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Charlie Masters #1
Colours
Bullied, beaten, hospitalised. And it’s only his first day.
After the school bully puts Charlie in hospital, he doesn’t think things can get worse, until he starts seeing clouds of light surround strangers.
Charlie worries he’s hallucinating until the mysterious Colours Institute offers him an apprenticeship and a chance at the truth. He soon wishes he was hallucinating as the truth might mean he can manipulate the fabric of humanity.
Fighting against an enemy as ruthless as he his smart can Charlie and his new friends uncover the power he needs? And at what cost?
Charlie might be the most interesting person you meet this year. Why don’t you find out?
After the school bully puts Charlie in hospital, he doesn’t think things can get worse, until he starts seeing clouds of light surround strangers.
Charlie worries he’s hallucinating until the mysterious Colours Institute offers him an apprenticeship and a chance at the truth. He soon wishes he was hallucinating as the truth might mean he can manipulate the fabric of humanity.
Fighting against an enemy as ruthless as he his smart can Charlie and his new friends uncover the power he needs? And at what cost?
Charlie might be the most interesting person you meet this year. Why don’t you find out?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 17, 2019
To tell you the truth, I saw this book listed under ‘New Titles’ on NetGalley, and I really just liked the cover so much that I requested it (it’s free to download!!). The “Letter to the reader” at the start of the book was surprisingly touching. Mr. Crombie is an independent author, and this is his debut novel. I wish I’d liked it more, and I feel guilty about my rating, but I’m here to be honest.
Personally, this is one of the first times (that I can think of) where I’ve ever come across a book in which the author is so new and unknown, and for the most part, it is a good effort. The foundations for an involving story are present, but it needs editing. The plot progression was clunky; there is very little build-up or elaboration, and not much happens. Right off the bat, much of the dialogue felt clipped and choppy, and the short sentences gave an abrupt presentation of the story. The bullies were ridiculous. I don’t find it very believable that Charlie would be attacked within the first, like, 10 pages. There was no reasoning behind it— unless you take in that Charlie was the new kid from England? Flimsy motivation for such a physical attack, if you ask me. Charlie literally sat down in his first class, and one of the students turned to him and said he’s going to kill him ??? It came way out of left field and made zero sense.
The first half of the book I’d classify on the younger end of the YA genre, as Charlie is thirteen (for about the first 30% of the story- Part 1), and the content somewhat tame compared to other similar works. I’m also not the biggest fan of first person present narration. Sometimes descriptive passages and action can seem like it is being listed... it takes me out of the story. Scenes skipped around abruptly from one to the next without any sort of transition whatsoever. Passages of time were not accentuated, so there was a lot of confusion about the WHAT was happening in the story, and the WHEN it was— Did a few hours just pass? A day? A week? More effort should have been put into filling in the enormous gaps in the timeline. I think it was an attempt to get to the part of the book where Charlie is 16, but not make it seem rushed?
I know next-to-nothing about the sport of Cricket, and there was no explanation to the game itself, so a few game scenes went right over my head:
???????
I simply attribute this to my lack of knowledge of most sports, as well as of Britain in general.
One thing I really enjoyed was why and how the Institute operated. The idea is unique and interesting, and the thought of “guardians” made me happy: . However, I think Charlie’s power could be problematic. If something’s meant to be, but doesn’t happen, how can you then force two people into something? It felt wrong; like their autonomy/free will was being taken away from them. I know this wasn’t the author’s intention for it to be perceived this way, but it’s kind of sketchy. At one point, they even say it’s “manipulating connections.”
At the halfway mark, when Mina is introduced, the plot and pace seemed to pick up and move in the right direction. I was glad of it, because everything else before was uneventful.
Might I add:
•If I ever see the words ”charcoal grey and cream” again I’ll scream! (... even if grey IS my favorite color).
•A personal grievance with YA lit is introducing a romantic element to every goddamn story, and this book started its rounds with Charlie and Jo. The love interest angle is so superficial, too.
