strange-shaped holes in my life, their outlines too specific to ever be filled by anyone else. So I suppose I work around them. The holes. The loss.'
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads
I feel this the perfect graphic novel for those who are a bit fearful to dip their toes into the world of graphic novels and comics. It is a perfect combination of striking art work mixed with some lengthier sections of beautiful writing. It also is very much a book that deals with 'adult' themes for those who imagine graphic novels to be 'childish'.
The artwork and writing compliment each other beautifully. The perfect mix of striking imagery and gorgeous lines which will linger long after they're read.
A must read for all graphic novel lovers and those yet to take the leap.
Favourite line
'They left strange-shaped holes in my life, their outlines too specific to ever be filled by anyone else. So I suppose I work around them. The holes. The loss.'
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads
Anna O by Matthew Blake
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Anna O is an usual, twisty page-turner unlike anything you’ve read before, think The Silent Patient meets Sleeping Beauty. It follows the story of Anna O who stabbed her two friends, fell immediately into a deep sleep and hasn’t opened her eyes since. Is she guilty, was she sleepwalking, just what exactly is possible when you are sleeping?
The story is told through a mix of POVs and timelines which include snippets from Anna’s diary which build up a tense and sinister story that reveals itself layer by layer to a whiplash inducing conclusion.
The concept of this one had me absolutely hooked and certain experiments and thoughts within the book really got me thinking. I honestly would have loved a little bit more of those science bits rather than the friendship back story, which felt a bit drawn out and almost filler like, but maybe that’s just the psych nurse in me!
The book is being billed as an upcoming global phenomenon and I can see why, while it may not be the most spectacular literary thriller it is a fun read which people will not be able to put down and will want to discuss immediately once finished.
A must read for anyone looking for a gripping, mind-bending psychological suspense with a touch of whodunnit, this one is definitely for you.
Thanks to @harpercollinsire and @harpercollinsuk for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more.
The story is told through a mix of POVs and timelines which include snippets from Anna’s diary which build up a tense and sinister story that reveals itself layer by layer to a whiplash inducing conclusion.
The concept of this one had me absolutely hooked and certain experiments and thoughts within the book really got me thinking. I honestly would have loved a little bit more of those science bits rather than the friendship back story, which felt a bit drawn out and almost filler like, but maybe that’s just the psych nurse in me!
The book is being billed as an upcoming global phenomenon and I can see why, while it may not be the most spectacular literary thriller it is a fun read which people will not be able to put down and will want to discuss immediately once finished.
A must read for anyone looking for a gripping, mind-bending psychological suspense with a touch of whodunnit, this one is definitely for you.
Thanks to @harpercollinsire and @harpercollinsuk for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Lights by Brenna Thummler
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
Lights is the final instalment in the trilogy of graphic novels by Brenna Thummler about Marjorie, Eliza and their ghost friend Wendell. I absolutely loved Sheets and Delicates so was eager to see how Brenna would wrap up their stories.
Sheets concentrates more on Wendell and his background compared to the previous two graphic novels and it was really heartwarming to see him discover his own story. Thummler also dives deeper into Marjorie and Eliza’s friendship and examines some tender subjects such as changing friendships, forgiveness and grief in her usual beautiful intuitive style.
Just like Sheets and Delicates, the artwork in Lights is simply gorgeous. The delicate pastel palette and simple yet emotive illustrations perfectly compliment some possible tear jerker moments.
If you enjoyed Sheets and Delicates you will absolutely adore Lights. I’d also really recommend the series for anyone considering trying graphic novels for the first time.
Thanks to Oni Press for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more.
Thanks to Oni Press for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more.
You'd Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace
4.0
The Institution is set on a locked ward in a high security forensic hospital for those who have been declared criminally insane, so for obvious reasons I picked it up with trepidation. I usually spend a lot of the time reading similar stories trying to suspend disbelief while sighing ‘nope, that wouldn’t happen’ but with The Institution I was immediately hooked and needed to know what was around every corner.
Fields writing in this is absolutely razor sharp and within the first few lines there is a huge sense of tension and jeopardy. Many times throughout the audiobook I got genuine shivers and was left uneasy waiting for a resolution.
She isn’t afraid to step into the darkest minds and has an uncanny ability to write amazing fully fleshed characters brimming with the quirks that are only ever found within similar walls, staff and patients alike! The Institution itself even stood out as another malevolent entity with its own idiosyncrasies.
I picked this up without knowing it was book 2 in a series and can say I didn’t miss anything by not reading the first one, in fact I only found out it was a series while writing this review. I will definitely be picking up The Shadow Man though as I’d like to see more of the dark world of Dr Connie.
A gripping, tense rollercoaster of a read that will play on so many of your fears! The thoughts of coming to work one day and never been left back out again….nope!
Thank you to Avon Books for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review!
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/travelseatsreads/">@TravelsEatsReads</a> for more
Fields writing in this is absolutely razor sharp and within the first few lines there is a huge sense of tension and jeopardy. Many times throughout the audiobook I got genuine shivers and was left uneasy waiting for a resolution.
She isn’t afraid to step into the darkest minds and has an uncanny ability to write amazing fully fleshed characters brimming with the quirks that are only ever found within similar walls, staff and patients alike! The Institution itself even stood out as another malevolent entity with its own idiosyncrasies.
I picked this up without knowing it was book 2 in a series and can say I didn’t miss anything by not reading the first one, in fact I only found out it was a series while writing this review. I will definitely be picking up The Shadow Man though as I’d like to see more of the dark world of Dr Connie.
