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colourbandit's reviews
247 reviews
You by Caroline Kepnes
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
You was such an incredibly intriguing read, and I’ve not really come across anything like it before. It was almost predictable with each of the key outcomes, but the way we got to each was so enticing.
Joe’s level of obsession was terrifying, but for me the most terrifying aspect was how he perceived everything as so incredibly normal. It was honestly quite disturbing at times to think just how easily something like this could happen.
I knew elements of the plot from watching some of the TV series but never finished it so it was still a nail-biting read. It was a little too long and dragged a touch at times which is why I knocked some points off, but overall very gripping.
Joe’s level of obsession was terrifying, but for me the most terrifying aspect was how he perceived everything as so incredibly normal. It was honestly quite disturbing at times to think just how easily something like this could happen.
I knew elements of the plot from watching some of the TV series but never finished it so it was still a nail-biting read. It was a little too long and dragged a touch at times which is why I knocked some points off, but overall very gripping.
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
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
4.5
So happy I finally got around to reading the final Brown sisters book! It was just as funny and wonderful and full of sexual tension as the previous instalments as we learn more about Eve’s life. She is very different to her sisters and has struggled for her whole life with undiagnosed neurodivergence, but then she finally finds acceptance and peace with Jacob.
It took me a little longer to get into at first than the other two, which is why I knocked off half a star, but that didn’t tarnish my enjoyment of the rest of the book at all, and it was absolutely worth pushing through at first. The characters aren’t all easy to love and understand, but as we get further into their heads we start to understand things a little more and empathise.
I adored the ending too through the epilogue, and I’m glad it was different than the initial hints and expectations - much more realistic and therefore enjoyable.
I’d love to check out any future books by Hibbert and am so glad I found this series in the first place! I’ll just be so sad there’s no more now :(
It took me a little longer to get into at first than the other two, which is why I knocked off half a star, but that didn’t tarnish my enjoyment of the rest of the book at all, and it was absolutely worth pushing through at first. The characters aren’t all easy to love and understand, but as we get further into their heads we start to understand things a little more and empathise.
I adored the ending too through the epilogue, and I’m glad it was different than the initial hints and expectations - much more realistic and therefore enjoyable.
I’d love to check out any future books by Hibbert and am so glad I found this series in the first place! I’ll just be so sad there’s no more now :(
The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Another pleasant and surprisingly funny read by Wodehouse. I was keen to read a second of his books featuring Jeeves and I’m glad I did - he is such a wonderful character full of subtle wit and always saving the day.
It was a very lighthearted and unserious story about the upper class and their trials and tribulations in life and love, but an enjoyable read at that. There’s a certain joy from reading Wodehouse’s books and as with the previous one I read from him, they’re a much welcome break from some more serious, literary reads every now and then.
It was a very lighthearted and unserious story about the upper class and their trials and tribulations in life and love, but an enjoyable read at that. There’s a certain joy from reading Wodehouse’s books and as with the previous one I read from him, they’re a much welcome break from some more serious, literary reads every now and then.
Diary of a Void by Emi Yagi
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was an interesting read with an amount of mystery and uncertainty left to the reader to consider. It definitely kept me thinking, and was an interesting look into how women are treated in certain societies, depending on their ‘worth’ and pregnancy.
It was short and sweet, definitely an easy read which I raced through, and it did keep me hooked to see how it would progress throughout - I was definitely keen to learn how our main character would see things through towards the end.
I was left a little confused by the ending and the amount of uncertainty,especially when the narrator began attending doctors appointments, having people touch her belly, and feeling real kicks , so that took away from my experience at the end a little, but overall I did enjoy reading this one!
It was short and sweet, definitely an easy read which I raced through, and it did keep me hooked to see how it would progress throughout - I was definitely keen to learn how our main character would see things through towards the end.
I was left a little confused by the ending and the amount of uncertainty,
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
adventurous
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
5.0
Wow, once I picked this beauty up I could not put it down. I bought this one on a bit of a whim from a bookshop employee’s recommendation but it exceeded any expectations I might have had.
I’m a sucker for books about books, especially ones that highlight the magic of books (literally in this case) so it was inevitable that I’d fall in love. Every page oozes with magic and wonder, with the intricacies of the history in this universe, and each family, with their dynamics and secrets. And it comes together in the end beautifully and in such a satisfying turn.
I love the hope we’re left with, the brimming new relationships starting to form, the found family established. It was honestly such a joy to read and I’m so sad it had to end. Please, please pick this one up and give it a go if magic and books about books are your jam - you will adore it!
Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Having read this on the request of my boyfriend as a favourite book of his, I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but Wolf Brother did in fact exceed expectations. It was tense and emotional, yet so cozy at the same time. I grew to absolutely adore all of the characters, and desperately hope that Wolf makes a comeback in a future book in the series.
I would love to return to this series as a quicker read, maybe a break after a longer or more intense read, and it seems like a perfect series for the upcoming Autumn and Winter seasons. For a middle grade book, there was so much more emotional depth and conflict than I was anticipating, but it really made the book engaging, and I loved the experience of reading it. I’ll absolutely be back for more.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another hit from Taylor Jenkins Reid! I don’t know where she gets the creative and talent for book after book but I’m yet to be bored by any of them.