•
Although I wanted to give this a higher rating, I had to be true to my experience reading it. I understand it may appear a more negative than positive review, but let it be known I have discovered that it truly makes me happy to support indie authors. Instead of constantly championing the horribly bloated literary bigwigs, take a chance on something you think interesting that is self-published or with few reviews. Because in this community, I see the same stale stories rolling out of the YA genremanufacturing plants time and again... and it’s always the same handful of entitled/mediocre authors getting their cash grab books advertised, heavily-marketed, and published, while the indie authors get left on the back burner. Just a suggestion: Give your money to more deserving authors— especially within the YA field!
(I seriously hope this doesn’t sound patronizing, but) I would definitely like to see more from Mr. Crombie. I hope he keeps writing, pushing forward, and honing his craft/dreams.
Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and BooksGoSocial for making this copy available to read.
Personally, this is one of the first times (that I can think of) where I’ve ever come across a book in which the author is so new and unknown, and for the most part, it is a good effort. The foundations for an involving story are present, but it needs editing. The plot progression was clunky; there is very little build-up or elaboration, and not much happens. Right off the bat, much of the dialogue felt clipped and choppy, and the short sentences gave an abrupt presentation of the story. The bullies were ridiculous. I don’t find it very believable that Charlie would be attacked within the first, like, 10 pages. There was no reasoning behind it— unless you take in that Charlie was the new kid from England? Flimsy motivation for such a physical attack, if you ask me. Charlie literally sat down in his first class, and one of the students turned to him and said he’s going to kill him ??? It came way out of left field and made zero sense.
The first half of the book I’d classify on the younger end of the YA genre, as Charlie is thirteen (for about the first 30% of the story- Part 1), and the content somewhat tame compared to other similar works. I’m also not the biggest fan of first person present narration. Sometimes descriptive passages and action can seem like it is being listed... it takes me out of the story. Scenes skipped around abruptly from one to the next without any sort of transition whatsoever. Passages of time were not accentuated, so there was a lot of confusion about the WHAT was happening in the story, and the WHEN it was— Did a few hours just pass? A day? A week? More effort should have been put into filling in the enormous gaps in the timeline. I think it was an attempt to get to the part of the book where Charlie is 16, but not make it seem rushed?
I know next-to-nothing about the sport of Cricket, and there was no explanation to the game itself, so a few game scenes went right over my head:
”Just protect your wicket,” Andrew greeted me as I arrived. “Keep your pads out of the way, if the ball hits them it’ll be out. That’s the umpire’s son bowling. Get to the end of the over and I’ll try and keep the strike as much as I can.”
“I was standing at deep square leg, right on the boundary, for one of our spin bowlers when the batsmen tried for maximum over my head.”
???????
I simply attribute this to my lack of knowledge of most sports, as well as of Britain in general.
One thing I really enjoyed was why and how the Institute operated. The idea is unique and interesting, and the thought of “guardians” made me happy: . However, I think Charlie’s power could be problematic. If something’s meant to be, but doesn’t happen, how can you then force two people into something? It felt wrong; like their autonomy/free will was being taken away from them. I know this wasn’t the author’s intention for it to be perceived this way, but it’s kind of sketchy. At one point, they even say it’s “manipulating connections.”
At the halfway mark, when Mina is introduced, the plot and pace seemed to pick up and move in the right direction. I was glad of it, because everything else before was uneventful.
Might I add:
•If I ever see the words ”charcoal grey and cream” again I’ll scream! (... even if grey IS my favorite color).
•A personal grievance with YA lit is introducing a romantic element to every goddamn story, and this book started its rounds with Charlie and Jo. The love interest angle is so superficial, too.
•
Although I wanted to give this a higher rating, I had to be true to my experience reading it. I understand it may appear a more negative than positive review, but let it be known I have discovered that it truly makes me happy to support indie authors. Instead of constantly championing the horribly bloated literary bigwigs, take a chance on something you think interesting that is self-published or with few reviews. Because in this community, I see the same stale stories rolling out of the YA genre
(I seriously hope this doesn’t sound patronizing, but) I would definitely like to see more from Mr. Crombie. I hope he keeps writing, pushing forward, and honing his craft/dreams.
Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and BooksGoSocial for making this copy available to read.
May 17, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my review!