A gripping, tense rollercoaster of a read that will play on so many of your fears! The thoughts of coming to work one day and never been left back out again….nope!
Thank you to Avon Books for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review!
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/travelseatsreads/">@TravelsEatsReads</a> for more
The Institution by Helen Sarah Fields
4.0
The Institution is set on a locked ward in a high security forensic hospital for those who have been declared criminally insane, so for obvious reasons I picked it up with trepidation. I usually spend a lot of the time reading similar stories trying to suspend disbelief while sighing ‘nope, that wouldn’t happen’ but with The Institution I was immediately hooked and needed to know what was around every corner.
Fields writing in this is absolutely razor sharp and within the first few lines there is a huge sense of tension and jeopardy. Many times throughout the audiobook I got genuine shivers and was left uneasy waiting for a resolution.
She isn’t afraid to step into the darkest minds and has an uncanny ability to write amazing fully fleshed characters brimming with the quirks that are only ever found within similar walls, staff and patients alike! The Institution itself even stood out as another malevolent entity with its own idiosyncrasies.
I picked this up without knowing it was book 2 in a series and can say I didn’t miss anything by not reading the first one, in fact I only found out it was a series while writing this review. I will definitely be picking up The Shadow Man though as I’d like to see more of the dark world of Dr Connie.
A gripping, tense rollercoaster of a read that will play on so many of your fears! The thoughts of coming to work one day and never been left back out again….nope!
Thank you to Avon Books for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review!
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/travelseatsreads/">@TravelsEatsReads</a> for more
Fields writing in this is absolutely razor sharp and within the first few lines there is a huge sense of tension and jeopardy. Many times throughout the audiobook I got genuine shivers and was left uneasy waiting for a resolution.
She isn’t afraid to step into the darkest minds and has an uncanny ability to write amazing fully fleshed characters brimming with the quirks that are only ever found within similar walls, staff and patients alike! The Institution itself even stood out as another malevolent entity with its own idiosyncrasies.
I picked this up without knowing it was book 2 in a series and can say I didn’t miss anything by not reading the first one, in fact I only found out it was a series while writing this review. I will definitely be picking up The Shadow Man though as I’d like to see more of the dark world of Dr Connie.
A gripping, tense rollercoaster of a read that will play on so many of your fears! The thoughts of coming to work one day and never been left back out again….nope!
Thank you to Avon Books for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review!
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/travelseatsreads/">@TravelsEatsReads</a> for more
Brainwyrms by Alison Rumfitt
challenging
dark
4.0
Full review to come
but if you're wondering in the meantime yes it's absolutley f*cking vile!
but if you're wondering in the meantime yes it's absolutley f*cking vile!
My Name is Philippa by Philippa Ryder
emotional
informative
inspiring
5.0
My Name Is Philippa Ryder is the warm and honest retelling of Philippa Ryder’s journey through her transition which shows her many struggles, her ferocious tenacity and above all how with the constant love and support she flourished into the amazing woman she is today.
Philippa’s story within these pages is an absolute education in the most enlightening sense of the word. With open arms Philippa welcomed the reader into every nook and cranny of her life regardless of whether it shone a good reflection or not.
I truly believe Philippa’s honesty is where the success of this book and indeed her story lies. At no point does she portray the road she went down as the easy, pretty or indeed flawless choice. She discusses the many failings within the system (or lack thereof), the rollercoaster of a process involved in transitioning and indeed some personal moments which others might shirk at, with integrity and veracity.
She continues this education while discussing her experience of the Gender Recognition Act and Marriage Equality Referendum. Her own lived experience of both of these momentous occasions within Irish history truly is worth a thousand news articles and headlines.
Philippa offers the reader a spectrum of emotion throughout the book and lets us see into those confusing moments she experienced as a child right through to the disgust and frustration she experienced during situations as an adult. However, the overwhelming emotions bubbling through these pages are that of love and relentless hope.
While there are aspects of this book which are heavy there is a warmth pervading each page and an overwhelming sense of fun fizzing throughout that will keep you hooked and enamoured right until the very last page.
Thanks to @deirdrerobertsbooks and @mercierpressbooks for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review and apologies for sleeping on the review. The ones I enjoy most often take me the longest to write!
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/travelseatsreads/">@TravelsEatsReads</a> for more
Philippa’s story within these pages is an absolute education in the most enlightening sense of the word. With open arms Philippa welcomed the reader into every nook and cranny of her life regardless of whether it shone a good reflection or not.
I truly believe Philippa’s honesty is where the success of this book and indeed her story lies. At no point does she portray the road she went down as the easy, pretty or indeed flawless choice. She discusses the many failings within the system (or lack thereof), the rollercoaster of a process involved in transitioning and indeed some personal moments which others might shirk at, with integrity and veracity.
She continues this education while discussing her experience of the Gender Recognition Act and Marriage Equality Referendum. Her own lived experience of both of these momentous occasions within Irish history truly is worth a thousand news articles and headlines.
Philippa offers the reader a spectrum of emotion throughout the book and lets us see into those confusing moments she experienced as a child right through to the disgust and frustration she experienced during situations as an adult. However, the overwhelming emotions bubbling through these pages are that of love and relentless hope.
While there are aspects of this book which are heavy there is a warmth pervading each page and an overwhelming sense of fun fizzing throughout that will keep you hooked and enamoured right until the very last page.
Thanks to @deirdrerobertsbooks and @mercierpressbooks for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review and apologies for sleeping on the review. The ones I enjoy most often take me the longest to write!
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/travelseatsreads/">@TravelsEatsReads</a> for more