Because I know the person who gave Darkspell the review, I had a creeping feeling she'd rate it a 3 star, I don't have an explanation for that, either. So I clicked on her link for my Book Tour and headed over to her website.
Lo and behold! I saw her 3 star at the top. I smiled because I knew I was right! Yay! Not very many people are happy about that, really. But guess what? Anastasia wrote a FaNtAsTiC review! I know that my book is too gushy for her (she loves battling elves), so you can tell how flattered I am with her perception as well as her objectivity.
Even when you don't favor a particular book, it doesn't mean you must bash the poor thing. I read Star Scout Rising, a full-blown science fiction read, and I have to admit it was one of the hardest books I've had to read since my heart is in romance, but I was positive and found joy in the characters and plot and adventures rather than pick it apart.
How do you review a book that isn't your cup of tea?
Find out what a fantastic review, Anastasia wrote for my debut novel here and why I LOVE this 3 star review!
I try to be as positive as I can about a book, even if it isn't particularly my genre. I have to admit, I have read some pretty good romance books even though I am not much of a fan. But I have also read poorly written books in my own genre. But I do try to find the positive and focus on helpful criticism rather than just trashing the author and their work.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 3 star review. ;)
I don't! If I didn't like the book I don't review. :-)
ReplyDeleteHoorah for your positive and wonderful attitude to this particular review! Take care
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That's great you were excited about three stars! I'll admit, if I read a book and I wouldn't give it any more than three stars, I just don't rate it at all.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on what goes on in the thought process for a starred review. For me, five stars means I loved it; four, I really liked it; three, I liked it. There's nothing wrong with liking a book but not having it be your favorite for such and such a reason. Of course, I personally wouldn't continue reading anything that is less than three stars.
ReplyDeleteThose thoughtful and thought-out reviews, no matter the starring, can be the most helpful. Just because something didn't work for one reader doesn't mean it won't for the next, and I like to keep that in mind when reviewing.
I totally agree with Cherie. If I give three stars means I liked it. It for sure wasn't one of my favorites, but that could simply be because it wasn't the type of book I like to read. But if by chance I give a book outside my preferred genre four or five stars, then it really means something. I feel too many people are afraid to tell it like they feel, thus their four and five star ratings are diluted.
ReplyDeleteJust today I blogged about my 78-year-old neighbor who bashed one of my manuscripts because it scared her to death...but that's a good thing, because the genre is horror, no?
ReplyDeleteI'll be the first to admit that my reviews are brutal. So are my critiques and my beta reads. I don't so the authors can improve, not to be mean or say that I could have done a better job - because I can't write anyone else's story for them. My overall star rating doesn't always reflect my review. I can enjoy a book and rate it as a 4 or 5 - but still pick it apart and examine the parts I didn't like. Just me.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it can be hard to put things into words when you're not gushing over a book you've read. But I think the honest yet polite reviews are the best!
ReplyDeleteIf I don't like a book I generally do not review it. I think it is more important to read the content of a person's review and not get too caught up with the number of stars. People have subjective reasons for giving a book a number, but what they write in the review tells much more. I know some reviewers that reserve 5 for the most awesome book ever and consider a four star outstanding. I also see reviewers who reduce the star number because the genre was not one that they care for, but the review raves about the author's talent, characters, plot etc.
ReplyDeleteI admire you for being excited about a three star review and for seeing that the content of the review speaks louder than any number.