So this book tells us the story of Charlie, a teenager who moves to a new school and gets bullied pretty badly. He then starts hallucinating colors. We join him as he learns what the colors are and joins an organisation for people like him.
I haven't read fantasy ya for a while so it was refreshing to read that genre again. I found the plot engaging. I couldn't predict any plot point, I was really on my toes.
There were a few problems with this book but these problems didn't harm my enjoyment of this book. Even if I enjoyed reading it, looking back I realize there are some issues that could be worked on for the sequel (which I'd love to read!).
I found that the beginning was unnecessarily long. 100 pages pass by and a lot happens in Charlie's life but not much happens that furthers the actual plot (the colours!). It is meant to set up his character but honestly, for me, it didn't.
Charlie's character needs some more work. 16 year olds aren't like this. I found his character's behavior a little abrupt at times. He has this very mature style of thinking that felt more like a 30 year old than a 16 year old. He was throwing around commands and acting like he is used to making big complicated plans. I didn't find it believable character development.
As a reader, I don't entirely understand why colours matter. Is this a supernatural thing? A gift thing? I'm excited to get answers but I hope they'll be satisfying.
I hated Mina. I really did. I found her obnoxious and I didn't like her "I'm so intelligent and know everything" vibe. It made it hard to connect to her and so, as the plot continued, I simply didn't care. The only positive thing about her was the description of her Norwegian accent.
There were some typos. Nothing too serious but yeah, I recommend an editor goes over this again just to make sure.
Other than that, I have high hopes for this book! It's a debut and I truly believe the author (who seems like such a sweet and kind person based on his author's notes) has potential to make this series a ya classic. Looking forward to hearing more about Charlie!
What I'm Taking With Me
- Seeing colours sounds awesome, I'm a little jealous.
- His father is the best character here, I want more of him
- I don't trust any organization here.
So this book tells us the story of Charlie, a teenager who moves to a new school and gets bullied pretty badly. He then starts hallucinating colors. We join him as he learns what the colors are and joins an organisation for people like him.
I haven't read fantasy ya for a while so it was refreshing to read that genre again. I found the plot engaging. I couldn't predict any plot point, I was really on my toes.
There were a few problems with this book but these problems didn't harm my enjoyment of this book. Even if I enjoyed reading it, looking back I realize there are some issues that could be worked on for the sequel (which I'd love to read!).
I found that the beginning was unnecessarily long. 100 pages pass by and a lot happens in Charlie's life but not much happens that furthers the actual plot (the colours!). It is meant to set up his character but honestly, for me, it didn't.
Charlie's character needs some more work. 16 year olds aren't like this. I found his character's behavior a little abrupt at times. He has this very mature style of thinking that felt more like a 30 year old than a 16 year old. He was throwing around commands and acting like he is used to making big complicated plans. I didn't find it believable character development.
As a reader, I don't entirely understand why colours matter. Is this a supernatural thing? A gift thing? I'm excited to get answers but I hope they'll be satisfying.
I hated Mina. I really did. I found her obnoxious and I didn't like her "I'm so intelligent and know everything" vibe. It made it hard to connect to her and so, as the plot continued, I simply didn't care. The only positive thing about her was the description of her Norwegian accent.
There were some typos. Nothing too serious but yeah, I recommend an editor goes over this again just to make sure.
Other than that, I have high hopes for this book! It's a debut and I truly believe the author (who seems like such a sweet and kind person based on his author's notes) has potential to make this series a ya classic. Looking forward to hearing more about Charlie!
What I'm Taking With Me
- Seeing colours sounds awesome, I'm a little jealous.
- His father is the best character here, I want more of him
- I don't trust any organization here.
June 11, 2019
What if the entire world was connected for one purpose and every person you met could have a profound impact on that purpose? What’s more, what if those Connections could be manipulated for bad? That’s where the Colours Institute comes in, to protect the Connections.
Colours is the debut novel of author Alastair Crombie, and I can tell from this one book that this is an author to watch in the upcoming years. YA is a difficult genre to write in because it feels like almost everything has been done before, but in Colours, it is a new story with some interesting aspects.