I loved this as a story of family, including found family, the impact of loss and pressure on older children as a result. The power of fame, it’s impact on relationships, and feelings of responsibility. It was such a gorgeous backdrop with the surfing and beach vibes/lifestyle, so was just fun all around from that perspective.
I also loved the continuation of the “Taylor Jenkins Reid Cinematic Universe” with the inclusion of Carrie Soto (even if I did read them the wrong way around).
I loved every minute of reading this and will absolutely be continuing my quest to get through her whole publication list!
I loved this as a story of family, including found family, the impact of loss and pressure on older children as a result. The power of fame, it’s impact on relationships, and feelings of responsibility. It was such a gorgeous backdrop with the surfing and beach vibes/lifestyle, so was just fun all around from that perspective.
I also loved the continuation of the “Taylor Jenkins Reid Cinematic Universe” with the inclusion of Carrie Soto (even if I did read them the wrong way around).
I loved every minute of reading this and will absolutely be continuing my quest to get through her whole publication list!
The List by Yomi Adegoke
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Not the best book of the year, but certainly not the worst either.
There were a lot of things I did like about The List - the initial concept drew me immediately, and I really found it interesting diving into how Ola, as a very public feminist and journalist handled allegations which were so close to home. The contrast between her previous work on very similar cases was especially well done. We also got to dive into the huge influence of the internet and social media on people’s real lives, often unfounded and very quick to take action. It was thought-provoking and reflective about how we all treat things we read on the internet.
It did unfortunately take me a while to finish, andI found myself feeling a lot of frustration about the lack of communication and lies sprinkled throughout, which if they had just been more open about, would have solved an awful lot of conflict later down the line. Given Michael and Ola’s history, this was especially frustrating, and ultimately I could understand Ola’s perspective of them not being right.
I did however enjoy the ending and the plot twist, which again demonstrated the immense power of social media and its ability to be manipulated.
Overall, a really interesting deep-dive into the modern realities of social media, rape culture, and feminism.
There were a lot of things I did like about The List - the initial concept drew me immediately, and I really found it interesting diving into how Ola, as a very public feminist and journalist handled allegations which were so close to home. The contrast between her previous work on very similar cases was especially well done. We also got to dive into the huge influence of the internet and social media on people’s real lives, often unfounded and very quick to take action. It was thought-provoking and reflective about how we all treat things we read on the internet.
It did unfortunately take me a while to finish, and
I did however enjoy the ending and the plot twist, which again demonstrated the immense power of social media and its ability to be manipulated.
Overall, a really interesting deep-dive into the modern realities of social media, rape culture, and feminism.
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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
5.0
Another immediate 100% fall in love read from Andrew Joseph White. I bought this as soon as I could having finished his first book, so went in with high expectations - and they were absolutely met with all guns blazing.
There is just something about his style of writing, the themes discussed, the depth of the characters, and every element of his stories that immediately draws me in and makes me unable to put them down. It was similar style wise to his first book with themes of horror, a trans main character, and neurodivergency, but completely unique in its own right.
I adored having an openly autistic main character, with romance that isn’t cheesy or cutesy and is just purely wonderful fighting together to fucking destroy everyone who has hurt them. There were moments where I was disgusted by things that were mentioned from the horror side, and also horrific abuse detailed, which made me even more compelled to continue.
I could continue all day with my love for this author and his books, and I’m already so desperate for the next one coming in September!!! Easy 5 stars for me.
There is just something about his style of writing, the themes discussed, the depth of the characters, and every element of his stories that immediately draws me in and makes me unable to put them down. It was similar style wise to his first book with themes of horror, a trans main character, and neurodivergency, but completely unique in its own right.
I adored having an openly autistic main character, with romance that isn’t cheesy or cutesy and is just purely wonderful fighting together to fucking destroy everyone who has hurt them. There were moments where I was disgusted by things that were mentioned from the horror side, and also horrific abuse detailed, which made me even more compelled to continue.
I could continue all day with my love for this author and his books, and I’m already so desperate for the next one coming in September!!! Easy 5 stars for me.
The Luck of the Bodkins by P.G. Wodehouse
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This P.G.Wodehouse is a comedy of errors and my first of his books. It was a very lighthearted read but I found myself laughing unexpectedly and growing so frustrated for the characters on their behalf.
It was a cacophony of chaos by the end but we had a nice resolution despite the winding road to get there. The alligator was definitely an appreciated and hilarious theme throughout for me too! I have to say, listening to the audiobook definitely also added a touch with the author’s accent and intonation being perfect for this context.
It isn’t my favourite, most deeply affecting story of all time, but I’ll definitely be back for some Jeeves soon to get the true picture of this author and his comedy.
It was a cacophony of chaos by the end but we had a nice resolution despite the winding road to get there. The alligator was definitely an appreciated and hilarious theme throughout for me too! I have to say, listening to the audiobook definitely also added a touch with the author’s accent and intonation being perfect for this context.
It isn’t my favourite, most deeply affecting story of all time, but I’ll definitely be back for some Jeeves soon to get the true picture of this author and his comedy.