As an avid reader, who comes from a line of readers, I thought it might be fun to share my experience with you all! When reviewing and recommending books to friends there are always three main points I look at in a novel: characters, plot and setting. I will be ranking each of these critical parts of a story on their development, writing style and highlights. I've created a nine block review template using this method for us to share!
(Full size copy at end of post)
How does it work?
Characters
When reading, characters are the driving force behind the story. You don't care about what you're reading if you don't care about the characters.
Development
The character's development is critical for the reader's enjoyment as it moves the book forward. I'll be reviewing character development over time in this section. The characters don't need to get better by the end in my opinion but there should be a change in who they are by the end of the story.
Writing Style
This section is where I'll be reviewing the depth of the characters at the beginning of the novel. We don't want any Mary Sue's. I will also talk about the writers ability to create a believable character and how well they keep the characters voice throughout the novel.
Highlights
This is where I'll write about any notable characters or anything that makes these characters different from any other novel. Character diversity and representation will be explored in this section.
Plot
The plot is quite reliant on the characters though is ultimately the uncontrollable driving force behind the characters' story. I'll be trying to assess the plot and not the characters in this section though they are often very connected and hard to separate.
Development
Were there twists and turns? Was the ending predictable? Was I engaged the entire time? This is the section I will most likely have spoilers (though I try to avoid them at all costs and will put warnings in place). This is where I'll talk about how the plot moves the story forward.
Writing Style
I'll talk about the author's approach to telling the story here. Was the story fast paced or a descriptive meander?
Highlights
I'll explain what made it unique from other stories with similar plots and was the end worth the wait.
Setting
Setting is where the story takes place, the part that takes you to different worlds and times (a lot like a Tardis).
Development
I will talk about world building and the main characters' discovery of their new world in this section. If you are a fan of researching lore from your favorite stories this is the section for you!
Writing Style
I'll talk about the writer's voice the most in this section, how they described the setting. This is when I'll look deeper into the novel's literary side by how the author brings their setting to life.
Highlights
This is when I'll most likely compare the book to others to demonstrate its individuality (or lack thereof) within the genre.
Points system?
I'll be using a scale of 1-10 having 9 points based on the 9 aspects of a good book as well as one point for my personal bias!
What do you look for in a book?
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