For it to be a Fantasy YA, it is surprisingly slow-paced as far as action goes, but I never grew bored of the story. In a rare (for me) instance, the information in learning about the Institute and developing strong admirations of characters was actually enough in this story. Usually I want authors to get through with the explaining as quick as possible and dive into the action, but this gradual, steady pace of a little bit of action, little bit of learning was actually perfect for Colours. At the end of the book, I know the characters well, I understand the Institute, I have my own theories, and I am motivated just like Charlie to make things count. Colours is truly the perfect introduction to this series, and now I’m ready for lots of action in book 2!
This book is also deliciously British and I definitely read all of the conversations with a (terrible) British accent. I know nothing about the game of Cricket, so in my head I was picturing Baseball (yes, I know, terrible comparison), but I really enjoyed the scenes in which Charlie played and feel like I might understand it now *somewhat?*.
The reason Colours is only 4 stars instead of 5, is because I did find several instances in which grammar and spelling errors glitched my reading flow, and sometimes the writing confused me as far as time lapse goes. For example, I completely missed the transition from Charlie being 13 to the story skipping ahead to Charlie being 16. That may have been a flaw I had in the ARC I was reading, but I flipped back a few pages to see if I had skipped a page, and nothing. No indication that the story moved forward 3 years.
There is some mild American cursing (one “f-bomb” and one “gd”) and lots of British cursing used (I’m sure different regions would consider certain words very offensive). The only sexual content worthy of mention is in one scene in which Charlie says something that could be taken in a sexual way and two characters certainly take it that way and give him a hard time about being a virgin and make the comment “pop that–“well you know. There is no kissing, though the blossom of a romance is evident and could be expected in the upcoming release of book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
Colours is the debut novel of author Alastair Crombie, and I can tell from this one book that this is an author to watch in the upcoming years. YA is a difficult genre to write in because it feels like almost everything has been done before, but in Colours, it is a new story with some interesting aspects.
For it to be a Fantasy YA, it is surprisingly slow-paced as far as action goes, but I never grew bored of the story. In a rare (for me) instance, the information in learning about the Institute and developing strong admirations of characters was actually enough in this story. Usually I want authors to get through with the explaining as quick as possible and dive into the action, but this gradual, steady pace of a little bit of action, little bit of learning was actually perfect for Colours. At the end of the book, I know the characters well, I understand the Institute, I have my own theories, and I am motivated just like Charlie to make things count. Colours is truly the perfect introduction to this series, and now I’m ready for lots of action in book 2!
This book is also deliciously British and I definitely read all of the conversations with a (terrible) British accent. I know nothing about the game of Cricket, so in my head I was picturing Baseball (yes, I know, terrible comparison), but I really enjoyed the scenes in which Charlie played and feel like I might understand it now *somewhat?*.
The reason Colours is only 4 stars instead of 5, is because I did find several instances in which grammar and spelling errors glitched my reading flow, and sometimes the writing confused me as far as time lapse goes. For example, I completely missed the transition from Charlie being 13 to the story skipping ahead to Charlie being 16. That may have been a flaw I had in the ARC I was reading, but I flipped back a few pages to see if I had skipped a page, and nothing. No indication that the story moved forward 3 years.
There is some mild American cursing (one “f-bomb” and one “gd”) and lots of British cursing used (I’m sure different regions would consider certain words very offensive). The only sexual content worthy of mention is in one scene in which Charlie says something that could be taken in a sexual way and two characters certainly take it that way and give him a hard time about being a virgin and make the comment “pop that–“well you know. There is no kissing, though the blossom of a romance is evident and could be expected in the upcoming release of book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
May 23, 2019
This review is hard for me to write. I wish I could give 2.5 stars and I know that sounds like a cop out, but it's true.
I liked the idea of this story and the story itself. I had a hard time with the slower, clunky progression of the story though. It took a bit of time to get the plot started and I got confused about passages of time, but that might just be me.
Despite my low rating I honestly would read the sequel. I know that Crombie has great stories to tell and I'm excited to see where this one goes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the idea of this story and the story itself. I had a hard time with the slower, clunky progression of the story though. It took a bit of time to get the plot started and I got confused about passages of time, but that might just be me.
