Comments on: A Note on Book Reviews

By: Peat

Peat — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:34:58 +0000

I am of a mind that it is nigh impossible to give a plot synopsis without spoilers of some sort. Every synopsis I ever read (or wrote) for The Warded Man or Desert Spear gave away things that reduced overall tension for the reader by letting them know what was going to happen in advance.

A certain amount of that is inevitable, but it’s still frustrating, because ideally, I want the reader to go in cold and experience the story as I have laid it out for them, not with preconceived notions based on a synopsis.

By: Simcha

Simcha — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:31:43 +0000

I actually like reviews that include a brief synopsis of the plot, just enough to give me an idea if this is a story I would enjoy. I usually find the book blurbs to be rather unhelpful, and sometimes even misleading. Though, of course, it’s crucial that reviewers avoid giving away any spoilers.

By: Myke

Myke — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:49:44 +0000

Also looking forward to your review, as I am halfway through TBI (at your suggestion) and really enjoying it so far.

A note here: I think it’s possible to write a constructively negative review that doesn’t insult the author but explains clearly and non-judgmentally why the book didn’t work for you. Just as you, the reviewer, have a responsibility to write even evenhandedly and not be necessarily cruel, the author has a responsibility to not resort to histrionics and to accept constructive criticism when it is offered.

But that said: yeah. You write for a living. When someone pays you to write book reviews, they’ll get more of your attention.

By: Jess

Jess — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:05:56 +0000

I agree with Lisa, Glotka is a wonderful character!!! LOVED him!

By: Emily

Emily — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:26:12 +0000

Aww cute kitty