My One and Two Star Reviews

I don't get a lot of written reviews or ratings these days. Not like the old days. I think most of what I call "book people" have gone back to reading paper books. Book people are those readers who buy hardcover copies, have stacks of unread books on their shelves and on their TBR piles, and keep spreadsheets of all the books they've read and want to read. They like talking about books, writing reviews, and hanging out on Goodreads. They mostly read traditionally published books, and as I said, have largely abandoned ebooks, especially self-published ebooks. My core readers are what I call simply "readers".  They read a book, and move on to the next without bothering with all the social aspects of reading. And in my case, are used to reading for free, via the library or free ebooks on the various stores. They're my people. I'm one of them. I don't usually leave ratings on Goodreads either. So I understand. That's my story anyway, and I'm sticking with it.

Reviews are a mirror that reflect booth the reader and the book. And I think negative reviews do reveal an aspect of my story telling style. So I thought it would be interesting to share my one and two star reviews with you, as a mirror to my style that I recognize. Almost all my books have at least one one star ratings, but I'm only concerned with the readers who took the time to say why they didn't like the book. 

As I mentioned, I think these reviews generally highlight one aspect of my writing, my focus on "small" stories, i.e. stories without vast implications, and stories that are not designed to wring powerful emotions out of the reader, focusing instead on providing entertaining adventure and mystery stories with pleasant characters. Many readers, I think, want more from a story. Still, it is an approach that I'm happy to own, if only because one can't please every reader, and shouldn't try to. Luckily, one and two star reviews and ratings are few and far between.

I value all my ratings and reviews, the good and the bad. I have opinions, and I express them on this blog. Everyone is entitled to also have opinions, and to express them as well. While I hope readers enjoy my books, as I said, I realize that I'm not going to please every reader, which can't be helped. I'm sorry when a reader doesn't enjoy the story, I try to be honest in my blurbs and not oversell the story. But in any event, I always appreciate it when readers tell me, and other readers, what they think about the story.

I've not listed the name of the reviewer, and I'm not going to reply to their critiques. I'm happy just to let them speak for themselves.

The reviews:

A Summer in Amber

* Awful. This was the dullest book I have ever read. Even though it was set in the future the dialogue was so old fashioned it was unbelievable. The story line didn't go anywhere and the love story was also not of a future century and dull.

* * A pastoral regency romance. Takes place in an alternate 1900 where there's cell phones but no cars. A Ph.D. is assigned to a quaint country house to transcribe a mad scientist's papers. But more important, the tempestuous daughter of the town's leader is catching his eye. She's a good character, as is the main character's cantankerous boss. But other than that, a lot of them don't have distinguishable personalities.

The prose is influenced by Jasper Fforde's slipstream, but the science fiction elements have no bearing on what happens. Nothing moves the goalposts back. The main character always has his antagonist in the palm of his hand, so there's no tension. I liked the fantastical elements, I wished there could have been more of them. The romance is the best part, and thankfully that's the main part of the plot.

The biggest flaw is that all it does it explain what's happening. There's no chance for the reader to make his/her own interpretations on motivations or character flaws. It has that early 20th century habit of spelling out everything that's happening for the reader. Not in an amateur way -- the story sounds professional -- but it means there's no element of surprise when someone's backstory comes to the foreground or a twist results. And as a result, it's hard to get invested for what's going on.

Some Day Days

* * A lengthy report about young students in the UK. Lots of repetition. A shame. The topic is very interesting. (Translated from German)

* * * (Bonus) Boring

Passage to Jarpara

* * Mostly a repeat of l the first two books. I like the author’s writing style but most of this book was many repetitive retelling of the two previous books. Every new acquaintance was told the back story. If the reader did not learn in the early chapters about Vente sorceresses, the adventures in the previous books, and that “no one can say ‘no’ to Sella”, they will certainly know it after umpteenth retelling. Indeed, the first three-quarters of the book could have been condensed into one or two chapters. The author needs a ruthless editor. Repetition seems to be a C. Litka habit: in another series the protagonist cannot stop repeating that he is “a very cautions fellow”. Yes, we know already! Tell us something new! For this book you can skip all the way to the secret island toward the end of the book and lose nothing of import.

Keiree

* * Even though this book was a cute sentiment regarding wives that had passed away It was hard for me to not fall asleep... The beginning was good, the middle was boring and I loved the ending. 

Same reviewer on Google: cute ending but pretty boring

The Secret of the Tzaritsa Moon

* Bad

The Aerie of a Pirate Prince

* Awful. I have no understanding how this book received such high ratings from others. When one characters entire vocabulary consists of the word "Caw," and the action is about as exciting as they chase a stolen cargo shipment, this was an absolute waste of time. NOT recommended 👎

Chateau Clare

* * Story is not a great read as it is slow moving and cumbersome in details that are not really necessary to the plot. Odd references to unknown times and places with occasional hints of sorcery in prior era. This would be better as a short story, with concise details, character references, conversations and information direct to the plot.

Glencrow Summer

* (same reviewer of Chateau Clare) I don't know what to say about this book. After the whole thing was done I felt nothing and I'm not sure what it was really about. It was bland and held no excitement or adventure or interest or emotions for me. The only thing it did for me was put me to sleep, which sadly happened many times. I had to keep backing up to be sure I didn't miss anything and I found I hadn't because there was nothing to really miss. I can say I've ever read anything like it. I've never read anything that when finished, left me feeling so, well, nothing.