Despite my low rating I honestly would read the sequel. I know that Crombie has great stories to tell and I'm excited to see where this one goes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2019
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Charlie (not Charles) is the new kid at school. Raised by a single dad, Charlie is witty, sweet, and just wants to get off this God forsaken island and get back to the town they moved away from. This feeling is amplified when Greasy and his lackeys beat the ever-loving shit out Charlie on the first day of school, landing him in the hospital. Charlie's problems don't just begin and end with being the school pariah - Charlie starts to see Colours? Wait, no really, those people are surrounded by soft glowing Colours! It must be the trauma... Except its not. Soon, Charlie is thrust into a secret society where he is not alone in his abilities and where a secret war wages that he will be forced to join against his better wishes.
Mr. Crombie, you have done a magnificent job making Charlie come to life. This is the type of character that I laugh with, cry with, want to smack him, and want to hug him. His voice is strong and clear. He is witty and lovable.
This is true for most of the characters in Colours. From Charlie's dad to Jo, from James to even Rafaela.
Speaking of Charlie's dad, next to Jo and Mina, he was my favorite support character. His love and belief for Charlie were infectious.
I cannot wait to read the second book in the series and see what happens with Charlie. I hope Charlie can get over his awkwardness a bit and see that Jo is just as interested in him as he is in her!
Charlie (not Charles) is the new kid at school. Raised by a single dad, Charlie is witty, sweet, and just wants to get off this God forsaken island and get back to the town they moved away from. This feeling is amplified when Greasy and his lackeys beat the ever-loving shit out Charlie on the first day of school, landing him in the hospital. Charlie's problems don't just begin and end with being the school pariah - Charlie starts to see Colours? Wait, no really, those people are surrounded by soft glowing Colours! It must be the trauma... Except its not. Soon, Charlie is thrust into a secret society where he is not alone in his abilities and where a secret war wages that he will be forced to join against his better wishes.
Mr. Crombie, you have done a magnificent job making Charlie come to life. This is the type of character that I laugh with, cry with, want to smack him, and want to hug him. His voice is strong and clear. He is witty and lovable.
My oasis is a desert if embarrassment, a desk to call my own.
This is true for most of the characters in Colours. From Charlie's dad to Jo, from James to even Rafaela.
Speaking of Charlie's dad, next to Jo and Mina, he was my favorite support character. His love and belief for Charlie were infectious.
"Can I get you anything?" Dad shouted from the kitchen. "A new spleen?" "All out. I'll see what I can find at the supermarket." ... Dad handed me a can of liquid sugar and a bag of chemical goodness. "That will have to do until I can buy some new organs. Do you think they'll be in the deli or the frozen section?"
I cannot wait to read the second book in the series and see what happens with Charlie. I hope Charlie can get over his awkwardness a bit and see that Jo is just as interested in him as he is in her!
April 23, 2020
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this quirky book
poor charlies first day at his new school isnt going at all well, he falls foul of the school bully and before he can sort this situation out things get out of hand and get a lot worse for him
after a near death experience an ostracised charlie never could find anyone to make friends with and as he counted the days till his school years were over,his only plan was to do his A levels back at his old place...and live on his own,having no idea how he would be able to survive on his own..
but before this could happen fate intervened...and charlie was invited with his dad for a visit to a mysterious place .....
i found this book very easy to read and flowed really well..i liked the idea of being surrounded by colours and i do wonder what those connections mean for the future....and most of all the characters were very likeable, the added drama was a bonus and i look forward to the next in this series
will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works
poor charlies first day at his new school isnt going at all well, he falls foul of the school bully and before he can sort this situation out things get out of hand and get a lot worse for him
after a near death experience an ostracised charlie never could find anyone to make friends with and as he counted the days till his school years were over,his only plan was to do his A levels back at his old place...and live on his own,having no idea how he would be able to survive on his own..
but before this could happen fate intervened...and charlie was invited with his dad for a visit to a mysterious place .....
i found this book very easy to read and flowed really well..i liked the idea of being surrounded by colours and i do wonder what those connections mean for the future....and most of all the characters were very likeable, the added drama was a bonus and i look forward to the next in this series
will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works
June 1, 2019
Alright, this wasn't bad. It was written by a new author and you could feel that in the writing but it still wasn't bad. I loved the idea of these colours, an organisation, all the mystery and supernatural element - all made for a good read.
