I rate books based on what they are trying to be and who they are written for. Not every story is meant to be universal, and not every book aims for the same tone, depth, or audience. A fast, action-driven thriller is not trying to be the same thing as a dense piece of literary fiction, and a character-focused horror story functions differently than a plot-heavy sci-fi epic.
My goal is to review each book within its lane. I try to judge how well it delivers on its own intent and whether it succeeds for the readers it is meant to reach. There are books that may not personally be my taste, yet they accomplish exactly what the author set out to do. Conversely, a book can match my interests but fall short in execution. This approach helps me offer reviews that are useful and fair, especially across different genres.
When I share critiques, I aim to do so with respect for the time, effort, and creativity behind the work. Authors put months or years into a story. I want to honor that by giving every book thoughtful consideration.
Below is my general rating scale.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
A standout book that fully delivers on its intent and often goes beyond it. Strong execution, memorable impact, and a story I will recommend confidently to the right audience. It excelled at what it set out to do, whether that is emotional depth, immersive worldbuilding, character focus, atmosphere, pacing, or thematic weight.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good
A rewarding and well-crafted book that succeeds in most areas. It may have small weaknesses or preferences that did not fully align with me, but it is solid, effective, and worthwhile for its intended readers. I would recommend it without hesitation to people who enjoy this genre or style.
⭐⭐⭐ Good / Solid
A book that delivers an enjoyable or meaningful experience but has uneven elements. There is value here, and many readers will still connect with it, but it may be inconsistent in execution or pacing. This rating often reflects stories with strong ideas or moments that do not always come together as smoothly as they could.
⭐⭐ Not for Me / Missed the Mark
A book that had potential but struggled to meet its own goals. There may be issues with clarity, structure, tone, or development that limited the experience. Some readers may still find something to appreciate, especially if the themes or style appeal to them, but it did not work well enough for me to recommend broadly.
⭐ Did Not Work / Significant Issues
A book that did not succeed in what it was trying to do and did not resonate in execution or delivery. This rating reflects major gaps in clarity, craft, or cohesion that made the reading experience difficult. Effort is still respected, but the work fell short in most areas.
Final Thought
A star rating is a snapshot. The review is the substance. If you read my reviews, you will see the context and thought behind each rating. The goal is always to guide readers to stories they will connect with and to approach every book with honesty and respect.
