Writing Book Reviews

If you’re unsure how to go about writing a book review, here’s a short guide to help.
The following questions start broad and then delve further into details. This way you can answer as many or as few as you want. Feel free to skip questions as well.

1) In one or more sentences, what is this book about?

Example: In Goat Cheese, a mighty goat goes on a long-horned adventure to save his friends from vampiric muffins.

2) What is your overall reaction to this book? What are its key elements?

Ex: I found Goat Cheese to be both exciting and complex. It’s got devious vampires, friendly goats, and a whole lot of mind-altering acid rain.

3) Who are the main (or most memorable) characters? How would you describe them to your friends? Were they interesting, with many aspects to their personality?

Ex: Goaty McGoatface is the hero, and I found him to be brave, funny, but also vulnerable. He could both laugh and cry, and he did both often.

4) How well is the plot laid out?

Ex: The plot is very layered and interesting with flashbacks and multiple POVs. Although I could understand the overall story, parts of it left me a bit confused. I still don’t know who or what the Gobbershank is.

5) How well is the setting/world described?

Ex: The world of Curdle is full of rich characters, and the cultures and locales are well thought out and unique. I especially enjoyed the Eboians and their quirky way of communicating via licking.

6) Would you recommend this book to other fans of the genre? Why or why not?

Ex: Goat Cheese is absolutely worth a read for lovers of great journeys and even greater adventures. It’s got heart in all the right places. Highly recommended!

Hopefully this helps! Remember, reviews are important for authors, both mainstream and independent. They help other readers select the entertainment that is right for them, they provide social proof, and they interact with algorithms that cultivate our dataspheres. So thank you in advance for your reviews!