And yeah, it really wasn't bad.
The writing was a bit janky. Especially at the beginning when I was just getting into the story and it felt like it zig-zagged around the place, abrupt and sharp without much natural flow. But you get used to it.
The first 100 pages or so are kind of unnecessary. obviously very important in explaining WHEN he got his powers and the situation surrounding them but that could have probably been pushed into a prologue - or a couple of chapters. It was there to build up his character, I think, but unnecessary.
Those are just a couple of notes though. Overall, good story. Hopefully, the writing will be smoothed out in the second book but, other than that, really worth a read!
And yeah, it really wasn't bad.
The writing was a bit janky. Especially at the beginning when I was just getting into the story and it felt like it zig-zagged around the place, abrupt and sharp without much natural flow. But you get used to it.
The first 100 pages or so are kind of unnecessary. obviously very important in explaining WHEN he got his powers and the situation surrounding them but that could have probably been pushed into a prologue - or a couple of chapters. It was there to build up his character, I think, but unnecessary.
Those are just a couple of notes though. Overall, good story. Hopefully, the writing will be smoothed out in the second book but, other than that, really worth a read!
January 17, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I chose this book because I have a fascination with auras. I also love to see bullies get their just rewards so I was hoping for a win-win outcome with this book. It started ok but I lost interest quickly with all the cricket sports talk. Maybe cricket will come into play in future books of the series but for me it was wasted time and it bored me to tears. Honestly, the majority of the story was just ok and not really holding my interest. I realize the story needs set up for future installments but it really didn't get interesting until about 80% in. The last 20% was pretty good. I am not sure that's enough to make me want to read book #2 though. Final impression - it was ok with the end being much better and offering promise for the rest of the series.
I chose this book because I have a fascination with auras. I also love to see bullies get their just rewards so I was hoping for a win-win outcome with this book. It started ok but I lost interest quickly with all the cricket sports talk. Maybe cricket will come into play in future books of the series but for me it was wasted time and it bored me to tears. Honestly, the majority of the story was just ok and not really holding my interest. I realize the story needs set up for future installments but it really didn't get interesting until about 80% in. The last 20% was pretty good. I am not sure that's enough to make me want to read book #2 though. Final impression - it was ok with the end being much better and offering promise for the rest of the series.
August 14, 2019
The synopsis of the book sounded amazing, I have read books that have dealt with synesthesia and have been blown away by those books. So when I read that the main character was able to see colors around people after an accident I knew I had to read the book. but…
While I was reading this I was having a hard time connecting to it. I was really hoping that I was going to love it because it sounded so unique. I got to about 50% and decided to stop because I just couldn’t get into it. I know that I got to half way but I just couldn’t read the last half.
The story in the beginning did seem a little slow. I didn’t think that it was going to go anywhere. I felt like it was lacking something more.
While I was reading this I was having a hard time connecting to it. I was really hoping that I was going to love it because it sounded so unique. I got to about 50% and decided to stop because I just couldn’t get into it. I know that I got to half way but I just couldn’t read the last half.
The story in the beginning did seem a little slow. I didn’t think that it was going to go anywhere. I felt like it was lacking something more.
October 24, 2019
Captivated by colours!
I was sucked in pretty quickly. Especially after Charlie started to see colours. It was a fast paced read. The characters were described wonderfully. My heart goes to Charlie and his Dad. It's not often that we get to see a male as the main character and this was a breath of fresh air. Charlie is portrayed as a normal teen trying to navigate kife, a new school, home and just life. He gets thrown a curveball when he starts to see co,or surrounding people and no one else can see them. There is lose and trauma and some twists and turns. Take the time to read this book. It was over too quickly and I can't wait to read the next book.
