the bookery

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One Star (*) –

Underdeveloped Characters, Weak Motivation/Driving Force, Too little or Too much Plot, Poor Writing, Poor Ending, All Tell- No Show. Almost never recommend

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Two Stars (**) –

Some Character Development, Plot is consistent but not exciting, Mediocre Writing, More Telling, Less Showing, Usually would not recommend

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Three Stars (***) –

Good cast of characters and an interesting concept, Writing is fine/consistent, Some

Layers to the plot, Usually Slow/Stagnant/Stalls for some part of the book- but that

Can be overlooked for the better elements. Good mix of show/tell. Generally would recommend

 

Four Stars (****) –

Solid characters with distinct personalities/ an established group dynamic, well thought-out concept, plot has movement and fluidity, writing is polished, narrative is evolving, characters evolve from start-to-finish, Good show/tell ratio. Would almost always recommend (only wouldn’t recommend if potential reader doesn’t like the genre)

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Five Stars (*****) –

Dynamic characters with defining characteristics and individual identities and personal motivations for actions (irrespective of the protagonist’s motivations), unique and clear concept of “world” which is consistent and answers most questions, Excellent Show/Tell ratio, polished dialogue with realistic conversations, an imperfect protagonist and a villain with redeeming qualities or an understandable motivation, a fluid and rollercoaster narrative, gripping with surprises for the reader, an enticing beginning, a careful middle and a satisfying end with closure and questions simultaneously. Will always recommend regardless of genre.

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Half Stars ( ½ *s) – Can be rewarded if a few elements of the “level up” exist in the book, but it mostly belongs in the full star category.

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For Example: a book mostly aligns with “Three Stars (***), but the writing is polished and the concept is very unique [both are elements of a Four Star (***) but it’s not quite there yet] so a half star rating can be added. This book would then be Three-and-a-Half Stars (*** ½)