I was sucked in pretty quickly. Especially after Charlie started to see colours. It was a fast paced read. The characters were described wonderfully. My heart goes to Charlie and his Dad. It's not often that we get to see a male as the main character and this was a breath of fresh air. Charlie is portrayed as a normal teen trying to navigate kife, a new school, home and just life. He gets thrown a curveball when he starts to see co,or surrounding people and no one else can see them. There is lose and trauma and some twists and turns. Take the time to read this book. It was over too quickly and I can't wait to read the next book.
June 8, 2019
Charlie is a teenager who like many teens, trying to find his place in a new school environment. Things don't come easy as he's bullied by a boy he's named "Greasy" and his cronies. After being hurt he's starts to see Colours but not understanding what this really means.
The writer spends a lot of time developing the main and supporting characters. This isn't a fast paced, action-filled type of book. The reader may find themselves liking Charlie and his quirks. What a reader might struggle with is Mina an 11 year-old who plays an important part in Charlie's development. Her voice may seem strange as it's a much older persona, not your typical pre-teen.
If you're looking for a fresh voice and character development with a YA and Sci-Fi combination, this is one to look at.
The writer spends a lot of time developing the main and supporting characters. This isn't a fast paced, action-filled type of book. The reader may find themselves liking Charlie and his quirks. What a reader might struggle with is Mina an 11 year-old who plays an important part in Charlie's development. Her voice may seem strange as it's a much older persona, not your typical pre-teen.
If you're looking for a fresh voice and character development with a YA and Sci-Fi combination, this is one to look at.
May 20, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.
It's always difficult to read such debut authors when you're used to prolific, established writers.
That being said, this series and author has potential. The story and concept are pretty interesting and you feel for the main character. The narration gets long-winded at times and some of the Britishness could be toned down to be more understandable to a wider audience.
Looking forward to more from this author!
It's always difficult to read such debut authors when you're used to prolific, established writers.
That being said, this series and author has potential. The story and concept are pretty interesting and you feel for the main character. The narration gets long-winded at times and some of the Britishness could be toned down to be more understandable to a wider audience.
Looking forward to more from this author!
May 29, 2019
Neither a novel nor a book
I should have been prepared after the preface.
Warning lights were blinking.
I think that there might have even been a low warning buzz.
Sigh.
Another TV show episode. I will say if I was expecting a TV pilot I would be looking forward to the next episode.
But I wasn't expecting a TV show.
I should have been prepared after the preface.
Warning lights were blinking.
I think that there might have even been a low warning buzz.
Sigh.
Another TV show episode. I will say if I was expecting a TV pilot I would be looking forward to the next episode.
But I wasn't expecting a TV show.
June 3, 2019
Wow
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were interesting the storyline was fantastic. I was sad with the ending though? Is there going to be another book continuing the story? I hope so,bad I have plenty of questions that need a meeting and want to know what happens next
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were interesting the storyline was fantastic. I was sad with the ending though? Is there going to be another book continuing the story? I hope so,bad I have plenty of questions that need a meeting and want to know what happens next
June 27, 2019
Connections
Nice takeoff on the aura that surround people. Wonder what the next evolutionary changes are supposed to be. Some parts would have made much more sense if I had any kind of understanding about the sport of cricket. Very interesting.
Nice takeoff on the aura that surround people. Wonder what the next evolutionary changes are supposed to be. Some parts would have made much more sense if I had any kind of understanding about the sport of cricket. Very interesting.
November 13, 2019
Good
I enjoyed immensely...held my interest from the start. Only noticed two minor editing errors so well done there. Well written and engaging. I would read more by this author gladly.
I enjoyed immensely...held my interest from the start. Only noticed two minor editing errors so well done there. Well written and engaging. I would read more by this author gladly.
October 3, 2021
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was so different to anything I have read before.
A brilliant idea which just grew on me as I was reading.
Brilliant characters and a storyline that flowed made this a easy read.
This was so different to anything I have read before.
A brilliant idea which just grew on me as I was reading.
Brilliant characters and a storyline that flowed made this a easy read.
May 17, 2019
Amazing book. Our oldest 12 Casper loved it.
June 2, 2019
I can't write a review for this without confessing that I do know the author, all be it when we were kids. I've never read a fictional book by someone I know so was not sure how I would get into the story, however I quickly put that aside and got lost in the story and I really liked it. I liked Charlies sense of humour and was gutted at the end to have to wait for the next one! My minor criticism is that it could be edited in places to make things flow more smoothly, but given Alastair is self publishing it is of a pretty high standard. I really look forward to Charlie Masters #2
August 11, 2019
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked the overall idea for this story. It was written by a new author and I could feel that in the writing at times but it overall was not bad. For me it took a little bit long until we got to the core of the story, because the writing and atmosphere was so drastically different, that it might feel like two different books. And there is a big chance that you dont like both styles. I really did not understand what motivated the bullies to go through so drastic acts for our main character to land where he did. I guess it was necessary for the progression of the story, but it simply did not make sense to me.
I overall really enjoyed the second half of the book, even though Charlies power left me with more question marks (it slightly contradicted the overall explanation) and some of the storyline felt quite forced.
I have mixed feelings about Minas character development, it was a bit confusing at times and possibly could have been solved better. And I could have done without any romance. But what mostly annoyed me was Charlie demanding over and over and over that he had no powers. It was getting to a point where his reaction became a bit rediculous.
Besides that, I truly enjoyed this book and I believe with a bit of editing, this could be a really great story.
I really liked the overall idea for this story. It was written by a new author and I could feel that in the writing at times but it overall was not bad. For me it took a little bit long until we got to the core of the story, because the writing and atmosphere was so drastically different, that it might feel like two different books. And there is a big chance that you dont like both styles. I really did not understand what motivated the bullies to go through so drastic acts for our main character to land where he did. I guess it was necessary for the progression of the story, but it simply did not make sense to me.
I overall really enjoyed the second half of the book, even though Charlies power left me with more question marks (it slightly contradicted the overall explanation) and some of the storyline felt quite forced.
I have mixed feelings about Minas character development, it was a bit confusing at times and possibly could have been solved better. And I could have done without any romance. But what mostly annoyed me was Charlie demanding over and over and over that he had no powers. It was getting to a point where his reaction became a bit rediculous.
Besides that, I truly enjoyed this book and I believe with a bit of editing, this could be a really great story.
May 20, 2019
This book follow a story of Charlie, a new student whose bullied on the first day of his new school. The bullying get so bad that Charlie need to stay on the hospital and then he start seeing color.
From there it fast forward until Charlie is expected to graduate, and instead of going to school of his choice, he was approached by the institute and the adventure is officially begin.
Well, this book is enjoyable, the plot twist keep me on my toes and I love how the author construct the fantasy world. The ending also a good bridging for the sequel that I can't wait to read.
Thank you netgalley and BooksGoSocial for providing the arc.
From there it fast forward until Charlie is expected to graduate, and instead of going to school of his choice, he was approached by the institute and the adventure is officially begin.
Well, this book is enjoyable, the plot twist keep me on my toes and I love how the author construct the fantasy world. The ending also a good bridging for the sequel that I can't wait to read.
Thank you netgalley and BooksGoSocial for providing the arc.
May 26, 2019
Colours by Alastair Crombie
Wow at first I didn’t like this book at all but the more I got towards the end it started picking up and I fell in love with it. It’s a hard book to start and get sucked into it but I loved it!
4 stars
Wow at first I didn’t like this book at all but the more I got towards the end it started picking up and I fell in love with it. It’s a hard book to start and get sucked into it but I loved it!
4 stars
May 30, 2019
Colours is a special novel and is clearly a set up for a series. If you are after self-contained, fast-paced action, do not come here. The focus of this book is very much on character and situational development. As a result, we have a very well developed Charlie, who has a very wonderful relationship with his father. We see his struggles in moving to a new place and the bullying that occurs, setting the stage for the unleashing of his gift. Charlie is a very mature young man, not a typical 16-year-old. This can be justified by how he has had to grow up; some may find him too atypical, but as a high school teacher, I find that more and more, 16-year-olds are actually reaching this level of maturity, for good or bad. The concept of Colours is very interesting and I am very much looking forward to the next book.
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